tires losing air???

[larrypearson]

I have an 01 GL1800A that has the 90 degree valve stems. Both tires seem to always require air (just about every other day). I have replaced the valve stems several times and it appears that the small end of the valve stem that goes in the inside of the valve looks like it is bent when I take it out. If I do not tighten it, of course the valve leaks. My question is: can a straight up valve stem be used? It is my belief that the 90 degree bend in the current stem is causing the valve to bend causing it to leak. Does this make sense???
Thanks
Larry Pearson

[tamathumper]

Absolutely, and I recommend the steel ones that have a threaded "shaft" and a nut that goes inside the wheel to compress a rubber grommet. Those rubber 90-degree valve stems are a real brain fart.

[larrypearson]

Thanks for the confirmation. I was of the same mind-set!
Larry Pearson

[keithg64]

I have used the 90 degree and the T style of valve stems for years without a problem. Some valves are longer then others and that is what you may be using. ?

[Viking]

This shows that I am still new to Goldwings. I thought all GL1800s came with the steel 90 degree bolt in valve stems. I have found no reason to change the ones that came with my bike, but maybe yours have been changed to the 90 degree rubber stems, which are not rigid.

[larrypearson]

Thanks for the input. It is my belief that the 90 degree metal stem coming out of the rim got bent resulting in the valve stem getting bent when put back in causing air loss. I still believe in the straight-up style valve and will probably change when new tires are put on in summer 2019 (if that's possible).

[newday777]

GL1500s and GL1800s came stock with 90 degree rubber based valve stems. The rubber tends to crack and leak. Honda put the "plastic keepers" on to help stop flexing...but not good enough still.

[newday777]

I choose to use an aluminum bolt on 85 degree valve stem like these.

If your rim was not cleaned smooth before the new tire was put on that can cause leaks.
You need to mix up a few drops of dish soap in small amount of water in a spray bottle, spray mix around the rim/tire bead and valve stem and watch for bubbles to find where your leak is. It may take a few minutes or more for a slow leak to appear as bubbles.

[AZgl1800]

Thanks for the input. It is my belief that the 90 degree metal stem coming out of the rim got bent resulting in the valve stem getting bent when put back in causing air loss. I still believe in the straight-up style valve and will probably change when new tires are put on in summer 2019 (if that's possible).

on the 1800s, that will make it extremely difficult to put a pressure gauge on the valve stem.
you might want to rethink that idea.

[Viking]

GL1500s and GL1800s came stock with 90 degree rubber based valve stems. The rubber tends to crack and leak. Honda put the "plastic keepers" on to help stop flexing...but not good enough still.

My 2009 GL1800 came with this type of bolt ins.

https://www.amazon.ca/Yana-Shiki-VS101S ... valve+stem

[newday777]

Actually 2009 and newer came with air pressure sensors that bolt on, with the sensor inside the rim.

GL1500s and GL1800s came stock with 90 degree rubber based valve stems. The rubber tends to crack and leak. Honda put the "plastic keepers" on to help stop flexing...but not good enough still.

My 2009 GL1800 came with this type of bolt ins.

https://www.amazon.ca/Yana-Shiki-VS101S ... valve+stem

[MiWinger51]

I use a stainless steel T-type valve stem I use a FOBO pressure sensor on the top part of the T and can fill thru the 90 degree section. they work great. I got mine from cyclemax. here is a link. https://cyclemax.com/inc/sdetail/chrome ... 102/261164

[GoldWingrGreg]

I have an 01 GL1800A that has the 90 degree valve stems. Both tires seem to always require air (just about every other day). I have replaced the valve stems several times and it appears that the small end of the valve stem that goes in the inside of the valve looks like it is bent when I take it out. If I do not tighten it, of course the valve leaks. My question is: can a straight up valve stem be used? It is my belief that the 90 degree bend in the current stem is causing the valve to bend causing it to leak. Does this make sense???
Thanks
Larry Pearson

Could you be using aftermarket valve stems ??? Not only might they be doing what you are describing, but the non-OEM ones rubber gets cut when they are pulled into the wheel for mounting. OEM ones come only in Honda packaging. Any dealer can order them in for you.

