► My brother (the electronic gizmo junkie) provided me with a system off Amazon and it worked pretty well. These units work by having a small transducer that screws onto the valve stem. They aren't heavy enough to upset the wheel's balance. Inside the unit is a #357 sized calculator battery and a Bluetooth chip. In this way the pressure measurements are beamed to the stationary screen on your handlebars or tank bag. Some of the stationary units require 12V power (meaning some new wiring may be involved), others use an internal rechargeable battery which is run off solar or has to be charged like a cell phone.

I encountered 2 issues:

• The Chinese batteries in the wheel unit didn't last too long and good quality #357 batteries are $5 each. Replacing all the wheel unit batteries on a car/trailer system could cost more than the initial unit.

• The transducer unit may need to come off to put air into the tire. Incorrect re-installation may create an air leak.

Here's the one I used. The solar charger works great, and I can see it flashing that it's charging when in the sun. I have only needed to wall charge it once since installation, and that was because I was still playing with it in the garage for several days, learning how it worked. For example, someone said it only changes TP readings when underway, since it needs inertia; not true, it will change anytime it is on, sitting still or moving. I leave it turned on all the time, and rely on its auto-shutdown and auto-startup feature, which has been reliable. Replacement batteries for the sensors come in packs of 4, not sure of price, but so far have not needed any. I have became so spoiled with these handy gadgets, and dunno how I ever lived without them. I especially like that, since no air is ever lost in checking TP, tires very seldom need topping up. Yet I can continually monitor TP, at a glance. 

For some reason I cannot post a link, but just Google "Solar Powered Motorcycle TPMS". 

Joe, Wobbly,

Have either ofyou checked the accuracy of the TPMS to a good tire pressure gauge?  Just curious how true the reading on the display screen is to the "actual" pressure.

thanks,

Rick 

#12173

Hi Rick,

I use a JACO gauge in the garage, and the three TPMS on two MCs and one pull behind trailer read within 1-2 PSI of the JACO. I also find it interesting to watch the PSI and tire temp rise when underway; the rear tire usually rises 5-10PSI, and he front 3-6. Temps rise 10-30 degrees, and the rear is always hotter, once underway. It's just another gadget, but very handy. As already mentioned, best thing I like about it is, no more need to manually check TP. With the solar charger, and auto on/off feature, I never bother to manually turn it off, just let the auto feature do its thing. Goldwingers have been fond of TPMS for several years, and the one I mentioned is the current favorite, among aftermarkets.    

Joe,

I imagine it's very important to monitor your psi especially when you're towing a trailer and/or riding 2 up.  Nice to know the TPMS is the same as a good tire gauge. I'm not a real gadget guy, but hopefully other members will find your added monitor a very useful and safety addition. 

Ride safe,

rick 

• red horse

I use the same gauge as the Michelin engineering team uses on their tire test track. In fact, it was given to me by one of their engineers. And I don't see any difference between the readings of the TPMS and the compensated gauge.