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Not many things can ruin a long-distance trip as quickly as a punctured tire. Riding is fun, but something as small as a tack nail can make quite a hassle.
For this reason, you should always be prepared for these inconveniences. Having a top-notch motorcycle air compressor makes all the difference, allowing you to quickly fix tires and move on with your trip.
Still, there are many air pumps on the market for you to choose from. Sometimes, the search can be a bit challenging, which is why we reviewed the best models for you.
We also included a detailed buyer’s guide to help you pick one of these inflators.
8 Highest Rated Motorcycle Air Compressor Reviews
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|
Kensun  | Kensun Features: Durable construction, accurate pressure gauge Vehicle type: Motobikes, cars, mid-size SUVs, and sedans | Check Price |
HAUSBELL  | HAUSBELL Features: User manual included, automatic shutoff Vehicle type: Motorcycles, jeeps, small trucks, inflatable boats, SUVs, bicycles, sports balls, and air mattresses | Check Price |
Stop & Go  | Stop & Go Features: Lightweight design, built-in LED light Vehicle type: Cars, bikes, and sports equipment | Check Price |
Avid Power  | Avid Power Features: User manual included, automatic shutoff Vehicle type: Motorcycles, inflatable boats, sports balls, bicycles and cars | Check Price |
Glamore  | Glamore Features: The additional nozzles included, lightweight design Vehicle type: Motorcycles, small trucks, bicycles, inflatable boats, air mattresses and SUVs | Check Price |
AstroAl  | AstroAl Features: Wide range of applications, automatic shutoff Vehicle type: Cars, motorcycles and bicycles | Check Price |
Audew  | Audew Features: One-touch operation, compact design Vehicle type: Car, motorcycles, bikes | Check Price |
TEROMAS  | TEROMAS Features: Interchangeable units, carrying bag included Vehicle type: Motorcycles, cars, bicycles, air mattresses, balls and inflatable boats | Check Price |
Kensun – Portable
Kensun is one of the best choices if you’re looking for a powerful and portable inflator. It features solid metal motors that allow fast and easy use.
It has unique AC/DC switching and a 12V car cigarette lighter plug. Plus, it comes with a 110V wall plug as well, allowing you to use it at home as well as while on the move.
One of the best things about this one is that it’s easy to read. It has a large and bright pressure gauge that features unit conversion and can measure up to 100 PSI.
Also, this one is quite versatile, allowing you to inflate bikes, cars, mid-size SUVs, and sedans. It comes with adaptors for balls and inflatables that add even more to its convenience and versatility.
The entire pump weighs less than four pounds.
PROS
- Durable construction
- Unique AC/DC capabilities
- Accurate pressure gauge
CONS
- Somewhat tricky to put together
HAUSBELL – 12V
HAUSBELL is a 12V DC air compressor featuring a digital gauge display and a 120W high-power engine. It’s lightweight and compact, so it’s easy to carry around.
Its maximum working pressure is 150 PSI with a super-fast inflation rate of 35L/min. Also, it plugs into your cigarette lighter socket, which means you can use it on cars as well.
The pump is accurate and safe to use, shutting off when it reaches the designer tire pressure. Also, it comes with a 9.8’ long power cord and three additional adaptors/nozzles.
It’s a convenient choice for motorcycles, jeeps, small trucks, bicycles, sports balls, inflatable boats, SUVs, and air mattresses.
It features a built-in bright LED flashlight, making it easy to use it at night. It’s also equipped with a digital tire pressure gauge display.
PROS
- User manual included
- Automatic shutoff
- Lightweight (2.14 pounds)
CONS
- Small display, small letters
Stop & Go – Built-in Gauge
Stop & Go might be your best choice if you’re looking for a small and compact air pump with a built-in gauge. It measures 4x2x6 inches, and comes with a carrying bag, allowing you to carry it around with ease.
Plus, it weighs only a pound, so you probably won’t have any issues carrying it around at all times. It’s simple to use and carry on motorcycles, cars, ATVs, scooters, and other similar vehicles.
As we mentioned, it features a built-in gauge, providing a reading of up to 50 PSI. It’s easy to read, allowing you to observe the increased pressure as the pump works.
Also, this one comes with a 36-inch light adapter and 12-inch alligator clips. The package includes a sports needle adapter and a detailed user manual.
