TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) Recommendations

[patbrandon1]

I've been looking around this Winter for a TPMS to put on my 87 1200 Interstate. Searched on this site for any info too. What I want to know is if you've used one, did you like it, and what kind is it?

I am having a hard time seeing how they mount on any sites, not finding ones that have Fahrenheit and psi displayed. Only seeing bar and Celsius on a lot of them.

So if you don't mind answering these questions...
What brand do you use? Happy with it?
Does it have Fahrenheit and psi?
How does it mount? How did you mount yours?
How is the main unit powered? How many volts if USB?
How long do any that are rechargeable last per charge?
What do you have set as hi psi and high temperature setting?

Anything else you think would be useful info is welcome too.

My main reason for posting is that maybe this could help others in choosing a tpms for their bike too.

[CrystalPistol]

You mean people really add them?

[MikeB]

Yes Crystal, people do add them.

On my GL1500 I used the Tire Gard and on my 2003 GL1800 I used the TireSafeGard. In August of 2016, I swapped the Tire Gard on the GL1500 to an FOBO Bike blue-tooth TPMS system. I like it so much that I am now using an identical system on my new 2017 GL1800. The FOBO Bike app lets you choose to display tire pressure in PSI, BAR, kPa, and even kgf/cm2, as well as selecting Fahrenheit or Celsius as the sensor read temperature

Unlike OEM TPMS, these aftermarket systems tell you tire pressure, temperature in real time and in some cases the battery condition of the sensors. I had the TireSafeGard TPMS on my 2003 GL1800 and it worked well, except the display is not waterproof and needed to be stowed away when in a rain storm. The TireSafeGard sells for $169 on Amazon. These too will display the temp and pressure in Fahrenheit or Celsius and PSI, BAR and I think in kPa but I only use PSI.

I had been using the Tire Gard from Show Chrome on the GL1500. The Tire Gard now was selling for $87.99 on Amazon. Quite a price reduction from $149 when I first bought one. This display too is not waterproof and needs to be stowed away when in a rain storm.

For $99 or less, a FOBO Bike Blue Tooth TPMS system using a Smart Phone Application (App) started to look promising to me. It has audible and visual alerts. I recently bought one from Honda Direct Line for $67. Here is a good review of the system at this site: http://www.webbikeworld.com/r5/fobo-bike-tpms-review/

I liked this system so much that I bought one and gave it as a Christmas Present to a close friend.

The tire sensors of these mount to the tire valve stem. I do not know how they will fit on a GL1200 but they should work like any other.
On the GL1500 and GL1800, I recommend having a all metal valve stem. The OEM metal and rubber stem will eventually fail.

As to prices, you need to shop around. Different sellers will have higher or lower prices. All of the above TPMS systems work as advertised. It all boils down to personal preference. I like the convenience of the FOBO system.

[CrystalPistol]

Yes Crystal, people do add them.

Oh, OK.

[oldishwinger]

Yes Crystal, people do add them.

On my GL1500 I used the Tire Gard and on my 2003 GL1800 I used the TireSafeGard. In August of 2016, I swapped the Tire Gard on the GL1500 to an FOBO Bike blue-tooth TPMS system. I like it so much that I am now using an identical system on my new 2017 GL1800. The FOBO Bike app lets you choose to display tire pressure in PSI, BAR, kPa, and even kgf/cm2, as well as selecting Fahrenheit or Celsius as the sensor read temperature

Unlike OEM TPMS, these aftermarket systems tell you tire pressure, temperature in real time and in some cases the battery condition of the sensors. I had the TireSafeGard TPMS on my 2003 GL1800 and it worked well, except the display is not waterproof and needed to be stowed away when in a rain storm. The TireSafeGard sells for $169 on Amazon. These too will display the temp and pressure in Fahrenheit or Celsius and PSI, BAR and I think in kPa but I only use PSI.

I had been using the Tire Gard from Show Chrome on the GL1500. The Tire Gard now was selling for $87.99 on Amazon. Quite a price reduction from $149 when I first bought one. This display too is not waterproof and needs to be stowed away when in a rain storm.

For $99 or less, a FOBO Bike Blue Tooth TPMS system using a Smart Phone Application (App) started to look promising to me. It has audible and visual alerts. I recently bought one from Honda Direct Line for $67. Here is a good review of the system at this site: http://www.webbikeworld.com/r5/fobo-bike-tpms-review/

I liked this system so much that I bought one and gave it as a Christmas Present to a close friend.

The tire sensors of these mount to the tire valve stem. I do not know how they will fit on a GL1200 but they should work like any other.
On the GL1500 and GL1800, I recommend having a all metal valve stem. The OEM metal and rubber stem will eventually fail.

As to prices, you need to shop around. Different sellers will have higher or lower prices. All of the above TPMS systems work as advertised. It all boils down to personal preference. I like the convenience of the FOBO system.

