Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: rob-mg on January 20, 2016, 08:42:49 PM
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And what tire pressure gauge do you use?
Analog? Digital? If analog, dry or glycerin filled?
Cheap? Expensive?
A question for those of you who use expensive gauges by Intercomp, Longacre, Motion Pro, etc: Why? Is there a performance reason, or is it about a view (maybe an obsession) about tool quality or accuracy?
Why am I asking this question? Partly I'm curious, and partly because, while I have historically used really inexpensive gauges, today I purchased one that I can't possibly justify based solely on performance. I got sucked into the elegance of it.
Cheers
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If I'm riding a lot, I check the pressure weekly. If it's been a while since I rode, then I check before the ride. That's been my general rule for over 20 years. Seems to work for me.
As far as the tire gauge goes, I have a cheap digital one I carry on the bike, and a better analog one I leave at home. Both seem to work well for me.
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Every two to three months with about 11,000+ miles riding per year.
I use my Lezyne Mt Bike pump because I found it accurate to a couple of pounds from racing Mountain Bikes and coaching a Mountain Bike Racing Team.
I've spent $50 on fancy gauges that were so far off as to be worthless.
Just get a gauge that's reasonably accurate. For me the bike pump works because it only takes a few pumps to bring them up to pressure, I don't have to plug it in and it has a screw-on valve attachment.
(http://www.bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Lezyne-Alloy-Dirt-Floor-Drive-pump-1.jpg)
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I check it every time I ride. I installed a tire pressure monitoring system.
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Not as often as I should, most of the time they're spot on so I get lazy. They only seem to loose a couple lbs. every 3-4 months.
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I check it every time I ride. I installed a tire pressure monitoring system.
This.
I am a bit paranoid about how the bike feels and tire pressure. If it felt a bit 'loose' I'd stop and check the pressures. It would worry me if I had to ride some distance before it was safe to pull over. I'd check the pressure once a week or more often (I commute so ride almost every day).
With the TPMS I just look at the readout, and, it has an alarm that I can set where I want (and I can hear it with earplugs and helmet on).
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I check mine every time after a poopy scary moment or a really weird wobbly feeling! Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or so!
Alive and kicking!
JB
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I put angled valve stems on, which it makes it much easier to check pressures (they point up with the bike on side-stand). I check pressures when I feel like it, which tends to be pretty frequently. I also check before a ride of any substantial distance or if I haven't ridden that bike for a while.
I use a digital gauge with a backlight (which is also nice for checking truck tires outside at night). I can't remember the brand of the gauge, but it reads psi and bar. The PSI scale includes tenths of a pound. It has a pressure relief valve. Therefore, I can over-inflate the tires a bit with air compressor, then use the pressure relief valve to bring the pressure down to exactly where I want it.
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I check tire pressure before every ride. If I'm on a trip somewhere, I check it in the morning before I leave for the day. Overkill? I don't think so.
At home I use a Blue Point analog gauge my brother gave me and on the go I carry a good quality "stick" gauge that reads as close as possible to the home gauge.
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This.
I am a bit paranoid about how the bike feels and tire pressure. If it felt a bit 'loose' I'd stop and check the pressures. It would worry me if I had to ride some distance before it was safe to pull over. I'd check the pressure once a week or more often (I commute so ride almost every day).
With the TPMS I just look at the readout, and, it has an alarm that I can set where I want (and I can hear it with earplugs and helmet on).
What TPMS system are you guys using? I'm specially interested in a V7 II (presumably the same for a V7) and getting an immediate warning of a sudden decrease in air pressure/blowout on my inner tube.
Any info on whether these systems actually work?
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For a new-to-me bike, I check every time I ride for a couple rides. If it doesn't change much, I check less often. Once I'm confident there aren't any leaks, I check about once/month. I think any less than that adds unnecessary risk. After all, it takes only a minute or two to check two tires.
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I check tire pressure before every ride. If I'm on a trip somewhere, I check it in the morning before I leave for the day. Overkill? I don't think so.
At home I use a Blue Point analog gauge my brother gave me and on the go I carry a good quality "stick" gauge that reads as close as possible to the home gauge.
