GPS and TPMS..

[CollingsBob]

Is there any advantage to having a GPS unit that connects to TPMS sensors as opposed to TPMS sensors that have their own dedicated display? Are the Garmin TPMS units any good? I’d like to install right angle metal valve stems, will the TPMS units install ok on them, or do they require a “straight” valve stem?

[ionbeam]

Having just enjoyed a flat tire on the Blue Ridge Parkway on my way to EOM '18 I'm suddenly sensitized to TPMS systems. I have a TPMS on my car which I mostly ignore except during summer/winter tire swaps. I have found that a sensor set on a motorcycle is more important than my car.

To use the Garmin TPMS you need a compatible Zumo device. The METAL valve stem would preferable be like this with the sensor mounted to the end of the stem and the fill would be from the side:



The Garmin TPMS sensor has an automatic power down mode. If you walk out to your FJR after it has been sitting, the TPMS sensors will be shut down. You will have to move the motorcycle enough for the sensors to sense motion and turn on. It is convenient to have the sensors integrated into an already mounted GPS which includes voice notifications. Some people have mentioned that the Garmin sensors have no locking capability and can be quickly removed by anyone. The Garmin system works just fine, within the limits of already owning a compatible GPS, needing to move the motorcycle to get the sensors to turn on and theft risk. The Garmin is expensive at ~$140.

The FOBO system works through your phone and an app. The FOBO is on all the time. Whip out your phone in your living room and check your tire pressure, no problem. The Garmin, FOBO and most systems share similar settings and alert types. FOBO sensors come with proprietary nuts and a wrench to prevent theft. Don't lose the two wrenches you need for the sensors. I'm a Luddite, my cell phone isn't grafted to my hand or bonded to my eyes so the FOBO isn't much different than the Garmin system to me. The FOBO is ~$100.

A TPMS with its own display is just another device to connect and maintain, IMO. Finding space on my Gen III to mount yet another piece of electronics isn't worth it when the GPS or phone systems work just as good.

There are many good systems, most are dedicated with their own display unit. The FOBO and Garmin are two of the more popular systems.

Good riding bud FJReady has the FOBO and loves it (as he yet again pulls out his phone and shows me the display of his tire status). His FOBO equipped FJR just finished a complete loop of the USA and served him well.

[bill lumberg]

T stems are better, but they’ll fit most 90 degree stems. I use fobo. Whatever you get, tpms is sure nice to have.

[CollingsBob]

Wow, great info..Thanks. I see 2 different sizes of T-Valve on the FOBO store...which size fits the FJR?

[raYzerman]

Alan's summary is a good one. I'd recommend the T-stems as the sensors go up in between the front brake calipers. Some 90 degree stems are too tall, sensor will hit caliper, sensor break.
The big deal to me is to have sensors that allow battery replacement... most do these days. Fobo users can 'splain (I'm not a user)... if your phone is in your tank bag or if it's paired to your GPS rather than your headset, how do you get notified of an alarm? My headset channels are all used up.
I have the Garmin sensors, occasional issue with the rear sensor not reading... I'm told it was an issue when they first launched that they didn't get quite right, firmware upgrade fixed it but didn't totally resolve it.
This one is good, had one for three years... identical to the one on tpms.ca for a lot less. Both this and Garmin give you both a visible and audible alert.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rupse-Motorcyc ... ~r&vxp=mtr

[CollingsBob]

A Decorative Butterfly Iron Rain Chain can be used as a TPMS?...wow, who knew?

[ionbeam]

Wow, great info..Thanks. I see 2 different sizes of T-Valve on the FOBO store...which size fits the FJR?

11.3mm.

Be sure that the stem clears the brake caliper with the FOBO installed. It should...

[raYzerman]

Link fixed.

[CollingsBob]

Link fixed.

I kinda liked the concept of using decorative chain in a creative fashion..

[bill lumberg]

I think I ordered my t-stems from wingstuff. Their (fobo) guys will respsond to questions damn near around the clock. I can leave my phone in the topcase, and I’ll still get an alert if temp or pressure gets outside my presets.

[bigjohnsd]

You can get a fully integrated GPS/TPMS the same way I did, but it is not cheap!








Buy a GSA

[bill lumberg]

Full disclosure- I run a garmin 595LM, which supports garmin TPMS caps. If fobo weren’t cheaper and,
in my estimation, more reliable, I’d have purchased the garmin tpms caps, at almost twice the price of fobo. There simply is nothing anyone can do (garmin, or otherwise), to make my 595LM gps handle Bluetooth audio connections reliably. Not for very long. Under any configuration, regardless of settings or pairing order. I still use the gps when traveling heavily, but due to frequent comms failures and occasional nav screwups, i run iPhone nav as backup. Whether using fobo from the iPhone through the garmin,
or direct from the phone, I never have a problem getting an alert in my helmet when there is a tire temp or pressure problem. (Nolan n-com Helmet comms).

[FJRoss]

...This one is good, had one for three years... identical to the one on tpms.ca for a lot less. Both this and Garmin give you both a visible and audible alert.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rupse-Motorcyc ... ~r&vxp=mtr

The ad says lithium battery built-in for the display. Is it replaceable or rechargeable? Lifetime of battery (or charge)?
What about the batteries in the sensors?
I like the idea of a dedicated device rather than a phone or GPS solution, as long as I can find a place to mount it. Not planning on buying a new GPS right now and don't have my phone perched on my handlebars.

[bigjohnsd]

It is kind of kool on the GSA

[raYzerman]

...This one is good, had one for three years... identical to the one on tpms.ca for a lot less. Both this and Garmin give you both a visible and audible alert.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rupse-Motorcyc ... ~r&vxp=mtr

The ad says lithium battery built-in for the display. Is it replaceable or rechargeable? Lifetime of battery (or charge)?
What about the batteries in the sensors?
I like the idea of a dedicated device rather than a phone or GPS solution, as long as I can find a place to mount it. Not planning on buying a new GPS right now and don't have my phone perched on my handlebars.

USB rechargeable, charge will last for the riding season. Sensors best replace batteries once a year. Display unit will mount on a 1/4-20 stud, but has a mount.

[FJRoss]

I like the idea of external sensors for ease of tire changing and ability to change batteries without dismounting the tire. Some internal sensors don't even have replaceable batteries. I would expect that tire temperature is far more accurate with the internal sensors.

There seem to be a bunch of new inexpensive TPMS systems available on eBay in recent months. Maybe it is time...

[bill lumberg]

Fobo just came out with a new gen with smaller sensors. I think it ships in December. I’d buy it but the ones I’ve used for years are still working flawlessly. Whether my phone is on the bar or buried in a case, I get an alert of any problem in my helmet. Also shows my temps and pressures on my Apple Watch.