The hard bags and my laziness - close call

[bobhamlin]

If some newk came on here and asked about safety, I'm sure I'd be one of the first to spout for regular inspection of the bike. Talk is cheap.

Several weeks ago, I lost a footpeg, because the peg had been in service for about 3 years and never came loose before -- and I had stopped checking that bolt.

My disciplined side says the bike should get a "Is everything tight?" check once a week (I commute over 300 miles weekly, in addition to the weekend), and air pressure should be part of that check.

The dual disks on the front brake and the hard bags on the back, make checking the pressure a little more "effort-ful" than with the Classic.

I have a slow leak on the front tire, so I've gotten into checking that daily. Whenever I checked the back tire, it held air fine. The nuisance of having to practically lay on the garage floor just to see if I could access the valve gave me the poor excuse to skip the regular pressure check.

When I did check, the pressure had held -- and the back tire receded even more from awareness. Lately, I've been noticing a different feel, but there's been a lot of different weather conditions. Could it be the back tire? Well, it's always good. OK, I'll check it next time. What? Can't see the valve through the bags? I'll get it next time. (Next time) Oh yeah, forgot to check the back tire again. I'll get to it.

Yesterday, as I was pulling into the garage (lots of rain), I noticed a louder rubber-squeaking-against-concrete sound than seemed normal. Mental note to check pressure.

This morning, after I checked and adjusted the front tire, I found the back valve, rolled the bike forward to access the valve and, laying on the garage floor (in my chaps and jacket liner), found that the pressure was at 15 lbs.

If one of you said that you had let your tires get down that far, I wouldn't call you out on the board, but I'd make a mental note about your association with Darwin.

Even if your tires ALWAYS hold pressure, make them a regular part of a frequent inspection. Geez, it seems so obvious.

[ells]

It happens.

A little pricey but you might consider http://www.wingstuff.com/pgroup_deta...essure_Monitor

Works like a champ. However, your point about general inspection is well taken.

[ringadingh]

I find that just washing and waxing the bike at least weekly or more on the wash, that I find little things before they become a major issue most times. Although I have had a seat bolt and the air filter bolt work loose and fall off in the past. Now they get a drop of loctite.

[nighthawk700]

This is exactly why I bought the tire pressure monitor that Ells linked to. I realized that in the 11 months that I owned my bike, I haven't ONCE checked the pressure. Fortunately it wasn't down to 15, but it was about 25 lbs. Now with a press of the button, I have it checked.

[Cajunrider]

I caught my front and read at just below 30 about mid winter. I check them more often now. Just that little while they were low resulted in cupping on both tires.

[taranis]

Did you go over the rest of the bike too? I don't have any more pegs! ;)

I notice my tire pressure almost immediately after settting out on a ride. The handling feels mushy when it's more than 5 lbs under pressure. Glad you didn't have an incident, man.

Reminds me - I need to check the chrome pieces at the rear fender and make sure they're not loose. I could wiggle them the last time I washed the bike.

[ballast]

This is why you check your tire pressure on a regular basis.
Middle of nowhere Utah. Take a close look at the rear tire.

[rksaw]

Ballast,
Two words: Bum Mer
Rich

[ells]

Ballast,

The same thing happened to me, except just across the border into Colo. Not sure when I picked up the puncture but had not checked the pressure on the day of the ride. Sort of ruins the day doesn't it. It's TireGard for me! And, of course, plugs and a pump.

[nomad561]

I guess I need to go over mine really well. It has been sitting for 6 weeks.