When changing tyres on a classic scooter or motorcycle, many riders ask the same question: do you really need to replace the inner tubes at the same time? According to industry experts, while it may not be a legal requirement, it is one of the most important steps you can take for safety, reliability, and peace of mind.
Scootering magazine’s resident tyre expert Rhodz Roberts, sales manager at Cambrian Tyres – the UK’s largest motorcycle tyre distributor – answers readers’ technical questions. This month’s focus is on reusing inner tubes when fitting new tyres, and why it’s often a false economy.
Rhodz explains that inner tubes endure exactly the same mileage as the tyre itself, despite being hidden from view. Given how thin tube material is compared with the tyre carcass, wear and ageing can be just as significant. Re-fitting an old tube also increases the risk of damage during installation, where even a small nick can lead to failure.
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From a safety perspective, fitting a new tube offers reassurance that age-related weaknesses won’t cause sudden deflation. The same principle applies to tubeless rims, where valves should always be replaced when a new tyre is fitted. When weighed against the cost, inconvenience, and potential danger of a roadside puncture, replacing tubes is widely considered a sensible preventative measure.
The article also warns against the use of heavy-duty motocross tubes as a supposed upgrade for road use. While designed for low-speed, stop-start riding on dirt, these thicker tubes are not suited to prolonged heat generated during sustained road riding. In real-world road conditions, they can overheat, leading to failures – including valves separating from the tube entirely.
Rhodz highlights that motocross tubes are engineered for very different operating environments, and their use on tarmac can introduce new risks rather than reduce them. For road riders, standard tubes designed for continuous use remain the safest and most reliable option.
Ultimately, the advice is clear: while you can reuse an inner tube, replacing it when fitting new tyres is best practice. It’s a small investment that can prevent bigger problems, protect your safety, and ensure your scooter performs as it should.
