Motorcycle Tire Gauge Accuracy Comparison Test

Motorcycle Tire Gauge Accuracy Comparison Test - How can you tell if your tire gauge is accurate? Which is the best tire gauge? Without having a Certified Master Gauge, no one can tell you if any particular gauge is ACTUALLY accurate. But what you can do yourself is gather a pool of gauges to test against each other, giving you good statistics to make an educated guess as to the accuracy. Some lessons here to take away are: Don't blindly trust any gauge. Consistency trumps accuracy. Money doesn't mean quality. Here are links to some that passed muster:
Slime Large Dial: amzn.to/2sspmIV
Ryobi: amzn.to/2tv4OVl
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[@kellymeier579]

Thanks for doing this test. I have actually been wondering about this very subject. I actually bought 3 identical digital gauges and they were all wildly different.

[@alanjones7790]

Actually just bought a 30L air compressor today to look after all my tyre needs at home and now am looking for a quality tyre inflator and gauge. So your topic was perfect timing. Thanks for you all your videos.....you do a great job

[@kristianhansen6114]

Appreciate your work mate! And may I say - nice to listen to a well articulated person in an YT video for a change! 👍

[@rscar5]

this is good info that I never thought of

[@e024576]

Thanks for this review. I was intrigued by the Ryobi inflator, and after some investigation discovered an upgrade model - Ryobi P731 18-Volt ONE+ Dual Function Inflator/Deflator, $39.98 at Home Depot (tool only). The great feature is digital pressure gauge which you can set to any desired pressure and then let the compressor automatically inflate tire to that set pressure. Tried with Yamaha FJ-09, Suzuki DR650 and Honda CRF250X - it worked great.

[@plpwheeler]

Awesome video! Thanks for the education.

[@NZsarge1]

Nice video, good to see this test carried out as it confirms advice and my own thoughts about tyre pressure gauges

[@USARAY1947]

I have a large face Accu-Gauge with bourbon movement that I've used for years. I took several pencil type gauges and checked which one had the same readings as the Accu-Gauge. One was spot on so now I carry it under the seat of my motorcycle rather than the bulky large face gauge. Still use the large gauge at home. Thanks for the informative video.

[@garychandler4296]

Same here! Bourdon tunes are generally the best anyway.

[@dh2392]

First tire change, I always swap out the stock valve stems for 90 degree ones. They make checking pressure, and airing up tires much easier. I ride a touring bike, and with the 90 degree valve stems, I use a RV tire gauge which makes reaching under the saddlebag to check the rear tire pressure much easier.

[@avomanavoman]

I had my three gauges checked on a calibrated test rig. One gauge was a pound up at 30 and 40. Another was a pound down. My large dial gauge was spot on at both pressures. So large dial is the way to go

[@thehexter1]

I have one very similar to the large gauge model & it seems to be accurate enough. I had one of those large inflators that also jumps car batteries that I got from Costco. Worked great to fill tires until one day (when the warranty ended) that compressor wouldn't shut off.....for nearly a day and a half! D'oh! Good vid.

[@garychandler4296]

As a lifetime wrench and performance rider, I pretty much knew all this, and settled on a bourdon tube large face gage. Never liked springs, especially pencil gauges, but you can get a good one now and then, just to save weight and space on a motorcycle. I have a small-face tube gage that reads crazy low, a pos. Nice video, completely correct!

[@uglyboysmallz3845]

What stick manufacturer is the accurate $10 stick?

[@AnthonysWestTexasRides]

I am lucky, I test tires for a living and use calibrated gauges at work for accuracy to check my pressures.

[@renevanoyen3817]

Hi Bryan, good video (again)! Actually... If you're looking for a official certified (for 2 years) gauge to use with a tank compressor, I strongly recommend the Metabo RF60G which costs around 35 Euros (close to 40 US$). The gauge diameter is 60mm and the pressure range is up to 10 bar / 145 PSI. For my motorcycle tyres I use a foot pump from Hella, I had its original plastic clip-on thing swapped for a professional brass chunk at my local compressor specialist in town. To measure the pressure after inflating it, I use a German made digital gauge, the Schwalbe AirMax Pro. Very accurate, very small and simple to use, costs only about 15 US$. Especially with motorcycle tyres, I clearly feel when the tyre is 2 PSI lower than I want it to be, as pin-point steering accuracy is off. And remember, always check the tyre pressure before the ride (cold measurement).

