Leaky wheels/tires?

[Papa Weeley_imp]

I guess I should take some consolation in the fact that everybody else is experiencing the same thing, but I still find it kind of odd. I know that all tires/wheels will lose air over time, but I don't recall having another bike (or car) that loses that much that quickly.
I've also heard many times over the years that cast wheels can be porous, but every sportbike I've had has had cast wheels, and still, nothing leaky like this (other than a front on an old Ducati, which went away after a tire change). My presently-owned '12 Bonneville has cast wheels, too, and it only loses that much in about 4-6 months (depending on weather/time of year/etc.).
I guess I'll just try to keep an eye on them - thanks for the input, guys -

[Stealth128_imp]

I had the same problem as minor as it is it still annoyed me to no end. I changed the cores in the air valves last month will see how it goes.

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Interesting. I have ridden over 3000kms in the last ten days. I checked and adjusted tyre pressure prior to departure. Checked them once on the ride. No major deviation taking different temps into consideration. On arrival home the front was down 1psi, the rear spot on 42psi. At home I do have to adjust occasionally but probably due to temperature deviations as much as pressure loss. I have an electric pump with built in gauge (Stanley) and use another bar type gauge as cross check. I have the sense that the tyres seem to require more frequent adjustment if the bike lies (comparatively) idle.

Cheers

[OldF7Guy_imp]

Funny this topic came up today. I left out on my Nighthawk and didnt make it too the end of the street and knew something didnt feel right. Turned around and came home and the front tire had like 15 lbs of pressure in it. Aired it up and checked thinking I had run over a screw or something. Back tire was low too but not that low. I am guilty of not checking them but I dont understand how they just up and lose air without running over something. I need to do a better job in the future. I need to check this at least once a month and I have not been doing this. This is a good lesson learned for me. I cant tell you how ill handling the Nighthawk was with low air pressure.

Bottom line is that I got lazy and all I want to do is ride and not work on anything. That is going to have to change and I will take this much more serious in the future.

[Deanohh_imp]

"I dont understand how they just up and lose air without running over something"

The molecules of air and especially the water vapor component in the air dissipate through the rubber over time.

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Funny this topic came up today. I left out on my Nighthawk and didnt make it too the end of the street and knew something didnt feel right. Turned around and came home and the front tire had like 15 lbs of pressure in it. Aired it up and checked thinking I had run over a screw or something. Back tire was low too but not that low. I am guilty of not checking them but I dont understand how they just up and lose air without running over something. I need to do a better job in the future. I need to check this at least once a month and I have not been doing this. This is a good lesson learned for me. I cant tell you how ill handling the Nighthawk was with low air pressure.

Bottom line is that I got lazy and all I want to do is ride and not work on anything. That is going to have to change and I will take this much more serious in the future.

Mate, 15psi is danger territory, unless your riding in loose sand . Once a week, or two at a stretch, is good for tyre checks. Get your own gauge. Don't need a digital, just a good quality stick gauge to back up the service station's gauge. If you get your own then look for one with the range approximately 5 - 50psi. They are generally most accurate in the middle of the gauge range.

Cheers.

[offroadfx4_imp]

I don't think I've read this anywhere yet....how to you calibrate/check your air gauge for accuracy?

I've taken mine to the local tire store and had them check mine against theirs, but is there an official way to do it?

[Blockhead_imp]

I bought a small electric air pump that has a gauge included and keep it plugged in next to the battery tender. I do a quick check of the tires after unplugging the tender. Takes less than a minute to add air if needed.....It's become habit along with the rest of the pre-ride once over.

[redbirds_imp]

I check tire pressure at the start of every ride. Pressures can be weird at times and I think humidity and air temperature have much to do with it. My Honda dealer sells all bikes with nitrogen in the tires claiming it eliminates this problem. I've found it makes no difference whatever.

[ClassicVW_imp]

Oh-oh, now you done it! Mentioned nitrogen in tires.
Gonna become just like an oil thread now!

I bought a small electric air pump that has a gauge included and keep it plugged in next to the battery tender. I do a quick check of the tires after unplugging the tender. Takes less than a minute to add air if needed.....It's become habit along with the rest of the pre-ride once over.

I bought one too at WalMart. When I use my stick gauge to double check the air pump's reading, it's in agreement. I had a Black and Decker previously that was wildly inaccurate when I would double check with a stick gauge and a digital gauge. Turns out the tip that you attach to the tire valve was leaking badly. Went to B&D store for a replacement tip and hose, and they are no longer made, nor do they support their older models. Very disappointed in them.