Change valve stems without removing wheels?

[Serk]

Okay so for some reason I could have sworn I'd gone to metal valve stems years ago, but evidently I have not.

This needs to be rectified.

Really dumb non-mechanic computer geek question - is it viable to change the valve stems out without taking the wheels off the bike? I've googled on it and see references to deflating the tire, using C-Clamps to break the bead and provide access to the stem area, replacing it, etc...

I've also seen references to a tool such as this:

https://www.amazon.com/AME-51025-Quick-Valve-Change/dp/B005K8E9FY

Are either of those, or anything else, viable options on our Valkyries?

I JUST replaced the front tires on both of my Valks and had the rear end maintenance done, so I'm not real eager to remove the wheels for another year or so at least.

Thanks for any input!

[Challenger]

We did one in the parking lot at a ride in once using a wood clamp from a store next door. Smokin-Joe did one also and posted pictures of the install, but I can't seem to find the thread. It can be done. Good luck. 

[da prez]

Serk , I made a tool to do the job in about 15 minutes. If you pay postage both ways , i will send it to you.

                                       da prez

[Jess from VA]

IF they gave you new OE stems with those new tires (this should always be done), they are likely OK until next time.  

And those funky elbow supports are there for a reason (to strengthen the funky stems).  Without the elbows, those funky stems can fail at any time.

Inspection by bending them to and fro must be done with care not to cause cracks or make them worse (right at the wheel).

A C-clamp has to be large, and should be used with chunks of wood, to protect the tires.

Note, some metal stems tighten inside, and others from outside, but you have to get inside to install all of them.

These cost more, but I believe they are the best extant. They lay flat on the wheel.  (in silver)

When they were sold by Motorcycle Anchor dot com, they were $32 a pair.  That co seems to be gone, and the successors are now cheaper.

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/bike-master-90-degree-valve-stems



 

[hubcapsc]

It can be done in the parking lot...



I did it at home after that, in this picture the wheel is off, but only because
I was changing the tire.



Without the boards the point-loads from the clamp nubs would likely
compromise your tire. An 8-inch C-clamp is good, I had to order it on
Amazon. Joe could only get a 6-inch C-clamp that day from the sears
down the street, and the job was harder.

-Mike

[jnicks01]

Make one of these.  Works like magic.  toss your impact on it.

https://832cb063-1f18-49cd-9010-2809e1f1b8a3.filesusr.com/ugd/aca642_0ba5c69af9684d73bd066fc6db87186c.pdf

[F6Dave]

Like Jess said, if the rubber stems were changed they're likely fine until the next tire replacement.  Surprisingly Honda continued using those rubber stems for years.  My 2016 F6B came with them.  I believe the new 2018+ Wings got rid of them because Honda's TPMS stems are all metal.

[Willow]

A good clamp and a couple of 1X6s to break the bead but that tool that da prez suggested sounds good.

[CoreyP]

So you replaced the tires and didn't replace the valves and now you feel you should have done that?

As far as I'm concerned always change out the valves, with metal ones. No matter what bike change them out for 90 degree metal ones. It a cheap easy thing to do and is so well worth it.

To answer the OP's question, yes you can change out valves without taking the wheel off the bike.

[gordonv]

Check you bill, and call up the shop who did your tires and confirm that they are new or not.

If not, ask them why they would not have replaced them, they are only a few dollars.

All the above is good, showing the billet one, but as mentioned, the nut is inside the tire. I have a coloured set of them (black), but have only used the other 90' ones because they are cheaper and the nut is on the outside for tightening.

Only you can decide if you need them replaced now or later. Remember who is riding that other bike, and make the right choice. The clamp is the way to go, and someone close by might even have one (or you can become "that guy" who does).

[RonW]

I thought serk replaced the tires himself.

[Serk]

Serk , I made a tool to do the job in about 15 minutes. If you pay postage both ways , i will send it to you.

                                       da prez

After trying unsuccessfully (And fearing I was about to destroy an almost new Avon) using 8" C-Clamps and blocks of wood, PM sent.....

I thought serk replaced the tires himself.

If it's got a keyboard I can usually bend it to my will.... If it's mechanical, I'm not nearly so good, have tires changed at the local Honda shop...

[The emperor has no clothes]

So, this is on the Interstate that you traded with 3fan ?

[Serk]

So, this is on the Interstate that you traded with 3fan ?

That, and my '98 Standard that Kali usually rides now...

...addendum - Looks like the Interstate has a non-OEM valve stem on the rear, but guessing the Honda shop swapped out what I'm sure was a good valve stem for a OEM one at the tire change I did right before Inzane.... Grrrr.....

