rim valve holder

[Jim]

Had a front tire valve stem blow on me the other day going down the road at 60mph. Don't forget to check that little plastic valve stem holder. Every thing work out great. I was about 5mi. from glen's sport center in Sheldon, IA and Matt Olsen put a new tire on right away, plus tire was 30% discounted.

[Thunderbolt]

When it happened to me I installed the 90 degree metal stems from Patchboy.com.

[scoot]

Funny this just happened to me on the way home last night. I was on the freeway and I could feel the tire going down. Got it home alright, checked the tire and couldn't find anything wrong. Then I noticed the bracket was gone. Luckily I had one in the saddle bag. ( I had one come off on a Goldwing, so I always carried a spare ). Checked the pressure this morning and all was fine. Thinking I may still change the valve though. The tire isn't quite a year old, so I didn't want to have to replace it.

[Thunderbolt]

but you can use a couple of c-clamps with wooden strips to keep from damaging the rim and break the bead.  You only need to break one side.  I would not leave a leaking stem in there, it will happen again at a bad time.  That was your wake-up call, listen to the voice.

[Jess from VA]

The OE 2-piece stems are an accident waiting to happen.  At a minimum, they should be replaced with each tire change.  The smarter move is a lifetime upgrade to an all-metal Patchboy or Anchor valve stem. 

[mikeb]

yep went for a ride with my 17 year old he was on my valk and i was on the old ladys I S and i looked over at his front tire it was going flat we were about two miles from a good friends house so we swaped bikes and made it there the tire was hot to the touch and when i aired it up the stem was leaking , broken at the base we left the bike there over night and returned the next nite with a rool od duck tape i taped it and than rode it the ten miles home used weding ckamps and a 2x4 broke the bead replaced the stem and d ring just happy it happened on a short ride and not on a long trip. never gave a thought to the need for the d ring until then .. i carry spares now 

[Tundra]

Said it before, I'll say it again. Those Honda OEM valve stems will kill you, our bikes are getting old, if you don't know when yours were changed last, get rid of them. They are expensive to replace the OEM, Patchboy is a good fix and easier on the wallet.
  This is what you want to replace them with  http://patchboy.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=P&Product_Code=17-562&Category_Code=6-3

[Jess Tolbirt]

i replaced mine with a short regular straight valve stem....have to pull it off center to check and air it up but i aint gonna brake another one of them 90 degree things,,,

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Funny this just happened to me on the way home last night. I was on the freeway and I could feel the tire going down. Got it home alright, checked the tire and couldn't find anything wrong. Then I noticed the bracket was gone. Luckily I had one in the saddle bag. ( I had one come off on a Goldwing, so I always carried a spare ). Checked the pressure this morning and all was fine. Thinking I may still change the valve though. The tire isn't quite a year old, so I didn't want to have to replace it.

You realize if the tire leaked down without the stem clip that the valve stem rubber is split. It won't leak just because the clip is gone.

I wouldn't ride the bike until its fixed. You're going to be riding on a flat and that's not good.

Raymond

[Psychotic Bovine]

anyone use these?
I like the idea that they are low profile and no exposed rubber to deteriorate.
http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/tire_valves/index.htm

[F6Dave]

Most of us are riding Valks that are 10 years old or more.  Many owners don't routinely replace the valve stems at tire changes (I sure don't), but time is catching up with us.  I don't think the part is inherently dangerous, as Honda uses it on the Wing and God knows how many other bikes, but it isn't designed to last forever.

Last summer, my '99 IS developed a slight front tire stem leak 300 miles from home.  Luckily I was only 5 miles from where my mom and her husband live.  He had enough tools and jacks to get the wheel off.  But since the tire was due for replacement and I had a new one at home, I borrowed her car, bought a new stem, drove home, replaced the tire and stem on my Harbor Freight machine, drove back, and had everything like new within 24 hours.

The next week I ordered a bunch of those awesome valve stems from Patchboy.  I gave 2 to a friend, and will be changing out the OEM stems on both of my Valks at every tire change until every one is updated.

[fiddle mike]

Had that happen a couple of times, rode home 40 miles, first time, 100 miles, the second. Aired up the tires and rode them till they were bald.
Replaced the OEM with metal Yamaha style.

[Gunslinger]

anyone use these?
I like the idea that they are low profile and no exposed rubber to deteriorate.
http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/tire_valves/index.htm

Several use those. Just be aware that to use that stem you have to grind off the tab that holds the little plastic brace for the OEM stem.

Or you can use the PatchBoy stems referenced earlier without any mods. Either way, dump the OEM stems.I don't think they are a death sentence, but I do agree that they can and do fail with no notice and it makes for a bad day.

[Jess from VA]

anyone use these?
I like the idea that they are low profile and no exposed rubber to deteriorate.
http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/tire_valves/index.htm

Yes on two interstates.  Best quality available.  You don't have to grind off the elbow T, but you do if you want the stems aimed at the right (high) side of the bike/tires, essential for hardbags if you don't want to check and air up the rear tire on your belly (not really a problem on the front tire).  No big deal to cut the T's off...... you'll never use the stupid OE stems and elbows again.

