Tyre Security Bolt

Just fitted new 18" x 2.15" rim to rear wheel. New rim has no hole for a security bolt. Should I drill a hole for a new wider security bolt for the new tyre, or is this something which relates to older tyre technology?

Chris

F_Magna said:

Just fitted new 18" x 2.15" rim to rear wheel. New rim has no hole for a security bolt. Should I drill a hole for a new wider security bolt for the new tyre, or is this something which relates to older tyre technology?

Chris

Click to expand...

You don't need a security bolt unless you plan to burn rubber hard enough to spin the tire on the rim

Rim Lock

No need to use it. I have been using 18 inch rims for years and have never had any trouble

Thanks for that - I was a bit concerened when I saw what looked like security bolts hanging up in the tyre shop. Perhaps they have bikes with even more than 50bhp these days.
Chris :lol:

why not put paint marks on the tyre & see if it moves. I have not had any problem leaving out security bolts

Chris,

It might be worth having a word with the rim manufacturer. I have certainly been advised that they are not necessary on alli rims with modern(ish) tyres but the rims are always ribbed inside the bead.

Security bolts date from the time of 100% aspect ratio tyres and pressures of typically 22 psi front and 24 psi rear. These types of tyres are much easier to remove with ordinary short tyre levers so I am sure they grip the seating less firmly.

If you're fitting trials tyres and running low presures for grip in mud then they remain a good idea Let's Off-Road Mate !

A roadracer friend told me to remove the security bolt from the rear wheel of my Vincent. He pointed out that they are a pain to deal with when changing tires, sometimes pinching the tube. He also said that I would put more horsepower (in reverse) through the front wheel when braking than the Vincent could ever put through the back wheel. This is probably correct.

I followed his advice and the rim turned inside the tire on my second startoff! The valve stem was ripped out and I had an instant flat.
I should point out that this was an older tire. I don't like to take chances though so I have reinstalled the bolt. There may not be huge horsepower at play but there is more torque than a couple of 600 cc superbikes put together and a huge rotating mass for flywheel effect.
The Norton doesn't have quite the flywheel effect or lowend torque of the Vincent, but it is great by most modern standards.