Dangers of low tire pressure (Air em up boys-n-girls)

[DarkSideR]

I got a 200 mile ride in yesterday, before winter returns to southern Colorado. I had checked my tire pressure a couple of weeks ago, and assumed it was still fine for the ride (I didn't take into account the cold snap since..) While passing a car on a long right hand sweeper the bike started to wallow (best way to describe it). The back tire was was moving around thus the steering swayed back and forth. I kept it under control. I had never experienced this before! I lost all my confidence in the corners, and the ride wasn't as enjoyable as I would have liked.

I got home and of course checked all the difficult bits first. The triple tree was tight and secure, rear shock bushings were fine. Then I finally checked the tire pressure. Rear was at 29psi, and the front was at 34psi. Gesh Josh! Check the tire pressure before every single ride!

Air em up boys-n-girls!

[old2soon]

My old 500/4 Honda had a rear tire blow out with Wife 1 on the back. After that bit of "fun" she NEVER rode again. Back in my motocross days was surprised what a pound or two of air pressure did to handling. Glad yer okey dokey and yer NOT reporting an "incident"!  RIDE SAFE.

[The emperor has no clothes]

That “wallowing” feeling is definitely disconcerting. Throw in a little side wind in with a low rear car tire on some 85 mph sweepers and it can get downright scary.

[..]

I got a 200 mile ride in yesterday, before winter returns to southern Colorado. I had checked my tire pressure a couple of weeks ago, and assumed it was still fine for the ride (I didn't take into account the cold snap since..) While passing a car on a long right hand sweeper the bike started to wallow (best way to describe it). The back tire was was moving around thus the steering swayed back and forth. I kept it under control. I had never experienced this before! I lost all my confidence in the corners, and the ride wasn't as enjoyable as I would have liked.

I got home and of course checked all the difficult bits first. The triple tree was tight and secure, rear shock bushings were fine. Then I finally checked the tire pressure. Rear was at 29psi, and the front was at 34psi. Gesh Josh! Check the tire pressure before every single ride!

Air em up boys-n-girls!

What kind of valve stems are you using?

[DarkSideR]

I got a 200 mile ride in yesterday, before winter returns to southern Colorado. I had checked my tire pressure a couple of weeks ago, and assumed it was still fine for the ride (I didn't take into account the cold snap since..) While passing a car on a long right hand sweeper the bike started to wallow (best way to describe it). The back tire was was moving around thus the steering swayed back and forth. I kept it under control. I had never experienced this before! I lost all my confidence in the corners, and the ride wasn't as enjoyable as I would have liked.

I got home and of course checked all the difficult bits first. The triple tree was tight and secure, rear shock bushings were fine. Then I finally checked the tire pressure. Rear was at 29psi, and the front was at 34psi. Gesh Josh! Check the tire pressure before every single ride!

Air em up boys-n-girls!

What kind of valve stems are you using?

Aftermarket metal. Got rid of the OEM ones years ago.

[Gavin_Sons]

i'm still amazed how many do not check tires before every single ride. I check them before leaving the house then every single stop i make a visual check and maybe a feel.

[..]

I got a 200 mile ride in yesterday, before winter returns to southern Colorado. I had checked my tire pressure a couple of weeks ago, and assumed it was still fine for the ride (I didn't take into account the cold snap since..) While passing a car on a long right hand sweeper the bike started to wallow (best way to describe it). The back tire was was moving around thus the steering swayed back and forth. I kept it under control. I had never experienced this before! I lost all my confidence in the corners, and the ride wasn't as enjoyable as I would have liked.

I got home and of course checked all the difficult bits first. The triple tree was tight and secure, rear shock bushings were fine. Then I finally checked the tire pressure. Rear was at 29psi, and the front was at 34psi. Gesh Josh! Check the tire pressure before every single ride!

Air em up boys-n-girls!

What kind of valve stems are you using?

Aftermarket metal. Got rid of the OEM ones years ago.

Hmmmmm. I'm surprised you lost that much air in 2 weeks

[DarkSideR]

I got a 200 mile ride in yesterday, before winter returns to southern Colorado. I had checked my tire pressure a couple of weeks ago, and assumed it was still fine for the ride (I didn't take into account the cold snap since..) While passing a car on a long right hand sweeper the bike started to wallow (best way to describe it). The back tire was was moving around thus the steering swayed back and forth. I kept it under control. I had never experienced this before! I lost all my confidence in the corners, and the ride wasn't as enjoyable as I would have liked.

