Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Giovanni Lamonica, Aralsk, Kazakhstan.

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Giovanni Lamonica,
Aralsk, Kazakhstan.



Like Tree5Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 30 Mar 2021
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,126
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wheelie View Post
My main concern with going for a valve cap system is wether or not it increases the risk of a leak at the valve or not. How does this work?
I think there are several possible risk factors for valve stem leaks, but I also think that these risks can be mitigated if a little bit of care is taken when the TPMS caps are installed.

1) Metal Valve Stems - as I noted above, one manufacturer (Garmin) recommends that their sensors only be fitted onto metal valve stems. This makes sense, because metal stems are not subject to the same fore-and-aft flexing during acceleration/deceleration (caused by the leverage arising from the weight of the sensor cap on the end of the stem) that rubber stems are subject to.

If you buy good quality metal valve stems from a reputable manufacturer (in other words, not Chinese products off of the internet), and you fit them carefully (cleaning the rim surface on both sides before installing them), you won't have to worry about valve stems for a long time... no need to replace the metal ones every tire change.

2) Make Sure the Schrader Valve is Snug - the Schrader valve screws into the inside of the valve stem. A special tool is needed to snug it up... those of us who are 'of advanced age' remember when metal valve caps on our bicycles had this tool built into the outboard end of the valve cap. Make sure the Schrader valve is snug inside the valve stem - you only have to do this once, when you install the valve stem on the wheel.

3) Buy Good Quality Sensors from a Trustworthy Manufacturer - For example, I consider Garmin to be a 'trustworthy manufacturer' of 'good quality' products. I'm sure there are other equally good manufacturers of valve-cap TPMS sensors. Stay away from no-name Red Chinese products, and be especially aware of the risk of counterfeits.

4) Install the Sensor Snugly, then Leave it Alone - Once you have installed the sensor on the end of the valve stem, refrain from removing it unless you need to add air to the tire. Hopefully you should not need to add air except once each spring and fall - in the fall because of the outside air temperature drop, and in the spring to make up for miniscule leakage during the winter storage period. Don't remove the sensor to check the pressure manually once you have confirmed that the sensor is operating accurately during the first week of use. The tiny O-Ring or rubber sealing surface inside the sensor that mates with the end of the valve stem is a potential source of leakage if it is worn or deformed from multiple compression events.

Michael
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 30 Mar 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 124
Quote:
Originally Posted by PanEuropean View Post

3) Buy Good Quality Sensors from a Trustworthy Manufacturer - For example, I consider Garmin to be a 'trustworthy manufacturer' of 'good quality' products. I'm sure there are other equally good manufacturers of valve-cap TPMS sensors. Stay away from no-name Red Chinese products, and be especially aware of the risk of counterfeits.

Michael
I think Garmin is a reseller of the sensor. If you take look a look up at the fcc data base of Garmin products, you`ll find out that Garmin worked with serveral manufacturers in Thailand, Taiwan, Korea and China who all offer wireless tpms products.

I did some technical research these days about wireless tpms connections. I have hacked other wireless devices in the past to adapt them to my needs. I sniffed the data traffic to get information for reprogramming. Did this with an arduino and open source anaylzing software.

This principle is commercialized in the automotive aftermarket and it is called Universal TPMS Sensors. These sensors can be relearned to any car on the market now. Because TPMS isn`t mandatory yet on motorcycles manufacturers just bind serial sensors into their bordcomputer systems. New safety argument and new turnover incl. a new cause of defect(see last sentence of comment!). Garmin acts similar, they offer sensors who send a code to the navi which imho is more market feature to secure a constant retailing price than a security one.

Fun with hacking TPMS devices?
"Some cars don`t let you start the engine when a tire sensor reports a flat today.

