T-Valve stems for TPMS systems

[Serk]

Sorry if this is common knowledge but, while going through the list of things I need to add/remove/change to my new-to-me Goldwing I stumbled upon these guys. Look very promising for those of us who run external TPMS systems on our bikes: (And if you don't have a TPMS setup on your bike, you really REALLY should)



I've ordered a pair to put on the 'wing (Rear already has a metal stem, but the front is icky OEM still) and will report back how it goes. Might need to get a set for my Valk I'm Gonna Keep too if this goes well:

https://cyclemax.com/inc/sdetail/nickel_plated_t_valve_stems/158741/261164

[Jess from VA]

It's not that hard to put a gauge on two tires once in a while.

My Dodge truck (with 10 plys) says to run the rears at 80 and the fronts at 65.  It's a commercial vehicle rated to carry 4,230 pounds, so I get it.  But mine may carry 200lbs, so I don't need those air pressures, and have to put up with the stupid TPMS beeps and dash lights.  Shut UP!!

There is likely some way to reset that system, but I lack the time or patience to fool with it.

EDIT:  I had a hard enough time just learning how to turn on the AC and cruise control. 

[Serk]

It's not that hard to put a gauge on two tires once in a while.

It's not for the daily check, it's for the minute by minute check. Usually there'll be some change before a catastrophic failure, and you can set it up so if the pressure or temp gets outside of a certain band it screams to get your attention.

Which is a much better way of learning there's about to be a problem than having your tire go flat at 80...

[Beardo]

It's not that hard to put a gauge on two tires once in a while.

It's not for the daily check, it's for the minute by minute check. Usually there'll be some change before a catastrophic failure, and you can set it up so if the pressure or temp gets outside of a certain band it screams to get your attention.

Which is a much better way of learning there's about to be a problem than having your tire go flat at 80...

Just makes adding air easier if there is an alarm from your TPMS sensors. The sensors usually have a locking nut, so the T-valve means you have don’t have to get that tool out of wherever it is to add air.

Just have to be careful how it’s oriented so your sensors don’t contact your rotors.

[Jess from VA]

Which is a much better way of learning there's about to be a problem than having your tire go flat at 80.

I get that.  

My last (instant) flat was in HS in a tube tire on a long grate bridge.  

I've since had a nail/staple or two in back with almost no pressure loss.  And you don't find those unless you are really hunting for them.  

[Rams]

It's not that hard to put a gauge on two tires once in a while.

It's not for the daily check, it's for the minute by minute check. Usually there'll be some change before a catastrophic failure, and you can set it up so if the pressure or temp gets outside of a certain band it screams to get your attention.

Which is a much better way of learning there's about to be a problem than having your tire go flat at 80...

My experience with such a situation was around 120+ mph and I honestly don't think having a TPS would have made a difference.   When that tire decided to go down, it went quick.  I'm not knocking it for folks that want it.   But I do consider it just something else that will go bad.   Let us know how you like it, you might change my mind.

Rams

[Serk]

Let us know how you like it, you might change my mind.

As far as the TPMS system, been running 'em on all my bikes for the last few years, is one of the very first things I add to a bike that comes into my possession now (As in the GoldWing already has one installed, yesterday.)

So far hasn't saved me a catastrophe, but did let me know on one of my Inzane trips that my tire had become dangerously under inflated overnight. Never did find a reason, but it lost 20PSI overnight at a hotel on the way to IZ, and let me know about it when we tried to leave in the morning.

Gave me the heads up and time to go put some more air in that tire and be on our way.

Only maint I've had to do to the systems is annually I change the battery in the sender units on each tire and every few months I recharge the head unit via USB. Other than that it's just there keeping a watch on things for me...

[Jess from VA]

20lbs sounds like some asswipe let some air out of the tire. 

At motels, if I can't park my bike right in front of my room, I'm not happy.   

[Avanti]

Those will take more counterbalance. 

[vanavyman]

I run external Tire pressure systems on any of my bikes with a Run Flat tire.  Used several systems over the years and have settled on using an add on to my Garmin Zumo 595s.  Works great.  Bought a strip of 20 batteries and change them a couple times a year.  I've never used a valve stem like that one.  Do really like the solid L shaped ones.
Dan

[Wizzard]

I been running TPMS on my Standard for a long time now,, just replace the caps on my metal 90 deg stems. Why do you need a T valve?

