Why you should check your tires EVERY time you ride

[DennisJ]

Right angle valve stems make checking tire pressures a lot easier. Still requires a little bit of work but much easier, especially on the front wheel.

 

[gainsi]

Having experienced a rear tire rapid deflation whilst riding, I totally agree with wheatonFJR - you're checking them to make sure that the pressures are in the ball park of where they were on the last ride, & if they have changed, alarm bells should be sounding !

In a nutshell, we all have two very small rubber contact patches keeping 250kg of bike & an ageing bag of blood & bone off the tarmac / pavement. Get a reliable pocket tester, that fits easily on the FJR's valve stems, & use it often. I personally adjust for slight pressure loses with a Michelin foot pump. Having your own gauge means that when you have worked out what works for you, you can come back to that standard ride after ride.

 

[BikerGeek99]

You should also never ever pay someone to do an oil change on the FJR for you.
It's stupid easy.

Even I can do it. Really.

Werd.

Hell - even I can change my own oil without screwing it up. Most of the time.

You're not that far away - I'd be willing to meet up with ya to walk ya through it the first time.

Right angle valve stems make checking tire pressures a lot easier.

Gunny! I bought a set several years ago from BikeEffects and forum member tstaff was kind enough to install 'em for me when he did a tire change for me.

 

[huron52]

Andy and Mark..... Guys, I sure love your hunour!

 

[BikerGeek99]

Andy and Mark..... Guys, I sure love your hunour!

We're just talkin' oil changes here, Tom, not battery changes. They're TOTALLY different. Trust me.

 

[BkerChuck]

I had an even closer call than that a few years back. I was to meet my brother in law for a breakfast ride and when I went to get my 95 Buell out of the garage it didn't feel right. Quickly noticed a sheet metal screw in the rear tire. Call brother in law to bring trailer so we can take it to shop and get tire put on. While securing bike in trailer with tie down straps we spot a weird line near the steering neck. Turns out my frame had cracked! If not for the flat tire one more ride could have been my last! Buell stood behind it and reframed bike for me even though my warranty had been expired for almost 4 years at that time.

 

[Goodman4]

I am REALLY ticked off, but I guess I should be happy I was taking my advice and being more cautious. I just went out to the bike and have another flat tire because of another nail or staple or something. Just two weeks on it and I haven't even rode it much yet. I've got to do some soul-searching and decide whether I'm gonna quit riding to work. It's the most fun part of my day and this is gonna suck. I can't afford to keep putting tires on or worse, have a blowout.

 

[HotRodZilla]

Dude...PLUG the tire. Plenty have done it and not died. If you won't plug it, lemme know. I'll pay you shipping for it +$5 to cover your shops "tire disposal" fee.

 

[Goodman4]

I am considering plugging it once I see it in the light of day tomorrow. I've searched a little bit through the forum and haven't found any posts yet on the danger of plugging like I expected to, but I also haven't found any posts encouraging it. Just some arguments about which type of plug you should use for a temporary. I'm glad to hear your advice to go for it, Zilla. I'll decide for sure tomorrow.

 

[BkerChuck]

I've ridden on plugged tires before with no problem. I don't mind plugging a rear tire but I'll only use a plugged front long enough to get a new tire in and mount it. Just mu opinion.

 

[LKLD]

this thread reminds me....I want a psi monitoring system....

Been running a Doran for 8 years and it is great to have. And one thing is when it gets below it's set low point a red light flashes and beeps like hell. The only time I saw this is when I hit a rock and blew my front rim and it was imediate. I knew right away to head for the side of the road and get it stopped. I would never ride a bike without it now. Pretty cheap compared to tires and is a great simple system. Been bullet proof for me and only 1 sensor in 8 years and they covered it for me. I have since bought a spare for 24 bucks and carry it with my tools.

After seeing your post, I went ahead and ordered it. It will be my wife's Father's Day present for me, instead of clothes that I won't wear.

 

[deanw]

I just installed the sensors (in wheel) for a Doran unit; haven't installed the unit itself yet. I put the included 90 degree valve stems on, found out (on the Gen III) the front one will hit the calipers if it's turned to the side.

 

[NMRoadRunner]

Metzlers wear better then Michlins and handel better with two up fully loaded. Nuff said. Those who don't check their tires before riding, are going to pay the price someday. It's not if, it's when. Plug it and moniter it, I've put many miles on a pluged tire.

 

[PhilJet09]

I am considering plugging it once I see it in the light of day tomorrow. I've searched a little bit through the forum and haven't found any posts yet on the danger of plugging like I expected to, but I also haven't found any posts encouraging it. Just some arguments about which type of plug you should use for a temporary. I'm glad to hear your advice to go for it, Zilla. I'll decide for sure tomorrow.

Five flats last year and two this year so far...yea, I plug mine. I use combination patch/plugs and have all the tools and chemicals to do the job the way the manufacturer spells out. The last tire I took off had three in it and didn't leak a bit and I wore it down to just before the cords. I use the sticky strings as a temporary fix, then do it the right way when I get home with the patch/plug. I guess what I'm saying is...DO IT, but do it right. Is that enough encouragement?