Which means that you know whether you're running a slow leak from the last ride.
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Every time I get on the bike, I use a tire pressure monitoring system (Doran) and it works perfectly and installs in a few minutes. It also has an alert to notify if the pressure drops quickly ( not blow outs).
Worth every penny. I would not ride another bike without one.
No pressure monitoring system can tell you about a blow out, those are instant things. The alerts do tell you about rapid deflation such as picking up a nail and the tire starts to lose air, giving you time to pull of the road.
Run a search, I have a pic of the system here on WG.http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=80868.0
Link to mfg
http://m.doranmfg.com/motorcycle-tire-pressure-monitoring-systems.htm
Their product support is first class!
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Every time I get on the bike, I use a tire pressure monitoring system (Doran) and it works perfectly and installs in a few minutes. It also has an alert to notify if the pressure drops quickly ( not blow outs).
Worth every penny. I would not ride another bike without one.
No pressure monitoring system can tell you about a blow out, those are instant things. The alerts do tell you about rapid deflation such as picking up a nail and the tire starts to lose air, giving you time to pull of the road.
Run a search, I have a pic of the system here on WG.http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=80868.0
Hi,
Thanks, this is important information.
Are you using Doran on a bike with inner tubes? If not, do you have views on that? As I understand it, the sensors would have to go on the valves, rather than in the tire, and would require the wheels to be rebalanced. Do I have that right?
PS I don't care about the so-called theft issue.
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Every 1-200 miles or when there is a big temperature change.
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Hi,
Thanks, this is important information.
Are you using Doran on a bike with inner tubes? If not, do you have views on that? As I understand it, the sensors would have to go on the valves, rather than in the tire, and would require the wheels to be rebalanced. Do I have that right?
PS I don't care about the so-called theft issue.
Tubeless tires. There is no rebalancing involved, the sensors are very light.
The Doran system can be used in two ways, on the valve stem or inside the tire, your choice and it comes with everything you need to do it the way you want.
It also comes with a security screw so that someone doesn't casually take the sensor. I don't use the security screw, how many people are running around looking at motorcycle tires to steal a sensor? The sensor doesn't attract attention.
You do need metal valve stems but they too are included so nothing to buy. I amnusing the stem mounted method and won't bother mounting them internally unless I change tires. Even then, I like the way they work now so would probably just continue as is.
It also comes with a separate small led indicator which you can mount where you will see it if you don't want the LCD readout in plain view. For example, mount the readout under the seat and just the bright led low pressure alert on the handlebars or by the speedo.
You can wire it to be always on or on with the ignition. Ibhave it turn on with the ignition so it takes a few minutes to calibrate and readout. Start the bike, helmet on, gloves on and check mirrors and such, by that time read out is ready. From then on it is always on. Very easy to use.
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every time i ride....
i use a bicycle pump to top off and i have a Clark dial gauge and its on the money...
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Accu-Gage. I check tires about every 2 weeks. Pressures used in my two California Stone Touring models are 34F and 36R as I don't weigh much and ride solo.
Ralph
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Use a cheap digital gage. I haven't experienced more accurate readings when I compare to an expensive one.
Check every couple weeks. On my v7 (may be because it is so light?) I can tell while wheeling around the garage to park when it's lost a few pounds.
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Analog, Dry (but results compared with the TPMS readouts on the 2 Jeeps).
Monthly or less - unless a dramatic change in ambient temps, then I check again.
I also tend to check right before any long trips.
On the Jeeps I check more frequently, I hit a button on the steering wheel and I can instantly see the pressures at each wheel. They don't change much, except the OCD kicks in when the display shows 3 at 36 and 1 at 37 :shocked: :violent1: :shocked:
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If I'm riding a lot, I check the pressure weekly. If it's been a while since I rode, then I check before the ride. That's been my general rule for over 20 years. Seems to work for me.
As far as the tire gauge goes, I have a cheap digital one I carry on the bike, and a better analog one I leave at home. Both seem to work well for me.
:1: the digital gauge I have was a give away for test riding a BMW from a marketing campaign years ago. Since it has the BMW logo on it then it can't be cheap, even if it was free. Haha.
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Every time I ride.Accu-Gage.
