When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Yes, external (cap-style) TPMS sensors can damage standard rubber valve stems. While the sensors only weigh about 910 grams, the rapid rotation of the motorcycle wheel creates centrifugal force, which applies significant stress and causes the rubber stem to bend and wobble. [[url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/roadtreking/posts/3319336961558593/]1, 2, 3]
The combination of the sensor's added weight and centrifugal force places specific strain on different valve stem types:
1. Rubber Valve Stems
The Risk: Standard rubber snap-in stems are not designed to support extra weight. At highway speeds, the spinning force can multiply the sensor's weight by up to 10 to 15 times. This constant flexing and bending fatigues the rubber base, leading to cracks, rapid air loss, or even a sudden blowout.
The Fix: If you want to use cap-style TPMS sensors, you must replace your rubber valve stems with rigid metal stems
Cool story!
Nor sure what you are getting at here, but you can always just upgrade to the actual Harley TPMS system, and never worry about it again. Your Boom 6.5 will display the TPMS screen just fine.
I have 90 degree metal value stems. I just added the screw on TPMS. My 2017 doesn't have the built in feature. For $40, I can see psi and temp on mu phone. I can add to my other cars or bikes that don't have TPMS.
I tried a pair years a go and the rear tire cap actually cracked and the tire let go coming out of an round - A - bout,,,,yes the do flex. I believe mine hit the caliper housing over the length of the ride.
The T valve is the only way to go for the Valve top type,
have tried both single stem and the T valve, BELEIVE ME if you go with a valve top TPMS like the FOBO Bike 2 (which is what I have)
Then spend the extra and get the metal T Valves
FOBO Bike 2 T-Valve - 1pc (21P-TM-VAL0012/R1) (2ea)
AND Don't trust you life to the rubber valves stems to save a few bucks!
it's just not worth it.
Gee, read about them on here few months ago. Added them to the Tacoma 4X4. Just a round town vehicle for the summer mostly now. $30 dollars. Shows the pressure, temperature and alarm when they drop more than 3 lbs.
I don't drive on the interstate. So probably max is 45 -50 mph or so.
Interestingly, the Subie has then OEM but does give pressure or which tire.
The FIT has the latest direct reading type . It uses the speed sensors to warn you. No sensors or batteries in wheel. Didn't even realize it till I was replacing two wheels that were damaged.
Not sure how that works all that well. It has a calibration mode. Guess you use that just in case the rear to front are different. You really don't want two different tires on the front drive wheels.
Costco tires on vehicles. There safety consistent. Going to ask there thoughts on the Toyota. Now that's for 50mph...not 80.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; May 27, 2026 at 06:18 AM.
I've considered them but with experience from adding just short stem extenders on a truck I had before, I don't think it's a good idea. I did add 90 degree stems recently along with a mark on the rotor as to where they are, making it easier to find. Just a small sharpie mark that will wipe off easy, nothing permanent. A while lot easier to find then the stem.
Internal sensors are cool at least until its time to change the battery in them and or replace them because it went bad. now you have to unmount the tire from the wheel
With the external that is not an issue.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
External TPMS Amazon systems
