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[porthole]

I really don't think we need it yet Don, at least not till fully integrated. But, pulling 18000 pounds of 5th wheel trailer with maybe 1 or 2 CVO's in it, sure is nice to be able to keep tabs on the tires. RV's come with such crap tires.

Although - after my tire issue, I now have "made in the USA" quality tires, with a very comfortable load cushion installed on the trailer.

[Twolanerider]

I really don't think we need it yet Don, at least not till fully integrated.

For sure.  It's not like not still doing a manual check anyway.  If it was some integrated factory piece I'd be interested.  If for no other reason than one can't be too safe where tires are concerned.  But it's not something I'm hanging willy nilly.

Don't know the answer to this.  Does anyone else know if the Federal mandate for tire pressure monitoring in automobiles is also mandated for eventual application to bikes?

[Opossum]

I got today...will install tommorrow...200 mile jaunt planned sat overnite...will get input this weekend.  plan on keepin the "fob" in dash pocket...Do I "need" it?...NO  Do I like new toys?...YES  It will be treated as such until the proof is in the puddin".   

[grc]

For sure.  It's not like not still doing a manual check anyway.  If it was some integrated factory piece I'd be interested.  If for no other reason than one can't be too safe where tires are concerned.  But it's not something I'm hanging willy nilly.

Don't know the answer to this.  Does anyone else know if the Federal mandate for tire pressure monitoring in automobiles is also mandated for eventual application to bikes?

The Federal standard, FMVSS 138, requires the tire pressure monitoring system for new passenger cars, multi-purpose passenger vehicles (CUV's, SUV's, etc), trucks, and buses with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 4,536 kg (10,000 pounds) or less, except those with dual wheels on an axle, such that the driver will be alerted when one or more of the vehicle’s tires is significantly under inflated.  So no, motorcycles aren't included (yet).  If you get really bored and don't mind wading through a couple hundred pages of government mind-numbing prose, go to the NHTSA web site and read up on just what a non-wonderful system this was turned into by the bureaucrats.  First, the system doesn't do anything until the inflation pressure drops below 75% of the minimum cold inflation pressure as specified by the vehicle manufacturer.  If your car has a minimum cold inflation spec of 35 psi, the monitoring system will consider anything over 26 psi good.  Second, once the pressure is determined to be below the threshold, the system can take up to 20 minutes traveling at speeds between 50 and 100 kph before actually alerting the driver.  I submit that driving with your tires underinflated by 24.9% can and will cause the same sort of failures that originally prompted this safety standard.  And waiting for an additional 20 minutes after detecting a low pressure does nothing except allow the heat built up in the tire over that time to boost the pressure just enough to keep the alert from coming on.  So you can figure that the 25% below minimum cold pressure trigger point is really closer to 30% after you factor in the 20 minute deal. 

A real time system that provides real data for each tire would be much better, but of course that would require that drivers actually understand what they are looking at and what it's trying to tell them.  By dumbing the system down, I think the Fed's have pretty much wasted our money as well as a chance to make a big improvement in awareness and safety.  Anyone who thinks this system means they don't need to check their tires on a regular basis is totally wrong.


Jerry

[hogasm]

It is stock on this bike

http://www.kawasaki.com/products/product-specifications.aspx?id=486&scid=25

[porthole]

It will be treated as such until the proof is in the puddin".   

If what you have works as well as the one I posted above - the proof is there.

GRC mentioned the pressure heat thing above. I know this has nothing to do with bikes, but. On my trailer the TPMS I am using gives 5 minute updates (unless there is a problem, then immediate). When towing my trailer I have seen my truck tires go from a cold psi of 80 up to 95 psi as the day goes on. The trailer, with (now) heavier tires goes from a cold 110-115 to 135 psi! And this is the normal operating range.

Tires are designed to be run at the correct cold inflation. Under inflation is the nemesis of all tires. With the specs GRC mentioned the fed mandated system is just a step above useless.

My truck, with 80 psi cold at the 75% alert would be 60, way under inflated for the load. But of course the heat would continue to build to keep the alert minimized, right up until the blowout.

"Hi, I'm fro0m the government and I'm here to help you"

[Opossum]

I agree that proof will be there.  This device will only be used as a secondary as nothing will be better than the ol hands on touchy feely inspection..jus hope to not lose too much psi when bendin down to do the check...you guys just kill me, that there was jus plain FUNNY!   

[moscooter]

 
I am another one that would like a monitoring system to avoid the hassle of rotating the rear wheel to where I can see the valve stem......blah, blah.  That deal is kinda pricey.

Now I'm gonna throw a "curve ball" into the over-all discussion and potential (safety) concerns.

A buddy on another bike forum let us know a week or so ago as to a potential riding disaster that almost took  him down.  He had a front tire go down instantly similar to a blow-out.  Somehow he managed to get it stopped without crashing but it scared the hell out of him.

It seems he too was lazy about checking tire pressures and he had installed some (cheapo) type 32PSI valve stem monitors that he got at an auto store.  Anyway,  as I understand it,  he discovered that there was no problem with the tire or wheel,  but the valve stem "monitor" gizmo had self-destructed and when it did, all the air came out quick!

My Vette has tire monitors and the "works" are inside the wheel at the valve stem,  I think some monitors for bikes might also work that way too........Harder to install,  YES,  but should it eliminate the above concern as a potential catestrophic failure..........YUP 

[Opossum]

http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/features/2010OctTireGrd.pdf   Here's a link to the article that started the whole thing for me.  I'm not sure how much testing was involved but I've subscribed for years and bought some recommended stuff before with absolutely no regrets.  Maybe your bud had rubber valve stems and vibration caused the failure, maybe they were just made differant... can't say, but these appear to be made well, light weight, and moto specific (I already have metal valve stems)  We will see.