tire air pressure gauge?

[davepa]

38180.1

Three pencil and one dial gauge and they all read different.

How about the digital gauges?

Any brand better than the other, what are you guys using?

Thanks in advance

[SilvrT]

38180.1

Three pencil and one dial gauge and they all read different.

How about the digital gauges?

Any brand better than the other, what are you guys using?

Thanks in advance

 

I remember a thread about this quite a long time ago... like a couple years. Seems the general consensus was that even the supposed best gauge was not necessarilly "accurate" when tested against another similar one. I use a dial gauge....the kind that ya have to push a little button to release the air... dunno if it's right or wrong but I've used it for years. Checked it against a couple other different gauges, one brand new and none gave the same reading although they were close.

[slick97spirit]

I use the slime digital and it seems to be accurate or at least consistant.

[CMIKE]

I used the Slime with the extention hose to hit. I really like it. I got 3 of them around the house...they all read within a pound of each other.

AS long as it is not off terribly (pound or 2)...get one and stick to it.

I check them once in a while to make sure one is not off terribly.

Pencil type guages...I just don't trust them anymore...not accurate enough.

[Hummingbird]

I use a digital gauge - I've got two of them. One for the front and one for the rear. If I weren't so lazy I'd use the zero loss gauge, just too lazy to screw it on & off.

[BuckShot]

digital gauge at home for bikes and cars.

Opperations manager once told me that the tire pressure in my truck tires were 8 pounds low---told him he was nuts---he said he just bought his tire gauge---went and got our tire gauge and guess what---right on. He couldn't believe it. Needless to say, I didn't get wrote up.

[davepa]

I use a digital gauge - I've got two of them. One for the front and one for the rear. If I weren't so lazy I'd use the zero loss gauge, just too lazy to screw it on & off.

 

 

I missed something....and the brand you prefer is...?

[elag]

Here's the one I use. It's accurate. And with the 90 degree angle it fits nicely between the valve and the finale drive.

 

http://www.canadiantire.ca/search/search_results.jsp?bmForm=form_endeca_search&bmFormID=1253576835543&bmUID=1253576835543&bmIsForm=true&bmPrevTemplate=%2Fsearch%2Fsearch_results.jsp&bmHidden=OMNITURE_FROM&OMNITURE_FROM=Search&bmText=quick_search_term&quick_search_term=09-5517-4&bmSubmit=quick_search&quick_search=Search&bmHidden=FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672077

[davepa]

Here's the one I use. It's accurate. And with the 90 degree angle it fits nicely between the valve and the finale drive.

 

http://www.canadiantire.ca/search/search_results.jsp?bmForm=form_endeca_search&bmFormID=1253576835543&bmUID=1253576835543&bmIsForm=true&bmPrevTemplate=%2Fsearch%2Fsearch_results.jsp&bmHidden=OMNITURE_FROM&OMNITURE_FROM=Search&bmText=quick_search_term&quick_search_term=09-5517-4&bmSubmit=quick_search&quick_search=Search&bmHidden=FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672077

 

THANKS for the link...that is the info I am looking for!

[KiteSquid]

If you are concerned, you should get your gauge calibrated by a professional lab.

 

OR you can build a water column to compare your gauge to.

 

To get PSI you need to multiply inches of water by 0.036 and then divide that by 12 to get feet of water.

 

So to properly calibrate a gauge you should take readings at 10 PSI increments..... here is a little data.

 

10 PSI equals 23.1481481481481 feet of water.

20 PSI equals 46.2962962962963 feet of water.

30 PSI equals 69.4444444444444 feet of water.

40 PSI equals 92.5925925925926 feet of water.

50 PSI equals 115.740740740741 feet of water.

60 PSI equals 138.888888888889 feet of water.

70 PSI equals 162.037037037037 feet of water.

80 PSI equals 185.185185185185 feet of water.

90 PSI equals 208.333333333333 feet of water.

100 PSI equals 231.481481481481 feet of water.

 

 

But if you used Mercury (Hg) instead of water the height becomes more manageable.