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I check before every ride before leaving the garage and/or when out before getting on the bike if it's been parked for hours and actually remember to do that. I especially do that if I plan to be riding two-up with my girlfriend. I use my thumbs and squeeze the sidewalls to be sure they are around where they need to be. I never did this before, but after going tubeless on tube-type rims and after all that reading on that topic, I got a little paranoid so I started doing that. I do check the pressure properly every few weeks or so to be sure all is good and that my thumbs are still calibrated... :thumb: :thumb:
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I try to check my air pressure before every ride....
Oh, I have several pressure gauges that I use regularly, one of them a Meiser Accu Gage that I've owned for almost 40 years. About every 10 years I send it back for them to calibrate.
http://www.ghmeiser.com/
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When I ride regularly: 1 x per week. When I ride seldom (winter) before each ride. The same after a strong drop in temperature. Either I use an old small hand gauge by Dräger Werke Lübeck or my small Black & Decker compressor (slow, but with an astonishing exact digital gauge).
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Use an Accu-Gage at home. Small digital on the road. The Accu-Gage seems to work better (seal) than most others on the 90 degree Norge valve stems. It is like the valve is slightly deeper seated from the rim than most valve stems.
Now that I live out on several miles of dirt roads I mostly take the Norge out for longer rides so it may only be ridden once every few days during the season so I generally check pressure before every ride plus I had four flats within the first 12K miles. Get a bit paranoid.
GliderJohn
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My Sunday afternoon ritual, check all three bikes as I ride all three during the week to work. Craftsman Digital gauge accurate to within a1/4 psi.
Paul B :boozing:
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My TPMS is a Hawks Head. I got the smaller, portable version cause I can put the sensors on the RV when I take it on trips. I also like that it tells me the tire temp as well.
Response to a sudden decrease in pressure is pretty fast, less than one second. You can test it just by unscrewing the sensor. I love mine.
If I were to get another one I'd consider an inside the tire mount version. But, I change my own tires and would worry that I'd hit the thing with a tire spoon :(
Tubes are fine. As long as you have a metal valve stem that is fixed to the rim with locknuts then the screw on type will work. Just do NOT use Slime or anything like that in the tire or it will mess up the sensors.
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Every time I ride using one of these. Nice piece of kit.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KhtNbfspdtk/VqD5fqqqDEI/AAAAAAAAERw/ehyLa46ATAc/s849-Ic42/LON52003LG.jpg)
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I check weekly with a digital gauge.
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Accu guage
Once a week and before the ride if I haven't ridden in more than a week
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Not often enough as evidenced by my ride to the last Okla Campout
(http://g1.img-dpreview.com/B1DE727C74AB45CEABA3DF42439B8BB4.jpg)
Is Okla on that list of one of the most dangerous places to live?
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I check every few weeks or before a long ride. I've never seen a major underinflation with this practice. No point in being too anal.
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When I remember. As long as the bike feels OK I don't fuss. Perhaps I'm sensitive but if, especially the front, drops by as little as 2PSI from where I want it I can feel it the moment I'm out of the driveway. Seasonal changes are particularly noticeable and the 10% rule works well.
Pete
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I check them before riding every time they have been sitting unridden for more than a couple weeks. Before any ride other than commuting, or if the bike starts to wallow. :laugh:
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What TPMS system are you guys using? I'm specially interested in a V7 II (presumably the same for a V7) and getting an immediate warning of a sudden decrease in air pressure/blowout on my inner tube.
Any info on whether these systems actually work?
I use a TireGard, but I am thinking about upgrading to one of these.
http://www.amazon.com/Steelmate-Motorcycle-Monitoring-Waterproof-Dustproof/dp/B0147W88XM
Supposed to be water and dust proof and has a small foot print. For me the down side is that it has to be wired into to bikes electrical system. Ideally a switched power source. I would like to purchase one and move it from bike to bike.
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Every time I ride using one of these. Nice piece of kit.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KhtNbfspdtk/VqD5fqqqDEI/AAAAAAAAERw/ehyLa46ATAc/s849-Ic42/LON52003LG.jpg)
Longacers appear to be very nice gauges. Is that one dry or fluid? Does it hold the pressure reading until released? If not, does that make any difference as a practical matter? Anything you don't like about it?
