The Mini Compressor

By Kurt Wilde

I'd like to take the credit for this one, but actually I got the idea from an issue of Motorcycle Consumer News. However, before I got around to building it, I'd lost the issue and had to start from scratch.

The Mini Compressor is a small tire inflator that runs on the 12 volts available on any modern day motorcycle. What sets it apart from most products available is it's size. A typical automotive inflator is very bulky. There are some inflators available commercially for motorcycles, however, they are relatively expensive. Consider that the total cost of this project ran me $22.91. Compare this to the Cycle Pump advertised in the Rider Warehouse catalog for $77.00. Sure their pump looks better, but works the same.

The finished compressor.

Parts List

  • Compressor - Campbell Hausfeld RP1200 - US$9.96
  • Box - Radio Shack 6X4X2 - US$4.99
  • BMW Connector - BMW - US$7.96

Assembly

  1. Disassemble the inflator. Everything but the compressor, hose and wires can be disposed of.
  2. Remove the switch and solder the wire directly to the motor.
  3. Modify the box to accept the air hose and wire. I used a 'hot knife' to cut a slot in the box.
  4. Drill some air holes in the box.
  5. Drill a couple of holes for wire ties. These will be used to hold the compressor in place.
  6. Fasten the compressor to the box with wire ties.
  7. Optional: Replace the cigarette lighter connector with one that works on the bike of your choice. I used a BMW-style connector since that will fit both my bikes. I also cut off most of the wire, leaving only enough to reach either tire. This makes packing it up easier.

The original case and the new one.

The pieces

In the box.

How does it work?

Fantastic. Not only does it give the added security of having a reliable way to inflate a tire in case of a flat. It also makes it possible to keep tire pressures at their optimal levels. This of course increases tire life and contributes to rider safety. And all for less than twenty-five bucks!



 

Member login

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Are you an Overland Adventure Traveller?

Does the smell of spices wafting through the air make you think of Zanzibar, a cacophony of honking horns is Cairo, or a swirl of brilliantly patterned clothing Guatemala? Then this is the site for you!
Hosted by Grant and Susan Johnson, RTW 1987-1998

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 

HU Achievable Dream is Online
and available now to stream on Vimeo!

ALL 15 chapters of the HU Achievable Dream Guide are available to download on Vimeo!

Achievable Dream - The Whole Enchilada!

Binge watch over 18 hours of inspiring, informative and entertaining stories and tips from 150 travellers!

"a cross between entertaining stories, tech tips, and reference guide"

"A timeless introduction to Motorcycle Adventure Travel!"

Originally launched as a 7 DVD set, The Achievable Dream series can now be downloaded anywhere. OVER 18 hours of solid info take up zero space in your panniers. How convenient!

Books

amazon

All the best travel books and videos listed and often reviewed on HU's famous Books page. Check it out and get great travel books from all over the world.
NOTE: As an Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases - thanks for your help supporting HU when you start from an HU Amazon link!