04 RT replacement valve stems

[CMikeWil]

Yes, I’ve searched…. Lots of good info here, but due to the age of some of the posts, some links (to products) are no longer good.

 

So, I’ve NEVER replaced the valve stems in my 04 RT.  I do have a couple of spare NAPA stems (inconveniently long) just in case.  Before I pay the price, I’d like to order & install a new set.  I think I’d like a set of metal, 90 degree stems of good quality.  

 

Can you recommend a brand/model or warn me off & guide me to a better choice?

 

Also, am curious if those of you who have swapped the OEM rubber stuff for a metal stem have had to rebalance?  Does the aluminum add enough weight to warrant that?

[Skywagon]

CMikeWil... I don't know if this will help or not.  I had a 2005 1150RT.  I went to the BMW Auto Dealer and got some short metal ones from them.  That was probably 10 years or so ago so I don't remember what I bought.  You might look on line for some BMW car valves of similar vintage.  Good luck

[CMikeWil]

Thanks David; that is a good idea.  I don’t have a local dealer, but an hour’s drive or an online source might turn something up.

[Lowndes]

Mike,

 

Amazon??

 

$12 prime, set of four, metal, 90°:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Circuit-Performance-Chrome-Degree-Angled/dp/B01N2WM2UM/ref=sr_1_5?crid=38FAEJU26T1DE&dchild=1&keywords=tire+valve+stems+45+degree&qid=1630841167&sprefix=tire+valve+stems+90+deg%2Caps%2C-1&sr=8-5

 

Fancy ones, $15:

 

https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/C17A82BB-DBD6-4D50-B7A0-C98F1D631D7B?store_ref=SB_A06290622O5AUX706VQBW&pd_rd_w=Jp5vF&pf_rd_p=fad5d353-96a8-4f87-9d3d-baa8fd27627a&pd_rd_wg=Ul9Qc&pf_rd_r=GH5334QBS060QC8ARFC9&pd_rd_r=0f8f73e8-0100-4275-b7eb-e730f43b22c5&aaxitk=a08c67307c9b01befb5172f83a8b0a42&hsa_cr_id=9488864460001&lp_asins=B088CZT3ZR,B088D3C3YZ,B088CNZWLF&lp_query=tire valve stems 45 degree&lp_slot=desktop-hsa-3psl&ref_=sbx_be_s_3psl_mbd#nav-top

 

 

 

I put these T-valves on my bikes with a TPMS kit.   They have saved my bacon several times, plus it is soooo easy to check tire pressures ANY time.  And NO, they don't fall off, get stolen, break valve stems, etc, etc.

 

With the T valve and sensor mounted on the wheel I have not had to rebalance any wheels.  Doesn't seem right, but I don't feel anything at speed either.

 

https://my-fobo.com/accessories

 

  

 

TPMS, $32:

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/353580769101?hash=item52530e5f4d:g:G9EAAOSwmZhgUusz

 

  

 

 

[CMikeWil]

3 hours ago, Lowndes said:

Mike,

 

Amazon??

 

$12 prime, set of four, metal, 90°:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Circuit-Performance-Chrome-Degree-Angled/dp/B01N2WM2UM/ref=sr_1_5?crid=38FAEJU26T1DE&dchild=1&keywords=tire+valve+stems+45+degree&qid=1630841167&sprefix=tire+valve+stems+90+deg%2Caps%2C-1&sr=8-5

 

Fancy ones, $15:

 

https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/C17A82BB-DBD6-4D50-B7A0-C98F1D631D7B?store_ref=SB_A06290622O5AUX706VQBW&pd_rd_w=Jp5vF&pf_rd_p=fad5d353-96a8-4f87-9d3d-baa8fd27627a&pd_rd_wg=Ul9Qc&pf_rd_r=GH5334QBS060QC8ARFC9&pd_rd_r=0f8f73e8-0100-4275-b7eb-e730f43b22c5&aaxitk=a08c67307c9b01befb5172f83a8b0a42&hsa_cr_id=9488864460001&lp_asins=B088CZT3ZR,B088D3C3YZ,B088CNZWLF&lp_query=tire valve stems 45 degree&lp_slot=desktop-hsa-3psl&ref_=sbx_be_s_3psl_mbd#nav-top

 

 

 

I put these T-valves on my bikes with a TPMS kit.   They have saved my bacon several times, plus it is soooo easy to check tire pressures ANY time.  And NO, they don't fall off, get stolen, break valve stems, etc, etc.

 

With the T valve and sensor mounted on the wheel I have not had to rebalance any wheels.  Doesn't seem right, but I don't feel anything at speed either.

 

https://my-fobo.com/accessories

 

  

 

TPMS, $32:

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/353580769101?hash=item52530e5f4d:g:G9EAAOSwmZhgUusz

 

  

 

 

Wow, have never seen T-Valves before…. 

 

you hit the nail on the head when you speak of ease of checking pressure.  The twin rotors on the front of my RT are manageable with MY air pressure gauge and MY air chuck, but more cumbersome with strange tools on the road.  That drives my interest in the 90 degree stem (or a T-Valve).  While not a “have to have it”, it sure sounds convenient.

 

The metal (straight) stems on my GS are just much more solid, which I guess doesn’t necessarily mean they will last longer.  

 

Long story short, I’ve skimped on replacing the original stems on my RT, and don’t want to be switching them out in 6 months by choosing something cheap/easy to find.

 

I hadn’t really considered upgrading to a TPMS, but that sure looks nice.  

 

 

[Lowndes]

Mike,

 

I believe wallyworld has the plain, straight metal valve stems for tubeless wheels.  I think there are two standard hole sizes (holes in the wheels) for the stems but don't know what size BMW uses.  Most of the metal stems have a large tapered rubber/neoprene gromet that will fit and seal both size holes.  See below.

 

 

As for yours wearing out, unless you are running offroad without valve stem caps, I wouldn't worry about it.  Car washes are hard on the rubber valve stems, and they will age and crack.  The Schrader valve inside the stem can fail and be easily replaced with a valve stem tool.  You can also chase the threads inside and outside with it.  

 

[ESokoloff]

When I put these on my 03 RT, I had to use a dremel to relieve some of the times center rib/casting.  
 

Too many years ago to remember the details.

 

Re TPM, I’ve been very satisfied with the FOBO Bike 2 system. NOTE: It’s on my 2016 Zero DSR

[CMikeWil]

Hmmmm, both of the TPM systems look nice.  I believe I’ve been talked into purchasing one or the other.  

 

[RogerC60]

I had these installed on my R1150RT to use with my TPMS: Chrome T-Valve Stems (cyclemax.com). I've had one on the front for a little more than a year, and on the rear for a couple of months. (I waited until I needed to replace a tire and had my tire guy install it then.)

 

So far absolutely no problem with them, and I love the convenience of being able to adjust tire pressure without having to unscrew the TPMS sensor.