Tires and Valve stem

[WylieGibbs]

Two questions for you guys.

1. I liked Avon Venoms a lot, but I see they are no longer available. What are you guys using?

2. I noticed some cracking on the valve stem. I would like to get another 3,000 out of the tires then swich all of them out. Stupid, not stupid?

Thanks in advance

WG

[X Ring]

Wylie, don't chance it.  Replace those valve stems.  This is a serious safety issue.  That being said, you can buy Patch Boy valvestems on ebay cheaper than you can buy the Honda ones.  HDL's price for valve stems is $9.34 each.  So $18.68 for two and that's before HDL's $7.50 handling charge plus shipping.  For $16.89 you can get 4 metal 90* valve stems from Patch Boy, shipped.  To me it's a no brainer.  Better valve stems that don't need the plastic Honda support, and you get 4 shipped to you less than the cost of two valve stems before S&H.  Here's the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/4-Tire-Wheel-Valve-Stems-90-Degree-Angle-Honda-Goldwing-/230444811647?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35a794c57f

Avon discontinued the Venom sizes for the Valk when they introduced the Cobra.  Check it out.  I've got one on Sandman I'm trying now.  Check jakewilson.com and use an internet coupon.  If you do a search you should find a couple of threads with coupon codes.

Marty

[Gunslinger]

The smart thing is to support the valve stem with a finger behind the stem.

I would argue the smarter thing is to replace the valve stems with 90 degree all metal stems.

Stock are 90 degrees and all metal stems.
Have you never looked at them??

The smartest thing would be to never have to replace them!

***

I have inspected them in a most intimate and personal way. 

The stem itself is metal, as is the base inside the rim. However, unlike the PatchBoy stems which are a solid piece through the rim, the OEM valve stems are two piece and separated by the rubber seal at the rim.

Note the two separate pieces in my hand in the picture (The interior part and the outside stem). This seal at the rim is where the crack was, and the cause of the sudden dramatic loss of air pressure at speed.

Trust me, you do not want to wait for the stem to fail. If it is cracked, it is simply a matter of time until failure occurs (hopefully while parked, but more likely at speed) If it happens at speed and you are lucky like I was you will simply be looking at a tow bill and some creative engineering to get back on the road (hope you carry a C-Clamp in your saddle bag) If you aren't lucky I wish you luck and soft landings.

[Thunderbolt]

he gave you some good advice.  Get rid of those OEM stems.

[WylieGibbs]

All righty. I will take your advice and move up the tire replacement.

Thanks again.

WG

[Farther]

I use these with good luck.  They are also permanent but require removing of the support "T" on the rim.  http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/tire_valves/index.htm

[WylieGibbs]

Ordered new tires and the stems recommended. Will get them switched out before doing any riding.

Thanks again for your help.

WG