Thoughts or Advice on installing Metal valve stems on wheels using FOBO?

[UtahPete]

I'm thinking of adding FOBO to monitor tire pressure, particularly for the rear wheel, which is difficult to access. For the rear wheel, I'm thinking of installing a T-valve at my next tire change, so I can more readily add air if needed, without having to remove the FOBO device.

Any thoughts or advice on this from forum members? Google AI has this to say...

For a 2014 Can-Am Spyder RT using external FOBO TPMS sensors, rigid metal T-shaped valve stems or 90-degree / straight metal bolt-on valve stems (such as specialized T-valves or 0.453-inch / standard metal stems) work best to handle the centrifugal weight and vibration of the external sensors. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Recommended Valve Stem Options


HawksHead Patented T-Valve
$14.99$18
Hawkshead Systems
A non-welded, nickel-plated T-valve designed specifically for external TPMS sensors. It gives you a right-angle branch for the heavy FOBO sensor and a second straight valve so you can add or check air easily without spinning the sensor off each time. It fits standard wheel opening sizes like 0.453" or 0.625" using a reversible gasket. [1]

---

FOBO T-Shaped Metal Valve Stems
Available directly from FOBO accessories or specialized motorcycle suppliers like WingStuff, these are engineered to pair cleanly with external FOBO 2 TPMS caps while resisting high-speed flexing and G-forces. [1, 2]

---

BikeMaster Aluminum Forged Valve Stems
$12.77$19
4.5
(4)
MotoSport.com& more
BikeMaster Aluminum Forged Valve Stems (or equivalent 90-degree/straight bolt-on aluminum/brass stems): Anodized for corrosion protection and rigid enough to prevent the bending or snap-off issues common with rubber stems under the weight of an external Bluetooth cap. [1, 2, 3]

---

Colby Valve Permanent Tire Valve Systems
$21.99
4.9
(15)
LockNLube& more
Colby Valve Permanent Tire Valve Systems (#CV-PV2): Brass bolt-on permanent replacements that fit 0.453" wheel openings and install tightly from the outside if you need a heavy-duty, high-strength fix. [1]

---

Why Metal Stems Are Critical for FOBO

• • Sensor Weight: FOBO external caps are heavier than standard plastic valve caps. Centrifugal force and road vibrations can cause soft rubber snap-in stems to crack, flex, or snap off at speed. [1, 2]
  • Air Access (T-Valves): Standard straight metal stems require you to unscrew the heavy FOBO sensor every time you need to top off tire pressure. T-valves solve this by providing a dedicated second port. [1]

 

[LisaMal]

I use them directly on my valve stems on my bike. My wife has angled valve stem extenders but they are ones we got from Amazon like these: https://a.co/d/0fnCYcKK

 

[EdMat]

The Tee type valve stems would be an excellent addition. I would put the sensor on the top of the Tee so it would be easier to add air thru the side. I have never had a problem with the rubber valve stems, but you get the alert every time you unscrew it.

 

[UtahPete]

The Tee type valve stems would be an excellent addition. I would put the sensor on the top of the Tee so it would be easier to add air thru the side. I have never had a problem with the rubber valve stems, but you get the alert every time you unscrew it.

So, are your tee types stems the actual valve stem, or a screw on extension? It sounds like the latter. And, you're using it on the original straight rubber valve stem?

Do you have a link to the tee type extension you're using, please?

 

[EdMat]

So, are your tee types stems the actual valve stem, or a screw on extension? It sounds like the latter. And, you're using it on the original straight rubber valve stem?

Do you have a link to the tee type extension you're using, please?

I don't have them on mine yet. If I do they will probably come from FOBO

 

[RogerC60]

Not on my Spyder, but on my Beemer I have T valve stems just like the HawksHead ones you pictured. I put the TPMS sensor on the straight end and use the angled end to adjust pressure. The guy who installs my tires installed them for me. They have never caused any problem with balancing the tires, and they have never leaked. I've had them on for about 7 years, 45,000 miles.

Whenever I need tires replaced on my Spyder I am going to have these T valves put on and add a TPMS.

 

[UtahPete]

Not on my Spyder, but on my Beemer I have T valve stems just like the HawksHead ones you pictured. I put the TPMS sensor on the straight end and use the angled end to adjust pressure. The guy who installs my tires installed them for me. They have never caused any problem with balancing the tires, and they have never leaked. I've had them on for about 7 years, 45,000 miles.

Whenever I need tires replaced on my Spyder I am going to have these T valves put on and add a TPMS.

Thanks. They're pricey now, so I'll probably do just the rear.