[aztechmaster]

OK bit of an informal poll here. I recently had a new rear tire mounted for my LT. Paid, picked up my tire, put it on, and the first long ride on father's day had a flat! Put her up on the center stand to see what happened....and figured out there was a NEW valve stem cap on my OLD stem which was leaking badly! So I get bike, myself, and my son home, and called the dealership where I had the tire mounted, asking why no new stem? Because they only do that per request! I really am shocked, no joke. NOBODY mentioned this when either dropping off or paying, nor was there anything posted anywhere in the service area about this. Talk about poor communication.
Having just moved to SD from AZ has been an eye opener in many ways, here is another I guess because in AZ they simply replace stems with new tires.
That new cap on there fooled me....... and tomorrow I find out if my new Metzler is going to be OK or not...and if I am expected to pay again.

So question is- this normal?

 

[jzeiler]

It is normal for me as I replaced the failure prone rubber valve stems with a metal ones on my first tire change 8 years ago. Never have to change them again.

 

[JATownsend]

I have to agree with John. I switched to more durable metal stems 5 or 6 years ago.
The BMW rubber stems have had a dismal failure record.

Sorry to hear about your particular experience. This is a rather well documented issue on this site and with BMW rubber stems in general.

 

[aztechmaster]

It is normal for me as I replaced the failure prone rubber valve stems with a metal ones on my first tire change 8 years ago. Never have to change them again.

Good point...but still to not even ask me or mention it?

 

[aztechmaster]

I have to agree with John. I switched to more durable metal stems 5 or 6 years ago.
The BMW rubber stems have had a dismal failure record.

Sorry to hear about your particular experience. This is a rather well documented issue on this site and with BMW rubber stems in general.

I had no idea. This is my second K bike and first flat for either.

 

[tvguy]

WTF??? You always replace the valve stem. Just because the stem may only have 10k miles on it, its just free insurance that you won't have the same issue you had.
I would go back to the dealer and BITCH YOUR HEAD OFF...

 

[katnapinn]

It is normal for me as I replaced the failure prone rubber valve stems with a metal ones on my first tire change 8 years ago. Never have to change them again.

Yep same here. I have a few friends that I mount tires for that do NOT want metal stems (Why I can not figure out) so I just replace the rubber one EVERY time I do their tires.

 

[hschisler]

It sounds like you got caught in the cross-fire of two assumptions: the shop assumed you knew their local practice, and you assumed they would change the valve stem as happened in your previous experience. Sorry this happened, and I hope they make it right. They have a good chance to create a loyal customer here!

 

[2Wheelroadtrip]

I cannot count how many times I have heard "I am not paying $3.00 for valve stems". When putting new tires on a customers car. That is what we charged for a set of 4. I have to assume that the dealer has heard too many people bitch so they don't put them in unless the customer asks.

 

[deputy5211]

It is normal for me as I replaced the failure prone rubber valve stems with a metal ones on my first tire change 8 years ago. Never have to change them again.

SIDEBAR: do you happen to know offhand the specs for metal stems and/or a source for them? Thanks.

 

[Wolfgang]

Rubber valve stems should be replaced with every tire changes. Cars and bikes. Period!

 

[johnbaker15]

So question is- this normal?

I don't think it is.

Last fall I had a new front tire installed by a local BMW dealer ( Second Wind BMW, Merrimack, NH ). After the installation and test ride, as I am paying the bill. They informed me that the pads are about 20% worn , the brake fluid is a little dark but Ok, bike checks out fine. And yes they installed a new stem without asking if a wanted to spend $3.00 more dollars.

What they did is called "service", they are not the cheapest place around, but sometimes you get what you pay for. :bmw:

 

[pauleknight]

I know that I am being lazy, but what stems are recommended?

I have such a hard time getting to the valve stems to add Oil to my tires when they are low :rotf:

Also I have the TPMS stem caps, so does that make a difference?

Thanks in advance.

 

[rattler50]

Most places won't change stems unless you request it...........

 

[jzeiler]

SIDEBAR: do you happen to know offhand the specs for metal stems and/or a source for them? Thanks.

This is what I have Tony. They can be found in most autoparts stores as well.

Stems

 

[mooney3025]

This happen to my buddy on our last fall trip to West Virginia on his GL 1500. He never thinks about his valve stems either. We left him at the WV Visitors Center off of I-81, he got it fix and caught up to us by the end off the day.
I use metal stems and still replace them every 2-3 years. Its cheaper then dealing with that headache on a trip!!

 

[Foiler]

Has anyone every tried these stems?

http://kurveygirl.com/shop/index.php?cPath=27

I like the looks of the anodized and they sure seem liek they would be easier to use with a pressure gauge

 

[cws]

If you look into the details for the aluminium ones (see the Selection guide, then BMW) its says K1200LT - will not fit due to the rib around the wheel... also some other BMW's are same.
I'm about to purchase the Enkei 3/4" straight ones they have listed there.
There is an Enkei 85 deg pair at the bottom of the page that looks like they might be OK, but I'm sticking with straight ones...

 

[jzeiler]

Chris - get the straight ones. I put a 45 degree one on the front and it is a pain. Wish I had left the straight one in. Pain to change as I have a Smartire system.

 

[piper1612000]

Just ordered new tires for the LT. Found these valve stems and was wondering if these would be okay or if anyone has a set.

From Jegs Detroit Wheel Mr. Lugnut Valve Stems #306-2900-4

Thanks,

Rick