Hi,

My tires are both OK in terms of tread. However, cracks have developed externally on the visible portion of the valve stems.

Is this a safety concern?

Thanks!

Pics?....but my initial thought is not to worry to much about it.

I don't normally say this, but I don't fully agree with fetor.

Valve stems are holding the air in your tire with a simple rubber seal. If that rubber ois cracked, it's not much different than your tires being cracked. I would replace them asap.

Quote from: Big Rich on October 30, 2015, 02:38:42 PM
I don't normally say this, but I don't fully agree with fetor.

Valve stems are holding the air in your tire with a simple rubber seal. If that rubber ois cracked, it's not much different than your tires being cracked. I would replace them asap.

That's why i said "pics" cos the actual stem is metal with rubber overlay....of-course it depends on how pronounced the cracks are.

EDIT: Uploaded pic to imgur; hope you can see it!

OK here we go I uploaded to imgur:

http://imgur.com/ei1yjro

Looks like your exaggerating the cracks slightly,but really it's your call.
If u have the money and tire wear is down i would replace it,otherwise keep a constant check.

OK that's very helpful and I appreciate it. I check pressures routinely, and will keep an eye on the cracks -- such as they are -- in addition to the treadwear indicators. I hope given the situation that I can replace both the tire and the stem at a later time, when the tread has approached the wear bars more closely.

Happy GS-ing!

It amazes me how people depend on others to make safety critical decisions on their behalf and will value the opinion of anonymous individuals who may not have a clue WTF they are talking about and certainly wont be there to suffer the consequences if they are wrong 

We all know what will happen if a valve suddenly blows off and you are obviously, and quite rightly concerned because you have the sense to realise its your ass on the line,  you are not happy with them so............... get them replaced soon as!!

Quote from: sledge on October 30, 2015, 04:06:27 PM
It amazes me how people depend on others to make safety critical decisions on their behalf and will value the opinion of anonymous individuals who may not have a clue WTF they are talking about and certainly wont be there to suffer the consequences if they are wrong 

We all know what will happen if a valve suddenly blows off and you are obviously, and quite rightly concerned because you have the sense to realise its your ass on the line,  you are not happy with them so............... get them replaced soon as!!

yes replacement is needed , I  would  ,   I  hit a brick ,   new rim from partzilla  $  460.00  plus   new valve stem  oem   Suzuki   and  a new   tire   to be sure ,  because   you only  have one life  to live  , plus   doctors  cost   $$$$$$$$    to put you back together  ...............   

Quote from: sledge on October 30, 2015, 04:06:27 PM
It amazes me how people depend on others to make safety critical decisions on their behalf and will value the opinion of anonymous individuals who may not have a clue WTF they are talking about and certainly wont be there to suffer the consequences if they are wrong 

We all know what will happen if a valve suddenly blows off and you are obviously, and quite rightly concerned because you have the sense to realise its your ass on the line,  you are not happy with them so............... get them replaced soon as!!

No one is MAKING "safety critical decisions on their behalf"....Rallyfan is autonomous so therefore quite capeable of making his own decisions.
We only offer advice on what we would do given the same circumstances.....safety opposed to money is always a balancing trick.

Chill bro.....I aint having a pop at you

Thanks again everyone; it is not my intention to start an argument. I appreciate the input from all responders.

I had a valve stem shear right off, on my Honda Scooter...front tire...I was in a hairpin turn, which I usually take kinda fast...for some reason I slowed way down that time...

Front end went all squishy...   I was  in the middle of nowhere!  Rode 15 miles to get home on the flat, at 6 MPH....

Scooter was 1984...probably the valve stem too...

Don't take chances!

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