The gadget that every biker should have

When was the last time you checked your tire pressure? I’ll bet it was a while ago… Our tires are what connect us to the road, so we should always take care to make sure they’re going to perform predictably.

Incorrect tire pressure can have an impact on handling, accelerating, turning, and stopping, and lead to uneven tire wear. One of the ways I make sure my ride is going to go as smoothly as possible is by checking my tire pressure regularly. Many things can impact tire pressure, so I do this once every couple of weeks or more frequently if:

• There has been a huge fluctuation in weather

• I’m setting out on a longer trip

• My bike has been sitting for an extended amount of time

One of the best motorcycle purchases I’ve made has been my portable air compressor. It’s easily the best $40 I’ve spent on an accessory. This one is able to read tire pressure and also pump air to get my tires back to spec. It makes it so easy to be sure your tires are at the proper PSI. So worth it!

With this convenient little air compressor, I never head to a gas station to pump air into my tires. It also came in handy when my friend got a flat tire on her bike. We were able to pump her tire back to a rideable PSI and patch the hole, so she could get home and move on to more permanent repairs from there.

Depending on the model you get, a portable air compressor can also charge your phone. Mine comes with a USB port that I’ve used on camping trips.

As motorcycle riders, we replace our tires much more frequently than cars. It makes sense that motorcycle tires would then also need a little more attention for optimal safety and performance… Ride safe, have fun ✌🏽