TOPIC:

I am in the fortunate position of having to change the tube on my rear tire. Original tire was a 110/90-18, but had switched to a 130/80-18. I had picked up a tube to fit the newer tire, but having a hard time getting it to sit properly inside the tire without creasing in one spot.
Should I be using a different size tube? Thoughts and input greatly appreciated, as the riding season is slowly running out and the snow will be flying soon!

are you blowing up the tube slightly before you try to install it?? it will stay straight that way. and keep you from pinching it while mounting...steve

Thanks, Steve. Actually, I installed the tube first, then inflated it slightly and adjusted it accordingly to get it to sit properly on the rim. It is quite possible I pinched the first one even though I tried to be careful. Luckily I bought a second tube for a spare.
I suppose I am also looking for some clarification regarding the tube size which should be used. Do I use a tube to match tire size, in this case the 130, or use the narrower tube to match the rim. Thanks again.

You should be OK going from 110 to 130 with that tube.
Rear tube should be 18 inches 4.00/4.50. Can't remeber the metric version off the top of my head.

MZ, the tubes I picked up were 18 - 4.5 to 5.10 which is what the parts guy at one of the local shops recommended. Potential problem there? Thanks for the input.

I think you should be fine. The reason I mentioned that certain size was that it was what I used on my rear tire when I changed it a couple of days ago.
I'm no expert,so if I'm wrong, somebody will jump in and say so.
I believe my 77 kz650 has a 4 inch wide rim, that tube was 4.00/4.50.
I don't think yours is a different size.

I think a 4.50-5.10 will fit, but that is a rather large piece of rubber to squash in your tire. You'd be better staying with the smaller tube. Tube size is not critical. Of course you don't want to run a 1" wide tube in a 8" wide tire, that's a given, but slight size variations in tires vs. tubes are no problem. In a pinch I've even used 18" tubes in 19" wheels and vice/versa. Not by the book, but never a problem.

Just a follow up for future reference. Exchanged the 4.5 - 5.1 for the 4.0 - 4.5. Fit like a duck's heel in the mud! <Willie Nelson singing On The Road Again........>

Great, now hurry up and GO RIDE!!!