[GoldWingrGreg]

I have an 01 GL1800A that has the 90 degree valve stems. Both tires seem to always require air (just about every other day). I have replaced the valve stems several times and it appears that the small end of the valve stem that goes in the inside of the valve looks like it is bent when I take it out. If I do not tighten it, of course the valve leaks. My question is: can a straight up valve stem be used? It is my belief that the 90 degree bend in the current stem is causing the valve to bend causing it to leak. Does this make sense???
Thanks
Larry Pearson

Could you be using aftermarket valve stems ??? Not only might they be doing what you are describing, but the non-OEM ones gets shaved as they are pulled into the wheel for mounting. Basically the rubber get cut by the sharp aluminum around the valve stem hole. OEM ones come only in Honda packaging, and their rubber base have a different shape. Any dealer can order them in for you. The brass looking one is for the rear wheel and the chrome looking one is for the front. To my knowledge, the aftermarket only come in chrome, so if both your wheels have chrome ones they could easily be non-OEM.

[goldwingrider.steve]

on the 1800s, that will make it extremely difficult to put a pressure gauge on the valve stem.
you might want to rethink that idea.

I have straight, bolt-in valves on my 1800 and you just need to use a suitable pressure gauge, there are plenty available that will fit on the straight valve stems without any problem.

[Asphaltmaniac]

I got the steel 90 degree valve stems and they are great! But if you elect to keep the Honda rubber ones you have to replace them along with the plastic keepers every time you get new tires. As it was explained to me by a Honda service tech the plastic keepers keep the valve stem from flexing so no keepers means more valve flex and eventually they fail. The keepers he claimed (and I didn't know this) experience some wear in preventing the valves from flexing too much. So thats why they need to be replaced at regular intervals.

[tamathumper]

A pair of these for a couple bucks, and you're in business. Use them only while adding/removing air.

[bstig60]

I have used the show chrome 90* metal valve stems on two different Goldwings without any problems. IMO, the rubber based valve stems are a hazard waiting to happen. I will be installing the T valve stems on my ST1300 when I change tires in the spring. I use them for TMPS installations on both bikes. Recently, I had a problem with a slow leak on my rear tire with my GL1800 that I couldn't find. When I got down and took a really good look at the tire, I found a finishing nail in it. I pulled it out and used a mushroom patch/plug for the repair and that solved the problem.....

[89 1500]

I've been using the factory rubber 90 degree stems that you can get from Cyclemax for years with no problem. I change the valve stems when I change my tires never waited or put it off since I had a valve stem fail on my first 1500. Turned a 2 hour trip to 6 because I had to stop frequently to add air. I'll replace the plastic keepers every other tire change you might not think but they do serve a purpose. I also keep a big bottle of nitrogen just for the bike.

[Uncle Werner]

on the 1800s, that will make it extremely difficult to put a pressure gauge on the valve stem.
you might want to rethink that idea.

I have straight, bolt-in valves on my 1800 and you just need to use a suitable pressure gauge, there are plenty available that will fit on the straight valve stems without any problem.

I agree, tried the 90 when I first got the bike, laziness kicked in and hopefully easier. Went back to straight, next tire change. As a mechanic had various gauges, different angles and found one that was suitable.With duel rotors went at it at a 45 degree angle.

[RoughRider1]

I will start this out with a question.
Would you go on a ride without first checking the fuel level on your bike?
I have always changed my own tires on my motorcycles for the last 57 years.
I have learned over the years a lot of things to make it easier and makes sense for tubeless tires.
After I mount a tire on a wheel I check for air leaks before I put it on the bike.
I fill my wheel borrow with water and partially submerge the properly inflated tire assembly. Standing the tire up and then working the tire around its circumference in the water looking for leaks. Leaks will show as air bubbles floating to the top of the water.
When I get to the valve stem and its now submerged I pull and twist on it double checking for leaks.
One may get away without changing the valve steam every time with a tire change but it will eventually leak air if you don't change it out.
I particularly pay attention to both bead areas.. The obvious places for a leak
After dismounting a tire from a wheel I first take extra precautions to make sure my wheel is clean. I thoroughly lightly scrub with a SOS pad and water the inside. Taking special attention to the bead area where the tire beads seats to the wheel. No circular or up-down motions from side to side, accross from one bead to the other, just back and forth working the diection around the wheel. You do not want to apply a lot of pressure as to scratch the aluminum. Clean all residue from the wheel rinsing with water. If there are digs in the wheel use a small fine tooth flat file to file the ridges off. Don't attempt to file the gouge away.
If I had a motorcycle with leaking air pressures from the tires that was not obvious and could not find I would check them the same way, by submerging in water.
Standing the bike on its center stand or jack. Then working a small kiddie pool under the tire and filling it with water.

the name of the game is "total Quality" -do it right the first time-