One other question - can the hose be removed so that one could connect the chuck directly to the gauge and use it one-handed?
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My TPMS is a Hawks Head. I got the smaller, portable version cause I can put the sensors on the RV when I take it on trips. I also like that it tells me the tire temp as well.
Response to a sudden decrease in pressure is pretty fast, less than one second. You can test it just by unscrewing the sensor. I love mine.
If I were to get another one I'd consider an inside the tire mount version. But, I change my own tires and would worry that I'd hit the thing with a tire spoon :(
Tubes are fine. As long as you have a metal valve stem that is fixed to the rim with locknuts then the screw on type will work. Just do NOT use Slime or anything like that in the tire or it will mess up the sensors.
It had not occurred to me that using a sensor means not using Slime or equivalent. If you're right, it makes for a difficult decision.
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I use Tyrecheckers (http://www.tyrecheckers.com.au/images/mechanical_tyrechecker_animation.gif) so can tell at a glance, just by looking. Not 100% reliable, but pretty good. Some tyres, notably the Enfields', lose air quicker with disuse than others.
As for gauges, the tyre professionals I have asked say a cheap mechanical one is as good & as accurate as anything else.
Mal
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Longacers appear to be very nice gauges. Is that one dry or fluid? Does it hold the pressure reading until released? If not, does that make any difference as a practical matter? Anything you don't like about it?
One other question - can the hose be removed so that one could connect the chuck directly to the gauge and use it one-handed?
I like it a lot. Very high quality. I was fed up with the crappy gauges I had used for years. Fluid filled. Holds pressure until released. Everything is solidly connected together so checking pressures is a two-handed job.
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Before every ride, with an AccuGage.
"TPMS"? Man, my bike has ignition POINTS. :cool:
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As for gauges, the tyre professionals I have asked say a cheap mechanical one is as good & as accurate as anything else.
A pressure gauge for a motorcycle covers 0-4 Bar or 0-60 PSI.
A pressure gauge for a boiler is the same thing but with a different range.
All in all, I'd like both to be reasonably accurate.
In the case of a motorcycle, it seems to me that if one has access to two or three cheap gauges it's possible to more or less assess the general accuracy of one of them.
Or one can buy a gauge that one has confidence in and check it from time to time against other gauges.
Then there's the view of some riders that feeling is determinative and gauges are irrelevant. Hopefully this is more accurate than replacing a torque wrench with "elbow feel".
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I like it a lot. Very high quality. I was fed up with the crappy gauges I had used for years. Fluid filled. Holds pressure until released. Everything is solidly connected together so checking pressures is a two-handed job.
Thanks, great information.
Being a bit of a tool freak, I came down a few days ago to between the Lanacre model you have or the Intercomp equivalent (although the Intercomp won't hold a pressure reading). In both cases, what I liked, apart from the quality, was the ability to over-inflate and bleed off air to bring the tire down to desired pressure.
Then I came across a third possibility, which I went with on a whim. I'll post about it tomorrow, when I have time to find a coulple of links that will help explain the decision. I suspect you'll get a kick out it.
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After looking at a lot of gauges, and narrowing it down to an Intercomp or Longacre, I came across Flaig and decided to go with it: http://www.flaig-pr�zision.de (see the PS at the end re this URL)
Aerostich sells a Flaig gauge, but not the version with an air pressure release valve: http://www.aerostich.com/flaig-tire-gauge.html
Apart from Aerostich, it is unavailable in North America except from a few specialist Porsche dealers.
If I understand correctly, the Porsche connection goes back to this gauge being a part of Porsche tool kits decades ago.