 

10 PSI equals 1.6966838813 feet of Hg.

20 PSI equals 3.3933677626 feet of Hg.

30 PSI equals 5.0900516439 feet of Hg.

40 PSI equals 6.7867355252 feet of Hg.

50 PSI equals 8.4834194065 feet of Hg.

60 PSI equals 10.1801032878 feet of Hg.

70 PSI equals 11.8767871691 feet of Hg.

80 PSI equals 13.5734710504 feet of Hg.

90 PSI equals 15.2701549317 feet of Hg.

100 PSI equals 16.966838813 feet of Hg.

 

a more manageable height, but I dont have the volume of Hg laying around to do do this.

 

 

Due to the heights involved in using water and I don't think I can get access to the county water tower for the height I need to conduct this test, and my current lack of Mercury, I will check to see what it would cost to get an analog and a digital gauge calibrated at a certified lab.

Edited September 22, 2009 by KiteSquid

[davepa]

If you are concerned, you should get your gauge calibrated by a professional lab.

 

OR you can build a water column to compare your gauge to.

 

To get PSI you need to multiply inches of water by 0.036 and then divide that by 12 to get feet of water.

 

So to properly calibrate a gauge you should take readings at 10 PSI increments..... here is a little data.

 

10 PSI equals 23.1481481481481 feet of water.

20 PSI equals 46.2962962962963 feet of water.

30 PSI equals 69.4444444444444 feet of water.

40 PSI equals 92.5925925925926 feet of water.

50 PSI equals 115.740740740741 feet of water.

60 PSI equals 138.888888888889 feet of water.

70 PSI equals 162.037037037037 feet of water.

80 PSI equals 185.185185185185 feet of water.

90 PSI equals 208.333333333333 feet of water.

100 PSI equals 231.481481481481 feet of water.

 

 

But if you used Mercury (Hg) instead of water the height becomes more manageable.

 

10 PSI equals 1.6966838813 feet of Hg.

20 PSI equals 3.3933677626 feet of Hg.

30 PSI equals 5.0900516439 feet of Hg.

40 PSI equals 6.7867355252 feet of Hg.

50 PSI equals 8.4834194065 feet of Hg.

60 PSI equals 10.1801032878 feet of Hg.

70 PSI equals 11.8767871691 feet of Hg.

80 PSI equals 13.5734710504 feet of Hg.

90 PSI equals 15.2701549317 feet of Hg.

100 PSI equals 16.966838813 feet of Hg.

 

a more manageable height, but I dont have the volume of Hg laying around to do do this.

 

 

Due to the heights involved in using water and I don't think I can get access to the county water tower for the height I need to conduct this test, and my current lack of Mercury, I will check to see what it would cost to get an analog and a digital gauge calibrated at a certified lab.

 

Thanks ...after reading your post I found my slide rule, calculator ,and no.2 pencil.

As I kneel on the garage floor with the print out of your calculations, I have come to the conclusion that my old pencil gauge was not seated correctly on the valve stem. The small amount of air lost gave me a false reading.

 

This evening, if time allows, I will again try to check the pressure in the tires. The results this time I hope to be better and more accurate. Of course, I will lay on a blanket, not kneel, and perhaps have a better pencil gauge to valve stem angle.

 

That being said, I still have not purchased a digital gauge!

 

Thanks again for your help...Regards Dave

[Condor]

I use:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=41891

It may not be the most accurate but the repeatability is right on. I really like the clip on attachment feature....

[SilvrT]

All of this "tire pressure gauge" stuff brings to mind a "why'd they do that" ....

 

Why did Yamaha put a 90 degree valve stem on the rear tire and then ANGLE IT TOWARDS THE LEFT SIDE??? (or is it just mine that's like this?)

 

duh!

[elag]

All of this "tire pressure gauge" stuff brings to mind a "why'd they do that" ....

 

Why did Yamaha put a 90 degree valve stem on the rear tire and then ANGLE IT TOWARDS THE LEFT SIDE??? (or is it just mine that's like this?)

 

duh!

