Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Tireflys - good or bad?, suzuki katana 600, stainless steel valve

Question
Hello,

I have a 2002 Suzuki Katana 600 that I've been enjoying for quite some time now.  About a year and a half ago I added LED valve stem tireflys for increased visibility at night.  I've been told by many friends that they see the tireflys before they see the bike - which is kinda scary...

Anyway, I recently took my bike in for service and the mechanic noticed the tireflys and suggested I remove them.  He said that the added weight on the valve stem could cause the stem to tear from the tire when moving at speed.  He said he's seen this happen on a dyno and also had a couple of customers tell him of the problem.

He said that if I really want to keep them on I should replace my standard valve stems with stainless steel valve stems.

My question is do you think the tireflys are potentially dangerous or was this guy just pulling my leg?  I've had them on for a while with no trouble, but maybe I've just had a lucky streak?  Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks much,

Kathi  

Answer
I have never heard of a valve stem tearing off, nor have I heard of any problems like that resulting from the use of the TireFlys.

I suppose at race speeds (150-170 mph) you might be dealing with those possibilities, but for street use I wouldn't worry about it. Running a sport bike up to redline on a dyno in fourth gear would probably be the equivalent of 130-140 mph.

The added weight would actually push the stem downwards, towards the outside of the rim, as the centrifugal force acts on it as the wheel spins faster.

He probably just wants to sell you steel valve stems.

Pat