This warning applies more to motorcycles than our bikes but because I know we have quite a few MC riders here I thought it couldn't hurt to pass along this story.
A friend, a Harley owner, and long distance rider watched his buddy crash after the rear tire blew at 70mph while towing a trailer. The tires were new and the pressure had been checked the evening before the trip. Along with checking tire pressure the guy had also installed some 'skull' valve stem caps.
Don't know why he didn't check for interference but the cap on the rear wheel was hitting the brake caliper. Just enough to knock the stem loose and it blew out of the rim. At 70mph you can imagine what happened next. He was wearing leathers and a helmet but is still in serious condition.
His loud exhaust kept him from hearing the cap hitting the caliper so he was unaware that anything was wrong until the tire blew.
Coincidentally, another friend had installed some '8 Ball' caps and after hearing about the accident described above he checked and found the 8 Ball on the rear wheel broken in half and his valve stem was bent. Yep, it was hitting his caliper.
Freaky stuff, but something all you bikers should be aware of. This might only apply to Harleys but I would think any bike with rear disc brakes could be a candidate. Check yours if you have anything that would extend the length of your valve stems.
Tom
A friend, a Harley owner, and long distance rider watched his buddy crash after the rear tire blew at 70mph while towing a trailer. The tires were new and the pressure had been checked the evening before the trip. Along with checking tire pressure the guy had also installed some 'skull' valve stem caps.
Don't know why he didn't check for interference but the cap on the rear wheel was hitting the brake caliper. Just enough to knock the stem loose and it blew out of the rim. At 70mph you can imagine what happened next. He was wearing leathers and a helmet but is still in serious condition.
His loud exhaust kept him from hearing the cap hitting the caliper so he was unaware that anything was wrong until the tire blew.
Coincidentally, another friend had installed some '8 Ball' caps and after hearing about the accident described above he checked and found the 8 Ball on the rear wheel broken in half and his valve stem was bent. Yep, it was hitting his caliper.
Freaky stuff, but something all you bikers should be aware of. This might only apply to Harleys but I would think any bike with rear disc brakes could be a candidate. Check yours if you have anything that would extend the length of your valve stems.
Tom
