Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Tech
getting the valve in! getting the valve in!
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Tech ALL bikes: "Generic" tech questions and answers. Maintenance, general discussions etc.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree7Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Mar 2015
davebetty's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 221
getting the valve in!
Ok, its not really a bodgers job, but something where a bit of advice would be appreciated.

I have done a good 10 tyre changes now using some rather poor tyre levers bought off Ebay, but at least now I can change the tyre pretty easily without breaking anything or making a total mess of the alloy wheels.

I am running on tube and tyre, but the one thing that causes me no end of grief is getting the valve down the hole. I am doing it solo and usually give up and get help from the nearest and dearest who slots it in whlist I peel the tyre back.

I might not have any help out in the real world and I just can't find an easy way to open up the tyre to get my hand in and also seat the wheel so I can get the valve in.

There must be some wizzend person who might know a better method? Any tips?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Mar 2015
Registered User
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 377
Tube valve puller
These things work a treat, 7.50 Quid! Yeah I know, cant believe you didn't think of it
Enduro Trail Tube Valve Puller Ideal FOR Bumbag OR Pocket | eBay


Last edited by Drwnite; 25 Mar 2015 at 09:41.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Mar 2015
davebetty's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 221
now it all seems so easy!!!

yep, didn't know they existed, but I will see if i can make one first. £7.50 could be spent elsewhere!!!!

Thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Mar 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: King's Lynn UK
Posts: 424
Is there not some way that you can use a bit of garden twine, with a slip knot. Push in with one hand, then slip knot over valve. Pull and hold. Should have both hand's free to do job. But that sound's too easy.
John933
__________________
To buy petrol in Europe. Pull up at station. Wait. Get out a 20 Euro note, then ask someone to fill up the bike. Give person money. Ride away. Simple.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Mar 2015
davebetty's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 221
Yeah, I have tried, because the valve needs to go 90 degrees and the twine adds to the width of the valve it just won't go through. It will get it close though, so can be part useful.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Mar 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: King's Lynn UK
Posts: 424
Quote:
Originally Posted by davebetty View Post
Yeah, I have tried, because the valve needs to go 90 degrees and the twine adds to the width of the valve it just won't go through. It will get it close though, so can be part useful.


What would happen if you put the dust cap on, then slotted it under the dust cap? The twin that is?
John933
__________________
To buy petrol in Europe. Pull up at station. Wait. Get out a 20 Euro note, then ask someone to fill up the bike. Give person money. Ride away. Simple.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Mar 2015
davebetty's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 221
The dust cap certainly wouldn't go through the hole. There is very little clearance through the hole, just a few fag papers.

I'm going to see if I can make one with an old valve core and a bit of wire, if I can both of them in my pile of junk!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Mar 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: King's Lynn UK
Posts: 424
I can't help you then. That's the best I can think of. Sorry.
John933
__________________
To buy petrol in Europe. Pull up at station. Wait. Get out a 20 Euro note, then ask someone to fill up the bike. Give person money. Ride away. Simple.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 25 Mar 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Hardly news I know, but I'm confused.


We start with a naked rim?


Rim tape on.
Tyre on one bead.
Shove the tube in the tyre starting opposite the valve hole.
Squeeze the tyre opposite the hole and shove it hard down into the well.
Stand the wheel up and stand on the rim pushing the tyre really hard into the well.
Place your hand in the top to get the valve in the hole and fit the nut.
Lay it flat and sort out any possible traps.
Part inflate to avoid traps.
Get the other bead on.
Remove the tyre to get the "spare" tyre lever out. (Clever ***s can skip this bit)
repeat from step one.
fully inflate.


Maybe I just have a womans hands?


Andy
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 25 Mar 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Outer Sydney, Australia
Posts: 366
Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie View Post
Maybe I just have a womans hands?
Andy
Be quiet there & just go do the dishes
__________________
My memory is becoming that good, I should be able to organise my own surprise party soon
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 25 Mar 2015
davebetty's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 221
Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie View Post
Hardly news I know, but I'm confused.


We start with a naked rim?


Rim tape on.
Tyre on one bead.
Shove the tube in the tyre starting opposite the valve hole.
Squeeze the tyre opposite the hole and shove it hard down into the well.
Stand the wheel up and stand on the rim pushing the tyre really hard into the well.
Place your hand in the top to get the valve in the hole and fit the nut.
Lay it flat and sort out any possible traps.
Part inflate to avoid traps.
Get the other bead on.
Remove the tyre to get the "spare" tyre lever out. (Clever ***s can skip this bit)
repeat from step one.
fully inflate.


Maybe I just have a womans hands?


Andy
I know I am making a mountain out of a molehill but I just find it hard to get the tyre in position and opened up so I can get my hand in. I guess I need to practice it a lot, but I don't want to bother doing that. Trying to make the tool now. Cheers Dave
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 29 Mar 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Mackay, Australia
Posts: 9
old mate I knew many years ago had one he made from an old valve and a bit of metal trace from a fishing line.

Oh, there was a swivel in there for some reason too.

It was a long time ago, I can't remember exactly how it was put together
I'm sure you can work it out
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 29 Mar 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Big huge cable tie to hold it in the well?

The former fishing float glued to an ex-valve looks worth exploring though.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 30 Mar 2015
Big Yellow Tractor's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
I've tried the puller thingies and also used to keep a lever in one side and use a block of wood to hold the tyre away from the rim on the other.

Having done many tyre changes I now just line everything up and slip my fingers under the bead to guide the valve through the hole. Practice it now and it'll hold no fear when you have to do it at the side of the road.

Some tyres are easy and some are a real b'stard due to tight beads and stiff carcasses.

If you're doing it at home in the winter, putting new tyres next to a radiator for a few hours really helps.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 30 Mar 2015
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
1) Put some air in the tube and put the tube inside the wheel.
2) Put the rim into the wheel so the valve fits the hole and tighten the nut.
3) When the wheel is almost on remove the air.

Good luck!
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
2002 klr650 valve adjustment Guatemala chicasreturn Kawasaki Tech 2 9 Sep 2014 15:57
TT 600 r valve check FS Yamaha Tech 25 16 Aug 2014 00:35
XT600E Valve Sound Question Toast Yamaha Tech 8 31 Oct 2013 02:12
KTM Dealership Or Good Mechanic In Medellin To Do A Valve Job Two Moto Kiwis South America 3 27 Aug 2013 19:20
XT600e Valve Stem Seals??? RCerrie Yamaha Tech 7 24 Jan 2012 00:41

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:25.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top