Loose Valve Stem on front tire of 2007 Big Dog K9

[Brock]

Hello again Big Dog Gurus. I am no expert on motorcycles, and once again respectfully request your vast knowledge in solving another problem. When I was recently detailing my 2007 Big Dog K9, I heard air leak from the base of the valve stem of my front tire when I moved the valve stem from side to side while polishing my front wheel. Is this normal?; because I took the bike to a local non Big Dog motorcycle mechanic, who double nutted the valve stem and tightened it up. When I wiggled the valve stem at the mechanic's shop, I no longer heard any air leaking from its base. However, when I drove it home, and wiggled the valve stem again, I was disappointed to discover that once again air was heard to be leaking from the base of the valve stem. This seems like a dangerous problem, and I am now going to bring the bike to a big Harley dealership to correct the problem, since the nearest Big Dog Dealer is located too far away from me. What do you guys think is the problem here, or is this normal? Do I need a new valve stem assembly? Are these valve stem assemblys standard replacements, or do I need a special Big Dog Valve stem assembly here. Please respond so I don't kill myself doing 90+ on the highway! Thanks so much for your help once again--Brock.

 

[KaptinAmerika]

The tire needs to be removed and the stem fixed. The front tires on these bikes are easy to remove and reinstall or take it to a shop and stand there and watch them while they do it.

 

[1BADK9]

yeah man even like a local automotive tire service center can replace a valve stem. You have a tube-less tire so a crack at the base of the valve stem will leak air. You need a new valve stem. Should be a fix under $10 bucks. Take it to a reputable bike place or even a automotive tire place can do you right, or at least my tire guy could. :2thumbs:

 

[BigDogBro1]

Sounds like you'll need to pull the front wheel off the bike and get the stem replaced. A good shop should be able to replace the stem without taking the tire off the rim. Release all the air in the tire and break loose any one side bead of the tire. You should be able to get to the stem after pushing or squeezing and clamping the tire to one side to gain access to the stem.

If you use stick-on wheel weights, you might want to consider using Dyna beads instead for a cleaner look and loose the stick-ons. Highly recommended! They are sold by Low Down on this forum. See Dyna beads link below. If you are using Dyna beads now, they should stay in the tire if you are easy not to spill.

DYNA BEADS*-*Low Down Chop Shop

 

[BWG56]

Sounds like you'll need to pull the front wheel off the bike and get the stem replaced. A good shop should be able to replace the stem without taking the tire off the rim. Release all the air in the tire and break loose any one side bead of the tire. You should be able to get to the stem after pushing or squeezing and clamping the tire to one side to gain access to the stem.



DYNA BEADS*-*Low Down Chop Shop

why take it off the bike? You should be able to do the above while its on the bike. Use a c-clamp

 

[KaptinAmerika]

While doing it on the bike is a possibility, and don't go crazy on me guys its just my anal side, I would highly recommend removing the tire. Why you ask? Because any time you tamper with the bead you should do a thorough cleaning of the rim, and tire if you are putting the same tire back on, to ensure you get a good, tight, leak free seal. Its also a great time to do a good polish and shine on the wheel and surrounding hardware.
Juz sayin

 

[barhopper]

Dude, please keep anal side to yourself. :roll::roll:

 

[Brock]

Thanks again for your very helpful advice guys. I'll let a local HD Dealer do it this time. All the Best--Brock.