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I don't like going against the grain, but sure, yeah, I've heard about these destroying rubber valve stems (on the internet) but I and a few others (locals) are running them on OEM stems without any issues at all.
I change my own tires and always inspect and replace the stems and they always look fine.
Your experience may be different (and I'd like to see a pic of a failed one), but fine here though after running them for over 50K miles.
Maybe mine are super light? I'm running this chinesium trash.
I have and have had the FoBo sensors on both of my bikes for a very long time. Purchased when they didn't have a motorcycle version/package. Bought the car version (4 Sensors) at the time and hooked up both bikes.
Using metal "T" valves is the way to do this. Sandwiz posted perfect pictures of what I'd recommend. It's not just that a rubber valve stem may or may not, over time and miles, be able to take the additional weight at the tip of the stem. It's a real PIA to adjust a tire pressure if you have to remove and replace the sensor every time you want/need to add air to the tire.
New batteries in the sensors once a year and I'm good to go.
I don't like going against the grain, but sure, yeah, I've heard about these destroying rubber valve stems (on the internet) but I and a few others (locals) are running them on OEM stems without any issues at all.
I change my own tires and always inspect and replace the stems and they always look fine.
Your experience may be different (and I'd like to see a pic of a failed one), but fine here though after running them for over 50K miles.
When I had rubber valve stems I replaced them every two years. For me that was two-3 front tires, and 4-5 rear tires. I also change valve stems on my other vehicles every tire change. I have had issues in the past with a valve stem failure. If replaced frequently, then One probably will not have an issue. But some folks only change tires every 5-6 years.
I don't like going against the grain, but sure, yeah, I've heard about these destroying rubber valve stems (on the internet) but I and a few others (locals) are running them on OEM stems without any issues at all.
I change my own tires and always inspect and replace the stems and they always look fine.
Your experience may be different (and I'd like to see a pic of a failed one), but fine here though after running them for over 50K miles.
its not so much going against the grain as much as it is just bad advice.
Sounds like you take very good care of your bike and its condition in most every way possible but, many are not so on top of things, like the condition of the valve stem.
Ya. new and in very good condition I am sure the the rubber stem can handle the extra weight and force put upon it by that weight but, can you say that is true about a cracked and warn valve stem? I say he!! no.
THAT is the point, the Steel valve stem is not going to have that issue is it?
i,e. its not worth you life for less then $100 bucks!
I don't like going against the grain, but sure, yeah, I've heard about these destroying rubber valve stems (on the internet) but I and a few others (locals) are running them on OEM stems without any issues at all.
I change my own tires and always inspect and replace the stems and they always look fine.
Your experience may be different (and I'd like to see a pic of a failed one), but fine here though after running them for over 50K miles.
I do have experience with a rubber stem failure. On my 05 Ultra and Garmin TPMS. The Garmin set up was a bit larger than the FOBO caps AND the rear wheel on the 05 had a bigger angle and longer stem. I hit about 75 on a test ride, the centrifugal force was enough to move the rear stem and the cap smacked the brake caliper instantly ripping the stem in half. 40 lbs to 0lbs in about 8 seconds.
Fast forward to current 14 Ultra Limited and FOBO caps. Ran the stock rubber stem for a year before swapping to metal at the latest tire change. The 14 rubber stem is shorter and more centered on the rim so less susceptible to bending or hitting anything. Many leave the rubber stems on without issue but I had the metal that came with the FOBO kit so I figured why not use them. If I keep the bike I may switch to the T-valves as I had those on the 05 after the incident and it made filling the tire a breeze.
When I had rubber valve stems I replaced them every two years. For me that was two-3 front tires, and 4-5 rear tires. I also change valve stems on my other vehicles every tire change. I have had issues in the past with a valve stem failure. If replaced frequently, then One probably will not have an issue. But some folks only change tires every 5-6 years.
You're probably right. I'm changing front and backs yearly. Maybe that's why they always look new.
Originally Posted by Sandwiz
its not so much going against the grain as much as it is just bad advice.
Sounds like you take very good care of your bike and its condition in most every way possible but, many are not so on top of things, like the condition of the valve stem.
Ya. new and in very good condition I am sure the the rubber stem can handle the extra weight and force put upon it by that weight but, can you say that is true about a cracked and warn valve stem? I say he!! no.
THAT is the point, the Steel valve stem is not going to have that issue is it?
i,e. its not worth you life for less then $100 bucks!
I gave no advice. I gave real world experience. I have not had a failure yet. Can't tell you why. I don't recommend running old, cracked valve stems. There is some advice.
Also note, I have had metal stems leak before. The ones with two nuts and a couple cheap O-ring or flat gaskets sandwiched between. This is why I only run rubber. Guaranteed to seal at the rim - squishy!
Originally Posted by elPrez
I do have experience with a rubber stem failure. On my 05 Ultra and Garmin TPMS. The Garmin set up was a bit larger than the FOBO caps AND the rear wheel on the 05 had a bigger angle and longer stem. I hit about 75 on a test ride, the centrifugal force was enough to move the rear stem and the cap smacked the brake caliper instantly ripping the stem in half. 40 lbs to 0lbs in about 8 seconds.
Fast forward to current 14 Ultra Limited and FOBO caps. Ran the stock rubber stem for a year before swapping to metal at the latest tire change. The 14 rubber stem is shorter and more centered on the rim so less susceptible to bending or hitting anything. Many leave the rubber stems on without issue but I had the metal that came with the FOBO kit so I figured why not use them. If I keep the bike I may switch to the T-valves as I had those on the 05 after the incident and it made filling the tire a breeze.
Thanks! Great info. Yeah I'm running the short ones. I might be cheating a little as these have a chrome metal cover which I guess could add in the rigidity?
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