Wireless TPMS

[carolinarider09]

I never had a TPMS until I purchased by 2015 wing.   Its very handy but its batteries will fail in a year or so.  (The TPMS on the Wing is integral to the bike and batteries in the sender are hard to replace.)

So, I have been looking purchasing something like the item in the link below

https://wingstuff.com/products/33044-enhanced-tiregard-tpms-2-wheel-trailer

Then it dawned on my, why not put one on my Valkyrie.  After all its the only bike I every really had a flat tire on (back when I was younger I just did not monitor the tread very well).  And why not one on the ST.

So, my question is, do you have a wireless TPMS on your bike and do you recommend it or a different one?

Thanks.

[Serk]

I have one of these on my Goldwing, one was installed on all 3 Valks that passed through my garage (Including the one that still lives here) and even on the Silverwing before it met it's untimely end.

The receiver you mount on the handlebar is USB rechargeable, lasts a month or two between charges and the sender units on the valve stem caps need to have their batteries (CR2032 I believe) replaced annually.

https://www.amazon.com/SYKIK-Wireless-Pressure-Monitoring-Motorcycles/dp/B07BFH9WZ7

I've also been retrofitting the valve stems with these as tires are replaced:

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

[carolinarider09]

Thanks Serk, I appreciate the information.   And I was thinking about the T-valve just did not have a recommendation. 

[Valkorado]

Got one on both Valkyries, exactly this model.  They've gone up, mine were about $30 each.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Wireless-Motorcycle-TPMS-Tire-Pressure-Monitoring-System-Motor-Tyre-Auto-Alarm-/133021011118?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

They are accurate and work great with a few caveats.  The display unit is (mini) USB charged, and the tire valve sensors use a button battery.  Neither are really a problem, both the display charge and the batteries last an amazingly long time.  I haven't even had to replace the button battery after several seasons, and should do that just for the hell of it.

What I don't like is the sensor has a "warm-up" of about a block or two riding before it changes to the accurate new pressure from the saved last stop numbers.  Rolling in the garage doesn't do it.  I have actually had to turn back to the air compressor after the pressures and temps "readjust".  Still better than heading off without knowing...

I also don't like that the audible warning is, of course, useless on a motorcycle.  The visual display also leaves something to be desired as it is small and washes out in the sunshine.  That said, it also flashes red on warning (high or low pressures or temps) and if placed correctly should get your attention.

So if I had it to do over I'd get this (and still may someday).  It has the advantages of a USB charger built in for charging your phone, and a voltmeter.  It would be nice to have all that in one unit.  It also looks like the display powers directly off the bike's battery (and also has a manual on off button), which makes a lot more sense to me.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-TPMS-w-Quick-Charge-3-0-USB-Charger-Tire-Pressure-Monitoring-System-/234023059282?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

Edit:  Serk beat me.  The ones I'm currently using are exactly like his.

[carolinarider09]

Thanks for the information Valkorado.  Will keep that in mind.  Never considered the "warm up time".   Just assumed it was right away sensing rotation.

[Valkorado]

Thanks for the information Valkorado.  Will keep that in mind.  Never considered the "warm up time".   Just assumed it was right away sensing rotation.

It should be.  The display lights up with a light touch or gentle nudge on the bars, but it only displays the pressures and temps saved from when you last parked the bike even when rolling the tires slowly.

Note that this "warmup" only applies after an overnite stop.  After a short lunch or gas stop, they seem to come back up right away.  It must be a sleep mode to save battery or something.

[carolinarider09]

 

[F6Dave]

I have the TireGard for 3 of my bikes. The price can vary a lot. I've seen them selling for $50 - $60.

To save the batteries, the senders transmit when the pressure changes by 1 PSI. My fronts register as soon as I roll the bike out. The rear can take a bit longer; maybe bodywork blocks some transmissions.

You can set min/max pressure and temp warnings for both tires. The fob will vibrate and flash when exceeded. This lets you carry it in your pocket. I hang it from a belt loop so I can check it easily. On my F6B the key is on the dash so it is easy to read.

The temperature readout is interesting. Front tire runs near ambient, while the rear gets 20+ degrees hotter. No wonder the rear wears out so fast.

These are great since most punctures cause a slow leak. You usually have plenty of time to find a safe place to make a repair.

[carolinarider09]

Based on information from another forum, I was looking at the TireGard system.  The FOBO was also mentioned. 

I was concerned about the wight on the valve stem but.....  that seems to not be an issue. 

I like the four wheel TireGard since I pull a trailer with the wing.   But I would get the two wheel versions of the other bikes. 

The reason I asked it here was I trust the information here a lot.  Lots of experience here.   

[Serk]

I was concerned about the wight on the valve stem but.....  that seems to not be an issue. 