So if my neighbor makes angry by starting his loud barking harley (or fat adv bike) early in the morning, I could place my battery powered arduino near to his bike to simulate a flat through cloned data traffic. "
__________________
Difficult Roads Always Lead To Beautiful Destinations
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 30 Mar 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 875
If you're mainly worried about getting a potential blow-out in a tubed tyre, a TPMS isn't going to help you - other than ping you the second the punctured tube rapidly deflates, which you'll already be in the middle of trying to deal with... while a slower deflation you'll soon feel through the bars/saddle anyway.

The main reason for TPMS is to see if there is a gradual leak in one vs. any of your other tyres, so that you don't continue on a under-inflated tyre and potentially overheat it.

Jx
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 29 May 2021
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2021
Location: NL
Posts: 13
My 5 year experience with aftermarket TPMS has been such that I consider it essential equipment, it's one of the first farkles I put on my bikes.
I accidentally* bought a 20 buck (including shipping) set from China 5 years ago. When it arrived I was cleaning the bike so I installed it right away. The sensors are those little things that screw over the Schrader valve, the display is about 4 x 4 x 2 cm. First thing I noticed was that my pressure seemed good. And, oh, it has temperature sensing.
'What sort of BS is that?' I thought.
I took a ride, about 50 km, and had forgotten about the display. When I stopped I saw that my tire pressure had increased from 39 to 43 psi in the rear and temperature had gone from about 20° to over 40°C. Front went from 36 to 39 psi and 20° to 35°C.
'That cannot be right.' I thought.
Now I know this to be true and expect these changes when I ride. I used to be one of those people who had to have calibrated tire gauges. Now I know that the pressure differs so much with temperature changes that those gauges only show small part of the whole picture. I haven't even seen my old gauges in years. If I need to measure other tires I just unscrew one of the sensors from my bike, screw it on the valve on the other tire, and check the display on my bike.
Now there is no need to get the calibrated gauge from the protective pouch, unscrew the dirty caps, measure the pressure, put the caps back on, pray that I didn't get dirt into the Schrader valves (that would cause them to leak) and put the gauge back into it's vault, before it is safe to ride. I just check the display, if the pressure is good I ride. The display has alarm, pretty loud, it has gone off as I was replacing my tires.

This system has not been without issues. The display somehow got water inside. And when I opened it to dry it a wire came loose. I soldered the wire back on and put the display where it does not get wet. No problems since then. Every 3-4 months the display shows battery low. Then I take it inside and charge for couple of hours with a USB cable.
The batteries in the sensor went flat after 3 years. Now I replace the batteries in the sensors when I replace the tires.
The display shows the pressure as it was when the bike stopped. It has updated to current pressure and temperature by the time I've rolled the bike to the street.
Issues I have not had is air leaking out of the tires, valves spontaneously combusting from the loads (I didn't even get vibrations from the tires being unbalanced), or expenses from blown tires.
The only expense apart from the system is few button cells.

Unfortunately my TPMS is not made anymore. But China has lot of alternatives, that look near identical, and are even advertised as waterproof.
The latest I've seen is Bluetooth sensors. Same functions but can be paired to your phone for displaying and alarms, which has its own pluses and minuses.

* Don't browse the Internet after few . That can lead to what some call a Dutch bargain, others call it wet bargain.

Last edited by HM Magnusson; 11 Jun 2021 at 08:03.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Can I use snow chains on studded winter tyres? eurasiaoverland Light Overland Vehicle Tech 4 5 Jun 2017 12:46
Where to buy 4x4 tyres in Russia eurasiaoverland Northern and Central Asia 2 18 Aug 2016 11:43
Why are there not more bikes with tubeless tyres for worry-free adventure touring? Tim Cullis Tech 65 3 Jul 2016 21:52
Turkey to Magadan (two set of tyres) MrHicks46 Route Planning 3 26 Jul 2015 00:03
Winter tyres, snow (M&S) tyres, all season tyres Walkabout Equipping the Overland Vehicle 12 4 Mar 2013 17:50

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:31.