Angled valve stems, any thoughts?

Hi all. I am sick of not being able to get the air nozzle into my wheels easily, so went looking for angled vale stems for the wheels of my 6th Gen. Has anyone seen these, or used them?

eBay valve stems

They seem to be a pretty good design etc, but would like a bit of feedback on both the stem and also the seller if possible, thanks.

 

I wouldn't dick around with the stem's they're an integral part of the wheel, that if fails, can end catastrophically.

I would rather invest in a more appropriate air compressor/nozzle. Personally, I have a cheap 10 dollar walmart portable commpressor that's right/angled and clips onto the valve stem. Fits VERY easily. Just wire it to the bike electronics (standard 12v automotive rail) and pump. The gauge is inherently inaccurate and is off by literally 10 PSI and takes forever so it requires another guage. But unless your tire is damn near flat, it fulfills the need for top offs just fine.

 

They appear to be the same as those from Kurveygirl, and I've read quite a few positive reviews of those.

KurveyGirl - Motorcycle Stuff: Dzus Fasteners, angled valve stems, Vesrah and More


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Hi, yes they are from Kurveygirl, just her eBay add. As I'm in Australia it's easier to get a quote for shipping from eBay.

Thanks

 

Bought some, have not installed

I bought dzus fasteners from Kurveygirl and they were great, and the company was very punctual and helpful over the phone.
Was not excited about the price for the aluminum valve stems. But, like you, I've been annoyed by the straight ones for years. Bought her (it is really a lady who runs the shop) cheaper 10 USD version. They are sitting on my bench waiting for a tire change.
After seeing them in person, I'm a little worried about tire balance. Will discuss it with my tire installer. The aluminum ones are much more centered and lighter, so I don't see any issues with them. Every valve, no matter what its shape or construction, needs to be balanced anyway, right?

 

I have those on my Goldwing and will add them to my VFR as soon as it comes in. It does make it easier to check the pressure and to add air. They are very well made. Billet aluminum.

 

please explain further?

 

The ones I bought aren't any heavier than the original stems. Don't think you'll have a problem with them. Have your new tires balanced and you won't have any problem. Be sure to use a torque wrench when installing them.:thumbsup:

 

I also wanted the angled valve stems but didn't want to part with $60. I bought the chrome angled from NoMar for 10 bucks. They make it a snap to check the air on the front tire. Worth the money IMO.

 

Cheaper, chrome 90 degree

If you look at the Kurveygirl site, there are two styles. Nice, aluminum ones- and cheaper ones. Go check them out, you'll see the difference. But someone has vouched for the chrome ones, so I will install with confidence on all my cycles.:thumbsup:

 

I'd be concerned about some of the issues that were brought up. Never take chances with losing air from your tires. I generally find the issue to be not too much more than a slight delay. Firstly, I have an excellent KTM gauge that has an integrated flexi-hose so checking pressures is easy. Secondly, adding air is not usually too hard because the compressor I use also has a flexi-hose. I might need to rotate a wheel a bit but that is it.
(But, I must say that the right-angled valve that comes STOCK on the Triumph 675 is one of the many things that make me lust after that bike.)

 

I installed angled valve stems in the wheel rims of my '03 VFR800 four years ago. I went with the aluminum ones and I haven't had a single problem with them. My tires balance perfectly fine. I use them on my Ducati too. I got tired of cutting the back of my hand on the front wave rotors trying to wiggle my digital pressure guage in to get a reading. Angled valve stems are a no-brainer Winaje,they make tire inflation and air pressure readings a snap.

 

Brake & Wheel Components, 90° Valve Stems - Bike Effects .com

 

Valve stem info,as requested Mello Dude.

Sorry I missed your post last night Mello Dude. Allow me to make amends. I sourced my angled valve stems from the Parts Unlimited Catalog back in '05. They're made by K&L. They cost me $16.95 apiece. I stopped off at the speed shop on my way home from work today and had my guys check to see if they're still available. You'll find them in the '09 Parts Unlimited Street Catalog,in the tires and accessories section. Part number 0360-0008. They're $17.95 apiece now. To be honest,you really only need one for the front rim. I installed the one in the rear rim just for a nice symmetrical look. When it comes to my bikes I've got this thing about sweating the details,in fact I've been staring at the pic of my rear wheel that I posted. DAMN,I really gotta dress up those crappy rear brake caliper bolts some! LOL:biggrin: Hope this helps you. A thousand pardons for jacking your thread Winaje. :sorry:

 

No worries Stosh, it was good to see a couple of pics with them installed. Thanks.

 

Hi everyone...

I noticed this thread and wanted to just jump in and say a few words on valve stems.... I promise, this is not a plug, just info....

The most common valve stem found on motorcycles is a TR-412 valve stem. This is the black rubber valve stem that is on most Honda's, Suzuki's, Yamaha's and Kawasaki's. These black rubber valve stems "Snap" into place and are rated to hold up to 50psi.

Unfortunately these black valve stems are not easy to get an air pressure gauge on hot disc brakes, luggage or a large shaft drive housing.

Honda GL1800 gold wing attempted to solve this problem by installing "Snap In" angled valve stems. Unfortunately when you install "Snap In" angled valve stems, the valve stem likes to at flex at the rubber "Snap In" section. Honda solved this problem by adding a small plastic support to hold the valve stem. I have attached a photo of what that valve stem looks like. It is this angled valve stem that gets a bad "Reputation" about losing air pressure.

The next choice in valve stems is an "ALL METAL" angled valve stem. These valve stems replace the "Snap In" Rubber base, with a rubber seal system and a locking nut. These Metal Valve stems are able to withstand high centrifugal force and do not need a support to keep them from leaking.

In general steel or aluminum metal valve stems both do the same job. They are rated to hold over 100psi and should last though many tire changes. In addition metal valve stems are required by many racing organizations and angled valve stems are preferred because the schrader valve does not open at speed. Because of this, valve caps are required to keep straight valves from loosing pressure at high speeds.

After this, it comes down to weight, appearance and colors. As long as you have a metal base angled valve stem, you should have no worries.

I hope this info helps answer some questions about valve stems.

KG