Stupid valve stem question

[moze229]

This is very elementary dear Watson, but I'm going to be changing tires on the R11S soon, and I was wondering if the valve stems are standard size, or do I need to look for something special? The current plan is to just run up to the local auto parts store and pick some up when I get ready to do the tires. I hate to get half way into the job and find out that I need to order something special and have to wait another 3-4 days to finish. I'd rather just order them with the tires if needed. Thanks!

Matt

[1100s nut]

Same as everything I believe....cars, motorcycles small trailers. I think it the only thing the world has agreed on collectively.

Lane

[AndrewA]

Valve stems?

Huh?

Are you inquiring about adjusting your existing valves?

[moze229]

Originally Posted by AndrewA

Valve stems?

Huh?

Are you inquiring about adjusting your existing valves?

Yes! And, I also need to know where to put the blinker fluid. I opened the blinker bulb cover and there isn't anywhere to put it.

Just kidding I'm referring to the valve stems that are associated with the tires. My ignorance in the realm of tire land has led me to ask a likely laughed at question. I've never done tires myself before, and I wasn't sure if they were different sizes or all standard. With the exception of pressure monitoring systems I think they are all the same but I'm not 100% certain.

Matt

[Guest24]

Are you changing them because they leak, dry rot or what?

[Droptarotter]

Do yourself a favour and remove the rubber valve stems, then get the correct metal ones .
I bought a used road race bike years ago and the rubber valve stems were stuck at a 30 degree angle from the centrifugal force.
I think it was lucky they did not crack on the guy. Since then.....I always install metal ones.
They should be available at any auto parts stores.
You can even install 90 degree ones if you have limited space to get a tire guage on the valve.
Cheers

[moze229]

Originally Posted by Nail24

Are you changing them because they leak, dry rot or what?

Well, I'm putting a new set of tires on so I figured that while I have the tires off, it would probably be a good idea to put some new valve stems in. They are cheap and I'll have easy access when the tire is off the wheel. I've had these things rot and leak before on cars - probably a REALLY bad idea on a motorcycle. Might as well try to avoid it if I can figure out what size they are. Sort of a "Why the hell not?" kinda situation I suppose. I have no idea how old the ones I have are now, and I'd rather not pull the same tire off of a wheel twice because I didn't install a new $2.00 piece of rubber.

Matt

[moze229]

Originally Posted by Droptarotter

Do yourself a favour and remove the rubber valve stems, then get the correct metal ones .
I bought a used road race bike years ago and the rubber valve stems were stuck at a 30 degree angle from the centrifugal force.
I think it was lucky they did not crack on the guy. Since then.....I always install metal ones.
They should be available at any auto parts stores.
You can even install 90 degree ones if you have limited space to get a tire guage on the valve.
Cheers

I considered metal - but at this point I was concerned with getting the size correct first. I'll just rip one out and bring it with me to the store. I was thinking about the 90 degree or 45 degree for the front because of the rotor clearance issue and trying to get my big fat compressor hose on there. The rear isn't an issue for me. Thanks for the info.

Matt

[Droptarotter]

I believe there are only 2 sizes available......one is about 1/2 inch diameter.....and the larger is 5/8 diameter.....I am just going by memory here........and the old memory is not too good any more......anyhow.......what you need is easy to find as the BMW uses a standard tire valve.
Cheers

[NakedRider]

Originally Posted by Droptarotter

I believe there are only 2 sizes available......one is about 1/2 inch diameter.....and the larger is 5/8 diameter.....I am just going by memory here........and the old memory is not too good any more......anyhow.......what you need is easy to find as the BMW uses a standard tire valve.
Cheers

+1. There are two sizes. Auto parts store will carry both.

[1100s nut]

Originally Posted by 1100s nut

Same as everything I believe....cars, motorcycles small trailers. I think it the only thing the world has agreed on collectively.

Lane

My bad. I was thinking core not the stem.

Lane

[NakedRider]

Originally Posted by 1100s nut

My bad. I was thinking core not the stem.

Lane

Believe it or not I've seen these vary too. Mostly with aftermarket 90 degree stems. Sometimes they are longer. I've been changing a bunch of tires lately for other people and also switching to a 90 degree stem for many of the Ducati folks. Some of these are hard to get a hose to when trying to fill it back up.

If it's a stock stem there should be no problem.

[sgoodwin]

They're standard size, the place that changes my tires replaces them on me every time they swap tires. Didn't realize it until I noticed my metal ones had been replaced. They say it's to insure no leaks from old stems.