Tyre-pressure monitors

Yep, she has to move her hands quickly when I start the bike rolling, #then when I stop she gets her hands in again and connects up the gauge.

 

I've used the Mobiletron TPMS, which I purchased online from Motorcycle TPMS | Tyre Pressure Monitoring System | TPMS | Tyre-Track

I fitted the internal sensors, fitted onto the rims with stainless steel straps when the tyres are changed. You do end up with a lot of weights to get a balance. I don't think the external sensors would work given their size and the angled valve core on the front wheel. I fitted the display unit on the handlebar clamp with 3M Dual Lock Fasterner Tape. I connected the power to a switched fuse unit triggered off one of the aux sockets, or you could wire directly off the back of the socket. I suppose you could have it permanently connected to the battery as the current draw is very low (<60ma).

It's pretty good however there is no temperature correction, so the pressure can be seen to increase with temperature. You end up getting a feel of the pressure/temperature relationship over time, I never bothered attempting to calculate or record the relationship. The reaction time of the sensors is a bit slow for setting the pressures so I still use a "pencil" type gauge, which has always given the same reading as the display, after 20 - 30 seconds.

I found it very useful as I changed tyre pressures between solo and two up (as per the manual), so it was easy to check to see if I needed to adjust before setting off. It does take a while to "boot up", during which it displays the supply voltage, and to get a reading from the sensors. It's interesting to see what the tyre temperatures are.

The best thing, it cost £99. I'm into the 3rd year and it's fine however the sensor battery life is said to be 3 years. I'm trading in the bike with the unit fitted, and will be fitting a new one at the first tyre change on the new bike.

Steve B

 

Sorry does that not make it all a bit pointless if your having to use a normal gauge anyway?

 

I only use a normal gauge when changing the pressure, not checking the tyre pressure. Sorry if I didn't make that clear.

Steve B

 

A waste of time and not really required if you have any aptitude for riding a bike really. The sort of thing that that tit McGregor would use on his kraut karrier I suspect.

 

Thanks for posting the details.

I do t think this is a waste of Time. It's value is in letting you the rider know you have a puncture.
On a recent trip a guy in our group on a k13gt pulled up saying he had a puncture. It didn't look too bad, but the gauge showed he had dropped to 1.6 bar from 2.9 since our last coffee stop.
Sure enough there was a screw in his tyre.
The convenience of that, and then being able to monitor the pressure once its been repaired is IMO worth 100 quid.

Originally Ducati marketed the mts as having tpm built in. Shame it's never materialised. The system offered for the earlier mts is way more money and is not integrated.

 

There you go, a rider who didn't know it was reducing in pressure until the IDIOT lights told him. That's why they are called IDIOT lights....................................

 

Had them on my GS prior to getting the MTS.
IMO pretty pointless gimmick. Just check pressures manually when ready for a ride and take gauge with me on hols. Takes little time and have had 2 punctures with MTS in rear tyre and very easy to tell pressure was low!!!
But each to his own. I`d rather put £99 of RON 98 in the tank

 

TD4000 – motor bike key fob TPMS | www.tyrepal.co.uk

I use this one. Works well, and very easy to fit. Means I can check tyre pressure and temperature at each stop on a long tour, or after each session at a track day. Realistically, who is ever going to bother checking with a hand gauge every time? And who can tell a loss of a couple of psi while riding?

 

I check pressure with a hand guage after each session. And losing 2 psi whilst riding is the same as gaining 2 psi as the tyre warms up. :frown:

 

Christ, just use a hand gauge to measure the tyre pressure! It ain't that hard.

 

I use a gauge to check my tyres before I go out for the first few days after they're fitted in case they're losing a small amount of air each day but if they don't show any signs of going down I rely on a quick look before I go out then once I'm riding the bike I'd expect to feel any differences that are likely to matter.

 

Indeed. I found the front sender was just touching the brake caliper at speed, needed the tyre valve re-angled very slightly. I suggest check it carefully. Rear one is no problem, loads of room.

 

I just press the tyres with my thumbs and wait to be pitched into a hedge - much cheaper.

 

You've obviously met the guy then :wink::biggrin:

I understand what your saying, but any system that confirms what you think you are feeling has to be good.
Otherwise why not just buy a bike with no dash lights, or anything other than a speedo. After all, they are all idiot lights...

As for all you guys playing with your gauges to check your pressures, don't you realise your wasting valuable riding / drinking time ! :biggrin:
I don't have a tpms, but can see the value in it, and would have one if it were integrated like the beemer system. Certainly beats having to dick about with a manual gauge, which often doesn't get done anyway (yes I carry one).