12 Volt Air Compressor

[Solina Dave]

The shed where I keep my bike has no electic power. I have a small air compressor with it's own tank, that when full, can be used to top up my tires. It works great. The storage shed guy lets me plug it in to his office receptacle to recharge the tank, but it's hit and miss as to whether he'll be there or not. If I don't ride for a period of time, the air in the tank leaks out, and I'm beat. Catch my drift? I have a small 90º fitting on the compressor hose to fit a hard-to-get-at valve stem on my '78s Comstar wheel. Service station air lines are out of the question.
What I need is a 12 volt compressor. I always have my car there when I pick up the bike, so that would be more than enough to power up a decent 12 volt air compressor.
Does anyone have a suggestion for a reasonably good unit, that's cheap.

Thanks........... Dave

[chewy999]

Dare I say you could get a foot pump!

Oh look, yes I do!

[Track T 2411]

I bought a little 'Slime' brand one that is small enough to pack on the bike. Not overly fast, but tops off the tires just fine. IIRC, was less than $30...

[ritalz]

+1 on the small 12 volt unit. I also snip the ends and attach some clips to attach directly to the battery. That keeps from messing with any fused circuits because these things can draw lots of power.

[Gowing]

I carry a small air compressor from a car we used to own. Found one silimar on line. I have used it a few times. Nice package and works well.

[salukispeed]

+ one on the mini Slime compressor and alligator clips. I have there smallest one i could find in the saddle bag for the inevitable issue. Was useful on my sons bike last year

[Solina Dave]

Thanks for your suggestions everybody. It's looking like the small Slime 40001 or the Slime 50001, are moving up the list fast. 4.3/5 reviews.
The 40001 has a 300 psi compressor. And the 50001 has a 100 psi compressor, but also comes with a can of sealant, and is slightly less money. I wouldn't need anywhere near 100 psi, let alone 300 psi. Up here in "The Great White North", they're available on Amazon.ca for $50.68 for the 40001, and $46.51 for the 50001, taxes in, and free delivery. They're both about the same size.
Do you think there's any significant advantage to a 300 psi unit over a 100 psi unit? Maybe a more robust build. I don't know. The can of sealant might get you home!

Thanks again................ Dave

https://www.amazon.ca/Slime-40001-Motor ... e+inflator

https://www.amazon.ca/Slime-50001-Power ... Repair+Kit

[salukispeed]

Did not look at the specs but lower pressure at higher volumes can often be the better trade off and is better in the 40 psi region we work. Most are shore duty cycle and good for 15 minutes. The two I see links to look the same except for the slime and added connectors

[todd54219]

From personal experience, be aware that cans of sealant may not work on motorcycle tires. Most of the cans of sealant have a fixed, straight nozzle. You cannot screw those cans on a motorcycle tire, the spokes or wheel will not let you. You need something that has a right angle to get it on the tire valve.

Todd

[Solina Dave]

From personal experience, be aware that cans of sealant may not work on motorcycle tires. Most of the cans of sealant have a fixed, straight nozzle. You cannot screw those cans on a motorcycle tire, the spokes or wheel will not let you. You need something that has a right angle to get it on the tire valve.

Todd

Thanks for that Todd. Actually I do keep a 90º fitting on the bike for somewhat that very reason. Most of the time, I find it impossible to use the service station air nozzles, in the tight quarters presented by my Comstar wheels. But I do keep a 90º fitting onboard, for an emergency, just in case I ever need it.
Regarding my potential purchase of a 12 volt compressor, I am at times finding it difficult to pinpoint one with a 90º fitting. A lot of times the descriptions presented, don't specify that option in their write-ups, or their write-up photos. The fittings for the Slime units look like they include the 90º fitting, that locks on to the valve stem. So that looks good.

Thanks again.............. Dave

[chewy999]

Actually I do keep a 90º fitting on the bike for somewhat that very reason. Most of the time, I find it impossible to use the service station air nozzles, in the tight quarters presented by my Comstar wheels. But I do keep a 90º fitting onboard, for an emergency, just in case I ever need it.

I've got one of those, one of the best 'tools' I ever bought!

[Track T 2411]

Mine is the 40001 series, and it has the 90 degree fitting on the hose...

[Solina Dave]

Has anyone ever had occasion to use the Slime sealant? And how did it work? Did it get you home?

..........Dave

[robin1731]

Has anyone ever had occasion to use the Slime sealant? And how did it work? Did it get you home?

..........Dave

Should get you home. But if you take your tires to someone else to have them changed don't expect a happy tech. Especially if you don't warn them that the stuff is in there.

.

[Solina Dave]

Just for a bit of added information regarding the Slime tire inflators. The small, and seemingly very usable model 40001, and the model 50001 package (same compressor but also including a can of Slime sealant), are being discontinued. I'm still seeing these products for sale on Amazon, but probably not for long.
I contacted Slime customer service with a product performance clarification question, and was told, at that time, about the discontinuation due to low product sales. They don't seem to be selling enough of these units, to motorcyclists, to warrant keeping them in their catalogue.

...................Dave