[Tundra]

Most of us are riding Valks that are 10 years old or more.  Many owners don't routinely replace the valve stems at tire changes (I sure don't), but time is catching up with us.  I don't think the part is inherently dangerous, as Honda uses it on the Wing and God knows how many other bikes, but it isn't designed to last forever.

Last summer, my '99 IS developed a slight front tire stem leak 300 miles from home.  Luckily I was only 5 miles from where my mom and her husband live.  He had enough tools and jacks to get the wheel off.  But since the tire was due for replacement and I had a new one at home, I borrowed her car, bought a new stem, drove home, replaced the tire and stem on my Harbor Freight machine, drove back, and had everything like new within 24 hours.

The next week I ordered a bunch of those awesome valve stems from Patchboy.  I gave 2 to a friend, and will be changing out the OEM stems on both of my Valks at every tire change until every one is updated.

I don't think the part is inherently dangerous either, unless it's installed on my bike. I can tell several stories of Valkyrie riding friends incidents with these installed. My personal story (keep it short and sweet) Lost air @ 80 mph on the Interstate with my beloved wife on back, cars in left & right lanes and behind me traveling at the same rate of speed. We survived, the story is in the archives somewhere. I feel passionate and justified to say they can kill you, if I can help out another Valkyrie rider and save him what I went through.

[Doc Moose]

Said it before, I'll say it again. Those Honda OEM valve stems will kill you, our bikes are getting old, if you don't know when yours were changed last, get rid of them. They are expensive to replace the OEM, Patchboy is a good fix and easier on the wallet.
  This is what you want to replace them with  http://patchboy.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=P&Product_Code=17-562&Category_Code=6-3

Thanks for the link, ordered some today,

[Walküre]

Thanks, all, for the info!! I bought my Valk a month ago, two states away, and trailered it home. Tires had less than 1000 miles on them. When I got home, I checked EVERYthing - fluids, tightened bolts, made sure all covers were tight, etc, etc...well, EXCEPT air pressure!! And in 40 years, I've been anal about checking air pressure! 25 miles to work, and I cupped the rear, on 15 pounds pressure. So, I'll be replacing tires soon, debating "dark-side", but I WILL be replacing the valve stems!! I appreciate it!

One question on the solid billets, that you have to grind off the rim - anyone done that? I wonder how exact it would have to be - if you go a little too far, does it stop the seal? I'm just wondering, if I do that, if I should take it to the mill, or do the Dremel, as they recommend? I like the billet, but might just get the patchboy, for the ease. I am curious why you don't have a problem with the patchboys, that you do on the billet...

EDIT - One more question - anyone know how either of these options, work with the Dyna Beads??

thanks again, folks!

R

[Cliff]

Thanks, all, for the info!! I bought my Valk a month ago, two states away, and trailered it home. Tires had less than 1000 miles on them. When I got home, I checked EVERYthing - fluids, tightened bolts, made sure all covers were tight, etc, etc...well, EXCEPT air pressure!! And in 40 years, I've been anal about checking air pressure! 25 miles to work, and I cupped the rear, on 15 pounds pressure. So, I'll be replacing tires soon, debating "dark-side", but I WILL be replacing the valve stems!! I appreciate it!

One question on the solid billets, that you have to grind off the rim - anyone done that? I wonder how exact it would have to be - if you go a little too far, does it stop the seal? I'm just wondering, if I do that, if I should take it to the mill, or do the Dremel, as they recommend? I like the billet, but might just get the patchboy, for the ease. I am curious why you don't have a problem with the patchboys, that you do on the billet...

EDIT - One more question - anyone know how either of these options, work with the Dyna Beads??

thanks again, folks!

R

It is not an absolute requirement to grind off the tab on the rim.  If you want to aim the valve to the kickstand (left) side of the valk you will be all set w/o grinding.  If you decide to grind you only need to grind off the 1st half  to two thirds of the "T" part of the tab.  I cut the tab completely off and have no problems .  I inserted the dyna beads  during the tire install b4 seating the bead.

[RedValk]

years ago i did NOT replace valve stem EVERY tire change. Then, in a period of a couple of months....i had first the front valve stem fail (on a group ride)...and then just a short time later...a rear valve stem. From that point on, EVERY tire change, i change ALL valve stems religiously on ALL four of my bikes.

oh, as you might imagine, the FRONT ONE FAILING, was.....eh....QUITE interesting! Happened 50 miles from home. as i came into a town, it failed. At hiway speeds and MILD corners...it was VERY attention getting. just a couple of miles later...in town, after the front tire was just about completely flat...the first 90 degree turn at an intersection i came to was VERRRYYYYYYYYYYYY intersestin! as in, i almost hit curb. Front tire failures, are NOT....for the feint of heart!!!!!!!!  

[donaldcc]

     OK, went to patchboy site to order two stems for next tire change.  Seemed like good deal, $3.80 for two.  But . . . when I went to check out and pay, the shipping charge was $12.05. seems a little high don't you think (less than 5 ounces)? Held off for now.   

[Thunderbolt]

and help you with the shipping, split them up. 

