2003 Front Valve Stem

[carolinarider09]

2003 Valkyrie Standard 67,000 miles

I was checking the tire pressures today before a ride.  When I pushed the gauge on the front tire stem, the locking device sort of got lose and the valve stem rocked back and air escaped.

I put the locking device back on and the leak stopped. 

However, I suspect that I need to replace the valve stem.  I also assume that you need to break the bead no the tire to do this. 

Just wanted to ask what the process was to do this and do most of you that replace the valve stems use the same right angle stem as replacement.

Since all of the tires have been replaced by a Honda dealer, I suspect that replacing the valve stem is not a standard as it was in the auto tire industry, at least when i was working there, many, many years ago.

[Paladin528]

if you use rubber valve stems replace them at EVERY tire change.  a good shop should do this anyway.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Metal valve stems are the only way to go.

[Gryphon Rider]

Don't ride it without replacing that valve stem.  Seriously.

[vanagon40]

Metal valve stems are the only way to go.

You must break the bead on the tire to replace the stem. If you have one or two large c-clamps you can do this without removing the tire. Shown below is my old SilverWing, but the concept is the same.

[Psychotic Bovine]

Even with the plastic keeper, those rubber mounted stems can let go.
My brother (mad6gun) had the front one let go at interstate speed with his wife on the back.  Thankfully he got it safely stopped.

[carolinarider09]

Ok,  its up on the jack now, will take the wheel off.  Don't think I want to do it myself.

Can anyone supply me the spec on the hole.  I found these 11mm right angles

https://www.jpcycles.com/product/164-338/show-chrome-accessories-90-nickel-valve-stem

and these

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

[Jess from VA]

The billet aluminum ones on Revzilla are better.  I paid closer to $32 a pair for mine (from the manufacturer) (link below) (I think the Revzilla is the same ones, discounted) .

I do not know if the usual 90* stems most use are just as good or not. Note, some are made to tighten up inside the wheel, others have the lock nut outside on the rim, and I think those may be more desirable (in the long run).

I do know I can punch an air gauge or chuck on one-handed and no worry about flexing it (which is how most Valk rubber ones get cracked right at the wheel).  But if you get the Revzilla ones, you must cut off the little T's on the wheels that hold the rubber stem plastic elbows in place if you want to orient them to the high side of the bike.  On the front it is no big deal, but on the back of a Valk bagger, having the valve stem aimed to the low side means checking pressure and adding air on your belly, under the bag.

I cut the T's off the wheels on both my bikes; it's not like I'm going back to stock, ever.

Read the note on 1500 Goldwings, same deal for Valks.  

http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/tire_valves/

[carolinarider09]

Ok,  I just ordered a pair.  Will take the wheel off in a few days when the stems get here.  Now to work on the rear wheel.  Its not leaking yet but does not need a tire so, I will just see what happens.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Anybody else needing them. These are good and they are cheap. I like the double nut inside. I think they look better.
http://patchboy.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=P&Product_Code=17-562&Category_Code=6-3

[Earl43P]

I run these...

https://www.ridersdomain.com/motorcycle-tires/myers-90°-tubeless-chrome-valve-stem-p

[vanagon40]

I have always been a fan of the 45° valve stems

[..]

Don't ride it without replacing that valve stem.  Seriously.

+ 1 million and to infinity.

[Gavin_Sons]

i use these.

https://www.kurveygirl.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=169&products_id=72&osCsid=76vao4l0tg1aoqa35p6dnekf42

[..]

I run these...

https://www.ridersdomain.com/motorcycle-tires/myers-90°-tubeless-chrome-valve-stem-p

[carolinarider09]

I am still waiting for the ones I ordered.  Not here yet.  Got the Valk up on its lift and just waiting to pull the front wheel.

Since I will have to modify the mounting area before the new stem is installed, I was wondering if the Honda dealer will do that for me or should I do it before hand. 

I don't really have the tools to break the bead at my place. 

Any thoughts?

[Jess from VA]

What stem are you talking about?

[carolinarider09]

http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/tire_valves/

These require that you grand down the little tab or raised area to install them

[Cracker Jack]

http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/tire_valves/

These require that you grand down the little tab or raised area to install them

Once you get the little tab ground down, these should work just a good as the ones others are using.

[Jess from VA]

That's what I thought, but it was not clear.

The Ts on the wheels only need cut off if the stems will be mounted pointing to the high side (right).  As I said, the front is no big deal, but if you have valk saddlebags, it makes it a PITA in the back.  But the high side mount is better... even on a naked standard.  But they can be mounted to the low (left) side with no cut Ts.

You can never tell with dealers.  Any fool should know the OE stems are sub standard, even if they and the elbows are replaced with every tire.  The Anchor stems are the best in the industry, are a lifetime replacement, and so the Ts would never be needed for elbow mounts again.  So, the dealer should do it for you.  Cutting the Ts off involves no safety issue at all.  But they could still refuse (either from dealer lunacy, or some vague worries of liability).  If they are already cut off when the wheel goes to them, then the decision has been made for them.

I would hope a knowledgeable dealer service department would understand this is a better and safer arrangement, and cut them off for you with an air tool in 3 seconds a wheel. (and smooth the rough edges)

But sometimes they are idiots.

Perhaps if you call (service dept) before you go in, you can find out.  Though I am never a fan of telegraphing my punches (or giving them a chance to say no).

[carolinarider09]

Thanks guys.  Jess, that is what I was thinking and I will discuss with the dealer. 

The reverse or low side install is on option I had not considered and since the bags come off, I can get to the rear wheel sort of easily but will push for the right, high side install.   

Website is great and thanks for all there responses. 

[Jess from VA]

Welcome.

If mounted to low side, the trick with bags in back is to roll the bike where the stem can be reached from the rear.

[..]

Thanks guys.  Jess, that is what I was thinking and I will discuss with the dealer. 

The reverse or low side install is on option I had not considered and since the bags come off, I can get to the rear wheel sort of easily but will push for the right, high side install.   

Website is great and thanks for all there responses. 

Use these

No grinding no fuss.

Air tight enough that I might lose 1 lb of pressure in a month

https://www.ridersdomain.com/motorcycle-tires/myers-90%C2%B0-tubeless-chrome-valve-stem-p