Tyre inflation

[laughingboy]

Hi, I decided to go out today on my recently acquired RT. Had Michelin Pilot 4 Gts fitted when agreeing to buy the bike. I've had a few ride outs already, as any problems that may occur can be done under warranty so best to get some miles done.
Checking the rear Tyre was a little fiddly and I realised my pressure gauge fits easier from the right hand side. The front looked a doddle, until I tried to inflate it; my connector didn't want to grip onto the valve with it being a bit short and I had no other connectors available, so had to go off to the garage and use their system, which wasn't that brill.
Looks like a replacement pump connector ( stirrup pump ) or an extension adapter for just checking and inflating. I spent as much time faffing about with the tyres as I did actually riding the bike!!

:-[

[richardbd]

I've had exactly the same problem.  The RT valves were obviously designed by somebody who never had to try pumping a tyre up!

[laughingboy]

Aye, I had a swearing session when the front wouldn't take any air and dropped down to about 18 psi !!

[stelyn]

You should invest in a 90 Degree tyre extension adapter valve especially if travelling in Europe.    I got one  of Ebay and it works a treat ,  just keep it in your tool roll, see below Link; 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-MOTORCYCL ... 338608702b

[laughingboy]

Thanks Stelyn, I was considering one of them after looking at Halfords site. Certainly make the rear tyre easier and overcome the connection to the front.

Chris 

[stelyn]

Hi laughingboy,  I found the airline guns in France no problem when used on the front valve  - but no way could I angle it  fit it on the rear,  may have been my bad luck with the particular Service Stations,  hence buying that  extension - wont get caught out again....

[David.]

I use a Halfords Analogue Tyre Pressure Gauge without any problems on both the front & rear wheels.



A 12v Air Compressor is used at home for inflation, it fits both the valve stems without loss of air.



I carry a Slime Compressor on the bike.

[Budman]

Not trying to hijack the thread but has anyone put nitrogen in their tires and was it worth it.


Yes I know normal air is comprised of 78% nitrogen.


Bud

[David.]

My chosen tyre fitter uses N2 to inflate tyres when fitted.

Yes, there are some advantages if you are flying an aircraft or driving an F1 car, however, unlikely to been seen on our motorcycles.

The AA don't seem to think it's worth it,  http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/sa ... 7a9578aad8

[David.]

You should invest in a 90 Degree tyre extension adapter valve especially if travelling in Europe.

Bought one today from a local friendly bike shop, £2 bargain.

[stelyn]

That IS a bargain....  good inexpensive investment