[@mcgyver713]

I would like to see a review of the TPMS that you screw onto the valve stem, how accurate are they? Do they all require a metal valve stem? etc. Thanks

[@TwoWheelObsession]

+Hit and Miss Gun Sports I’m not interested in them. None are really great. Yes they need metal stems.

[@jasonmeeker1794]

excellent and thorough video as always Brian.... FYI.. I just installed the FOBO Bike TPMS sensor system ($99.00 on amazon) on my 2006 FJR running basically new Michelin GT4s. I was AMAZED when real time data was recorded... I set both F/R at 40PSI at cold rest at 80 degree ambient outside temp... after a spirited 20 mile scamper on the interstate, when i returned... the pressure readings increased to F/44 PSI R/47 PSI !!!! tires also measured different temperatures F/86 degrees R/97 degrees....... after bike rested overnight.. pressure at cold rest was back to 40PSI... i had NO idea the tires pressure fluctuated so much during use.... this begs the question.. what should resting cold tire pressure really be set at for our bikes?? this could make a nice research vid as well.... keep up the good work! J

[@TwoWheelObsession]

Thx! There is no specific number. It depends on the exact tire, the bike, the load and conditions. You also don't know how accurate that system is ;)

[@emfl4437]

Great review! I had a blind trust in my guages.

[@2001himax]

Great video.

[@MattSeals]

thnx for sharing your great video.

[@asherterry7173]

Just got the large dial today. Wanted to see if I could trust it.

[@johnblake1478]

Well done!!

[@BizAutomation]

What was the brand of the large dial ?

[@SoDakTwisties]

I love my Joes Racing tire gauge! The bleeder is the bees knees. Over inflate a hair, and then bleed off until correct!

[@Gixx-yh4ih]

YamahaCruiser thank you for the tire gauge recommendation!!

[@adollarshort1573]

FYI, a consumer report test I remember found the NAPA auto parts stick/pencil gauge to be fairly accurate. Of course, maybe the one they tested was a lucky fluke. But if true, that would be the one to carry in your bike as a backup to the good one at home in your shop. As a disclaimer, I don't have one.😔

[@ababababeebababa]

one of the best comparisons I have seen ... how did you establish the baseline?

[@ababababeebababa]

I see you used your more expensive pump to establish baselines at both 30 and 40psi. Ive been wanting to do a shootout but would use an actual tpms reader as my baseline. where i live the 6500' altitude causes the tpms to read 2.9-3psi lower than gauges do.

[@ME-wy3xm]

Nice vid on gauge comparisons... Never really gave it much thought and I'll soon be ditching my cheap .99 cent stick gauges! 🙂

[@manFromPeterborough]

Compared to my trusty Ballards 0-30 dial hose gauge, I have one stick gauge that read 10 under and stick feels little stiff and the worst is 10 over what actually in the tyre, both those gauges heading for the bin, they cost me nothing, were found in friend's tool box, I have other stick gauges that are 2 under (similar to Stick B) with short head shroud branded JD

[@timecrawler8810]

Hello Bryan another great vid.Bryan I have a Galaxy S8 and watch all your videos on my phone. In order to take full advantage of the new semi full screen I need to zoom in upon doing so your recordings are about 1 to 2" above your head for your how to vids. Just food for thought perhaps you can zoom out make it about 5" that way when we zoom in we get full screen and don't have the top of your head cut-off. lol Never watched a review on a PC so I don't know if it's the same effect. Thanks for your TIME. Robby

[@TwoWheelObsession]

+TIME CRAWLER lol thanks for watching but your solution is to watch the video as intended, not zoom in ;)

[@timecrawler8810]

TwoWheelObsession I hear that the problem is these new phones and their aspect ratios are all screwy. Thanks for getting back to me.Happy 4th

[@peytonhibdon7659]

The Snap on truck master gauge idea is money Glen.

[@richardvalenzuela9951]

are you going to do a video on how to remove or modify the rear fender for the 17 09? please!!!

[@TwoWheelObsession]

+Richard Valenzuela not beyond the one I did. I like it

[@richardvalenzuela9951]

TwoWheelObsession i like it too. just wish it was cleaner

[@TwoWheelObsession]

Buy the optional smaller one like I mentioned in that video.

[@stevenoltensmeyer8722]

I use the FOBO TPMS bluetooth to the Galaxy cell phone on my F6B. I use the Astro 3018 Digital Tire Inflator with Stainless Steel Braided Hose in the garage. Steve

[@stevenoltensmeyer8722]

Here is the link to the Astro www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PUTC0M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It makes it so easy to fill all the cars and bikes tires!!!

