Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Air Pump.. Air Pump..
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Oct 2008
Xander's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Back Down Under (WA)
Posts: 562
Air Pump..
After an embarrassing moment this week when i got a flat, and in true Adventure rider style I whip off the wheel patch the tube, put it all back together ... then grab my co2 inflator only to find out that one bottle was empty and the 2nd did not have enough gas to inflate my tyre.. limped to the nearest petrol station (whoes air pump was out of order.... I had to get recovered !!! oh the shame...:thumbd own:

So I need to get a new pump. I have read a bunch of posts and am only more confused then before. I will carry a small hand pump as back up but i would also like to carry a 12V one..


so What experiences do people have with these? I am most interested to here from the people who have used the pump multiply times in back of beyond situations.

I have read a lot about three in particular
the Cyclepump
CyclePump Tire Inflator & mini compressor: BestRest Products BMW motorcycle accessories

Slime Power Sport Tire (tyre) inflator
Slime 40001 Power Sport Tire Inflator

and the AIRMAN SPARROW COMPAC (but i dont think this one is still made) all I can find is the.
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/83667/Automotive/Automotive-Accessories/Airman-Compact-Air-Compressor
Which i have had problems with (2 did not work out of the box)..

There is a good review on here.. but I am still at a loss..
http://www.animalnetwork.com/mcn/features/Novpumpstest.pdf

Cheers all
__________________
2000 Africa Twin
http://two-up-ona-twin.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Oct 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Spain
Posts: 59
Air Pump... another option.
You may want to take a look at these guys? Small, light weight and cheap.

MotoEssentials.com and MotoPumps.com are your number one source for Ultra Compact Pumps and Emergency Tire Repair Kits for Motorcycles, ATVs, C5 & C6 Corvettes with EMT Runflat tires. We also have comfort and safety accessories for adventure touring,

Just another option.
__________________
http://www.moto-andalucia.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
I use the £4.99 sort you can buy in any car accessory place. Strip off the plastic box and it's as small at the more expensive types. My last one survived something like seven years or punctures and tyre changes.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie View Post
I use the £4.99 sort you can buy in any car accessory place. Strip off the plastic box and it's as small at the more expensive types. My last one survived something like seven years or punctures and tyre changes.

Andy
That's my preferred option as well. I've got a couple of them modded to hang from the handlebars or somewhere convenient so I don't get my fingers caught when they're pumping. I wouldn't want to reseat my Land Rover tyres with them but for the bike they're perfect.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Oct 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: California
Posts: 92
Slime Pump
I've got the Slime Power Sport Inflator. Seems to work well and not to
expensive, appx $35 USD.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 21 Oct 2008
electric_monk's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Waterford, Ireland
Posts: 310
Slime pump
I've had the Skime pump for a couple of years and I have found it satisfactory. It is strapped in beside the battery on the GS and the vibration doesn't seem to upset it any.
__________________
The electric monk always has faith.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 21 Oct 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Scotland
Posts: 7
Pull cord pump
Hi folks
Any thoughts on using a small "cyclaire" pump very compact and efficient to use you stand on the unit and pull on a cord attached to a small built in compressor Not used one myself but saw one used to very quickly inflate a bicycle tyre Picture at link

Cyclaire Rapid Pump With Carry Bag (£22.95)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 Dec 2008
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: England
Posts: 37
M & P
M & P sell a tyre inflator you screww into the spark plug with a lead to the tyre involved, and just turn the engine over on the starter button. It would be advisable to not allow petrol to that chamber and on some electronic ignition systems you must make sure the spark plug is earthed.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 5 Dec 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Western, Kentucky
Posts: 56
I have the Slime Powersports pump as well, it has worked fine so far.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 5 Dec 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Arizona & Santiago
Posts: 44
Slime pumps $10.00 at the moment from these guys.
Online Auto Parts and Auto Accessories Store at PartsAmerica.com
__________________
Freightliner Ambo Camper.
63 R60/2 BMW hack, XChallenge, TW200, R1200LT and K12LT
Last edited by Ozrockrat; 5 Dec 2008 at 23:31. Reason: Crap spelling
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 6 Dec 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Mumbai, India
Posts: 188
I've used a slime pump for the past 6 months, so far, so good. What I like is the nifty packing and the choice of connectors - I keep the battery lug attachment permanently connected, so that I do not even need to use the cig lighter.

But 6 months is not really a time frame in which you can judge reliability.

I had a cheaper stripped down unit for some time. That worked fine for 2 years, then one fine night the casting connecting the motor to the pump assembly split into 2 leaving the electric motor spinning uselessly, forcing me to travel on a near empty front tyre for 100 km.

Point is - this is a piece of equipment which needs to be reliable, and cheaper ones may not fit the bill.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 6 Dec 2008
Jake's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Northumberland, uk
Posts: 761
HGP47 I tried to use a cycleair pump and they really are not up to the job, the conecting pipe is to short to reach comfortably to a rear tyre and then try re seating a tyre with it it just about kills you to get anywhere near enough pressure into the tyre. There simply is not enough volume in each pump for it to work on motorbike tyres - its fine for mountain bikes etc.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 22 Dec 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Idaho, USA
Posts: 212
A CyclePump went with me when I rode around the world in 2005 and it served me well. For a time I had to use it every morning because of a slow leak and it never failed. I chose it because it seemed to be the most durable and reliable 12V pump I could find at that time, and I didn't think this was item to scrimp on financially (imagine having your problem in the middle of Siberia and not being able to speak the language - having a solution at hand was priceless). Although I haven't researched this I've been told there are two basic types of compact electrical air compressors, diaphragm and piston types, the less expensive types being diaphragm designs and the CyclePump a piston design, with the piston type being superior. But, I could be mistaken about this.

I've had some experience with cheap pumps and didn't like the two I tried (slow to inflate) but have no experience with the Slime pump which may well be just as good as the CyclePump.

For whatever it's worth that's my experience. Hope it's of some help.

Mike
Idaho
www.rtwrider.net
__________________
Mike
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 24 Dec 2008
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Connecticut, USA
Posts: 58
Another vote for the Slime pump. It has treated me well for the last 8 months on the road, and I use it quite a bit changing pressures for on/off road.
__________________
www.Jeffs9thSemester.com
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 29 Dec 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW France
Posts: 304
Quote:
Originally Posted by daytonatwin View Post
M & P sell a tyre inflator you screww into the spark plug with a lead to the tyre involved, and just turn the engine over on the starter button. It would be advisable to not allow petrol to that chamber and on some electronic ignition systems you must make sure the spark plug is earthed.
I tried using one of these plugged into one cylinder on an R100GS. With the bike running on one cylinder (I took the float bowl off the other carb and crimped the fuel pipe with a mole grip and earthed the plug), the problem was the internal diameter of the air exit is so small that forcing 500cc of air through it at 500 rpm meant the plug fitting got so hot it melted the airline within seconds.

I use CO2 at the moment but would probably go for the Cyclepump for a longer trip because of its reputation for reliability even though it is a lot more expensive than the Slime.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Oil pump 34L 34HELL Yamaha Tech 2 12 Jan 2008 11:00
What fuel pump?? passporttone Honda Tech 3 12 Oct 2006 19:25
MSR fuel pump BklynDakar Camping Equipment and all Clothing 8 23 Jun 2006 13:07
1vj oil pump fencer Yamaha Tech 2 6 May 2006 14:03
foot pump-hand pump? usl Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 6 22 Sep 2004 15:40

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:39.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top