I got home and of course checked all the difficult bits first. The triple tree was tight and secure, rear shock bushings were fine. Then I finally checked the tire pressure. Rear was at 29psi, and the front was at 34psi. Gesh Josh! Check the tire pressure before every single ride!

Air em up boys-n-girls!

What kind of valve stems are you using?

Aftermarket metal. Got rid of the OEM ones years ago.

Hmmmmm. I'm surprised you lost that much air in 2 weeks

Cold snap.. I had last aired them up in the 70's. Was riding in the 40's-50's. I won't dismiss the possibility of a slow leaked, and will keep my eye on em.

[Serk]

Anyone have any first hand experience with one of the Bluetooth TPMS motorcycle systems and how well it works on a horizontal stem like the Valk has? Seriously thinking about getting that setup just which one...

[northernvalk]

Someone needs to invent a valve stem/cap system that has a colour or display of some sort

[The emperor has no clothes]

Anyone have any first hand experience with one of the Bluetooth TPMS motorcycle systems and how well it works on a horizontal stem like the Valk has? Seriously thinking about getting that setup just which one...

I think Beardo had them. And some punk teenagers stole them off his bike.

[Serk]

Anyone have any first hand experience with one of the Bluetooth TPMS motorcycle systems and how well it works on a horizontal stem like the Valk has? Seriously thinking about getting that setup just which one...

I think Beardo had them. And some punk teenagers stole them off his bike.

For $39.95 with Prime shipping, just ordered a set, we'll see how it goes... Been meaning to look closer into this for a while.

Ordered this, no idea if it's any good yet:

https://www.amazon.com/SYKIK-Wireless-pressure-monitoring-motorcycles/dp/B0773SSQJY

[Beardo]

Anyone have any first hand experience with one of the Bluetooth TPMS motorcycle systems and how well it works on a horizontal stem like the Valk has? Seriously thinking about getting that setup just which one...

I think Beardo had them. And some punk teenagers stole them off his bike.

Good memory.

Yeah, had/have the FOBO ones. Got stolen, then bought new ones. Once you have them, you don’t want to ride without them. I had my phone mounted to my bars and would leave the app up and monitor the pressure in real time. Was kinda cool to see the big changes in PSI and temp as you warm up he tires.

Really nice to check them every morning. But after a while, you don’t even have to do that. Your phone will vibrate/alarm if they get low.

Not sure if I’ll put them on the new bike, it comes with TPMS, but I think only an idiot light on the model I’m getting, doesn’t show actual PSI.  Will have to see what it has when it gets here.

[Gavin_Sons]

Anyone have any first hand experience with one of the Bluetooth TPMS motorcycle systems and how well it works on a horizontal stem like the Valk has? Seriously thinking about getting that setup just which one...

I think Beardo had them. And some punk teenagers stole them off his bike.

For $39.95 with Prime shipping, just ordered a set, we'll see how it goes... Been meaning to look closer into this for a while.

Ordered this, no idea if it's any good yet:

https://www.amazon.com/SYKIK-Wireless-pressure-monitoring-motorcycles/dp/B0773SSQJY

do those go inside the tire or just screw on the valve stem?

[98valk]

losing that much AP indicates a very slow leak.

also check shock spring load settings. too low will allow wallowing.

[Serk]

Anyone have any first hand experience with one of the Bluetooth TPMS motorcycle systems and how well it works on a horizontal stem like the Valk has? Seriously thinking about getting that setup just which one...

I think Beardo had them. And some punk teenagers stole them off his bike.

For $39.95 with Prime shipping, just ordered a set, we'll see how it goes... Been meaning to look closer into this for a while.

Ordered this, no idea if it's any good yet:

https://www.amazon.com/SYKIK-Wireless-pressure-monitoring-motorcycles/dp/B0773SSQJY

do those go inside the tire or just screw on the valve stem?

Just screw on the valve stem like a fat cap.

[BobB]

I experienced two high speed rear blowouts in the late 1960's.  The rear end of the H-D swung back and forth nearly to the steering stops.  All I could do to keep the front end on the road.  I believe that the tubed tires back then went down much faster than the tires today. 

I have not had any tire problems in the 10+ years on the Valk.  But I have installed a Durand TPMS on the Tourer which alerts me if the tire pressure drops 10% below set point values.  It also provides a higher level alert if the pressure is rapidly dropping.  It comes with metal valve stems that allow the sensers to be mounted inside or outside of the tire.  This TPMS is not cheap, but it is worth every penny...