"I recommend having a all metal valve stem. The OEM metal and rubber stem will eventually fail." mikeB is right, its also the recommendation of the tps manufacturer as well. I have thought about installing these on my 1200, some time ago, but its finding a metal valve stem that fits the 1200 is where there problem lies, and of course they have to be installed. the rim does not accommodate metal stems very well, and finding one that doesnt hit anything, seats well with out alterations I found to be a tough find and and eventually gave up gave up on the thought

[CrystalPistol]

"I recommend having a all metal valve stem. The OEM metal and rubber stem will eventually fail." mikeB is right, its also the recommendation of the tps manufacturer as well. I have thought about installing these on my 1200, some time ago, but its finding a metal valve stem that fits the 1200 is where there problem lies, and of course they have to be installed. the rim does not accommodate metal stems very well, and finding one that doesnt hit anything, seats well with out alterations I found to be a tough find and and eventually gave up gave up on the thought

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Flush-mount- ... SwNGJdbTyN
I used these above, but you can get shorter liked these below. EPDM rubber seals. Two nuts, one to lock against the other, a smear of sealer over seal after install on inside of rim.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FLUSH-MOUNT-ME ... 0005.m1851

[julimike54]

"I recommend having a all metal valve stem. The OEM metal and rubber stem will eventually fail." mikeB is right, its also the recommendation of the tps manufacturer as well. I have thought about installing these on my 1200, some time ago, but its finding a metal valve stem that fits the 1200 is where there problem lies, and of course they have to be installed. the rim does not accommodate metal stems very well, and finding one that doesnt hit anything, seats well with out alterations I found to be a tough find and and eventually gave up gave up on the thought

So the FOBO "T" stems won't work on a 1200?

[MikeB]

So the FOBO "T" stems won't work on a 1200?

They very well may work. Check it out and let us know.

[CrystalPistol]

So the FOBO "T" stems won't work on a 1200?

They might, but especially on the rear, be careful which way the side leg of the tee is pointed. I had to look them up, they use double nuts inside the rim like the short ones I used to give me tire valve room for my air hose chuck. When mounting tires, the stem will need to be the ending point, opposite where you start as the double nutted stem will prevent the bead dropping into center as you work the tire on.

The rear wheel on a 1200 is a 15" wheel, with the large diameter of center hub, there ain't a lot of room for a tall stem with sensor on top?

Additional info - The height with sensor is about 43mm and the normal valve height (without sensor) is about 27mm (As shown in pictures)

[julimike54]

Interesting, I've not decided to do the FOBO, but the remarks gave me pause. I guess if I do this it will require more research

[patbrandon1]

I have done a bunch of looking and read a bunch of reviews. I am going to buy this one...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BX ... 6MBO&psc=1

I'll let you know how it works out. But it will be a month or so until Michigan roads are free of ice, salt, and potholes and then I can test it out.

[WingAdmin]

I've been using the Tire Safeguard TPMS for many, many years. I have monitors on both my bike and trailer tires, and my wife has a system on her bike as well:

Tire Safeguard TPMS Review

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G9ATWPY/?tag=goldwingdocs-20

[ojairoy]

I've had this $49 LCD TPM on all motorcycles and mountain bike in the last 10 years. They are visible in direct sunlight and at night. Get the ALL steel valve stems like someone recommended and you'll be all set. USB charging lasts about one month and I have mine mounted with a one by one inch piece of Velcro. When I charge it it is left on the motorcycle and I just plug in my USB overnight. To reduce the glare I cover the LCD with a little piece of generic anti-glare that is used for smartphones.
https://www.amazon.com/Onewell-Monitori ... 0694&psc=1

[Scoty79]

I have been using FoboBike for the past 3 or 4 years. They screw onto the valve stem and each unit uses lion batteries that last about 2/3 years. Because they screw onto the valve stem, I had valve stems with 2 inputs installed so that I could add/remove air without having to remove the sensors. I monitor the setting with an app on my phone. The app displays PSI, Fahrenheit, and the status of the batteries used to power the sensors as well as settings allowing you to adjust the setting to your liking.

FoboBike screen shot

Fobobike screen shot 2

[BKTLST]

I have, and continue to use and recommend the FOBO Bike TPMS System, for after-market applications on the Goldwing. For those that choose to run “Darkside” tire combinations, this system is extremely reliable, and easy to use. So much so, that I also have sensors installed on my small cargo trailer wheels that we pull with our 2015 Wing.
The FOBO Ststem allows simultaneous real-time monitoring of BOTH Vehicles, on my Smartphone display.

[WingAdmin]

I have, and continue to use and recommend the FOBO Bike TPMS System, for after-market applications on the Goldwing. For those that choose to run “Darkside” tire combinations, this system is extremely reliable, and easy to use. So much so, that I also have sensors installed on my small cargo trailer wheels that we pull with our 2015 Wing.
The FOBO Ststem allows simultaneous real-time monitoring of BOTH Vehicles, on my Smartphone display.

That's the reason I selected the Tire SafeGuard unit as well - I can monitor my trailer tires as well:

[BKTLST]

Here is a screenshot of the FOBO Bike App display.

[bhawthorne]

I use the Fobo on my 2002 1800. I love the T adapter as it makes it easier to fill the tire. The smartphone app is great and the pressure warnings are very audible and visible.