The decision to go with it was influenced by this video, which while in German clearly illustrates the operation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHfq4cirAA8
I was also influenced by the evaluation on this site of 19 tire gauges (in German): http://www.motorradonline.de/motorradzubehoer/motorrad-luftdruckpruefer-im-test/491398
Here's what I like about the version that I've ordered:
It has a reputation for being highly accurate (indeed, comes with a calibration certificate)
It can be sent to the factory for recalibration
It's compact and can be used one-handed
It holds the pressure value until released
It has a bleed valve
The above video appears to confirm reports that the chucks are extremely well-designed, so that air bleed when taking a pressure reading is negligible
The version that I'm getting comes with 0, 45 and 90 degree chucks
I really like that it reads in bar as well as psi, because I find the distribution of bar values less fussy/easier to read
Re price, the current state of the Euro makes it comparable to Intercomp or Longacre. The version that I've purchased also comes with a tread depth gauge (although anyone with a vernier gauge doesn't need one) for an additional 5 euros.
If there's interest, I'll report back on how its working out after I receive it in about a week's time.
P.S. The URL for Flaig apparently won't work here because the site won't recognize the German "a" umlaut. So if you're interested, enter the URL manually or just do a Google search.
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I check them every week at home and every morning on the road. I've got a nice very high quality fluid filled gauge in the shop and a electronic for the road which I've checked against the shop gauge.
I also use an old timer's trick of kicking my tires after every stop as I'm walking back to the bike. Force of habit that saved a problem for a RoadKing buddy one time.
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After looking at a lot of gauges, and narrowing it down to an Intercomp or Longacre, I came across Flaig and decided to go with it: http://www.flaig-pr�zision.de (see the PS at the end re this URL)
<snippage>
Apart from Aerostich, it is unavailable in North America except from a few specialist Porsche dealers.
<mo' snippage>just do a Google search.
Thank you sir. I did just that. Available in the USA from http://www.wunderlichamerica.com/motorcycle/5525402.html as well as Aerostich.
Tommaso
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Thank you sir. I did just that. Available in the USA from http://www.wunderlichamerica.com/motorcycle/5525402.html as well as Aerostich.
Tommaso
That site says it's no longer available. Apart from Aerostitch, the only US dealers I could find are a couple of Porsche dealers in Atlanta and Florida.
I ordered from http://remedur.com on its E-Bay store, which had the best price (70 Euros + 6 Euros for shipping): http://www.ebay.de/itm/FLAIG-Reifendruck-Messgerat-4-Bar-Ablassventil-Reifenprofil-Messgerat-/361447091600?hash=item5427eced90 They also sell it without the tread gauge for 5 Euros less.
I suspect that it could also be purchased directly from Flaig in whatever configuration you want.
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I check tire pressure before every ride. If I'm on a trip somewhere, I check it in the morning before I leave for the day. Overkill? I don't think so.
Me Too.....
Not just pressure , but get down and look at the treads for imbedded nails/screws....easier to fix in the garage than on the roadside...jus sayin!!
Digital gauge....not really cheap (25.00)
Tim
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A new wireless bluetooth TPMS gadget came on the market...got one today at MPH and installed it on the Norge, clears all brembos or other wheel hardware and works great! Thanks Mike!
It's called FOBO Bike...super easy caps to screw on to existing stems, and you install the FOBO app on the phone and you have a nice immediate display of the tire pressure once you recognize the caps via the app. You can set the limits of each tire and the app gives you an alarm when out of that range. Also good if you want to add multiple bikes or cars to the same app...just add another vehicle in the profile.
Cost...approx. $100...easy to add additional sensors for multiple vehicles, no wiring required...instant on. Excellent setup.
Link here for your edification: https://my-fobo.com/Product/FOBOBIKE#buy
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My tradition is visually every ride, gauge once a week along with oil level check and chain and cable maintenance. More often if on a journey. I use a dry dial gauge I got from Summit Racing.
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I use Tyrecheckers (http://www.tyrecheckers.com.au/images/mechanical_tyrechecker_animation.gif) so can tell at a glance, just by looking. Not 100% reliable, but pretty good. Some tyres, notably the Enfields', lose air quicker with disuse than others.
Mal
Ditto. This is what I use too. Quick to check. If it's green, ride. If not, top it off. As for guages, just whatever is laying around. Usually a $.99 Oreilly special does the trick for me.
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Accugage.
I have had some wacky reading from digital gauges. I don't trust them to be any better than analog.
Accugage.
I don't check mine often enough. I ride pretty much daily. When I swap bikes, about once a month, then I check the tires on the bike that was sitting.