PROS
- For cars, bikes, and sports equipment
- Lightweight design
- Built-in LED light
CONS
- The PSI gauge is a bit off
Avid Power – Cordless
Cordless air compressors are often considered more convenient and easier to use when on a long-distance trip. Avid Power pump is one of the best cordless models, designed to work on motorcycles, inflatable boats, sports balls, cars, and bicycles.
It’s easy to use since all you have to do is pre-set the value you want before letting the pump work. It shuts off automatically when it reaches the pressure you’ve set.
It’s powered by a 1.5Ah rechargeable lithium-ion battery, although it also comes with a 12V car power adapter. The battery pack has a USB output and a capacity indicator.
Another thing worth mentioning is its LED light that helps in case you’re working in low-light conditions. Plus, it also comes with a few inflating needles and nozzles, as well as a carrying bag.
PROS
- User manual included
- MAX 100 PSI
- Automatic shutoff
CONS
- Might not work in cold weather
Glamore – Versatile
This air pump is among the most convenient and versatile options out there. It’s a 12V DC portable compressor that features a digital gauge display with MAX 150 PSI working pressure.
It plugs into your cigarette lighter socket, although you can use it on motorcycles, small trucks, bicycles, inflatable boats, air mattresses, and SUVs.
One of the best things about it is that it shuts off automatically when it reaches the desired tire pressure. It will also shut off in case it overloads to prevent overheating.
It comes with a 9.18’ long power cord and three different nozzles. Also, it has a digital tire pressure gauge display and a LED flashlight.
Another thing worth noting is that this one comes with detailed instructions. As such, it’s an ideal option for beginners.
PROS
- Easy to read
- Lightweight design (2 pounds)
- The additional nozzles included
CONS
- Small storage area for the cable
AstroAl – Programmable
AstroAl may be your best option if you’re looking for durability, advanced accuracy, and fast inflation. It’s made of quality materials, allowing you to pump car, motorcycle, and bicycle tires with ease.
All you have to do is set the desired tire pressure, letting it work before it shuts off automatically. Plus, you can change units among PSI, BAR, kPa, and KG/CM.
This one is compact and lightweight but has a large LCD. It’s also equipped with a LED flashlight that has an independent switch control.
Another thing worth mentioning is its 10’ long car cigarette lighter cord. The package also includes a replacement fuse, three nozzle adapters, a quick connector, a valve extended, and a screw rotation attach.
It comes with a user manual that’s easy to read and suitable for beginners.
PROS
- Wide range of applications
- Easy to read
- Automatic shutoff
CONS
- Messy to store with all the cords
Audew – Easy Inflation
Audew is among the smallest pumps, featuring a compact design and weighing only 14.1 ounces. It fits in one hand and easy to store in your car or bike with ease.
It can inflate all mid-size car and motorcycle tires from 0-35 PSI in less than 10. It features a one-touch design, so it’s an ideal choice for beginners and people who don’t have as much experience in using and reading air pumps.
Keep in mind that it comes with a 10’ long power cord and two nozzle adaptors for sports balls, mattresses, airboats, and other inflatables.
It’s important to mention that this one is durable and able to withstand rough use. Although it’s small, it’s made of premium materials, featuring an anti-aging air hose and solid metal twist-connect nozzles.
PROS
- MAX 100 PSI
- One-touch operation
- Compact design
CONS
- The pressure gauge is a bit off
TEROMAS – Space Saving
This multi-purpose inflator features a compact design that’s ideal if you’re usually struggling with storage space. It comes with a 12V car cigarette light plug along with a 110/120V wall plug.
The package includes three different adaptors, making it easy to use on motorcycles, cars, bicycles, air mattresses, balls, and inflatable boats.
It offers up to 150 PSI, allowing you to inflate a car tire from 0 to 35 PSI in four minutes. It weighs a little less than four pounds, taking very little space, which means you can easily carry it around.
Keep in mind that this one also has an automatic shutoff function that helps prevent over-inflating or low tire pressure.
It has a bright backlight LCD display, which makes it easy to use the pump in low-light conditions. Plus, it has a long-lasting LED light.
PROS
- Interchangeable units
- Carrying bag included
- Multiple nozzles included
CONS
- Some 2 PSI off
What to Consider in Buying an Air Pump
Portability
Portability is one of the first things you should consider when buying a motorcycle air compressor. Carrying a heavy and bulky compressor on your bike would be challenging for several reasons.
For this reason, make sure to go for a lightweight and compact design that’s user-friendly and simple to store within your bike or backpack. Some inflators have onboard storage for the cord and hose, as well as a carrying bag.
