Tire Valve leaks....for the 2nd time!

[Herman]

Have any of you had problems with your tire valves developing a leak?  Mine did for the second time.  At least this time I was 4 miles from home when the tire went flat and was able to inflate it, drive 2 miles, re-inflate, then got home.  Last time it cost me $175 to get towed home.  All I have to say is if any one is in the Mesa, Arizona area, don't go to Logan's Valley Motorcycle !!!  This is the 2nd valve from them that has leaked.

One thing you should do is purchase a Slime Power Sport Tire Inflater!!! http://www.slime.com/product_111_Power_Sport_Tire_Inflator_(40001).html for the cost, you can't go wrong!!!!  It's a little slow, but it beats a tow home.  I got mine for $29.99 at Sportsmans Warehouse.  They also have it at that price at Cabelas and Bass Pro Shop.  Cycle gear wants 34.99.

[Magnum Magna]

Some have experienced problems with the 90 degree valve stem leaking.
I was just talking about the Slime liquid sealer.  Does it also balance the tire?

In my fork bag I keep a plug repair kit with compressed air in a little container that looks like it could go to an air gun.

[Herman]

Yea, Mine is a 90 degree stem.  I think I might go back to a regular.  I'm not sure if the slime sealer balances also.  I didn't use the sealer, just the compressor.  I've heard (haven't experienced) that service shops don't want to touch a tire after a sealant has been put into the tire.  I keep a plug kit on my bike with the compressor....although the plugs don't do much good when the leak is from the stem.  Maybe some rubber cement would work...

I was looking at the CO2 inflaters, but I saw most reviews on them for bicycle tires.  I couldn't find anywhere saying how much CO2 it would take to fill at motorcycle tire.  Although if I could find an attachment to fit on to a paintball gun CO2 tank to fill a tire, but then I'd have to carry around that big tank.

[Magnum Magna]

I was given a 90 degree attachment to use with the regular stem.
For my size tires (170-80-15) they recommend 4 canisters for full inflation.  I have 3 in my bag that should be enough to get me to a gas station.  Tire places hate fix-a-flat but slime does not work the same way. 

[Magnum Magna]

To answer my own question can you use Slime to balance a tire. Not recommenced.

"Can SLiME be added to balance a tire?

There are tire balancing agents on the market that are formulated much like SLiME; however, we do not recommend using our product for this purpose as the cause of the balance problem should be addressed first and adding rotating mass could, ultimately, do more harm than good."

[Herman]

Score one for the dealership!

I took my tire in to get a new stem valve.  Total cost - $1.61

When I went in I had to go over to the parts counter, purchase the stem valve and bring the valve over to the service area with my tire.  A few hours later I called to see if it was done, it was.  So I went to pick it up  When I asked the guy how much he said don't worry about it, you're all set.    I honestly was caught off guard and almost had to pick my jaw off the floor.  I was expecting $25 - 30$.  I will surely go back to them again!  So, if you're ever in the Mesa, Arizona area, Champion Honda is the place to go.

I can honestly say I spent more in gas to go the 28 miles (back and forth twice, drop off and pick up) than it cost me to get a new stem put in....actually probably cost me almost twice as much in gas!!

[Magnum Magna]

Some still deserve the stealer-ship title but I have been for the most part happy with the one by me.  I think there is more motorcycle shops giving them competition.  The will even try to compete with Internet pricing for accessaries.   

[Curtis_Valk]

Never use Slime tire sealer.  It is not friendly to aluminum and will eventually ruin your rims (corrode the bead sealing surface making it leak at the whee/tire interface).  If you want a liquid tire sealer "Ride On" is the one to use.  I have no personal experience with either, but everyone in the iron butt community swears by Ride On.

Curtis

[Sledge Hammer]

Have any of you had problems with your tire valves developing a leak?  Mine did for the second time.  At least this time I was 4 miles from home when the tire went flat and was able to inflate it, drive 2 miles, re-inflate, then got home.  Last time it cost me $175 to get towed home.  All I have to say is if any one is in the Mesa, Arizona area, don't go to Logan's Valley Motorcycle !!!  This is the 2nd valve from them that has leaked.

From what I read in various forums a couple of years back, many riders were warning about using 90° valve stems. They complained about leaks and a couple even had catastrophic experiences when the valve stems failed completely.

Of course, you still have to put air in the tires, and our little pals in Nippon obviously didn't make that as easy as it should have been. ("Clearance? We don't need no stinkin' clearance!") I have straight valve stems on mine, but I found a very good 90° adapter from Calmoto at http://www.calmoto.com/SHOP/71111239258.html

[Magnum Magna]

I have straight valve stems on mine, but I found a very good 90° adapter from Calmoto

That is what my adapter looks like.