Top Air Compressor for All Your Needs

Air Head

I am the first to admit I am not a "gear head" (good at working on bikes/autos), but I do try to learn and do more of my own work and maintenance each year.  With that said this post may seem silly to some, but for this ordinary biker a great tool has been found.

I have owned portable air compressors and shop air compressors and they have all functioned well.  However; I recently found myself without either and in need of one.  Since downsizing my life over the last 18 months I wanted/needed a portable compressors due to storage space.

Photo from Lowes.com

 

I had to borrow a neighbors Kobalt 12-Volt air compressor to get the bike's tires to proper pressure and loved it so much I decided to purchase one for myself from Lowes.

The Kobalt 12-Volt Car Air Inflator is very versatile and has some very useful features.  The unit comes with a power cord for use in an automobile power plug and a cord for home outlet usage.  A simple flick of the switch lets the compressor know the source of electricity. 

Use at home or with the car

 

Multiple nozzle options for inflating various items are included.  The digital air gauge displays current tire pressure so an additional air gauge is not needed.  I really like that once I connect the compressor I don't have to disconnect until finished.

User friendly button and display

 

Once the compressor measures the current air pressure the desired ("Target") air pressure is entered using the up or down arrows.  Once target pressure is selected a push of the run/pause button starts the compressor and it automatically shuts off when the target pressure is achieved.  This feautree is great because it allows for multitasking without concern of over inflation.

The cords fit neatly either in or on the unit making it easy to handle, manageable and tidy.

Automobile power plug stores inside the unit.  Photo at Lowes.com

 

With a width of 12 inches, a height of 10 inches, depth of 5 inches ( 30.48cm X25.4cm X12.7cm) and weight of 9 lbs (4.08 kg) it is too big to carry on motorcycle trips, but is very handy at home or in the automobile.

It is rugged, sturdy and durable and functions great!  Glad this amateur mechanic (I use that term loosely) found it.

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

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"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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First Track Day

I heard a lot of talk about how much a rider learns and how much fun he/she has at a track day.  Several friends had participated in one or more track days and highly recommended it.  My son had been riding his own since he was 15 (ridden on the back since he was 7) and was pretty good, but I thought improving his skills and adding to his knowledge would likely improve his safety.  So on his 18th birthday (in February) I signed him up for a RideSmart track day (in June).

I was later convinced I should participate in the track day with him and share the experience.  On June 11, 2015 we loaded up his Kawasaki ZX6R, my Honda VFR1200 and a close friend's, Sergey, VFR1200 and headed to Motorsports Ranch in Cresson, TX for a RideSmart Track day.

Two VFR's and a ZX6R heading to the track

We spent the night across from the track so we did not have to get up so early the next morning.  We arrived at the track at 6:40 to unload and make sure the bikes were ready for the track i.e. no lights, light lenses and reflectors taped...(list of requirements)

Richard make last minutes adjustments

Once the bikes were prepped we checked in and signed appropriate paperwork, picked up leathers (first timer get 1/2 priced registration with appropriate coupon code and free leather rentals) and proceeded to "tech" inspection.  Once "tech" places an inspection sticker on the bike it means we may enter the track (at the correct times).

Richard and I both decided to have the suspension adjusted by Roger of OnRoad OffRoad Cycles before hitting the track.  We left the bikes with Roger while we rode in a truck for the "track preview."

The preview consistent of several trucks with Level 1 riders in the beds.  We would stop at each corner or series of corners and an instructor would discuss the correct line for the corner and point out markers on or beside the track to shoot for.

Richard relaxing between sessions

After the preview we had a few minutes to grab a drink, snack and/or visit the restroom before the first class session.  (For Level 1 riders each hour consisted of roughly 20 minutes class, 20 minutes prep time and 20 minutes on the track.)

Rob and Richard in class

The first class session covered safety, awareness, cornering and a few more things.  After class we picked up our bikes from Roger.  We could tell an immediate difference in the suspension of the bikes.

My fellow VFR 1200 rider, Sergey pushing the Honda

Track session #1 was "round-robin" - riders were lined up behind an instructor (about 8-10 per instructor) and we followed the person in front of us at a reasonable pace to see the "line" for each corner.  After one lap the rider directly behind the instructor moved to the side and slowed down to take the end of the line.  Now a different rider was directly behind the instructor.  Before the session was over all riders had ridden behind an instructor.

Quick pace around the track

We then repeated the pattern  of class, break, track in 20 minute increments. The next few sessions had riders in groups of three sign up to wear a numbered colored jersey and a specific instructor would follow a rider while the other 2 followed instructor for a lap.  The group would briefly exit and instructor would give advice/instruction to the rider.  A different member of the trio would then take lead.  Riders not in a trio for that session were allowed to ride and work on their skills independently.

Richard, Sergey and I wore orange for our trio session.  Afterwards during the class session our instructor showed us video he recorded during our time and discussed in greater detail points to work on.  It was productive seeing myself on video.  Certain concepts became clearer.

Sergey leading the instructor around the track

This Youtube link shows me following an instructor following Richard.  (At 2 minutes we exit and the rest is of the instructor talking to Richard, so stop or you will be bored :) )

Starting about 11:30 hamburgers for lunch were provided so we took a longer break.  We were back on the track by 1:00 and continued the routine until 4.  We were all pretty tired so we skipped the last session (4:00 to 5:00) and started loading the bikes.

Inspecting the tires told the story of a lot of left hand corners.

My overall impression is this:  It was fun, informative, educational and I improved as a rider.  I also gained an understanding of my skill limits and my tolerance level (I know the bike can handle more than I am willing to do).  I did NOT become "hooked" on track days as some riders have become.

I will probably do another one.  I think once a year or so will be beneficial.  I do think if a rider has not experienced a track day they should.

 

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Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Awesome gear for every rider!

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited this business and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!

# Based on reviews, word of mouth and discussion with others I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

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Time for another special list.

In December I posted my first list of places, gear, restaurants... that I did not find worthy of a review.  I don't like to write negative reviews or reviews of "just average" items and have you waste time reading about something that isn't worthy of your consideration.

The items/places on this list are not necessarily bad, but they are not items/places that I would get excited about sharing with my friends.  So, I hope you find this list useful in it's own way.

Restaurants:
Kate's Place - Ridgway, CO
Old Mexico - Dothan, AL
Two Senoritas - Greenville, TX
La Fiesta Grande - Natchez, MS

Eye wear - Hooligan Photochromic (transition sunglasses) - comfortable, but did not get dark enough for me during the bright daylight.

Tires - Dunlop D404