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This being such a long post I’ll post the key information first.
The FOBO system has many positive reviews and seems to be the TPMS of choice for motorcycles.
From my initial review it looks to do what it supposed to do.
Now onto more information for those who care.
Since having a tire slowly go down last year riding across South Dakota I’ve been considering adding a TPMS to my bikes (Heritage and Freewheeler).
We are heading out next week for a 7 day vacation where-as we are trailering the Freewheeler so I figured this is a good time to add a TPMS to the Freewheeler and move 2 of the sensors from the Freewheeler to the trailer tires since we always trailer the Freewheeler.
I read many reviews on different TPMS systems and when it comes to motorcycles the brand FOBO kept coming up so I figured that even though more expensive than most that’s probably the way to go. The cost is about $50 per sensor so for a bike- $100 and a trike- $150.
The one concern I have is FOBO is App based only so if FOBO goes out of business or stops supporting their app then the system may be unusable. However nowadays App based programs are the norm and FOBO appears to be popular so I think it will be fine.
The system is rather simple as is the install.
Simply following the instructions prompted on the app.
I did test each sensor by removing it to see if it alarms and it does pretty quickly. You get an audible alarm as well as an on screen alarm.
Also, I have a known accurate tire gauge and the FOBO readings are exactly the same so the sensors appear to be accurate.
When I’m trailering the Freewheeler or when rarely the Heritage all I have to do to monitor the trailer tires is move two of the sensors from the Freewheeler or Heritage to the trailer and update the required tire pressures so I’ll get the multi-use bike/trailer function to add to the system’s uses.
One other thing to mention is battery drain on the phone is somewhat a concern. In order for the app to send a live alarm the app has to be running so while riding you going to have to allow the app to run in the background which will likely cause some battery drain; how much we’ll have to see.
While riding any length of time I generally have the phone charging so battery drain shouldn’t be an issue.
However I think if I’m parked for any long amount of time I’ll simple turn the app off.
Anyway in short; if you want to be able to check your tire pressure without getting on your hands and knees and/or want the safety to be able to know if a tire is going down I think if you don’t have a built in TPMS the FOBO system is a good way to go.
BTW- The system comes with lockdown nuts with a key to prevent theft however I didn’t install them as I’m more concerned with needing to add air and not having the key than I am the sensors getting stolen. Also the sensors are married to the primary phone unless they are “divorced” from the app on the phone so if somebody does steal them they won’t be able to use them which is somewhat satisfying.
The kit also comes with metal valve stems however the instructions don’t say they have to be used and I’ve read many reviews where-as people have had the sensors installed on rubber stems for some time without issue.
If all goes well on my upcoming trip with the Freewheeler I’ll be ordering 2 more sensors for my Heritage.
Last edited by Bluraven; Aug 30, 2022 at 06:14 PM.
short term, you may be okay with rubber stems. but i would change those as soon as you could. would suck to have your tpms be the cause of you having a tire go down.
Everything that I had read said that rubber stems were at your own risk. And that the metal stems were highly recommended. Did that change?
No, metal valve stems are still a recommendation but it’s not a requirement.
The new sensors only weigh 7g.
The HD valve cap I’ve had on for going on 4 years weighs 5g.
I’m not worried about a 2g difference.
However when I do end up replacing the tires I will install metal valve stems as it wouldn’t make sense not too.
Last edited by Bluraven; Aug 30, 2022 at 10:18 PM.
I have been using FOBO TPMS for 5 years or so now. The system has been great.
No issues with using them on rubber valve stems at all. They do provide metal valve stems in the box, but I have never seen the need to fit them.
I change out the batteries in the tyre sensors every year (and do my key fobs at the same time), but after a full riding season, the batteries have always been fine. I suspect they would last 2 years before needing replacement.
Anyway - I highly recommend the system. It is super easy to glance at your phone before you get on the bike and see an accurate tyre pressure readout. Excellent for peace of mind.
One other thing that is interesting is that if you have air suspension, you can use a FOBO sensor on that as well. Pretty useful!
The Fobo has been a blessing as my knees are getting bad. I also weighted the caps and am not the least bit concerned about the stems as I'm positive is just a liability precaution. Gone thru 2 sets of tires so far without any issues. Many happy friends use them as well no complaints.
The earlier models had issues with "welding" themselves to the stem, not sure if they solved that issue which I believe was mostly with the rubber stems, those I know who have used them put a little never cease on the threads. one other big complaint was slowly leaking air as these work by pushing on the valve and reading the pressure through release which is constant. most I know who have used them had great results for the short term but ended up taking them off permanently due to slow leak, battery issue, false readings and the welding or Gaulding to the valve stem? not sure how they are with rain?
I figure their like every thing else some good some bad, hopefully they have fixed the past issues?????
You could just buy an extra pair of sensors, and leave them on your trailer... set it up as another "bike" in your app's profile, like you will do when you add them to your Heritage... then no more switching them out.
I used them for a while... but last year replaced the BCM in my 2016 RGU to put in HD's TPMS system (could do the same to your Freewheeler, same OEM BCM & replacement BCM)... but the FOBO's worked fine, with the app, and battery drop on the phone wasn't excessive.
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Fobo tpms