[The emperor has no clothes]

Anyone have any first hand experience with one of the Bluetooth TPMS motorcycle systems and how well it works on a horizontal stem like the Valk has? Seriously thinking about getting that setup just which one...

I think Beardo had them. And some punk teenagers stole them off his bike.

Good memory.

Yeah, had/have the FOBO ones. Got stolen, then bought new ones. Once you have them, you don’t want to ride without them. I had my phone mounted to my bars and would leave the app up and monitor the pressure in real time. Was kinda cool to see the big changes in PSI and temp as you warm up he tires.

Really nice to check them every morning. But after a while, you don’t even have to do that. Your phone will vibrate/alarm if they get low.

Not sure if I’ll put them on the new bike, it comes with TPMS, but I think only an idiot light on the model I’m getting, doesn’t show actual PSI.  Will have to see what it has when it gets here.

When are you supposed to get it ? And are you going to Inzane ? I’d love to see the “root beer” with the trunk. 

[Beardo]

Anyone have any first hand experience with one of the Bluetooth TPMS motorcycle systems and how well it works on a horizontal stem like the Valk has? Seriously thinking about getting that setup just which one...

I think Beardo had them. And some punk teenagers stole them off his bike.

Good memory.

Yeah, had/have the FOBO ones. Got stolen, then bought new ones. Once you have them, you don’t want to ride without them. I had my phone mounted to my bars and would leave the app up and monitor the pressure in real time. Was kinda cool to see the big changes in PSI and temp as you warm up he tires.

Really nice to check them every morning. But after a while, you don’t even have to do that. Your phone will vibrate/alarm if they get low.

Not sure if I’ll put them on the new bike, it comes with TPMS, but I think only an idiot light on the model I’m getting, doesn’t show actual PSI.  Will have to see what it has when it gets here.

When are you supposed to get it ? And are you going to Inzane ? I’d love to see the “root beer” with the trunk. 

Don’t know. I text my salesman weekly, keep getting told the same thing, we don’t know when it’ll be here. Honda keeps telling him it’s on the “next” shipment.  I said it’s BS that I give him a deposit the beginning of December and I still don’t have it by April. He agrees but it’s not his fault, it’s Honda. I texted him a link to a 1600GTL in stock at the BMW dealer and an Ultra Limited at the Harley dealer, told him Honda needs to get their crap together, they aren’t the only game in town. (Of course I’m bluffing).

Not going to IZ unfortunately. Little too far, would mean wife and I couldn’t do a trip...and that wouldn’t fly.

And it’s the matte grey I’m getting, not the root beer. Your memory is good but not that good. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

 

[Chrisj CMA]

Someone needs to invent a valve stem/cap system that has a colour or display of some sort

Been invented.  I had them for a while.  Didnt care for them.

[baldo]

Someone needs to invent a valve stem/cap system that has a colour or display of some sort

Been invented.  I had them for a while.  Didnt care for them.

I have them on my cars. They work pretty well. You can get them in any pressure value you want....

[cookiedough]

if 29 psi vs. say 40-44 psi rear tire in only 2 weeks, then pretty sure it is a slow leak.   Not only check valve stems but spray soapy water around the rim and tire for any bubbles.  My rear tire has a slow leak in 3-4 spots very tiny bubbles in the rim/tire bead areas.  I just check tire pressure every few weeks since only loose 3-4 psi per week which is still a lot.  Over 1-2 months though I would say is under 25 psi or so NOT safe for sure.

When I bought my kids 1997 honda magna,  I test rode it in March COLD last year at owners house did not check tires over.  I felt that wallowing SEVERELY and looked down rear tire was bulging out the sidewall bad.  I got back and was under 20 psi and I still bought the cycle but since he had NO hand air pump,  I had to drive it 2-3 miles in heavy traffic to nearest gas station.

My valkyrie every spring since installed rear tire has that slow rim leak is under 20psi have to keep an eye on it since if it drops more than 5-6 psi per week then going to swap rear tire feel it is not safe.  It is HARD to push the cycle out from under winters cover having less than 20 psi rear tire that is for sure.

[da prez]

  I always check and clean the rim during a tire change. More tire lube is not the answer.

                                  da prez

[cookiedough]

  I always check and clean the rim during a tire change. More tire lube is not the answer.

                                  da prez

that I will stress to whomever does my next rear tire change since either the rim has very tiny knicks in it (doubt it?) or the new tire itself is not made right.  When I took it back to the dealer after noticing it end of first year of install with limited riding that summer,  he wanted to charge me for mounting/balancing all over again since was not like 1-2 months after install but 5 months or so.  It has 3-4 areas of tiny bubbles when spraying with soapy water all on right side of rim, left side is fine.

