Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 31
  1. #1
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    85
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default General Altimax rear tire - how do you access valve stem??

    Hello,

    following the good advice of many forum members I just ahd my bike shop replace the rear tire of my 2014 RT with a General Altimax RT43. I like it a lot so far, but my problem is, how in the world do people access the tire valve? The stem is turned to the left side, towards the transmission belt and I see no way to reach it. What am I missing? Thanks!

  2. #2
    Very Active Member RICZ's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2019
    Location
    Portland, Oregon
    Posts
    2,735
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    That valve requires a straight air chuck.
    Ours is a red, black and chrome 2017 F3 Limited. Bought new in 2/2019. The avatar is my first bike back in 1952, a Simplex Servi-Cycle. Photo taken at the Barber Museum.
    2017 F3 Limited , Red, Black & Chrome

  3. #3
    Very Active Member BLUEKNIGHT911's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Central VERMONT
    Posts
    20,272
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gianfri View Post
    Hello,

    following the good advice of many forum members I just ahd my bike shop replace the rear tire of my 2014 RT with a General Altimax RT43. I like it a lot so far, but my problem is, how in the world do people access the tire valve? The stem is turned to the left side, towards the transmission belt and I see no way to reach it. What am I missing? Thanks!
    The info I orig. typed here has been removed by me - for reasons I won't mention ……. Do you know what the ' IGNORE " list is …….

  4. #4
    Very Active Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Location
    Oakley Utah
    Posts
    8,126
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gianfri View Post
    Hello,

    following the good advice of many forum members I just ahd my bike shop replace the rear tire of my 2014 RT with a General Altimax RT43. I like it a lot so far, but my problem is, how in the world do people access the tire valve? The stem is turned to the left side, towards the transmission belt and I see no way to reach it. What am I missing? Thanks!
    There are many threads on the topic of rear wheel valve stem access on the RT. It has nothing to do with the tire that is mounted. Some of the solutions involve a different style of valve stem, but that involves demounting the tire.

    I adapted my Ryobi tire inflator to accept a different chuck, which makes it easier to inflate the tire. But, it's still a hassle. Fortunately, the tires hold the pressure pretty well and only need occasional attention.
    2014 RTL Platinum


  5. #5
    Very Active Member Bensonoid's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Benson, NY
    Posts
    683
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    This air chuck works perfectly.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    2015 RTS Special Series
    Russell Day Long seat
    F4 Customs windshield
    Sena 20s

  6. #6
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    85
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by UtahPete View Post
    There are many threads on the topic of rear wheel valve stem access on the RT. It has nothing to do with the tire that is mounted. Some of the solutions involve a different style of valve stem, but that involves demounting the tire.

    I adapted my Ryobi tire inflator to accept a different chuck, which makes it easier to inflate the tire. But, it's still a hassle. Fortunately, the tires hold the pressure pretty well and only need occasional attention.
    Thank you for your reply. I managed to access the previous tire (stock that came with the bike) but I cannot reach this one, so there must be something different.....

  7. #7
    Very Active Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Location
    Oakley Utah
    Posts
    8,126
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gianfri View Post
    Thank you for your reply. I managed to access the previous tire (stock that came with the bike) but I cannot reach this one, so there must be something different.....
    In that case, it sounds like your tire installer replaced the OEM valve stem with something different. You might need to ask them to replace with the correct valve stem.
    2014 RTL Platinum


  8. #8
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    85
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by UtahPete View Post
    In that case, it sounds like your tire installer replaced the OEM valve stem with something different. You might need to ask them to replace with the correct valve stem.
    So is the stem mounted on the rim, or does it come with the tire? Sorry, I am obviously very ignorant about this issues....

  9. #9
    Very Active Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Location
    Oakley Utah
    Posts
    8,126
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gianfri View Post
    So is the stem mounted on the rim, or does it come with the tire? Sorry, I am obviously very ignorant about this issues....
    It's a tubeless tire (just like automobile tires), so it's mounted to the rim. It's very common for a tire shop to replace the valve stem at the time they replace a tire, but it's not at all necessary.

    Bicycle tires are different; they use inner tubes with the valve stem as part of the inner tubes.
    2014 RTL Platinum


  10. #10
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    85
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by UtahPete View Post
    It's a tubeless tire (just like automobile tires), so it's mounted to the rim. It's very common for a tire shop to replace the valve stem at the time they replace a tire, but it's not at all necessary.