...as long as you're using some form of metal valve stems...

[F6Dave]

I like the TireGards a lot. I bought a 2 wheel set for the F6B, and to save $$ a trailer set for my 2 Valks, putting 2 senders on each bike. The weight doesn't seem to be an issue. I use BBs for tire balancing. Batteries last about 2 years and take seconds to change.

[carolinarider09]

I was concerned about the wight on the valve stem but.....  that seems to not be an issue. 

...as long as you're using some form of metal valve stems...

Thanks.  I will verify before using. 

[Serk]

I was concerned about the wight on the valve stem but.....  that seems to not be an issue. 

...as long as you're using some form of metal valve stems...

Thanks.  I will verify before using. 

If you can grab the valve stem and wiggle it, get it replaced ASAP with a metal one...

I THINK Honda switched to metal for newer bikes, but the Valkyrie likely isn't metal unless it's been replaced along the way...

[carolinarider09]

The Valkyrie has metal valve stems, so does the wing.  The ST does not.   So....  I will have to have them changed out next tire change. 

Now the trailer tires are also not metal.  Don't know if I can get a metal stem for them but will look. 

[Willow]

The Valkyrie has metal valve stems, so does the wing.  The ST does not.   So....  I will have to have them changed out next tire change. 

Now the trailer tires are also not metal.  Don't know if I can get a metal stem for them but will look. 

All metal is not necessarily a requirement on everything.  The issue with Valkyrie valve stems is that they have a 90 degree turn and for some unknown reason a rubber base that flexes at the rim.  Thus the support that is supposed to keep the rubber from bending when one presses against the mouth to measure or insert air pressure.  As ingenious as that support is, riders sometimes manage to wriggle it enough to cause it to leak at the rubber base.  It's not a good thing to happen at speed.

Valve stems that don't have the 90 degree turn don't need to be all metal.  Well they don't have to be but it doesn't hurt and they are prettier.

[carolinarider09]

Got it, Thanks Willow.....

[Jess from VA]

You know, these things are wireless too.   

[F6Dave]

I was surprised that my 2016 F6B came with the rubber stems and the plastic clip, just like the Valkyrie. At the first tire change I installed metal stems with TPMS.

[carolinarider09]

Ahhh Jess, yep they are. 

As I get older I get lazy.  Checking the front tire's pressure is simple.  Checking the rear tire requires that I get down on the "ground".  Then I have to .........   

And of course I have to be stopped and then.... 

Besides I like gadgets. 

[Serk]

You know, these things are wireless too.   

Those things can't alert you to the fact your pressure is suddenly, but not catastrophically (YET!) dropping while on a ride..... THAT is WELL worth the cost and hassle of an active TPMS system for me, doubly so since I tend to have a little person on the back with me quite often these days...

[Jess from VA]

Yes that's true.  But when that has never happened to you in many years, you think it never will. 

The norm is generally either.... looks good, or lets add 2-3 lbs.

But I get it. 

I did upgrade from the lousy stick gauges. 

[carolinarider09]

Just as an aside, I have one of the devices Jess pictured above in my garage tool box, but I also have a "manual gauge", dial reading, and purely mechanical, for each bike.

Theory being, I don't want to move the gauges from bike to bike as I ride.  All three are different because of the way some of the valve stems are "situated".   

 

[SCain]

I bought one of the SYKIK units off of Amazon, I didn't put them on the bike I have them on my Bushtec Trailer that I am pulling to Inzane this year, I just want to monitor the trailer.

[carolinarider09]

I bought one of the SYKIK units off of Amazon, I didn't put them on the bike I have them on my Bushtec Trailer that I am pulling to Inzane this year, I just want to monitor the trailer.

I pull a trailer as well and with the small tires they, if would seem, get more wear per mile than the tires on the bike.  So, that was/is also one of the driving forces for my investigation. 

[gordonv]

One of many posts on TPMS.

www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,115514.0.html

[carolinarider09]

Thanks will give it a look.  Have not purchased yet.  But will soon. 

[Beer van Huet]

I use the Garmin TPMS on my STD with hardbags but do not recommend them.
The rear tire unit signal often disconnects when I'm riding at moderate speeds.
Tried new batteries and send the unit back and got it replaced but the problems persists.

[F6Dave]

I use the Garmin TPMS on my STD with hardbags but do not recommend them.
The rear tire unit signal often disconnects when I'm riding at moderate speeds.
Tried new batteries and send the unit back and got it replaced but the problems persists.

It may be a common problem. Many TPMS products use the same transmitter caps. With my TireGard system the front updates more frequently. I suspect all the bike parts, and the rider, between the rear tire and the receiver block some transmissions.

[F6Dave]

It should be easy to verify my theory. Just swap the caps and see if the rear sender updates more when mounted up front.