Third-Party TPMS on the cheap

[RhadamYgg]

Road Runner Magazine Motorcycle Touring & Travel had a paragraph blurb on an aftermarket TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) that will work with any motorcycle.

There were two problems with their coverage - which for as dry as it was had me very excited as I'm always concerned about the air pressure in my tires.

1) The gave a bad link to the website of the manufacturer.
2) They didn't give the price.

The product is called "Tire Supervisor"

The price as listed on the correct website: $169.99 - but it is listed as a sale price.

The correct website is: http://www.super-visor.com/tiresupervisor.htm

The site given in the magazine lacks the hyphen between super visor and takes you to a German website of relatively limited value - at least for an English only reader like me.

Too bad the price isn't lower. I suspect, though I lack the cash for a bike that comes with TPMS, I'll probably get this device. When I do I'll give it a review.

RhadamYgg

[Johnj]

Make sure you have your tires rebalanced after you put those relatively heavy puppies on the valve stems.

Some thing else to lose some sleep over.

MONITOR AND SENSOR HAVE EASY ACCESS REPLACEABLE BATTERIES

[slimcolo]

I have a set of valve caps that pop up Red when pressure drops below a given amount ( they come in range 20-60 psi and divisions of 5 lb) on my pickup. No fancy electronics but you do need to look at the valve cap to monitor. The good thing is that they only cost $11 for a set of four at a farm implement store, (aero stich has them but much higher price) and the weight is so little that rebalance is not necessary.

I felt guilty spending the $11 when a tyre gage is $2. I could only see spending $169 on a bike that has the valve stem fairly hidden, like the back wheel on a Gold Wing. (actually I'm too cheap even then)

[RhadamYgg]

Make sure you have your tires rebalanced after you put those relatively heavy puppies on the valve stems.

Some thing else to lose some sleep over.

MONITOR AND SENSOR HAVE EASY ACCESS REPLACEABLE BATTERIES

Hmmm, well the second set of valve stem lights I put on were nearly as big as those sensors. But they probably weren't as heavy.

Of course, I don't mind paying for batteries for stuff, but I do have concerns about the frequency of such replacements.

My problem with checking my damned tires is that I do it with my compressor - and I have two compressors - and one has a horribly broken pressure gauge and the other one - I'm not too sure of the accuracy of the gauge.

But we'll see. I wouldn't buy/not buy a bike based on TPMS - it isn't like ABS (to me, anyway). But when we talk about being off a few psi affecting tires... Well, let's just say I don't think any of my gauges are accurate enough for me to know the difference between 32 psi, 36 psi and 40 psi.

It does worry me a bit.

RhadamYgg

[RhadamYgg]

I have a set of valve caps that pop up Red when pressure drops below a given amount ( they come in range 20-60 psi and divisions of 5 lb) on my pickup. No fancy electronics but you do need to look at the valve cap to monitor. The good thing is that they only cost $11 for a set of four at a farm implement store, (aero stich has them but much higher price) and the weight is so little that rebalance is not necessary.

I felt guilty spending the $11 when a tyre gage is $2. I could only see spending $169 on a bike that has the valve stem fairly hidden, like the back wheel on a Gold Wing. (actually I'm too cheap even then)

Those sound neat. You know the reliable low-tech process might be the way to go. I'll have to search around for them. Even if they are $11 each that is far cheaper than $169 + shipping.

One thing I do wonder about either of these processes - if you can actually add air to your tire through the sensor/pressure cap or if you have to take it off to deal with it.

RhadamYgg

[follow]

I'd rather spend the money on a heated seat or grips and pay a couple of bucks for a manual TPG.

[RhadamYgg]

I'd rather spend the money on a heated seat or grips and pay a couple of bucks for a manual TPG.

ooooo I would love to get heated grips. Didn't even think of a heated seat. Can't have anything heated with the Ninja 250, though.

Maybe I'll locate some snowmobile mitts/gloves and give them a try.

RhadamYgg

[follow]

RhadamYgg,
You spoil yourself........
But I got to tell you, I just loved my NEW heated pants and socks, went for a nice long ride today and was all plugged in cozy warm.

I Just would like to say Thank You Garmin for actually making pants that fit woman who are of petite height. I am ecstatic that I actually have a pair of riding pants that fit me PERFECT.

[RhadamYgg]

I found a few... Not sure how good any of them are. One has two bad reviewers indicating that the caps that check your air pressure actually leak...

Red Cap

Fixed Pressure

Not too sure about these - because - how do I really know my tire pressure is correct the first time I put these caps on. I mean, really, to check my tire presssure I end up letting some air out, so even if it is correct when I check it - it might be a bit low when I put these valve caps on.

I may try the top ones, but they aren't $11 any more.
RhadamYgg

[Johnj]

If you look around you can find a tire gauge with a round gauge. Press it on, pull it away and read the gauge. My Concourse is fitted with a 90° valve stem on the rear tire to make that chore easier. I've found that I lose more air through osmosis and temperature change that through the tire gauge.