    Bicycle tires are different; they use inner tubes with the valve stem as part of the inner tubes.
    I knew it was tubeless, so it makes sense that the valve is on the rim. I am not sure why I find it more difficult to reach it now than before then. I will check with the installer to see if they changed the valve. Thanks!

  11. #11
    Very Active Member JerryB's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Beaverton, Oregon
    Posts
    1,925
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Hi Bensonoid,

    Re: This air chuck works perfectly.

    I bought one of those a few weeks ago & agree completely.

    I put the valve stem at about 11 o'clock & have great access to it; both for checking the pressure & adding/removing air.

    Jerry Baumchen
    'I'll never forget what's her name.'

    'Things are more like they are now than they ever have been before.' Dwight Eisenhower

    2008 GS SE-5

  12. #12
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    85
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Bensonoid View Post
    This air chuck works perfectly.
    Do you know where to find it, or the make and model? Thank you.

  13. #13
    Very Active Member pegasus1300's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Spring City,Utah
    Posts
    5,329
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Google "Harley Davidson valve stem extension". Harley has the same problem with their ultra glides. They have a nifty little extension that allows you to check or add air, I think it is 10.95 and is about 6" long. I have one and it works great.42300009__1__32209.1468872284.1280.1280.jpg

    Happy TRAils/NSD
    Paul

    2012 RT L
    AMA 25 years Life Member
    TRA
    PGR
    Rhino Riders Plate #83
    Venturers #78
    TOI

    2012 Spyder RT L , Baja Ron Plugs and wires Lava Bronze

  14. #14
    Very Active Member JayBros's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Location
    Mint Hill, NC
    Posts
    5,851
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by pegasus1300 View Post
    Google "Harley Davidson valve stem extension". Harley has the same problem with their ultra glides. They have a nifty little extension that allows you to check or add air, I think it is 10.95 and is about 6" long. I have one and it works great.42300009__1__32209.1468872284.1280.1280.jpg
    Absolutely!!!
    Artillery lends dignity to what would
    otherwise be a vulgar brawl.
    ******************************
    Cognac 2014 RT-S

  15. #15
    Very Active Member JerryB's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Beaverton, Oregon
    Posts
    1,925
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Hi gianfri,

    Re: Do you know where to find it, or the make and model? Thank you.

    I bought mine up the street at the local auto parts store.

    I suggest you print out the photo & take to it an auto parts store & see if they have one/can get you one.

    Jerry Baumchen
    'I'll never forget what's her name.'

    'Things are more like they are now than they ever have been before.' Dwight Eisenhower

    2008 GS SE-5

  16. #16
    Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie Peter Aawen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    Australia; Sth Aust, Adelaide Hills
    Posts
    9,515
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Was it a Dealer or workshop who pulled the wheel off your Spyder & stripped the drive sprocket etc ready for the tire to be replaced, and then re-assembled it all & replaced the wheel on your Spyder Gianfri?

    Any chance that when the wheel assy was removed from the Spyder & being stripped of the drive sprocket & cush pads, the sprocket's position wasn't marked or taken note of, so that once it came time to fit that back on, it could be put back on in the same position? If the sprocket is 'clocked' just a little, & then replaced on the wheel assembly in the wrong position so that one of its spokes is now hiding the valve stem, you probably won't be able to check the tire pressure once it's on the Spyder again?? It's certainly possible to do that, and once the wheel is back on the Spyder, if one of the drive sprocket spokes is located such that it hides the valve stem, it is damn near impossible to get to even WITH any of the handy devices mentioned above!!

    If that's what's happened, the rear wheel assy will need to come off the Spyder again to fix it, but at least the tire doesn't need to be de-mounted - just the sprocket & cush pads. Once the wheel is off the bike, you'll hafta pull the sprocket off and clock it correctly so that there isn't a spoke in the way of getting at the valve stem. Not massively hard, but certainly annoying to hafta do it. That's why I asked who did the wheel & sprocket remove & refit job?!? That someone is likely going to need to fix it!
    2013 RT Ltd Pearl White

    Ryde More, Worry Less!