Power
Power is another critical factor that many things depend on. In most cases, you can just check horsepower to figure out how powerful the pump is.
Horsepower indicates the strength that the air compressor has. Whether or not it’s powerful enough for your tires depends on its working pressure.
Anything between 90 PSI and 150 PSI is considered heavy-duty and should be good for most tires.
Size
Size is always important to think about if you’re looking for an air compressor to carry around. Since motorcycles have limited storage space, you want a pump that can fit somewhere in there.
Luckily, there are many different sizes and shapes to choose from, which makes it easy to find one for your needs.
Keep in mind that bigger pumps are often more powerful as well.
Durability
Durability is another factor you should carefully consider if you’ll travel around with your inflator. You want one that’s made of durable and resistant materials so that it can withstand rougher use.
However, make sure to consider its attachments as well. They should be equally as durable, or they might break rather quickly.
Check if it’s dustproof and water-resistant as this can add to its overall durability when it comes to using it on the road.
More Reading: 10 Highest Rated Motorcycle Tire Changers Reviewed
Pricing
Motorcycle air compressors aren’t necessarily expensive, although the prices vary from brand to brand. Naturally, larger and more powerful units are also more expensive than small, weaker ones.
Still, many things play a part here and can affect the price. For this reason, you should always consider other buying factors instead of focusing only on finding a cheap inflator.
Have a budget in mind, but don’t put it above durability, power, and inflation time.
Storage
As we mentioned, motorcycles usually don’t have lots of storage space. For this reason, you should focus on finding a compact inflator.
It should be easy to carry around so that it’s always at hand in case of an emergency. Some models come with a carrying case, making both storage and portability much easier.
Pay attention to its weight just as well, because a heavy inflator is almost always tricky to carry and store within the bike.
Automation
You may have noticed that some of the models we reviewed are automatic, while others require manual programming.
Some pumps come with pre-set modes, automatically shutting off when they reach the desired pressure. Others require you to shut them off, which isn’t always the most convenient option.
An automatic compressor is often easier and more convenient to use, especially if it’s your first time using one.
Inflation Time
You should always check how long it takes for an air compressor to fully inflate your tire. Keep in mind that small tires don’t require as long as big ones to inflate.
The information provided by the manufacturer isn’t always the most accurate, but it serves to give you an idea of how efficient and fast the device is.
A fast pump is always the best option because it allows you to get back on the road as quickly as possible.
More Reading: 8 Highest Rated Emergency Motorcycle Tire Repair Kits for 2021
What You Need to Know About Tire Pressure
The most important thing you should remember is to check the pressure regularly. You should check it at least twice a week when commuting, or every day when you’re on a trip.
However, keep in mind that you should only check the pressure when your tires are cold. Heat increases gas pressure, which means you may get inaccurate readings if you try to read it while the tires are hot.
Another thing to remember is that most pumps aren’t 100% accurate, showing results that are usually off by up to 2 PSI.
How to Use an Air Compressor for Your Flat Tire
Using an air compressor on your flat tire is simple and quick. The first thing you should do is connect the compressor hose to the regulator and the tire valve. Set the desired pressure and start inflating the tire.
Keep in mind that you should always stick to the recommended PSI. Some variations are okay, but not when you’re on a long-distance trip.
Automatic models shut off once they reach the pressure you’ve set. If yours isn’t automatic, you should pay close attention to the process so that you can stop once you reach the desired pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best portable air compressor?
The best portable air compressor is small and compact. These are typically lightweight, and some even come with a case to make portability even easier.
Apart from being compact and easy to carry around, your air compressor should also be powerful and user-friendly.
What’s the best mini air compressor for motorcycles?
A mini air compressor can fit in your hand and is usually not bigger than a cellphone. One such is the V1 Motor Portable Mini Air Compressor that’s ideal for long road trips and trail riding.
It comes with a cigarette lighter adapter, alligator clips, a 6’ long power cord, and a 26’’ long inflator hose.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we helped you understand the importance of having an efficient motorcycle pump. It’s a handy thing to have around if you’re a commuter, but even more useful on long-distance trips.
As you see, these come in many sizes and shapes. Such a vast choice of models might seem overwhelming, but we’re sure that our buyer’s guide can help you pick one.
The models we reviewed are the best that the market has to offer, so it’s unlikely you can go wrong with either as long as it fits your needs and preferences.
