Everyday roadside repair kit

[aviationfred]

After reading the conversation on the RPM Parts Update thread about micro air compressors and micro battery jump start packs. I will give my experience with them.

Photos are the exact roadside repair items that I carry on my FJ at all times. I do have hard luggage, so for me, finding space to put these items is not an issue.

1. AeroStitch air compressor
2. Dyna Plug micro tire repair kit.
3. Standard tire repair ropes and T-handles
4. POD battery jump start pack.
5. Stockton large tool roll (enhanced)
6. Rain Suit.
7. Tire Pressure Gauge

Quite recently, I have had to use a few of these items.

A couple of days after returning from North Carolina. I noticed the bike handling a bit funny. The next day I go out to ride and noticed the bike took a bit more effort to back out of the driveway. Checked the tires and the rear tire was flat with a screw in it. Out comes the tire repair kit and compressor. I have actually used the compressor to top off the tires on occasion, but this is the first time too use it for an actual repair. I remove the screw and use one of the DynaPlug mini plugs. Almost no effort getting the tool through the tire. removed the tool and the small rope is sticking out of the tire. Snip off the tail and all looks good. Connect the compressor to the battery tender pig tail and proceed to inflate the tire. I did not monitor the time it took to get up to 40PSI on the 180/55/17 tire. Somewhere between 5-10 minutes. Put everything away and all is good again. Fire the bike up with no effects from the compressor use on the battery.

Tonight, on my way into work, I got stopped by a train near work and was sitting patiently with the bike in neutral. The bike dies all of a sudden. I attempted to restart the bike and I am greeted with the dreaded lug of an engine that will barely turn over with the starter. I roll the bike over to the side of the road, off comes the seat, out comes the Jump Start pack. I connect everything and the bike starts with ease. I leave the bike idling while I disconnect the battery pack and put everything away. Off to work I go.

Yes, I do have 2 CO2 bottles and inflator adaptor as pictured. Only because it came with the DynaPlug kit that I won at a Cycle Gear monthly Bike Night raffle. As for the compressor draining the battery to a point that the bike won't start, IMO, using the compressor that I have. Very unlikely on a healthy battery. In the event that the battery does discharge to a point that the bike will not start. You have the Jump Start pack to solve that issue.

Fred

[ZOA NOM]

Perfect. You're my hero. Thanks for the info.

[aviationfred]

This will give you an idea on the actual size of the compressor, and Jump Start Pack.

I have the Compressor, a sheet of 5 tire ropes, both T-handles and the DynaPlug tool inside the AeroStitch compressor bag.

Disclaimer, the photo is from AeroStitch.

These Jump Start Packs can be very small. Mine next to a cell phone.

Fred

[Tuned forks]

Great information Fred.  Thanks for sharing.

Joe

[FJ_Hooligan]

What was the reason for the bike stalling?

That's not normal.

[ryanschoebel]

Great info and pictures definitely helped! Thanks Fred

[aviationfred]

What was the reason for the bike stalling?

That's not normal.

Every once in awhile (maybe once in 3 months), the bike will doe while idling. It has always started right up until last night.


Fred

[aviationfred]

Here are actual photos of my tire repair kit. The 1/4" drive ratchet is for size comparison.



Fred

[Mike 86 in San Dimas]

I wonder if running the engine while running the compressor would have helped to prevent the battery issue? Unless you had only a short ride after the repair seems the battery would have recharged.

[Mike 86 in San Dimas]

good info on the repair kit. Thanks for sharing.

[aviationfred]

I wonder if running the engine while running the compressor would have helped to prevent the battery issue? Unless you had only a short ride after the repair seems the battery would have recharged.

There was a good week of riding between the tire repair and the battery issue.


Fred

[Tuned forks]

Fred, coupla questions.

Do you store the kit under the seat?  Seems small enough to fit there.

I was wondering if the Co2 adaptor would work with RPM's 90 degree valve stems?  Looks like it's designed for straight stems.

One more, did you mod the wiring for the compressor so that it plugs into a charging pigtail from your battery or do you use either the battery clamps or the ring terminals it comes with ?

Joe

[Tuned forks]

I just watched their short video. I see the cigarette lighter plug has a two prong adaptor that would work with any charging pigtail.  Pretty dang fast compressor too.

Joe

[aviationfred]

Fred, coupla questions.

Do you store the kit under the seat?  Seems small enough to fit there.

I was wondering if the Co2 adaptor would work with RPM's 90 degree valve stems?  Looks like it's designed for straight stems.

One more, did you mod the wiring for the compressor so that it plugs into a charging pigtail from your battery or do you use either the battery clamps or the ring terminals it comes with ?

Joe

One answer at a time...

Do you store the kit under the seat?  Seems small enough to fit there. I carry everything in my saddle bags. I have an ABS FJ and even with the system being deactivated and 90% of the ABS components removed, there are still relays and wiring that are stuffed under the tail cowling making for very little space to put things.

I was wondering if the Co2 adaptor would work with RPM's 90 degree valve stems? Looks like it's designed for straight stems. I have 90 degree stems and the way this particular adaptor attaches, there is no problem. With the air compressor, there really is no need to carry the CO2 bottles and adaptor. I have them because they were free and they fit in the compressor bag with everything else.

did you mod the wiring for the compressor so that it plugs into a charging pigtail from your battery or do you use either the battery clamps or the ring terminals it comes with? The compressor wiring comes with a pre-wired disconnect that is of the same type used by most battery tender units. Simply plug the compressor into your battery tender pig tail and you are all set.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[RPM - Robert]

I was wondering if the Co2 adaptor would work with RPM's 90 degree valve stems?  Looks like it's designed for straight stems.

Yup they work with the 90* fittings no problem.

First two photos are rear wheel; second two are front wheel.