[@scotthucks7966]

Just wondering, are you getting any commission or payment for any sales of these tire pressure gauges?

[@TwoWheelObsession]

Yes, pretty much every Amazon link you see anywhere on KZbin is an affiliate link. They do help the creators in a small way.

[@scotthucks7966]

Ok, thanks! I really appreciate you taking the time to review these products! Love your videos.

[@dogbone1358]

Ha, have the same Ryobi air pump. 😊

[@dnlgrhm]

Thanks Bryan. I have a TireTek. It's a large dial unit that I got for around $20 and is "ANSI Grade B certified +/- 2%". I had it checked at a local garage that confirmed its accuracy: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B1MQS7O/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1. I like it a lot. Another advantage of the large dial is that it's easier for old eyes to see.

[@jon44602]

Is that the cigar guy?

[@adamtominsky2812]

Thank you, I bought one on ebay today

[@MrGrandure]

who makes the large dial unit?

[@TwoWheelObsession]

+MrGrandure slime. It's linked in the description

[@MrGrandure]

TwoWheelObsession I just saw it, buying it right now. Thanks!

[@kellyj5389]

Interesting

[@JimmyHamAnp]

I like the consistency argument! Recently I added the FOBO Bluetooth caps to my bike. These caps give me alerts each time I ride and of course they do vary a bit based on air temperture, but they are consistent! I also own a gauge I bought from the local BMW bike dealer which has a 12 inch extension and an analog gauge, which was perfect before the FOBO system. This is the link to FOBO caps: www.my-fobo.com/Product/FOBOBIKE#user+manual Keep up the good work! Jimmy H.

[@kc5qnb1]

I use a gauge made by Dwyer with accuracy of +/- 1% $158.

[@johnmilner7603]

I dislike all gauges that have the valve end on an angle. It should be straight, especially the stick type. I have 2 stick types that a dead on when compared with an expensive dial gauge.

[@blacksrt3791]

What’s your Favorite brand stick tire gauge ?

[@manFromPeterborough]

PCL made a straight end and 90* stick gauge, I have more of the straight version and 1 90* gauge. When I was a teenager, my dad asked me to check the pressures on the 81 Toyota crown, I then had the 90* PCL gauge, the tyres were fitted with the short TR413 valves and I had to remove the wheel covers to get my gauge onto the stem, it I used a straight or 45* angled gauge it would've been a less of a pain in the arse of a job

[@SirSnaxAlot2]

I'm six foot 4 dad bod for sure. FInd it funny we both drive Kia soul lmao. Car has so much room tired of the people who think it's small.

[@johnpublic168]

Stick gauges are the most reliable and can be calibrated Also they over time stay calibrated. The next best is a 1 percent bronze movement silicone oil filled gauge.

[@Crimepaysaskapolitician]

The best one is the one that works

[@Expressoo22]

Autozone Slime Digital Tire gauge 5.99 $

[@excelerater]

TEKTON 5941 for 11 bucks is what I use.

[@craigmcaninch183]

This is not very accurate because none of these are calibrated. Take three gauges to your favorite car shop or tire store that has a calibrated gauge, Have them put 40psi in your front tire. Now read that tire with your favorite gauge immediately after they've filled it. Make notes for that specific. gauge, e,g, if your gauge reads 38psi just after their gauge filled it to 40psi. The next time you use that gauge use 38psi as if it were reading 40psi. When that favorite gauge is showing 40ps, its actually two lbs higher. . Repeat this with each gauge starting with a known 40psi in the front tire, You have to refill the front tire each time because it loses a little air as you do this over and over. Make notes for each tire gauge. I tape a small note on each gauge. Three gauges should enough. .

[@valkryii]

now go fire up a cigar

[@philindeblanc]

Are you dipping?

[@TwoWheelObsession]

Ew, no.

[@philindeblanc]

TwoWheelObsession oh good, for a second I thought that....doesn't help the taste buds we want to preserve and listen to their description. :-)

[@RexApplegate]

After spending many years being a mechanic, I would suggest only 2 brands for longevity and accuracy- anything by Milton for a stick gauge which runs about 10 bucks each and can be ordered online or at any parts store, and the Mac tools combo inflater gauge unit for around 70 bucks and takes some more doing to get. Accu gauge is extremely accurate and not too expensive, but also extremely fragile, and will cease functioning if dropped once.

[@johnc8910]

Milton S921 - all metal parts are machined, convenient range, less than $10.