90 Degree Valve Stems?

maddagascar

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Anyone ever install one of these on their XS650? I'm not sure what size hole it is. I brought it into cycle gear and they said they didn't even know if they made one long enough to be screwed in. I don't know if that's true or not. I wanted to get some of these as I have them on my other bikes and it makes putting air into them so much easier. I don't know if I need a 8.3 or 11mm or maybe even another size valve stem.

Any help on the hole diameter or which 90 degree valve stems would work would be appreciated!!
 
The XS650 wheels were not designed for 90 degree valve stems. If you have cast wheels you might not even be able to fit them in.

I read a while back about a Harley rider that was killed when a shop installed 90 degree valve stems on his bike. The stem kept hitting the swingarm until it tore clean off. Catastrophic depressurization and a fatal crash resulted. Something to keep in mind.

You can work with straight stems on your bike. You just need to figure out how to fit your tire gage and inflator into the available space.
 
My 81 SH has the normal valve stems. It is very difficult to pump up the back tire with a foot pump. The commercial pumps that push on but do not clamp work ok, it is the clamp lever on the foot pump that gets in the way. I wonder if there are low profile valve stems available?
 
Don't sport bikes have the same wheels? I run 90 degree on my R6 just fine, as many others who race. Curious about the Harley incident, that must have been a real big 90 degree valve stem to hit the swingarm.

I can make it work with the regular valve stem, but once you have a 90 degree stem, it's just super easy.

But like my original post, I don't know if it would fit, which is what cycle gear stated, but weren't sure. I figured I'd check with the folks who do have experience on this forum. Fit as in, may not be long enough to screw into the whole due to the rim, if that makes sense.

bike_master90_degree_valve_stems_zoom.jpg
 
The spoked wheels on XS650s won't work with 90 deg. valve stems unless the valve stem is attached to an inner tube (which I don't think has ever been done).

I don't know if the later cast wheel Special models would accept tubeless tires - but if they do and the stems fit properly, then 90 deg. valve stems do make life a little easier. I have them on my 2007 Honda ST1300 and with those big disc rotors, it would be very tight getting an air chuck on a straight valve stem.
 
I should have clarified, I don't have spoked wheels. I have tubeless tires, the mag wheels (if that's the material). But yes, they make life so much easier. I have tires I have waiting to be mounted, but I wanted to get the stems first to make one trip out of it and save money since I don't put the tires on myself.
 
As long as the cast aluminium wheels are approved for tubeless tires and the stems don't hit anything as they rotate, I'd say it should be OK. My ST (and many other large touring bikes actually) have 90 degree valve stems.
 
i use the 90 degree valve stems on my stock 81sh cast rims and they are the cat's ass! i bought mine from this seller -> http://www.ebay.com/itm/201129068069?item=201129068069&viewitem=&vxp=mtr

yes, they are the 8mm. just so you know, mikesxs also sells a 90 degree fill valve but i wouldn't recommend leaving it on your valve. (part no 01-0172) only use it when filling. i could see that possibly hitting a swingarm....
 
i use the 90 degree valve stems on my stock 81sh cast rims and they are the cat's ass! i bought mine from this seller -> http://www.ebay.com/itm/201129068069?item=201129068069&viewitem=&vxp=mtr

yes, they are the 8mm. just so you know, mikesxs also sells a 90 degree fill valve but i wouldn't recommend leaving it on your valve. (part no 01-0172) only use it when filling. i could see that possibly hitting a swingarm....

Sweet! Just ordered these. I ordered 8.3mm, originally, but just went with yours to be safe. Bridgeport is the brand I''m running on my other bike as well. This looks to be the same. Fits just fine?
 
Sweet! Just ordered these. I ordered 8.3mm, originally, but just went with yours to be safe. Bridgeport is the brand I''m running on my other bike as well. This looks to be the same. Fits just fine?

yep, fits fine and haven't had any leaks. they have been on the bike since summer of 2015.
 
sweet. I'll post again once I have them installed. Thanks for the help! Hope this thread helps others in the future. Will be installing them before the weekend.
 
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