If I was keeping my 1982 1100, I would try to outfit it with Fobo Ts but I’m giving it to my kid, so they’ll have to deal with that.

[patbrandon1]

I went to Mother Honda in Bay City, Michigan today to pick up a tire I had mounted. I had asked if they would install the chrome metal bolt in stems listed b below. Upon picking up the mounted tire, I was informed that they no longer install any kind of bolt on stem, no matter what the brand, because for the years 1986 and 1987 GL1200s there were almost as many returns as installs. They blamed it on the form of the inside of the rim. And now they will not install them on any wheel for any motorcycle.

i was initially disappointed as I wanted to install a TPMS and I am told that without chrome metal stems, the TPMS cap will cause the rubber stems to fail. The maintenance manager, and the tire installer took the time to tell me what they know and do.

They both run TPMS on their motorcycles with rubber stems. They know many others that do as well. What they do, and suggest, is to put several layers of a glue called Seal All. layer it from the lowest portion of the threads of the stem, to the area below where the stem meets the rim, about a dime in circumference. Do this 3 times at least, and wait 1 hour between layers. This strengthens the rubber tremendously. It is Waterproof, Liquid Gas and Oil Resistant and doesn't harm the rubber at all. Both assured me that they had never had a return from anyone running a TPMS that did this technique. I asked it they could guarantee this in writing, and they would. Saying that if in their determination the valve failure was from the TPMS, they would change them out free of charge.

Now to decide if I want to take the risk. I take a big risk every time I get on the bike, so what the heck, I might as well

These are the stems...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Set-of-4-Chrom ... 2749.l2649

This is the glue...
https://www.acehardware.com/departments ... lsrc=aw.ds

[MikeB]

Your GL1200 has straight stems correct? In my opinion, the straight stems should not suffer early breakdown from fatigue by having a TPMS sensor mounted on them.
Where the problem lies is with the 90 degree stems that are on the GL1500's and GL1800's. The weight of the sensor on the stem hanging to the side, off center, causes the rubber stem to flex more than it should. On the GL1500 and GL1800, the stems have OEM plastic supports to support the stem. That support is necessary and sufficient for the stem as it comes from the factory. When you add a sensor to it and increase the weight, it flexes dramatically and prematurely wears the rubber causing it to fail.
With the straight stem of the earlier Gold Wing's, there should be no issues.
If it were me, I would simply screw the sensor on your existing stem, make sure that it does not hit anything as the wheel rotates, and then don't worry about it.

[kwthom]

So if you don't mind answering these questions...
What brand do you use? Happy with it? FOBO Bike2 - used with my cell phone.
Does it have Fahrenheit and psi? Yes - and also has gauge pressure. I'll let you do the homework on *why* that's important.
How does it mount? How did you mount yours? See above - app on cell phone that monitors pressure. Using FOBO's T-valves on all of my rims.
How is the main unit powered? How many volts if USB? ...more 'see above'
How long do any that are rechargeable last per charge? read more here: https://my-fobo.com/
What do you have set as hi psi and high temperature setting? Although temperature is a nice-to-have, what's critical is the pressure. I don't seem to recall a threshold setting point for temperature, but it does monitor both. I can have it on the screen, but it's better to have it monitor and not bother me. If there's a problem, the cell phone alerts me that FOBO has an issue.
Front tire is -3 & +8 from nominal of 38psi
rear tire is -4 & +12 from nominal of 29psi (I run a non-standard tire...)

Hope that helps.

[patbrandon1]

Your GL1200 has straight stems correct? In my opinion, the straight stems should not suffer early breakdown from fatigue by having a TPMS sensor mounted on them.
Where the problem lies is with the 90 degree stems that are on the GL1500's and GL1800's. The weight of the sensor on the stem hanging to the side, off center, causes the rubber stem to flex more than it should. On the GL1500 and GL1800, the stems have OEM plastic supports to support the stem. That support is necessary and sufficient for the stem as it comes from the factory. When you add a sensor to it and increase the weight, it flexes dramatically and prematurely wears the rubber causing it to fail.
With the straight stem of the earlier Gold Wing's, there should be no issues.
If it were me, I would simply screw the sensor on your existing stem, make sure that it does not hit anything as the wheel rotates, and then don't worry about it.

Yes. My 87 has short straight brand new stems. I will give it a try.

My lady has gotten me a TPMS for my birthday and that isn't until March 30th and she won't give it to me until then. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks heaps for taking your time to help me out.

[donnichol@shaw.ca]

I am looking for a T-Valve that I can use for my 98 GL1500 so I do not have to remove my sensor to add air. I have seen that a couple of the T valves will work on the rear of the GL 1500, but not on the front?
Any advice?

Don
Peachland BC
Canada

[MikeB]

Cyclemax of Ohio sells T-Valves.
https://cyclemax.com/inc/sdetail/nickel ... ems/261164

You will not be able to use a T-Valve on the front wheel. Just use a 90°aftermarket valve stem that is bolted in place. Cyclemax sells them too.
https://cyclemax.com/inc/sdetail/90_deg ... ems/206622

[donnichol@shaw.ca]

Thanks Mike. That is what I was afraid of. I will
Order the one you suggested.