valve stem lesson

[spanner]

well about a month ago ( i had wiped this horrible experience from my memory) I had an experience with valve stem extensions.

I have had trouble trying to get the air gun from the servo onto the valve to keep the air up.   

On my old bike I had no problems with the 90 deg angle extension ...... not so on the STeed!

Driving along the Bruce on the Sunny coast I had a feeling the handeling was not quite right so I pulled over and noted that I had a F*&king flat front tyre.   

I had been doing a 'little' over the speed limit of 110kph so was a little gratefull that I had the foresight to stop at the slightest mishandeling.     

After seeing I was (thank God/Allah/Budda/Tree God/ess or the patron saint of ST riders) only 100 meters from the servo at Ettamoga pub.   i moved it with much grunting and groaning 

Down I went to the air compressor so I could put in enough air to move to a safer location ( near the pub) to wait for the wife to come and rescue me.

I noted that the tyre was staying inflated .... WTF???? ...... so I then decided to see if I could put the correct preasure and when I pushed on the valve air suddenly startded whooshing out of the valve base along the rim! 

HUH????


I then came to the conclusion that the weight of the attachment was bending the rubber valve stem due to the centrifical forces of a slightly faster than recomended speed and this was allowing the air to escape from the base.

Filled it up to correct preasure and off I went back to Forrest Glen for an experiement. No loss in preasure when I took the attachments off.

I now no longer leave the valve attachments on the bike and just keep one in my pie warmer for that possability of a need at an 'old fashion' servo.

Lesson learned but one I wish I had seen or read about elsewhere before that day.

What do other STeed riders use to help with the servo tyre inflation problems?

[Kev Murphy]

I carry my own air compressor (and repair kit if needed)... it plugs into auxilliary ciggy lighter socket on the handlebars, so I have no need for a servo to top up tires

[spanner]

Just found this post on the SToc site.

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?117842-90-Degree-Angled-Valve-Stems-Black-Red-Blue-Gold-and-Silver

Seems a very good idea and 90% of people a really happy with them.

Anyone else have any other ideas.

[spanner]

I carry my own air compressor

How much was the compressor?

Where did you get it from?

[Wild Rose]

Spanner
Having had a flat tyre at Lightning Ridge and stuffing a good tyre, luckily I carry a portable electric air pump, I managed to make it home to get a new tyre, When I recently put on Michelin PR4 I fitted the above and very happy with them
Because of supplies of PR4 in Aus at the time I got them from Jake Wilson in USA and the valve stem's were only $2 each
But are available in Oz for $18 for 2 with free postage so that's only $9 each a good investment 
  http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/90-degree-CHROME-VALVE-STEMS-Honda-Suzuki-Yamaha-Kawasaki-Ducati-Triumph-Rim-/170767995834?pt=AU_Motorcycle_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27c290d3ba

[Lionel]

I also use a right-angled tyre valve stem which is bolted to the rim. They cost about $10 at motorcycle shops.

My air compressor is undergoing a long-term water proofing test.



You can view this test in the ditch at the side of the Pacific Highway between the green sign and the yellow/black intersection sign.



Don't ask me why I picked that spot.

[Kev Murphy]

Air compressor was purchased from a disposal store, similar to $2 shop/ Cheap as Chips/ Sams Warehouse etc... from memory, it was around $30-$35
Had it for around 3 years, only needed it twice for low tyre pressure on trips, and weekly tyre pressure test when at home.

[alans1100]

I carry my own air compressor (and repair kit if needed)... it plugs into auxilliary ciggy lighter socket on the handlebars, so I have no need for a servo to top up tires

Same as Kevin...... plus I have a one of those right angled valve extensions (kept with pressure gauge) should I need to use a servo.

[Wild Rose]

I use a Slime portable tyre inflator that I purchased from REPCO not sure how much but they are on e-bay for about $60
They are a bit slow but good in emergency's. I have since bought a bigger one that I can use also use on the car
 
 

[Aussieboy]

I use 90 degree valves from US site and recommend them. Bought a cycle pump from the US and first trip after buying it had to use it. A bit expensive, but it inflates the tyres quickly, in fact has sufficient grunt to inflate car tyres. Learnt when four wheel drving on many occasions the value of a quality compressor.

[spanner]

Aussieboy .... I saw your comments on the STOC page.

Are they the same ones you use now?

[Aussieboy]

Aussieboy .... I saw your comments on the STOC page.

Are they the same ones you use now?

Yes we got the issues resolved. I was just going to give it up due to the small number of dollars, but the vendor contacted me and express posted a set (which cost him more than I paid for the valves) to ensure my satisfaction. It appears our problems related to issues he was having with his email. I posted on STOC that our issues had been resolved and I was happy to recommend the vendor. I am really impressed with the quality of the product and they are giving good service. I always believe in criticising poor service / products and equally praising good / products.

[Grumpy]

I have straight valve stems and carry a short air hose with a straight valve on one end and a clip on air fitting. I use this with the air gauge and to fill. I also carry a small 12V compressor for just in case.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Brock]

The angle extensions were never meant to be left on the valve, but screwed on before use and removed after

[saaz]

I have had the rubber valve fail even when not using extensions. It pays to replace them every tyre or, which obviously the tyre place I used did not. I now use the metal right angle ones

[atoyot]

What Brock said. Just get 90deg valves on next set of tyres. I forget the name of the compressor that I use, but this one is about the best you can get for the size and money. I believe that it is the same as some of the name brands with all the covers removed, including the one I have. It works well.

http://www.rockycreekdesigns.com/all-products/1-helmetlok/95-motopressor-tyre-pump

Use your gloves when you use it as it will get extra hot during use.

[Piet]

I have purchased the right angle valve stems, just have not fitted them yet.  ebay was my friend on that little order.

[spanner]

 I always believe in criticising poor service / products and equally praising good / products.

yes it is just as important to let the vendor know they are doing a good job as well as when they are not doing such a good job.

[Aussieboy]

 I always believe in criticising poor service / products and equally praising good / products.

yes it is just as important to let the vendor know they are doing a good job as well as when they are not doing such a good job.
I agree 100%.

[Skip]

90' valve stems fitted to the rim about 5 years ago. About $10 each when I had a new set of tyres fitted by the local STealership. Not sure why you all don't have them.    Just sayin'

[tj189]

The angle extensions were never meant to be left on the valve, but screwed on before use and removed after

Agree with Brock here.  The same may be said for those of you who put the external tire pressure monitors onto rubber valves, it is probably worthwhile using steel valves for that as well.

[Shiney]

I use the same type as the ones linked above.



I purchased them from the local bike shop and they are awesome

[spanner]

The angle extensions were never meant to be left on the valve, but screwed on before use and removed after

Yes I know that .... NOW..... I even ask the store I bought them off is it ok to leave on and he said YES!!!

I have subsequently written a very firmly worded letter to him and the owner for putting my life at risk.

I am after something that does not need further farting around with putting on and taking off.

I think I will get some of the aluminium right angle ones.

[Old Steve]

I got a single right angle extension as a freebie give away with a motorbike magazine about 18 months ago, and thinking they shouldn't be left on all the time I only use it when checking and inflating tires before a ride.  putting it on and taking it off isn't too much trouble.  I carry a foot pump in one of my panniers, with one of those linear tire gauges and a repair kit.

[spanner]

But oldsteve ..... i am seriously lazy when iy comes to fiddling about in my boxes looking for bits and bobs for what essenti5should be a 30 second job. 

I am seriously thinking of a pump for home .... foot, mini compressor, heavy duty kick arse bike pump ...... just as long as it is easy to connect .