I readily admit that I ain't the brightest bulb in the socket, but after pulling into two different service stations today in an effort to bump the psi a bit, I quickly realized that it just wasn't going to happen. I couldn't position the hose/nozzle on the air pump for a flush fit on the valve stem. The spokes and brake discs wouldn't allow enough clearance.
How are all of you guys/gals managing to top off your tires?
Gas station air pumps, in my experience, are either broken or don't fit. You can't rely on those.
If you are fortunate enough to park your bike near power every night, you should definitely own an electric air compressor. If not (apartment dweller like me) you have a few options:
1) Electric air compressor with a built in tank. Some compressors store air, which you can take to your bike to fill 'er up.
2) Separate air tank. More portable than the compressor with a tank built in.
3) 12v compressor. There are compressors that will run off your bike's battery. If you do this, make sure to run the bike to keep it charged.
4) Portable battery and small compressor. You can power a conventional compressor using a jump box.
5) Rechargeable compressor. This is what I use. There are a variety of these, including emergency jump boxes with built in compressors, and small standalone compressors that hold enough charge to inflate your bike (or car). Some of them are small enough to take with you for an emergency, but they tend to be lower quality.
You didn't mention the low-cost solution...standard hand or foot pumps for bicycles.....that's what I use all the time (also an apartment dweller with no power source nearby)...motorbikes run low volume tires compared to cars so you can actually inflate a tire from completely flat with about twenty minutes work.
I had similar issues on my rear wheel on the T100 Air Cooled. Eventually I figured out it could be done if you insert the end of the hose about 1/4 of the wheel diameter away from the valve stem....then fish the hose through many spokes along the hub so that the hose nozzle reaches the valve at an acceptable angle.
Real pain in the patoot!
There are inner tubes you can get with 90 degree valve stems to solve this exact issue on spoked wheeled bikes. There are also little 90 degree valve stem adaptors you can try out at well.
I can top off my tires with a standing bicycle pump faster than a friend of mine who uses a mini compressor running off his power outlet. By the time he has the first tire hooked up, I'm finished.
I have a Campbell-Hausfeld portable compressor that runs off of 120 volts AC (no tank). Inflates both car and (of course) bike tires quickly.
Bottom line is, any one who operates a motorcycle should be checking the tire pressures frequently and adjusting it to the correct readings I.A.W. the owners manual. Particularly during temperature changes since temperature effects air pressure. So when deciding on an air pump / compressor system, try to get something that is most convenient, effective, and easy for you to use so that you will be tempted to more frequently check and adjust tire pressures. Further, if the compressor unit you like best comes with a chuck that is cheap or not easy to use, go to an auto parts store and buy a replacement part that better fits your tire valves.
Still further, by maintaining the correct air pressure in your tires, you're probably helping to get the maximum mileage out of them. Since bike tires don't last all that long, you'll get the point when you price a new set of tires.
I just rode my T120 home from the shop last Monday, Jan. 16. I had delivered it to them in early November on a warm day. The first thing I did was check the tire pressures, both were 5-6 pounds low!
While it's not the sturdiest thing in the world, it definitely topped off my tires quickly and easily. The flexible hose/nozzle made it simple to maneuver around the spokes as well.
If it keeps working, it will be definitely be money well spent.
Bless your heart KWN36, I am so glad I’m not the only one hahahaha.
Just happened exactly the same to me ( hence the reason I’m checking this posts!) hahaha
Went to 3 different ones and by the second one I was feeling already a bit silly myself.
Safe rides!
I bought a Harbor Freight pancake compressor for about $60 on sale. Dedicated it to Triumph maintenance. Use it for tire Pressure, air nozzle for cleaning etc. - a bit noisy but works well and I can always use it on the other bikes and cars too. And the standard air chuck end is easy to use on the Truimphs. What’s not easy is the pressure gauge but once you get the hang of it it’s not too bad. BTW I find both the T120 and T100 with Continental tires and new tubes don’t bleed down nearly as much as other tire/ tube combinations I’ve used.
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