Rim, tire, rim lock, and tube dynamics are interesting. I've had 4 KLR600/650's over the years and never ran rim locks with even the most aggressive big knobbies like 606's and MT21's. Granted, I never ran lower than about 21-22 psi for the front and 25 for the rear, but I never spun a tire on the rim or ripped a valve stem. The few times I've flatted because of puncture or pinch flat, the tube valve stem didn't tear or rip even with a stem nut finger tightened on the rim. The only time I've actually torn/ripped a valve stem was with rim locks, but understand that was during enduro competitions where I had to run on the flat for some time to either finish or get to a gas stop...but even then it wasn't that often. It strikes me that valve stems on good motorcycle tubes are pretty darned durable.

 

That's how I ripped my stem. I was on the street, slowing down for a red light. The light changed, I gassed it and ripped the stem just like that. That was a pure stock KLX with no mods.

M

 

Hmmm weird, I run 22 and Ive never had a flat. Nuts are locked down after each tire change. 4 years and 13,000 miles and no flats and I ride of all terrains. Have I just been lucky?

 

Same for me, guess the higher pressure helps a lot.

 

Yeah, I would rather get bounced around or lose traction on some trail, than have to walk back 50 miles to the nearest ride back home.