Accessing valve stems on '04 fjr?

[gbasky]

Am hoping other owners can offer some tips or suggestions here.

I don't have particularly large hands but I have a helluva time getting tire gauge in to measure pressure and/or air hose to top up pressure -- particularly the ones with angled heads that seem to be popping up at all gas stations.

As relatively new rider (3 yrs) i'm pretty anal about wanting to check pressure every ride.

But having to squeeze hands in past those big disc brakes is a real challenge.

Any and all suggestions/tips on how the rest of you manage this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Greg Basky

Saskatoon SK CANADA

 

[SLK50]

Although I've never been bothered enough by it to change them

I'm sure everyone else will tell you the answer to your problem

is 90 degree angled velve stems.

Install them at your next tire change.

I believe Bikeeffects has some of the best ones.

 

[Bugnatr]

+ 1 Bikeeffects.com get the 90 degree angle valve stems. Problem solved and no more dirty hands from the brake dics

 

[TomInPA]

Bike Effects sells the Bridgeport Ariete 83 degree valve stems. They do make life nice. The Yamaha and most Japanese bikes take the 11.3 mm size. Really makes things a lot easier.

 

[mcatrophy]

I have straight stems, average hands, and a right-angled digital gauge. I get dirty with brake-dust, but otherwise no problem.
(Click on image for larger view)
The gauge:


Access to the valves - front: right hand holds the gauge in position, left forefinger pushes gauge square onto stem.


Rear: Same use of hands.


[edit] My tyre pump has a right-angled connector that goes over the stems without difficulty.[/edit]

 

[radiummadman]

go with the 83 deg angled units. Kurvy Girl also has some nice units life is much better and easier with a Kurvy Girl.

 

[DennisJ]

Right angle valve stems. I'm sure Yamaha has a reason for not making these standard items but I can't figure out what it would be. I installed the right angle stems at the first tire change, not many miles on the OEM BT-023 tires the bike was delivered with. Another decision by Yamaha that I don't understand. Deliver a great bike with mediocre at best tires.

 

[Spud]

I use a gauge like this--it helps getting in there. Relief valve helps too, I over-inflate with a bike pump then air it down with the button.

 

[Bike Effects]

Lets make it easy.

https://www.bikeeffects.com/proddetail.asp?prod=119701

 

[BullCBX]

I've had the units Jeff from Bike Effects linked to above for years and never had any issues. Well over 70k miles and still going strong. Only issue was during install, needed a very thin walled socket to get the to torque set correctly. Had to grind down my 14mm socket at the throat, but it still works fine.

 

[bluesdog]

As relatively new rider (3 yrs) i'm pretty anal about wanting to check pressure every ride.

I'm not, by any stretch, a 'new' rider, and I check air pressure before each ride. I've learned that even a couple PSI can make a significant difference, and tread wears rapidly at low inflation pressure.

I have the angled valve stems on my feej, BTW.