Modern Vespa

Thanks to a recent post about tire pressures, I have been paying attention (read: obsessed) with this since having Conti Zippy's put on a few weeks ago. I use a tire pump that plugs into the cigarette lighter of my car for power, but I'm wondering what you all use. I'd rather have something I can plug into an AC outlet for power. Any suggestions?

As always, thanks!

-- Laura

Laura,

I use a Powerlett plug to an SAE it allows me to add air while I am on the side of the road if needed. For very little money this is a nice mod that will also allow you to use a battery tender in the garage or heated gear during the cold months. More reading in this thread. Good luck and stay safe. Monitoring your tires is a great habit to get into.

Sweet is that a volt meter? also what does your little decal say? cheers Bill

I check my tires weekly at a local servo. It has one of those digital gauges that go beep, but nonetheless I keep a pencil type pressure gauge in my glovebox to double check (service stations tend to overinflate, mostly)

In an emergency i have a bicycle pump which does the trick, while also providing a great upper-body workout!

Yes that is a Datel Voltmeter. The decal reads No I do not want a Harley and one the other side there is one that says no this is not a damn moped.

Cheers Trent

I use something called Smart tire on my FJR motorcycle and have really thought about adding it to the scooter too. LINK

Model TPMS-MC specification:

Alarms: 1st stage flashing light, 2nd stage continuous light.
Manually check pressure, pressure deviation, and temperature.
Kit includes: Display, 2 tire sensors & steel bands, wheel labels, User Manual.
Alarms at: 15% under and 25% under pressure, and over 80 C.
23 x 42 mm high display. Free self assembly template for download.
Pressures indicated in psi or bar, temperatures °C or °F (please select).

If you use an electric pump - make sure it is a 12V one that can be powered from the scooter - NOT from the mains. There may be times that you need a top-up - or a fellow PTW rider does - with no mains electricity within miles.

A few CO2 cartridges with adapters won't go amiss either.

cheers here is my plate

To add to what JimC said here is a great link to some tire pumps. I bought 2 of the Slime units but wish I would have read this review and bought the Airman. Link to article.

A bicycle pump. One of those little ones.

EDIT: Oops..my bad. I didn't see that last line about wanting something that runs on AC power. I was thinking of on the road.

In any case, I don't bother with AC power pumps. I'd still rather have something that can inflate a tire wherever I am. I have a 12V electric pump in my car for that. I've never taken it with me on the scooter though...yet.
As an aside, you can't always trust the gauges that come with the pumps. I always double-check the inflation with a tire gauge.

I picked up something along the lines of this a few months ago and haven't looked back! Tire pressures on *every*thing are set - cars, Vespa, bikes, hell even the neighbors if they want!

I use a bicycle pump.

I like these...small, light....kinda cheap.

Mine have been quite durable.

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/4573/

R

8)

$10.00 (CDN) The gauge isn't worth spit, but for adding a few pounds every now and then the pump works great. For what it's worth I tried several different gauges, digital, round analog type, pencil type all different price ranges too. In my testing (which was far from scientific) I was happiest with a $6.99 pencil type gauge, it gave the most consistent results. I found the round analog type that hold the reading until released broke after very few uses and the digital gauges i tried gave a different reading almost every time. The good old standby pencil type just work - for me anyway.



Dave

I have one of those electric jobbies, but in truth all I ever use is this one:



I think it cost me $25 at REI on sale.

I tried the $10.00 foot pump mention in earlier post from Checkers (other outlets carry same...made in China). Returned it twice due to leak in tube got my money back and am using my trusty bicycle pump that has a dual schrader and presta connection...it's simple and easy to connect and inflate...couple of pumps and done... reliable for at home / before a ride inflate...check it once a week.

On the road, I have a tire repair kit...which includes CO2 cartridges.

I spent only $10 on my Slime air compressor. Cheap and small.