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How do you handle different tire pressure readings?

Balancing air pressure.

I have made up a simple balancing rig for my front tyres. A length of plastic tubing with a tyre valve chuck at each end with a "T" piece in the middle. The other end of the "T" has another length of tube fitted with a tyre valve in so when I add air both tyres go to the same pressure. there is a simple air valve fitted near one of the chucks so that the whole system doesn't vent when disconnecting.
 
gkamer said:
How do you handle different tire pressures?

I recently purchased a portable tire inflator to handle the task of adding air, when needed, to my tires. In addition to that I also purchased a JACO digital tire pressure gauge to check the tire pressure of my tires. But, as if that wasn’t enough, I also purchased and installed the FOBO 2 TPMS to monitor my tire pressure in real time. The problem is each of these devices tend to show three different pressure readings for the tires. There is usually not more then a 2-4psi difference in each devices readings. So the question is which one to believe?

In reading reviews of the various devices I believed the JACO gauge was the gold standard for these devices. Likewise the tire inflator also got excellent reviews. My thought was to use the inflator to over inflate the tires a little, and then use the JACO to deflate them back down to the recommended psi rating. But I’m sure if I do that, then when I screw the FOBO’s back on they are going to display a psi different from that the JACO showed. This is giving me a headache. Your thoughts please….
Click to expand...

I know how you feel.

I had my digital gauge, tyre inflator gauge and TPMS all saying different readings. I quickly determined the brand of TPMS i bought wasn't accurate.

My own personal preference is that both front tires must have the same pressure - it really annoys me when they are missmatched.

I made a balance tube with a gauge - it attaches to both front tires at once and inflates them both to the same pressure.

It has an expensive 60PSI pressure gauge fitted. I inflate the fronts with it and set the desired wet or dry pressure before I ride off on a trip. I check what my Digital gauge reads, and it usually says about 1.6 psi less. I work off the fact when I am away and don't have the balance tube, I check my tire pressures and allow for the 1.6psi - example set fronts to 18.4 psi.

I became too focused on the TPMS pressures - if one tire was in the sun, it would naturally read higher - parked in the colder climate destinations it was too low.

My tip -
  1. Pick one gauge - probably the digital - its portable
  2. Set your pressures according to it
  3. If the bike doesn't feel right add/vent some
  4. Focus on making sure the front tires are at the pressures both you and the gauge agree are the most suited to your riding style
  5. If you keep the TPMS only check it if things don't feel right

Bonus - the fittings on the balance tube make setting the rear easier too
Down side - the wife and daughter now use it on their car tires and both has those strands missing from their DNA that allow a human to put things back where they came from.
 
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2dogs said:
Don't know if I should mention this to you or not. But, if you are running FOBOs you'll find it out anyway. Your tires will change psi on their own w/o any help from you. Depending on the time of year you are riding, how far you've ridden, which side of you the sun is on, the altitude you are riding in, the speed at which you are riding, and other ambient influences your psi can vary as much as 4/5 psi at different times. Don't worry about it, it's normal. Just keep your FOBO's alarm set for a large or sudden change in psi. That's what FOBOs are for. Ride safely have fun and good luck.
Click to expand...

+1...I use the FOBO's for monitoring a LARGE air loss only (the onboard TPMS saved my butt on my BMW RT several times over the past 10 years). Just adjust the FOBO settings for about 5psi difference high or low and use a digital gauge to check real pressures. Agree with BajaRon that the most important reading is to get the front tires the same pressure.
 
I built a 3 pronged octopus to air my Spyders tires. I have decided I like 18 PSI all the way around on my Vredestein's. One word of caution when using something similar. Due to the small tubing size and the small differential in air pressure between the tires it does take longer than you would think for all to become equal.
 
EdMat said:
I built a 3 pronged octopus to air my Spyders tires. I have decided I like 18 PSI all the way around on my Vredestein's. One word of caution when using something similar. Due to the small tubing size and the small differential in air pressure between the tires it does take longer than you would think for all to become equal.
Click to expand...

Great idea! If you can hold the same psi all the way around while releasing the "octopus," you could have a money maker there.
 
2dogs said:
Great idea! If you can hold the same psi all the way around while releasing the "octopus," you could have a money maker there.
Click to expand...

I just used quick on/off clip on connections I got off Amazon so air loss is minimal.
 
I do as a couple of others mention, Greg.

Initially, I inflate to my required pressures using a portable inflator with preset psi, confirm with a digital psi reader and adjust accordingly. I then determine the difference between the digital readings, the tyre inflator setting, and FOBO, and then monitor via FOBO.
If FOBO reads low before I head out, I use the portable pre set inflator. Every so often, maybe every month, I double check with the digital psi reader……actually, it is now every 3 months, as the relationship between the units has remained pretty solid over 18 months.

Pete
 
The connections on my Dual Fill air hose have check valves so when you disconnect each end there's no air loss.
 
2dogs said:
Neet, but how did you keep the other two clip on connections from bleeding off when the first one was removed?
Click to expand...

All air chucks have check valves to keep air from flowing out when they are not connected to a tire valve.

Correction: I goofed. I see on NAPA Online there are air chucks that are open and free flowing. I think they are mostly used in tire shops.
 
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I've only been riding motorcycles for about 35 years so maybe I am not as familiar with this stuff as some others, but I just trust the FOBO 2 readings. I inflate the front tires to 20, and the rear to 30 (as measured by the FOBO 2) and then regularly look at the app on my phone to check that the pressures are still in an acceptable level. If the front drops below 17, or the rear drops below 26, then I get back on the ground and get them back to the 20/30 level. The RT seems to ride just fine at those pressures. Typically I have to fuss with tire pressure at the start of each riding season, and at most twice more during the months of riding until its time for a winter hibernation again.
 
vito1943 said:
I've only been riding motorcycles for about 35 years so maybe I am not as familiar with this stuff as some others, but I just trust the FOBO 2 readings. I inflate the front tires to 20, and the rear to 30 (as measured by the FOBO 2) and then regularly look at the app on my phone to check that the pressures are still in an acceptable level. If the front drops below 17, or the rear drops below 26, then I get back on the ground and get them back to the 20/30 level. The RT seems to ride just fine at those pressures. Typically I have to fuss with tire pressure at the start of each riding season, and at most twice more during the months of riding until its time for a winter hibernation again.
Click to expand...

3 or 4 psi is a fairly large difference, Vito, especially with the stock Kendas when a couple of psi can seriously affect wear. I do pretty much the same as you, using FOBO as my main gauge, but I never let it drop any more than say 1.5 psi before I adjust.

Pete;)
 
Go to your local truck stop and buy one of the miniature baseball bats they sell for checking tires. Use it to get an even bounce from the front tires. OK good to go. Now since the rear is so hard to get to, use the bat to bust up two out of three gages. Then just use whatever one is left. Problem solved.

BTW, the bat system is better than the pressure indicator on gas station pumps.
 
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