Portable air compressors

[Skibou]

I want to add a small air compressor to my toolkit for emergency use. Does anyone have suggestions to offer? Any actual experience using one such as size, ease of use, time to inflate etc. would be appreciated . The draw on the battery is also a concern. I'd hate to fix a roadside flat only to find the battery drained to the point where I can't start the engine.

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

if you are concerned with size, weight &/or batter draw then think about trying one of the CO2 inflator's. Amazon, eBay, WalMart, REI and many others carry them.
Some even have gauges on them.


Google CO2 Inflator search results

[SgtSlag]

I bought one last year, at Wal-Mart, I think. Have not tried it yet, but I need to practice this Spring, with both the compressor, and a CO2 patch/inflate kit. We're planning to ride from Minnesota, to Arkansas, and back. Would be a good idea if I knew ahead of time how to patch a tire, and re-inflate it...

With regards to running the compressor, only run it with the bike running! It will drain some charge off the battery, and if you have a Voltmeter, with the bike running, you can monitor the drain. Be sure to hold the engine at 2k RPM, or whatever RPM will keep the Voltmeter at 14 Volts, which is charging your battery. Anything less than 14 Volts, and your battery is draining. Just be careful not to over-rev the engine.

You may want to consider getting 90-degree valve stems, prior to your next trip. I have had a very difficult time accessing my valve stems to add air, for far too long... This is on my To Do list, this Spring...

Some of these compressors will get hot, also. The best plan is to practice with a bad/spare/old tire, in the convenience of your garage. Then, should it happen on the road, you will know what to expect. I plan to visit my local shop, to ask if I can borrow a tire and rim, to practice on. I hope they will oblige, as I don't have any tires,or rims, to play with! Cheers!

[chicagorandy]

I carry the CO2 inflator and a box full of cylinders - along with the full tire plug kit, extra plugs and extra tube of glue. The whole deal fits into a small zippered 'shave kit' type bag and stays in my left saddle case along with my tool bag and rain gear. With luck any puncture will be in an EZ to access location. I'm presuming I'll be able to stop the bike before the tire bead comes off the rim seal letting the plug work.

A mini compressor or CO2 will never generate sufficient high pressure air flow to seat a bead.

I once did replace a tube (easier than fiddling with patches) in a rear tire on my former Suzuki GN250 at roadside....... not as much fun as it sounds - LOL

As always my best roadside assistant is a cell phone and room on a debit card - lol.

[Me Again]

Have not tried it yet, but I need to practice this Spring, with both the compressor, and a CO2 patch/inflate kit. We're planning to ride from Minnesota, to Arkansas, and back. Would be a good idea if I knew ahead of time how to patch a tire, and re-inflate it...

Would you like me to stop by and throw some tacks in your driveway .
That should give you plenty of practice.

[SgtSlag]

I need to practice, not become a "factory certified technician"/salesman for their products!

[doug of so fla]

Harbor Freight has a compressor for about $30.00 in a tough carrying case. Have had to use it several times and works great. $30.00 Usually on sale for $25.00. 2 different pn# 69284, 61788, can't see any difference. about 4lbs wt. (Compressor must be running then screw onto valve stem.)

http://www.harborfreight.com/12v-100-ps ... 69284.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Chris near Kansas City]

The draw on the battery is also a concern. I'd hate to fix a roadside flat only to find the battery drained to the point where I can't start the engine.

Always run the engine while using the compressor. The higher voltage feeding the compressor will make it run faster and air up the tire quicker.

[dmwoost]

Last summer I had a nail in my back tire, as I waited for the new tire I practice putting a plug in. I had it on the center stand It was a tougher that you might think when you are laying on the ground. It sealed well, I ran it about a week. Auto Zone has a compact unit for about $30.00. You need to run the bike while you use the compressor. Since the back tire has a right angle stem not a problem but check to see that you can get on the front tire. Remember the air gauge also.

[Highway Rider]

http://www.aerostich.com/tools/tire-rep ... ompressors

check out these at this site the one that is for $47.00 is about the size of the palm of your hand

[Air Force]

http://www.stopngo.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; I just purchased their compressor, repair kit and co2 cylinders. Roadrunner magazine did a comparison and I decided on this one.