[Walküre]

and help you with the shipping, split them up. 

I'd be in for 4...

R

[MP]

You do NOT have to grind the tab off for the Patchboy ones.

MP

[Daniel Meyer]

Funny this just happened to me on the way home last night. I was on the freeway and I could feel the tire going down. Got it home alright, checked the tire and couldn't find anything wrong. Then I noticed the bracket was gone. Luckily I had one in the saddle bag. ( I had one come off on a Goldwing, so I always carried a spare ). Checked the pressure this morning and all was fine. Thinking I may still change the valve though. The tire isn't quite a year old, so I didn't want to have to replace it.

Your stem is shot. Do NOT ride the bike like this. Replace it.

     OK, went to patchboy site to order two stems for next tire change.  Seemed like good deal, $3.80 for two.  But . . . when I went to check out and pay, the shipping charge was $12.05. seems a little high don't you think (less than 5 ounces)? Held off for now.   

Get together with friends and order a bunch. The shipping will be the same for a bunch.

The OE 2-piece stems are an accident waiting to happen.  At a minimum, they should be replaced with each tire change.  The smarter move is a lifetime upgrade to an all-metal Patchboy or Anchor valve stem. 

What he said!  If you are going to run the oem stem, keep in mind the business end (seals in the rim) is just like your typical car stems. They are designed to be replaced at EVERY tire change.

[Dan Manko]

Daniel:
Here's something I can't understand.
On cars [or motorcycles]
Get a 35000 mi tire-change the stem.
Get an 80000 mi tire-change the stem.
Same stem.
Twice the mileage, twice the life.
Same stem.
Why change the stem "every" time.

[Daniel Meyer]

A couple reasons...

First, they are a very low quality product. Next time you have one free, pull or cut it apart and take a peek. Essentially, they suck. The cheap chinese stem pep-boys would install in your car rim would last longer (one piece rubber).

Second, the business end is rubber and rot/degrades over time, miles has some effect as well, but time is the big one. They split outside the rim, where the metal stem enters the rubber.

I don't run the stock stem any more...it's a dangerous/defective product...but when I did, I changed it every other time, but I was changing tires twice a year...

If I was changing tires once a year or less, I'd change them every time.

Phew! Hot and humid out...I just came in to cool off a bit. Fender segment repaired. Now it's time for a front tire...

[Walküre]

Get together with friends and order a bunch. The shipping will be the same for a bunch

Just checked on ordering 24 of them - shipping was up a little - $15.65 to me. So, it worked out to about 2.56 each, instead of $7.90 each, if you order two, and pay $12.00 shipping. Pretty sad, since I can fill a "flat rate box" from USPS, for $4.95, and bet I could get at least 40 of them in there, maybe LOT'S more...

The other alternative is their "bulk" - 200 of them, for $320, or $1.60 each, plus shipping of $17.96, or $1.69 each!

Checked 50 just for grins - worked out to $2.23 each, shipped to me, add the 50 each for shipping, and that's about $2.75...

I roughly figure shipping would be around a buck for up to 4, and $2.00 for probably up to 10...but used 50 cents each, as a starting point. So it would be a skosh bit less.

So, question is, are there 10 others, that would want 2 of them, or 5 others that would want 4 of them, at around $3.00 each, shipped (hopefully, at about 50 cents shipping each)? Or more like 50 to 100 people that would take enough, at $2.20 each (hopefully, again, with 50 cents each shipping)...or, 10 that want 4 each, at around $2.75, shipped.

I also have a tough time, paying right at $8.00 each, when the product is under two bucks...but, I'd NEVER go through 200 of them!!   

Is there enough interest, to do this? I could front probably around 50, no problem, and go from there, but I really don't want to sit on 40 of them, if there's not enough interest....

These would be the Patchboys, 17-562 90 degree valve stems, linked on page one here, that look like this:




I just figure that at 50, I'd keep 10, throw a couple in the bag, for emergency use, me or others, and if 10 other people wanted 4 each, that would eat up the 50, pretty fast...again, just looking for interest...

Roger

[Daniel Meyer]

Heh...if it makes you feel any better the OEM one is like $11 bucks.

[Chillerman]

I'd be in for four!   

[kidcatfish]

I'd be in for four.  How to pay you for them when / if it happens?

[fudgie]

I'll take 2 or so. I have them on my bike now.

I think its a good idea for someone who is not to hard pressed for cash to by some. I dont believe you will sit on them for a long time. We all do tire changes. Mostly spring and fall. Good for it.

[T.P.]

I  have been running the Ariete valve stems since 2007 after I dropped a rear tire in Iowa because of the rear valve stem failing, I just ordered a set of gold ones from Kurvy Girl for Pops 57. it is kind of a no brainer to cut off the t post on the rim and be done with valve stem worries for good. I do also run with Dyna beads with no problems ever. YOU WILL NEED THE 11.3 MM VALVES !! 

http://kurveygirl.com/shop/index.php?cPath=27

T.P.  

[doubletee]

I'd be in for 4.

[Colin]

I'm in for 2 or 4 to Spain if that helps.