So my $70 tire gauge seems to be waaaaaaaay off the mark these days. I suspect it got tossed around in my toolbox and got decalibrated.
Any recommendations for a tire gauge? I want to stay analog, preferably with a lead hose so I can get into the many odd angles of the tires on my 3 bikes. What's the gold standard for accuracy and quality? I've been hesitant to pick up the MotionPro ones I see at Cycle Gear because of anecdotal experience from a friend.
i have an accu-gauge. It was spot on when I got it checked against a just re-calibrated unit.
It seems to still be on after a couple of years.
They're available fro PU dealers.
I have a 30psi accugage I use for the dirtbike. Inexpensive and a good value. For the Monster I prefer an old Flaig dial gauge, because it is smaller and the chuck does not leak at all. They both read the same as the BMW gauge which cost as much as the two of them together.
I've had three accu-gauges over the years. At one point or another they were each dropped and became grossly inaccurate. I gave up on that style. Used a digital gauges for a while, but it was awkward on the MC.
Finally found my ultimate gauge a couple of years ago: http://www.longacreracing.com/catalog/item.asp?id=1394&catid=8 (http://www.longacreracing.com/catalog/item.asp?id=1394&catid=8)
(http://i56.tinypic.com/mu8k.jpg)
I use it in conjunction with a 5gal air tank, but it works equally well on its own. Super convenient to adjust pressures. Nice big dial and needle. It stays up out of way on my bench - nice and safe.
BK
I use a cheapo pen-style guage I bought 6-7 years ago. It usually bounces around in the door pocket of my car. I have no idea how acurate it is :-\
http://www.monsterparts.com/p/150255/Accu-Gage+Pro+Tire+Pressure+Gauge.html (http://www.monsterparts.com/p/150255/Accu-Gage+Pro+Tire+Pressure+Gauge.html)
I have one of these and love it, and on the plus side, Jeff is always a pleasure to do business with.
I use a cheap magnetic dial gauge I got at the autozone checkout for $3.
Doesn't the authorised Ducati service facility check tire pressure for me? Just kidding, I am super uptight about tire pressure and check it before each ride. For the Ducati, I have a $20 digital gage from Autozone that works well. For the BMW and Triumph, I use a $25 digital gage from Sears that fits those stems and wheels better. I compare the gages to each other periodically to make sure they agree within 2 psi.
-Jeff
Quote from: jgrm1 on September 22, 2010, 04:54:29 AM
Doesn't the authorised Ducati service facility check tire pressure for me?
Yes, but by appointment only. For $95, their standard hourly shop rate. And if you take it anywhere else or check the pressure yourself, they'll void your warranty.
Quote from: desmoquattro on September 22, 2010, 05:23:04 AM
Yes, but by appointment only. For $95, their standard hourly shop rate. And if you take it anywhere else or check the pressure yourself, they'll void your warranty.
And don't forget you need to leave it for 3 days!
The longacre gauges are really nice, and they offer many options.
BK
Wow...Way to give a guy a complex about his gauge.
I wonder if a digital gauge would hold up longer to be bounced around and still maintain some sort of accuracy?
Being in a business that requires everything i touch to be calibrated just buy a gauge that can be adjusted and get it calibrated once a year. If you Google you will find your nearest calibration facility or mail it out.