[northernvalk]

Someone needs to invent a valve stem/cap system that has a colour or display of some sort

Been invented.  I had them for a while.  Didnt care for them.

Any specific issue Chris?

[MarkT]

Someone needs to invent a valve stem/cap system that has a colour or display of some sort

Been invented.  I had them for a while.  Didnt care for them.

I have them on my cars. They work pretty well. You can get them in any pressure value you want....

As long as they don't leak.  I've used them quite a bit but they can cause the leak they are supposedly monitoring.  I got the 42# ones.  Green end when good so you can see that at a glance.  Since I went to Ride-On to balance I've never had a quick air leak so I stopped using them.  Typically check the pressure when I think of it which might be every 2 weeks or before a big ride.  The Austone likes higher pressure so I run it at 43# and it stays there pretty well.  I run the BT45 at 38 since it's bias ply.

[cookiedough]

pushed my one 98 valk out to start it first time this year today and fired right up.  But, I did as all said and was going to anyways and after sitting 4 1/2 LONG months (1 month longer than normal)  my rear car tire did not even register on the psi gauge.  Put 28 psi in it and hope it holds air.  My front tire for some reason held 40 psi all winter long, not so with rear car tire.

Well,  I ran it around block before dark and came back and leaking antifreeze badly out of chrome aftermarket radiator cap spewing out on gas tank and chrome side cleaned up ASAP.  Was smoking some as well since engine got hot for the 5 minute ride around town. 

I replaced antifreeze LATE November right before putting it up so either I did not get the radiator cap on all the way (doubt it) or that aftermarket chrome radiator cap is bad needing to get another chrome one or go black OEM cap, not sure??  When I replaced antifreeze late November it was way, way down on fluid about guessing 1 quart, possibly 2 quarts low was down at least looking inside about 5-6 inches low on fluids in radiator.  I will also tomorrow make sure hose clamps on tight but appear to be and rubber tubing am sure is also OEM from 1998. 

NOt good batting 2 for 2 with fluid leaks starting first off few days ago my kids 1997 honda magna was leaking gas out of left carb in front and top of choke lever on left side of bike.  That appears to have stopped leaking somehow since fired it up last night no more severe leaking, sure hope the 98 valk does the same???

Not a good sign when 2 hondas are SMOKING LITERALLY (steaming actually) from HOT fluids on engine parts, etc.   you would thinks they are hardleys???   

[gordonv]

After 2 rear tire failures, while my wife was on the back, I now have those air pressure valve caps.

During our GW annual maintenance day, a rider came in with TPMS on his GL1200, so I went out and bought one too. Currently have the 90' valve stems, metal, without the supports, so I'll find out how well they last. Will see if I can put the supports back on. Other wise, I'll be swapping the 90' over to stubby straight ones the next time the rims are off the bike.

The TPMS system I bought 2 weeks ago, I'll put the mounting screw through my fairing, and will be able to screw it on/off when ever I want to, rather than mounting it on the handle bars. The sensors have a lock nut for securing as an anti theft.

A quick glance. Pressure doesn't matter (mine are 36 psi), only that they are in the green ($4 CAD).


This one with a display. Charges with a USB, which has been reported as working for months before needing a charge ($66 CAD).

[baldo]

After 2 rear tire failures, while my wife was on the back, I now have those air pressure valve caps.

During our GW annual maintenance day, a rider came in with TPMS on his GL1200, so I went out and bought one too. Currently have the 90' valve stems, metal, without the supports, so I'll find out how well they last. Will see if I can put the supports back on. Other wise, I'll be swapping the 90' over to stubby straight ones the next time the rims are off the bike.

The TPMS system I bought 2 weeks ago, I'll put the mounting screw through my fairing, and will be able to screw it on/off when ever I want to, rather than mounting it on the handle bars. The sensors have a lock nut for securing as an anti theft.

A quick glance. Pressure doesn't matter (mine are 36 psi), only that they are in the green ($4 CAD).


This one with a display. Charges with a USB, which has been reported as working for months before needing a charge ($66 CAD).

Who makes the TPMS?

[Jambriwal]

I bought the FOBO  TPMS last year and they worked great. Good peace of mind when you only have 2 tires under you arse. Bought new batteries and reinstalled yesterday. Had removed them and batteries for the winter.
Software is a little slow but worth it.
Managed to put 120 miles on. First ride this year, color me happy.

