Tire Monitoring Systems
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,802
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, UT. Dushore, Pa.
TPMS was mandated on all vehicles under 10k gross vehicle weight manufactured after 09,2007 mainly as a result of the deaths attributed to Ford Explorer blowout due to underinflating tires. Many millions of folks are able to check their tire pressure but this caused the gov. to mandate it for the rest. I recently bought a F250 which had the rims changed to 20" and the tire monitor warning is constantly on. I thought it was because of the BFG tires having a max of 65 psi vs. monitor requiring 75 psi. I bought new tires that max out at 80 psi. but now find out I need $550 for bands and sensors to make the thing work. I for one want to check my own tires. So my point is with added cost and different wheels and tires I think it's a headache.
On MC's I've had two blow outs, once I went down and on I-75 in Mi and a van dodged between me, my girlfriend and the bike an know we were lucky but I doubt a TPMS could have prevented it, besides it was in the 70's when we could tune our own bike.
On MC's I've had two blow outs, once I went down and on I-75 in Mi and a van dodged between me, my girlfriend and the bike an know we were lucky but I doubt a TPMS could have prevented it, besides it was in the 70's when we could tune our own bike.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
...i dont have to remove my stretched bags to check my rear tire pressure. my point is that id rather harley fix major issues like cranks, shitty mechanics, etc. than worry about yet another electronic creature comfort that will fail and people will get on this forum and bitch about.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,514
Likes: 1,992
From: Vancouver BC
ALL tire gauges suck! I have yet to find an accurate one, digital or otherwise. Yes they all claim 0.01% accuracy, but accurate to what? There is no standards that tire gauge manufacturers have to meet. It's not like there's a NIST standard that's mandated before you can bring one into the market place. A wireless TPM is just that, it's a monitor, not an accurate indication of tire pressure. Like it was stated before, their only use is to check to see if you're losing air over time. If anyone out there knows of a truly accurate and reasonably priced gauge, I'd like to buy one.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 16,125
Likes: 24
From: Linden New Jersey
ALL tire gauges suck! I have yet to find an accurate one, digital or otherwise. Yes they all claim 0.01% accuracy, but accurate to what? There is no standards that tire gauge manufacturers have to meet. It's not like there's a NIST standard that's mandated before you can bring one into the market place. A wireless TPM is just that, it's a monitor, not an accurate indication of tire pressure. Like it was stated before, their only use is to check to see if you're losing air over time. If anyone out there knows of a truly accurate and reasonably priced gauge, I'd like to buy one.
Unless you think $90-$100 is reasonable.
I have a VERY accurate tire gauge that I use for my slicks when racing my truck.
If you think that $100 isn't bad, then check out any of the online racing parts suppliers
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 33
From: TEXAS
My experience with TPM on several recent cars and trucks is that they are notoriously inaccurate.
The tire pressures can be incorrect by several pounds, which really doesn't help. I am trying to figure out how to disable the ones I have. Checking the tire pressure on the rear of my Ultra is a pain, but checking and finding out it was okay and TPM was wrong is even a bigger pain.
As someone said, they were mandated on cars and trucks, and like any other government mandate, it isn't working like it was supposed to.
The tire pressures can be incorrect by several pounds, which really doesn't help. I am trying to figure out how to disable the ones I have. Checking the tire pressure on the rear of my Ultra is a pain, but checking and finding out it was okay and TPM was wrong is even a bigger pain.
As someone said, they were mandated on cars and trucks, and like any other government mandate, it isn't working like it was supposed to.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
A tyre gauge doesn't have to be particularly accurate. +/- 1/2 psi is quite close enough - you'll lose that using it! Pressures will also change with atmospheric conditions, so we should only be concerned with significant variations.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,807
Likes: 29,747
From: PNW
Nice feature but it sucks when you switch over to snow tires/rims with no sensor. That damn light just keeps blinking at you. 
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,802
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, UT. Dushore, Pa.
TPMS systems on vehicles allow a certain % (as much as 20%) vairiance but still are a pain. It is unlawful for any dealer to disconnect the system on a vehicle. Most vehicles will allow the dealer to recalibrate the system if wheels are changed but you have to transfer or buy new wheel sensors. On a MC that % variance would have to be closer else it could effect handling. I can usually feel if my tires are a little low but I always try to check them at least ever couple weeks. I found this guage which really helps.
http://www.getagauge.com/Tire-Gauges...age-EZ-Air.cfm
http://www.getagauge.com/Tire-Gauges...age-EZ-Air.cfm
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
I agree with the OP, they should be on the newer HD's.
All my vehicles have them except the bike, and I have been debating going aftermarket for a set. Sure, you can go a little OCD on temp change/psi changes - but they can inform you of a problem before it becomes a big deal.
On my way back from the beach a while back, my TPMS showed a low pressure alarm on the left rear at 27 lbs, I found a shaded parking lot to pull into, found-plugged-inflated and back on the road in five minutes no problem. No damage done, minimum hassel, all good.
It's one of those things that you grow to appreciate after a while, not to mention a handy reminder that saves on tire wear and fuel milage, along with piece of mind.
Yes, our bikes need 'em...
All my vehicles have them except the bike, and I have been debating going aftermarket for a set. Sure, you can go a little OCD on temp change/psi changes - but they can inform you of a problem before it becomes a big deal.
On my way back from the beach a while back, my TPMS showed a low pressure alarm on the left rear at 27 lbs, I found a shaded parking lot to pull into, found-plugged-inflated and back on the road in five minutes no problem. No damage done, minimum hassel, all good.
It's one of those things that you grow to appreciate after a while, not to mention a handy reminder that saves on tire wear and fuel milage, along with piece of mind.
Yes, our bikes need 'em...