[The emperor has no clothes]

So, this is on the Interstate that you traded with 3fan ?

That, and my '98 Standard that Kali usually rides now...

You've known Willow for all these years, and he never gave you any tire valves ?

[The emperor has no clothes]

So, this is on the Interstate that you traded with 3fan ?

That, and my '98 Standard that Kali usually rides now...

...addendum - Looks like the Interstate has a non-OEM valve stem on the rear, but guessing the Honda shop swapped out what I'm sure was a good valve stem for a OEM one at the tire change I did right before Inzane.... Grrrr.....

[img width=594 height=800]https://i.postimg.cc/k4wnPqKC/image.png[/

Just so we are clear. That is a metal stem with the old style keeper on it ?

[Serk]

So, this is on the Interstate that you traded with 3fan ?

That, and my '98 Standard that Kali usually rides now...

You've known Willow for all these years, and he never gave you any tire valves ?

Willow has gone way above and beyond his call of duty, any failure at this point is totally on me.....

[gordonv]

There is a nut on the outside, that is not OEM.

Plus, is the dirt fresh?

If it's metal, I don't think there is any thought of how long it will last for. It's the OEM one that flexes and the rubber can break and allow a leak, not the metal/seal replacements.

[Serk]

There is a nut on the outside, that is not OEM.

Plus, is the dirt fresh?

If it's metal, I don't think there is any thought of how long it will last for. It's the OEM one that flexes and the rubber can break and allow a leak, not the metal/seal replacements.

Right, just pointing out that 3FanForLife did me right, but that's only 1 of 4 Valkyrie wheels I need to worry about...

The dirt is.... well.... I tend to not wash my bikes so much, so sometime in the last 10k miles or so...

[RonW]

Metal stems are only better if you replace the rubber washers every tire change. However in order to get the rubber washers you have to buy a new metal stem. I wouldn't experiment with ordinary rubber washers.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Metal stems are only better if you replace the rubber washers every tire change. However in order to get the rubber washers you have to buy a new metal stem. I wouldn't experiment with ordinary rubber washers.

I'm not sure about that. The washers of a metal stem are most immune from the sun and weather that degrades rubber. They also don't get the flexing that the OEM ones do. The "rubber" seems to be of a more robust material also.

[Willow]

Metal stems are only better if you replace the rubber washers every tire change. However in order to get the rubber washers you have to buy a new metal stem. I wouldn't experiment with ordinary rubber washers.

I'm not sure where you got the experience for that assumption.  My metal stems have been on through several tire changes and more than a few years.  Metal stems are better no matter what you do.  Even if you feel (unnecessarily) that you must change out stems or washers often the OEM stems cost is $11.00 while the metals are under $3.00.

BTW, Honda recommends the OEM stems be changed at alternating tire changes (two tires life of stem).

[RonW]

I really meant metal stems are only foolproof if the rubber washer is okay and a rubber washer will last a few tire changes, or should. Obviously, *metal* is better than *rubber* overall. Incidentally, my dire warning was direct to the 90° stems that have a rubber washer on the outside as well as the inside. Nut on the outside. It's easy to change the washer on the outside but where are you gonna get a washer with the proper material.

[gordonv]

The dirt is.... well.... I tend to not wash my bikes so much, so sometime in the last 10k miles or so...

My issue of the dirt wasn't for your washing skills (I wash my bike once a year if it needs it or not), it was more about the valve wasn't changed out, it's old.

[Willow]

I really meant metal stems are only foolproof if the rubber washer is okay and a rubber washer will last a few tire changes, or should. Obviously, *metal* is better than *rubber* overall. Incidentally, my dire warning was direct to the 90° stems that have a rubber washer on the outside as well as the inside. Nut on the outside. It's easy to change the washer on the outside but where are you gonna get a washer with the proper material.

Yes.  My issue was with the advice to change out the rubber washers every time and, of course, the implied cost.  I have never heard of one of the washers failing on the metal 90s.  The failures I've witnessed (and experienced) from the OEMs were from the rubber being bent and rebent during checking and adding to the tire pressure.

The advantage of the metal stems is not just their longevity but that they don't bend during use producing leaks such as do the OEMs.

Once more, the metal stems I use are under $3.00 each whereas the less dependable OEM stems are marketed at $11.00 each.

Even if I did decide to replace the washers on the metal valves it would be much less expensive than constantly changing the OEMs as recommended by Honda.  

I use the ones with the nuts (locking) on the inside.  They look better and I've never had a problem that required tightening them away from a tire change.