Checking Tire Pressure
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Michigan in Summer & So. California Winters
Checking Tire Pressure
Okay, there has got to be an easier way. I know that you should check your tire pressure often, some say before every ride. I don't check it as often as I should because it is a pain. I have a 2012 Electra Glide Classic, stock wheels, and it is such a pain to check the tire pressure, getting the tire gauge exactly right on the valve to get a good reading. Anyone got a good suggestion how to make this easier? Extensions? Special kind of tire gauge?
Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola, Fl.
I feel your pain. I have a 2011 Ultra. Push the valve stem to the side somewhat so u can get a gauge on it. Be sure to check often. My rear tire is ok, stays at 40 lbs., but my front tire I have to add quite often. A few weeks ago it had dropped to 28 lbs., thus I had a severe wobble on the interstate. Check them often is my best advice. Don't be lazy about this. HD did a **** poor job regarding valve stems. My friend has a Yamaha that has a 90 degree stem, real easy. Be safe.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 903
Likes: 8
From: California
This is a common question many have answered and complained about. You will have to replace your current set up with valve stems that make life a lot easier. I replaced mine with 90 degree stems. Checking tire pressure is a snap now. I have tried numerous methods of tire gauges but none solved the problem, at least not for me. Here is a picture of my set up (black 90 degrees). There are a lot of other stems that will work as well. Google 90 degree valve stems and you will find many other applications that will solve your problem. I don't know what Harley was thinking when they designed the wheel but putting in air is a real pain in the rump until you make some sort of change. Good luck!
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 4
From: Alabama
Harley makes a 90 degree tire gauge with a braided hose that works great. Its available in dial or digital display. I went with the dial type.
It holds the pressure reading so you don't have to be looking at it when pressing onto the valve stem.
When I had my stock 28 spoke wheels it was the best solution I could find.
It holds the pressure reading so you don't have to be looking at it when pressing onto the valve stem.
When I had my stock 28 spoke wheels it was the best solution I could find.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,948
Likes: 54
From: The Burgh
Okay, there has got to be an easier way. I know that you should check your tire pressure often, some say before every ride. I don't check it as often as I should because it is a pain. I have a 2012 Electra Glide Classic, stock wheels, and it is such a pain to check the tire pressure, getting the tire gauge exactly right on the valve to get a good reading. Anyone got a good suggestion how to make this easier? Extensions? Special kind of tire gauge?
http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/tire_valves/index.htm
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 80
From: currently an Okie
Pressure guage
I use the shock pump guage. It works pretty well.
Woudn't want to try to pump it up if it was low, but to check the pressure it works.
Woudn't want to try to pump it up if it was low, but to check the pressure it works.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: New Braunfels, Texas
Thought this was pretty trick for the money...
http://www.bikebandit.com/bikemaster....mc_id=2783076
http://www.bikebandit.com/bikemaster....mc_id=2783076
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 80
From: currently an Okie
Trick
Thought this was pretty trick for the money...
http://www.bikebandit.com/bikemaster....mc_id=2783076
http://www.bikebandit.com/bikemaster....mc_id=2783076
It also means the cap has to be pressing in the schrader valve on the stem. I'd worry about relying on the cap to contain the pressure. Especially at the price they are asking.