Tire pressure monitor

[chief]

I don't believe that you can rely on the temperature measurement on these because unless I am missing something, the sensor is mounted on the end of the valve stem and will be cooled be the spin and wind as the bike wheel rotates at speed.
John

They provide you with a trend and will report difference in tire temps. That difference is important.

[John Hopkins]

I don't believe that you can rely on the temperature measurement on these because unless I am missing something, the sensor is mounted on the end of the valve stem and will be cooled be the spin and wind as the bike wheel rotates at speed.

But I have had occasions when a slow leak has caused my tire pressure to drop to as low as 10 psi, the alarm on these goes off as soon as the pressure drops by 2.5 psi, unless I get severe damage I should notice a problem long before it becomes life threatening.

John

[Eagle76]

I would rather have had the in-tire sensor, but with the tubes I had to go with the valve-cover type.  I was hesitant, but have had no issues.  People that have had problems are those who have rubber, rather than metal, valve stems.  The extra weight of these valve covers bend the rubber stems while riding and cause problems.  Not the case with metal stems.

[chief]

I've been looking at them for my RV. Because of pressure and loading the tires on these things tend to want to pop just to be contrary. On an RV a blowout can really tear up stuff... on a bike it can kill you. Monitoring pressure and temperature of the tires can let you know before you have a blowout. I've had one on the RV last year, don't want another.

Now, on OUR bikes, the tubes really help prevent blowouts. The TPMS isn't really there to keep you from having to check your tire pressure. They exist to help you monitor temps/pressure and warn you if there is a problem. They work, but you can't just ignore them and wait for the warning, you have to monitor them. 

[John Hopkins]

It's about three inches long, I thought I would attach it to the tank with Velcro and maybe some thin fishing line in case it vibrates loose..

It should warn me of a slow leak before the tire goes flat and soon enough to inflate it at the next fuel stop, I don't fancy changing a tire and tube several hundred miles from home.

And I can afford to buy it even if I find it useless and give it to one of my children for their cars.

John.

[greenbarn]

I've ordered this one, but for a car.. I hope I may be able to fit two sensors to one bike and two to another and then program the keyfob.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TPMS-Tire-Pressure-Portable-Wireless-Monitor-Universal-4x-Sensors-System-EMS-/281018024186?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item416dfac0fa

This is how I hope to reprogram it.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TPMS-Motorcycle-Portable-LCD-Motorbike-Tire-Pressure-Monitor-2x-Sensors-System-/281018036340?pt=UK_Cars_Parts_Vehicles_Wheels_tyre_Trims_Trims_ET&hash=item416dfaf074

replacement batteries are about 30 cents each here.

I may have to fit a tire weight opposite the sensor to balance the wheel..

John.

Question, John:  The thought just occurred to me- How would these be better than the screw-on valve cap sensors that show up a green window when the tire is inflated to the correct pressure?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4PCS-Car-Auto-Tire-Pressure-Monitor-Valve-Stem-Caps-Sensor-Indicator-Alert-Set-U-/351115307119?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item51c01a686f&vxp=mtr

On the electronic version, you can't see or hear it while riding it, right?  Just curious...

[greenbarn]

must be hard holding that on while you are riding... do you use a thermometer too?

I gave up trying to check it while riding   Hurts the fingers too much...

Seriously, though, I don't have anything against someone going out and BUYING a TPMS system, if they WANT one, and in their mind the benefits justify the costs.   I just have a problem with government making them mandatory and then the industry implementing them in such a way that it is a dis-service to both the consumer and the service industry.

Troll:  on the automobile sensors, the battery is not serviceable.  The battery is encased in the sensor in an epoxy-like substance, usually, in the internal portion of the sensor assembly, which is unseen inside the wheel.  Retail cost on the sensors ranges from $50 to over $100.  Many cars require reprogramming, some of which requires a $1300 OBD tool, or a trip to the dealer.

All because of some over-loaded/under-inflated Explorer tires...

[CDNRatMan]

 lots of people have the monitors in their cars and have lots of issues in the winter time because the ambient temps drop so far and then rise as they head south for a day trip. I'll just check mine every other day or before a long ride.

[John Hopkins]

I've ordered this one, but for a car.. I hope I may be able to fit two sensors to one bike and two to another and then program the keyfob.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TPMS-Tire-Pressure-Portable-Wireless-Monitor-Universal-4x-Sensors-System-EMS-/281018024186?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item416dfac0fa

This is how I hope to reprogram it.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TPMS-Motorcycle-Portable-LCD-Motorbike-Tire-Pressure-Monitor-2x-Sensors-System-/281018036340?pt=UK_Cars_Parts_Vehicles_Wheels_tyre_Trims_Trims_ET&hash=item416dfaf074

replacement batteries are about 30 cents each here.

I may have to fit a tire weight opposite the sensor to balance the wheel..

John.

[Troll]

I just read an article in Motorcycle Consumer News about these valve cap sensor systems...they didn't seem to be to thrilled.

[Eagle76]

I've been using this one on my 1500 for about a year and have been very happy with it: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009D1HFFU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Troll]

  the transponders for the systems are usually built into the valve assy. This makes it interesting if you are running a tube tire, as we are. The transponder would have to be between the tube and the wheel rim (a friction/wear point). Since this would introduce a possible error inducing variable into the system, I would question the viability...my wife has a system on her HHR as required by law, and it seems to be ok, but I'm wondering how much it would cost to replace the batteries in the wheel's valve assys, or even if that's possible without replacing the valve....as long as it works, fine, when it stops working, well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it...Naaahhhh, I just check them every couple of days...

[chief]

must be hard holding that on while you are riding... do you use a thermometer too?

[greenbarn]

Has anyone fitted a tire pressure monitor system to their drifter?

This is the TPMS system I use for mine....

I have to deal all day with that TMPS crap at work,    so don't want anything to do with it!

[chief]

Nope, but I am looking at one for my RV and for the bikes.

[John Hopkins]

Has anyone fitted a tire pressure monitor system to their drifter?

John.