 

Don't know about the 2nd gen. But my 1st gen has the valve pointing straight at the center hub. I can with some difficulty get a conventional pencil type guage into the front tire to check pressure. But the rear tire is next to impossible with a conventional guage. I can't get a proper seal between the valve and the guage. The final drive is in the way on one side and the brake rotor on the other.

 

The guage I posted a link to in my earlier post attaches to the valve at a 90 degree angle. It works great. It's very easy to attach to both front and rear valves. I know it is accurate because it gives the same reading every time I try it. Not like some guages I've had that will give 10 different reading on 10 different tries. The link is for Canadian Tire but I'm sure you can also find it a Pep Boys or Napa in the US as well.

 

I do like you're discription of an angled valve though. It would make life a lot easier for a conventional guage. I'll have to do some searching to see if I can something like that. Would be a good investment when buying new tires.

[LilBeaver]

All of this "tire pressure gauge" stuff brings to mind a "why'd they do that" ....

 

Why did Yamaha put a 90 degree valve stem on the rear tire and then ANGLE IT TOWARDS THE LEFT SIDE??? (or is it just mine that's like this?)

 

Mine is like this too...

[Vance]

Why did Yamaha put a 90 degree valve stem on the rear tire and then ANGLE IT TOWARDS THE LEFT SIDE???

 

I think it is because the brake disc is on the right, and would be in the way.

[LilBeaver]

I think it is because the brake disc is on the right, and would be in the way.

 

I'd buy that, but the front has discs on the both sides and a stem that sticks up from the middle...

[SilvrT]

I think it is because the brake disc is on the right, and would be in the way.

 

and the pumpkin and lean angle are easier? I have to lay on the floor just to check the danged thang! On my '87 I didn't have an angled one and I checked and filled it from the right side as that always seemed the easiest....even when on the centre stand. hmmmmmm... could it have anything to do with being right-handed I wonder?

[Vance]

and the pumpkin and lean angle are easier?

 

You could always have it oriented to the right next time the tire is changed.

[SilvrT]

You could always have it oriented to the right next time the tire is changed.

 

I intend to do that and that will be this winter when I get rid of the stockers and put on Avon's .... can hardly wait to see how she feels after that and especially with a 130 front.

[polecat54]

This is what I use and with the alarm temp and light and vibration in it I don't think it can be beat knowing you have a tire going down in route is invaluable have had it tested by state and it was within 1 tenth of a pound of there tire gage:2cents:

 

 

Monitor http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/images/uploads/5920_1965_large.jpg Motorcycle Tire Pressure Monitor

New Lower Price!

Motorcycle Tire Pressure Monitor

 

When riding your motorcycle, do you ever wonder if your tires are set at the correct PSI to maximize your riding experience? If you do, Racer Parts Wholesale now has the perfect product for you. The TireGard Tire Pressure Monitoring System by Big Bike Parts is designed specifically to support two tires and maximize your riding experience. Completely wireless with unique valve cap sensors for real time monitoring, this hot new item is also compact and lightweight. TireGard comes equipped with a User-Friendly Graphic Interface that enables the rider to easily understand and maintain the motorcycle in safe condition. TireGard is fully adjustable to fit your riding style and comes with an anti-theft option. TireGard helps maximize fuel efficiency and safety by eliminating riding on under-inflated tires. Installation is a breeze and does not require tire removal. Simply remove OEM valve cap and replace with the included valve cap sensor, turn on the handheld monitor and ride. Don't wait, get one on your motorcycle today and never wonder about your tire pressure again!

[Leland]

I intend to do that and that will be this winter when I get rid of the stockers and put on Avon's .... can hardly wait to see how she feels after that and especially with a 130 front.

I did that and wished that I hadn't. The brake disc is more of a pain than the left side set up. Next tire change, I'm going back to the left (tire stems only).

[Ponch]

I did that and wished that I hadn't. The brake disc is more of a pain than the left side set up. Next tire change, I'm going back to the left (tire stems only).

 

I switched mine to the right and like it. Haven't had any trouble fighting the disc. I guess it depends on the type of gauge and/or filler nozzle you use.

Ponch