Waiting for new tyres for the Multi V4S 2023 My regular tyre fitter is not happy working on wheels with pressure sensors; he damaged a couple of sensors - not on a Ducati Multi - and cost him a lot of money to replace and configure. He is good man and I would like him to do the job but looking at the high price of the sensors I would like to minimise the risk of damage as much as possible. As any good tips and suggestions that I can pass over to my tyre fitter from the forum experts would be greatly appreciated.
I use a Rabaconda street changer . To take the tyre off is not to much of an issue as I set the sensor at 3 o’clock , start lifting the tyre off at 6 o’clock ( anti clockwise , this helps protect the sensor , take the second bead off but ensure the tyre bead is over not behind the sensor . When putting the tyre back on again with the sensors at 3 o’clock ensure the bead is over the sensor not in front ,thus protecting it again . To be honest it’s common sense and to be aware where the sensor is with relation to the bead . I have changed loads of tyres and never damaged a sensor. Not sure if this helps
A good tyre fitter shouldn't have any problems with sensors. But it's not a bad idea to tell them that it's got them so they're forewarned.
A good tyre fitter knows which bikes have sensors. Go to a bike specialist one, and they'll usually know which tyres to fit too (GT / heavy duty variety or not, etc). I can recommend Wheelhouse Tyres if you're in the Midlands (no connection with them other than being a customer).
Thanks to all and special thanks @Captain - good useful tips to watch for. My guy is mechanic and fits tyres as a side service. As I will be there when replacing the tyres knowing what to watch will be helpful and minimise the risk (four eyes better than two ) as these sensors are around £179 - more expensive than tyres.
I had this issue in Santander, when I needed a replacement tyre on the PP, the Yamaha dealer broke the valve stem, not the sensor part. He was very apologetic as he handed me the broken valve, he fitted a standard valve and the new tyre and didn't charge me a cent, pretty decent of him. Sadly you cannot just buy the valve for the tpms, you have to get the complete unit. All in, I came out of it in profit by about £50, by the time I'd replaced the sensor. Usually I change all my own tyres using the MAX2H tyre changer, it's been a worthy investment.
Don't forget Ducati expect you to go to their dealers for everything, including adjusting the chain. Also would look ugly!
