Valve stems, lesson learned…

[StefanOnHisS10]

As some of you might have seen i was looking for different stems to mount when I change my tires next time. I posted my question in the “wanted” section.

As a good habit I check my tire pressure every sunday evening, and walk around the bike to see what’s going on. Yesterday I saw there was only about 1 Bar left in the front, when investigating I found a torn rubber stem! Apparently a rubber 90 degree moves a lot due to centrifugal force. I already wanted to change them because I never trusted it completely but didn’t get to it.

Just a warning for others who might run the same stems.

Stefan

 

[Madhatter]

could be CF or age or chemical or sun damage , every new set of tires needs a new set of stems . but how many of us do that . valve stems are a wear item and need to be replaced every tire change .

 

[StefanOnHisS10]

Yes you are right, these are only a year and a half old… I change the rubber ones every time. They’re cheap and it’s quick.

 

[Supertee123]

As some of you might have seen i was looking for different stems to mount when I change my tires next time. I posted my question in the “wanted” section.

As a good habit I check my tire pressure every sunday evening, and walk around the bike to see what’s going on. Yesterday I saw there was only about 1 Bar left in the front, when investigating I found a torn rubber stem! Apparently a rubber 90 degree moves a lot due to centrifugal force. I already wanted to change them because I never trusted it completely but didn’t get to it.
View attachment 82098View attachment 82099
Just a warning for others who might run the same stems.

Stefan

I just use the standard valve(straight) and carry a 90 degree elbow in my tank bag.

 

[Don in Lodi]

Wow, that's a lot of dry rot in a short time. I'd almost agree on chemical damage. I've seen stems with a decade on them that weren't that bad. Very dry and tear out of the rim easily, but not weather checked and delaminated like that.

 

[OldRider]

There isn't anything better than those short 1" rubber valves stems, changed at every tire change. You can buy one of these short extension hoses at any Harley dealer. With this hose extension, you can add air from any style air chuck.

Valve Stem Extension - 42300009 | Harley-Davidson USA

Sometimes, there's just not enough space around the tire's valve stem for the gas station air chuck and hose to reach. Brake rotors, sprockets and saddlebags get in the way and keep the air chuck from making an airtight seal. The Valve Stem Extension is the remedy to this problem.

www.harley-davidson.com