Accugage.
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A new wireless bluetooth TPMS gadget came on the market...got one today at MPH and installed it on the Norge, clears all brembos or other wheel hardware and works great! Thanks Mike!
It's called FOBO Bike...super easy caps to screw on to existing stems, and you install the FOBO app on the phone and you have a nice immediate display of the tire pressure once you recognize the caps via the app. You can set the limits of each tire and the app gives you an alarm when out of that range. Also good if you want to add multiple bikes or cars to the same app...just add another vehicle in the profile.
Cost...approx. $100...easy to add additional sensors for multiple vehicles, no wiring required...instant on. Excellent setup.
Link here for your edification: https://my-fobo.com/Product/FOBOBIKE#buy
Very interesting. Maybe you can update the thread on how long the batteries last with constant measurement as a TPM does?
Can the app run in a split screen so that you could have GPS running in another?
I ask because the Doran system is always on and there is no app, the monitor is a dedicated device that displays pressure and warns of low pressures with a certain threshold you set. Its always on but it is another gadget. If this one could eliminate having a dedicated monitor that would be great.
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I'll read cold before a ride, then sometime during the day I'll read it hot to see if I'm getting a 10 percent rise...
Not rising enough? Too much pressure cold...
Rising more than 10 percent? Too little pressure cold...
Feels great
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Very interesting. Maybe you can update the thread on how long the batteries last with constant measurement as a TPM does?
Can the app run in a split screen so that you could have GPS running in another?
I ask because the Doran system is always on and there is no app, the monitor is a dedicated device that displays pressure and warns of low pressures with a certain threshold you set. Its always on but it is another gadget. If this one could eliminate having a dedicated monitor that would be great.
Their ad says 2 years of battery life on CR2032's
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Have a small compressor in the garage with a high quality :boozing: Harbor Freight guage/inflator and it's as accurate as my digital gauge. I check fairly regularly but I'm not strict with a schedule, every ride, or anything.
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Very interesting. Maybe you can update the thread on how long the batteries last with constant measurement as a TPM does?
Can the app run in a split screen so that you could have GPS running in another?
I ask because the Doran system is always on and there is no app, the monitor is a dedicated device that displays pressure and warns of low pressures with a certain threshold you set. Its always on but it is another gadget. If this one could eliminate having a dedicated monitor that would be great.
Will do...hopefully the batteries last as long as they say (2 years as posted by JerryD). I'm not sure on the split screen, since it's an app, you would have to switch to it unless there is a way your tablet can display 2 apps at the same time. I am pleased about this setup as I could not use Tyrecheckers on the Norge, they are too long to fit given the sideways valve stems and would hit brake calipers on the way around, so this was an unexpectedly nice surprise to find a new gadget which works w/o having to do any wiring. Will report back as I get some time/miles on them...
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When I remember. As long as the bike feels OK I don't fuss. Perhaps I'm sensitive but if, especially the front, drops by as little as 2PSI from where I want it I can feel it the moment I'm out of the driveway. Seasonal changes are particularly noticeable and the 10% rule works well.
Pete
:1: :grin: If I know X bike/scooter tires have a propensity to slow leak air I will check them more often.
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Check daily on a trip, otherwise just prior to a ride. The Stelvio tends to loose a bit on the front, not enough to replace the "O" rings. Also, altitude and temp might surprise you. The 10% rule is a good and simple test of your basic settings, also feeling the tire to get an idea of how hot it is running. One tire feeling much hotter than the other would indicate more tire flex and the need for higher pressure.
Peter Y.
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I'll typically kick the tires with my Sidi boots. Especially after checking with the gauge. I can be within 3-4lbs of rough guess. But that is for rides out for coffee.
The boot method is less reliable on my 650L since those tires run at a lot lower pressure and always feels low to me. Well, because it is!
Before a trip I'll get the gauge out, a Bikemaster with remote tube. I have grown fond of the dial indicators vs. the friction stick.
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I only check it if it's low :shocked:
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I only check it if it's low :shocked:
Love it! I check mine every 6,000 miles (or at least I assume the dealer will when he does the maintenance service?). But I look at my tires every now and then to be sure they look round and full.