[Thebrain]

I have the Kufung Bluetooth TPMS on my bike. Very easy install. Just open the app on the iPhone and get your tire pressure and temp. You can even set up low pressure alarms on them. Had them on since before Christmas and no issues as of yet.

[gordonv]

I did an ebay search under parts.

tpms wireless motorcycle

You see so many. After emailing a few, almost everyone on Amazon and ebay are from China. I believe they are all using the same stock pictures, so I suspect they are all from the same China manufacturer. Unless you want to pay about 50% more and buy them local.

Stuff seems to take 2.5 months to arrive to me from China.

[Valkorado]

Since I went to Ride-On to balance I've never had a quick air leak

Nor have I.  Not even a slow leak.  Even after long winters in storage with -30 degree temps the most I've seen is a pound or two drop.  Love the stuff!   

[OnaWingandaPrayer]

Like BobB I use the Duran TPMS system . I have been using this for 5-6 years now. I was running the sensors mounted internally using the supplied metal valve stems.  My only complaint is the battery is not replaceable on the pressure sender . You replace it for ummm $40?  When I moved from my GL1500 to the GL1800 I am now running the pressure sender mounted externally . The battery will not outlast the car tire , so why have to break it down to replace.  The next time I replace a tire I am going to try another type metal valve stem which has both straight and angled schrader valves combined in one unit. That will hopefully allow the pressure sender to be mounted and allow air to be added without removing the sender.

[gordonv]

Follow up;

I had the TPMS system sent to my USA mail house, instead of home. It arrived in 2 weeks instead of 3 months.

Put my MC on the road yesterday. Check those pressure indicator caps, all good. Mounted the TPMS system, put the front cap on, and it showed 25 psi. Put the air pump on, pumped up to 35 psi, on with the cap again, and the TPMS showed 39 psi.

Rear tire, looked at the tire cap, solid green, off, on with the pump, indicated 15 psi. Pumped it up to 35 psi. On with the new TPMS, showed 39 psi.

I was going to mount the display on the fairing, but temporary on the handle bars, found this was a good spot.



I like, I think it's going to stay there. I left it turned on, went inside washed up, and came out about 10 min later, and the screen was blank. I touched it, and it lite back up. Just need to see how long the battery lasts before a recharge. Rode home, and showed a different temp frnt/bck and the rear psi went up to 39 also.

Conclusion: Those air pressure caps aren't worth S&^t!

Thinking of a second one for the trailer. With how easy it is to mount the display, I can remove it for when I'm not towing.

[bludragon]

While on this subject, what would be best pressure for a Valkyrie hauling a small trailer which weighs 55 lbs empty. It is a single wheel trailer. Should tires be inflated to higher pressure. Thank You

[Gavin_Sons]

While on this subject, what would be best pressure for a Valkyrie hauling a small trailer which weighs 55 lbs empty. It is a single wheel trailer. Should tires be inflated to higher pressure. Thank You

I run 42 psi in the front and 35 in the rear but I have a car tire. Anything lower than 40 up front will give you premature tire wear and maybe even cupping. I suggest running a little more pressure up front. 35 is too low imo.

[cookiedough]

While on this subject, what would be best pressure for a Valkyrie hauling a small trailer which weighs 55 lbs empty. It is a single wheel trailer. Should tires be inflated to higher pressure. Thank You

I run 42 psi in the front and 35 in the rear but I have a car tire. Anything lower than 40 up front will give you premature tire wear and maybe even cupping. I suggest running a little more pressure up front. 35 is too low imo.

I agree 35 to low psi for front tire, but I prefer 38-39 over 40 though since seems to firm/choppy of a ride. 

[Gavin_Sons]

While on this subject, what would be best pressure for a Valkyrie hauling a small trailer which weighs 55 lbs empty. It is a single wheel trailer. Should tires be inflated to higher pressure. Thank You

I run 42 psi in the front and 35 in the rear but I have a car tire. Anything lower than 40 up front will give you premature tire wear and maybe even cupping. I suggest running a little more pressure up front. 35 is too low imo.

I agree 35 to low psi for front tire, but I prefer 38-39 over 40 though since seems to firm/choppy of a ride. 

If 40 is too firm you must have something wrong with your forks. You don't lower tire pressure to get a smoother ride. Would you lower the pressure in your truck front tires if you thought the ride was too rough? Nope you would replace the shocks/struts where the problem really is.