[Serk]

I been running TPMS on my Standard for a long time now,, just replace the caps on my metal 90 deg stems. Why do you need a T valve?

That way the sender unit can go on the vertical part and never be removed other than to change batteries, you can add or remove air from the horizontal part of the stem without touching the sender unit.

[Wizzard]

I been running TPMS on my Standard for a long time now,, just replace the caps on my metal 90 deg stems. Why do you need a T valve?

That way the sender unit can go on the vertical part and never be removed other than to change batteries, you can add or remove air from the horizontal part of the stem without touching the sender unit.

That is what I guess I am missing,, my sender unit is my cap and it screws on just like a cap so why is that a problem? Or is it?

[Serk]

I’m curious why they only have one rubber seal vs. the two my normal metal valve stems have ?

Also, they look like they don’t have near as much rise. Do you need to cut off the OEM keeper ?

That got me looking, found another type, little cheaper, and appears to have two rubber seals. Think I'll cancel that first order and go with these instead:

https://wingstuff.com/products/37222-t-valve-optional-accessory-for-fobo-2-tpms

I been running TPMS on my Standard for a long time now,, just replace the caps on my metal 90 deg stems. Why do you need a T valve?

That way the sender unit can go on the vertical part and never be removed other than to change batteries, you can add or remove air from the horizontal part of the stem without touching the sender unit.

That is what I guess I am missing,, my sender unit is my cap and it screws on just like a cap so why is that a problem? Or is it?

Couple things:

-Most of the caps have a security option, if you chose to use that you have a lot more hassle removing and replacing the sender unit.
-Wear and tear on the seal of the sender unit.
-Small bit of air that escapes when removing/replacing the sender unit.
-Adding air in less than ideal conditions, having one less thing to deal with is always a plus.

[Wizzard]

Ok got it.

[cookiedough]

is a good idea for sure for that all of a sudden moment of loosing air quickly might save your life on 2 wheels. 

I take it you would replace them fully after say 3-6 years of use when you need to change tires again correct?

on 4 wheels TPMS sensors for me really not necessary so for winter snow tires on separate rims I do not get sensors installed waste of money.

[mbramley]

 Well it wasn't common knowledge for me. I bought the tpms last year but they leaked on my current stems. I bought new stems . Looks like I'll be buying more stems lol. This company also has other Valk stuff, and only an hour ride from me, crap there goes another paycheck!

[Hook#3287]

You bought a Wing?

I must of missed that.

[Serk]

Well it wasn't common knowledge for me. I bought the tpms last year but they leaked on my current stems. I bought new stems . Looks like I'll be buying more stems lol. This company also has other Valk stuff, and only an hour ride from me, crap there goes another paycheck!

Groovy, glad to know this thread has been helpful to at least one person.

You bought a Wing?

I must of missed that.

Yup, blabbering all about it over on this thread: https://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,120796.0.html

[Serk]

That got me looking, found another type, little cheaper, and appears to have two rubber seals. Think I'll cancel that first order and go with these instead:

https://wingstuff.com/products/37222-t-valve-optional-accessory-for-fobo-2-tpms

So my valve stem was just delivered from the above link. Just a heads up, luckily I only really needed one (The rear already has a nice metal valve stem on it, 'cause friends don't let friends drive with OEM valve stems!) but the above link each order is for ONE stem, not a pair...

Just noticed at the bottom of the description "Sold individually."

Oh well, just a heads up...

[Avanti]

Make sure that you install them so they are securely attached, as to not come loose. I have fix several metal valve stems that have come apart due to vibration, both inside and outside nut type. These are on the only two wheels you have. Nothing on a motorcycle should be, “do it and forget it.”

[Serk]

...and installed... Had to take it to a shop, my attempts at using C-Clamps, wood working clamps, etc failed miserably once more.... But it's done...

[f6john]

What method are you using for balancing?

[Serk]

What method are you using for balancing?

Whatever the bike shop does. I.E. it's got weights on the rim right now...