  17. #17
    Very Active Member Navydad's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Location
    Chillicothe, Oh.
    Posts
    1,396
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    What Peter said.
    2015 RT , Black

  18. #18
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Location
    Greer, SC
    Posts
    37
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by JayBros View Post
    Absolutely!!!
    And they guarantee it won't leak oil for at least 3 days.

    ��������������

  19. #19
    Very Active Member Freddy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    West Oz
    Posts
    906
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    I find that a 2" long tubeless valve stem is much more practical (assuming that the spokes are aligned as Peter points out) as it is more flexible for easy access.
    The best substitute for brains & knowledge is....................silence.

  20. #20
    Active Member RudyB's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Location
    Abbotsford British Columbia Canada
    Posts
    273
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    You should be able to access it make sure wheel position is so that valve stem at bottom slightly to right and should be able to access it

  21. #21
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    85
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Peter Aawen View Post
    Was it a Dealer or workshop who pulled the wheel off your Spyder & stripped the drive sprocket etc ready for the tire to be replaced, and then re-assembled it all & replaced the wheel on your Spyder Gianfri?

    Any chance that when the wheel assy was removed from the Spyder & being stripped of the drive sprocket & cush pads, the sprocket's position wasn't marked or taken note of, so that once it came time to fit that back on, it could be put back on in the same position? If the sprocket is 'clocked' just a little, & then replaced on the wheel assembly in the wrong position so that one of its spokes is now hiding the valve stem, you probably won't be able to check the tire pressure once it's on the Spyder again?? It's certainly possible to do that, and once the wheel is back on the Spyder, if one of the drive sprocket spokes is located such that it hides the valve stem, it is damn near impossible to get to even WITH any of the handy devices mentioned above!!

    If that's what's happened, the rear wheel assy will need to come off the Spyder again to fix it, but at least the tire doesn't need to be de-mounted - just the sprocket & cush pads. Once the wheel is off the bike, you'll hafta pull the sprocket off and clock it correctly so that there isn't a spoke in the way of getting at the valve stem. Not massively hard, but certainly annoying to hafta do it. That's why I asked who did the wheel & sprocket remove & refit job?!? That someone is likely going to need to fix it!
    Ah! This is EXACTLY what happened! The valve is right behind a spoke. I can touch it, but there is no space to insert even a flexible extension tube. Back to the shop. Thank you!

  22. #22
    Very Active Member Freddy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    West Oz
    Posts
    906
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    With a 2" valve stem you can access it. Just saying for a friend.
    The best substitute for brains & knowledge is....................silence.

  23. #23
    Very Active Member Bensonoid's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Benson, NY
    Posts
    683
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gianfri View Post
    Do you know where to find it, or the make and model? Thank you.
    I've had mine for so long I can't remember where I stol...bought it. I googled it to get the picture, they are quite common. I've seen a quite a few spyders that have had the pulley put back on in the wrong position like Peter mentioned. Everyone should take a picture of their rear wheel showing the valve stem in between two of the sprocket spokes to show your tech how to put it back together.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    2015 RTS Special Series
    Russell Day Long seat
    F4 Customs windshield
    Sena 20s

  24. #24
    SpyderLovers Sponsor
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Las Vegas
    Posts
    13,031
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gianfri View Post
    Ah! This is EXACTLY what happened! The valve is right behind a spoke. I can touch it, but there is no space to insert even a flexible extension tube. Back to the shop. Thank you!
    We see that happen a lot and I always tell people to go back to whoever installed the tire and ask them to check the pressure because you can’t. Then make them re-clock the pulley for you.

    2017 F3T-SM6 Squared Away Mirror Wedgies & Alignment
    2014 RTS-SM6 123,600 miles Sold 11/2017
    2014 RTL-SE6 8,600 miles
    2011 RTS-SM5 5,000 miles
    2013 RTS-SM5 burned up with 13,200 miles in 13 weeks
    2010 RTS-SM5 59,148 miles
    2010 RT- 622

  25. #25
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    85
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by SpyderAnn01 View Post
    We see that happen a lot and I always tell people to go back to whoever installed the tire and ask them to check the pressure because you can’t. Then make them re-clock the pulley for you.
    I went back to the shop and they were very nice about it. They took the wheel off and readjusted as needed. All is good. Thank you so much for all your advice! I don't know what type would do without this forum......

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •