800 miles on my 2012 Multistrada with no issue and then noted a slow leak in the rear tire, will lose 10 lbs of pressure overnight or after riding 4 hrs. No signs of a puncture, I do notice it's hard to put air in through the valve stem now. Is it possible the valve stem is defective and leaking, or am I missing a small puncture? Should I put ride-on in it, replace the valve stem, or should I take it in? I don't have the skills or interest in taking the tire off the rim myself.
You can remove and replace the valve core with a small tool you can get (or borrow) from Autozone). They can get sticky and allow slow leaks. Simple to do and doesn't require tire removal. If you have a centerstand or Pit Bull, put the bike up on it before letting the air out. If the new core holds air problem solved
You can also look for leaks by pouring water on the wheel as you turn it and look for bubbling. Again, a lot easier if you have a centersyand (or Pit Bull stand).
Thanks for the tip, I just did a soapy water test on the valve and it appears to have a slow leak Hopefully that's it, a lot cheaper than a new tire. I'm off to autozone :think:
Ducatis use alum valve stems, the cores will strip if you look at them wrong. Having dealt with this a few times (I've tried replacing just the core which has never been successful). Too much torque when tightening they'll strip and leak, too little and they'll leak.
I know you don't want to hear it but my advice is to get a new valve stem dismount the tire and put new complete stem in. For me it's easy as I change my own tires.
Bad valve core (or loose). I've had them on two of the four Ducati's I've owned. Try tightening it first. If still leaking, replace it. You can buy them and the tool at any auto parts store. 5 minute fix, worked both times for me.
Update...well the valve core was leaky so I replaced it. Then guess what I found. A nail in my 800 mile rear tire So I plugged it with a stop & go and we'll see how stable that is
shoulda kept your mouth shut. the plug nazis will arrive soon. I've used that system for almost 15 years now on bikes and cars w/o issue. that's all I'll say.
Valve cores are often cheap and nasty and can fail or get crap in the seal. I always carry a few extra and a removal tool. I bought some better than average auto stores ones.
Another point is that you should pick up a properly sealed valve cap. There are many blinged ones available for cosmetic purposes that have no seal in them at all. Look for some with a proper flexible gasket or o-ring inside the cap. These will seal the air in even if the valve is faulty or has a bit of grit in it.
A patch plug maybe, but I don't think I'd be able to do a track day with that little Stop and Go mushroom plug between me and a blow out. There's enough going thru one's head already without worring about tires IMHO.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Ducati.ms - The Ultimate Ducati Forum
2.5M posts
93.7K members
Since 2005
A forum community dedicated to all Ducati owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, troubleshooting, superbike racing, maintenance, and more!