Author Topic: Rim locks - to be or not to be?  (Read 7919 times)

Roostmaster

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Rim locks - to be or not to be?
« on: January 17, 2016, 06:45:33 pm »
Hey all,

This is my 1st dirt bike that doesn't have rim locks and I can't get my head around it.
I'm about to fit some Kenda big blocks so I'm worried she might spin a tyre and rip off a valve stem.
Even though I don't race this bike I'm still concerned as I'm not used to running without rim locks and yes there are times when I rip into it, who can't with such a sweet motor?

Do any other ktm690 owners fit rim locks or are they fine without them?

Do I need to run higher air pressure without rim locks for it to be trustworthy?

Cheers
I'm not as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was.

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mcnut

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Re: Rim locks - to be or not to be?
« Reply #1 on: January 17, 2016, 08:04:41 pm »
Do I need to run higher air pressure without rim locks for it to be trustworthy?

I think that before anyone can answer this question, it would be helpful to know what pressures you like to run and what type of use.

Most all dirt or mostly dirt bikes come with rimlocks
Some 50/50 bikes have rimlocks
Most all pavement oriented bikes do not come with rimlocks.

So there is no set answer, I have bikes with and bikes w/o rimlocks. On the bikes w/o I try to keep the front at least 18-20 psi and the rear min 16-18 psi. I have had more  issues with the front under braking then the rear under power.

Bruce

Roostmaster

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Re: Rim locks - to be or not to be?
« Reply #2 on: January 17, 2016, 11:23:46 pm »
My 2015 690 is new to me and my first bike of this kind.
I've only previously owned and ridden CR500's and KTM500exc's so the tyre pressures I'm used to running F - 14/16 psi & R - 12/14 psi probably wouldn't suit a non rim lock wheel.

I will be installing my 1st set of knobs (Kenda big blocks) on the 690 soon as I ride street and trail 50/50 and the stock tyres I find a bit scarey on slippery dirt.

Thanks for the tyre pressure advice Bruce, I will run those pressures.

But does anyone fit rim locks to their 690 enduroes?
Is it advisable to do so??
I'm not as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was.

rednipj

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Re: Rim locks - to be or not to be?
« Reply #3 on: January 19, 2016, 09:51:18 am »
I've ripped a front tube so I fitted rim locks on mine. But I do a lot more off road riding than on, so I run around 12psi.

mcrider

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Re: Rim locks - to be or not to be?
« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2016, 01:45:23 pm »
I put rime locks on my '13 at the first tire change & run 22/20 psi.  It is better to have rim locks that not. 
Chris Hardy
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truck11

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Re: Rim locks - to be or not to be?
« Reply #5 on: January 21, 2016, 12:15:09 pm »
I run rimlocks on the rear - and typically use 12-16psi
2014 690 Enduro R


SDMF_Reaps

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Re: Rim locks - to be or not to be?
« Reply #6 on: January 27, 2016, 10:47:16 pm »
I'm currently running D908 rally raids on my bike.  I love 'em.  But the rear is so hard to change with road side tools that I'll run without the rim lock.  It's really up to you are you going to ride off road a lot?  Low pressures often?  If not I'd skip it.  You know this bike has enough power to tear a valve stem.  I haven't experienced it yet but I only go down to 15 psi or so.  I've decided the 908 on the rear will get me far enough if I have a flat to get it fixed.

If I were doing a trip to Alaska or South America I'd consider it.  But the trade of really is mounting the tire in the middle of nowhere.  I'd rather carry a spare tube and run higher pressure after I killed one.

I have rimlocks on my KLR (go ahead laugh) and they made tire changes harder.  Still not at hard as the 908 on this thing.

Something to consider.  I'd sure try and change your tires with the tools you'll have on the road before adding something that'll make it harder.