GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: colobluefox on March 01, 2007, 02:16:02 PM

Title: Tire Pressure Hint
Post by: colobluefox on March 01, 2007, 02:16:02 PM
I have a good way to keep on eye on my tire pressure.  I got these at NAPA the other day.
(http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u93/bluefox_2007/valvestem.jpg)

You can get them in a bunch of different pressure ratings.  I have different ones for the front tires and the back tires.  The only problem is they came in packs of four.  I can't remember for sure but I think they ran be $10 to $12 a pack.

The green sleeve is held to the top by air pressure.  If it gets too low the sleeve drops and exposes the yellow and red core.  When you are doing your walk around it is easy to tell at a glance whether your tires need air or not.  They just replace your regular valve stem cap.

I hope that this helps somebody out there. 
Title: Re: Tire Pressure Hint
Post by: Egaeus on March 01, 2007, 02:45:04 PM
All of those things that I've seen say Not for Motorcycle Use or somesuch.  I don't understand why, but they do.
Title: Re: Tire Pressure Hint
Post by: NiceGuysFinishLast on March 01, 2007, 02:56:09 PM
Also, putting those on your valve stems allows the stem and the surrounding tube to corrode at different rates, so once you take those off, the stems will no longer seat properly, so the tires will no longer hold air.
Title: Re: Tire Pressure Hint
Post by: GSRider on March 01, 2007, 03:17:01 PM
Take it from a guy who works on cars all day:

Those are inaccurate.
They can be off by as much as 7 psi.

On a car, that isn't sooooo much of a big deal, but on a bike?!?!?!?  :cookoo:
Title: Re: Tire Pressure Hint
Post by: pandy on March 01, 2007, 03:20:07 PM
Damn...those are SUCH a good idea.... I'm constantly fighting the air pressure in my car tires (it seems I'm always developing leaks), and sometimes I get lazy about checking my bike air pressure (I know....I know).... I wish those worked....  :cry:
Title: Re: Tire Pressure Hint
Post by: sledge on March 01, 2007, 05:52:40 PM
I cant see something like that being very accurate. I will stick with my good quality pressure gauge and regular checks thanks.
Title: Re: Tire Pressure Hint
Post by: aaronstj on March 01, 2007, 06:03:53 PM
Am I the only one that would want them just for the reminder of the correct tire pressure?  I can't remember for the life of me.  I alway end up peeking at the cheat sheet under the seat.
Title: Re: Tire Pressure Hint
Post by: werase643 on March 01, 2007, 08:51:45 PM
I bought a silver SHARPIE pen and write the PSI on the sidewall about 1 inch tall numbers/letters
super easy ref.
do it on the truck also....did it to the car with a slow leak....til I found the nail.

Title: Re: Tire Pressure Hint
Post by: Blast on March 01, 2007, 09:59:54 PM
Those are cool.

But ive seen them stick before so they always look green.
Title: Re: Tire Pressure Hint
Post by: ohgood on March 02, 2007, 02:45:05 PM
There's usually a reason for labeling something 'not for motorcycle use' like lawyers or whatever.

Just make a habit out of checking the tires/oil/walk around when ya fill up. Or wait till you forget, and get a nasty reminder, like the front just sliding right out from under you. :(