NEW! Slime Compact Air Compressor!!!

[crazykz]

Hi All,

Prepare to be amazed. I got this a couple days ago at the bike shop for $35.

It's a nice zippered rubberized case and everything is contained in it. You connect the hose to the brass fitting, connect the rather flexible SAE extender cable w/fuse to the SAE fitting, and then connect the type of power cable that you want to use.

Up to 300 psi I guess. Haven't had a chance to try it yet but I what I nice surprise. It's not even on Slime's website yet that I can see. So looks like I've got a new compressor for the ST.

Curt

[Louie Louie]

I assume it fits well in the left locked compartment. Very Nice!

[ccryder]

Curt:
That is a really nicely sized air compressor. I would be tempted to buy except for one little issue. Take a look at the power cord you would connect to the battery terminals. The quick disconnect plug appears to have the "+"/ hot terminal as the exposed male terminal. That, at least to me, is a potential hazard since it would be all tooo easy to have that exposed "hot" lead ground out and, at a minimum, drain your battery and maybe even start a fire.

I have that same quick disconnect for one of my Gerbing jackets and battery tender connection.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

Thanks
Neil S.

[crazykz]

I think your right. That's dumb. Buyer beware. Maybe I'll have to rewire the thing. It also means that if I want to use the battery tender SAE plug on the bike I'm going to have to make a cross over adaptor. UGH!

What a perfect product with a major flaw. I emailed Slime about it. We'll see what they say.

Curt


Curt:
That is a really nicely sized air compressor. I would be tempted to buy except for one little issue. Take a look at the power cord you would connect to the battery terminals. The quick disconnect plug appears to have the "+"/ hot terminal as the exposed male terminal. That, at least to me, is a potential hazard since it would be all tooo easy to have that exposed "hot" lead ground out and, at a minimum, drain your battery and maybe even start a fire.

I have that same quick disconnect for one of my Gerbing jackets and battery tender connection.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

Thanks
Neil S.

[Putt]

Just clip the two wires on the connector, solder red to black, black to red
use red and black shrink tubing to "change" the color of the wires leading
to the plug... (exposed is now - covered is now +) You can now use your
battery tender plug to power the compressor...

Putt...

Curt:
That is a really nicely sized air compressor. I would be tempted to buy except for one little issue. Take a look at the power cord you would connect to the battery terminals. The quick disconnect plug appears to have the "+"/ hot terminal as the exposed male terminal. That, at least to me, is a potential hazard since it would be all tooo easy to have that exposed "hot" lead ground out and, at a minimum, drain your battery and maybe even start a fire.

I have that same quick disconnect for one of my Gerbing jackets and battery tender connection.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

Thanks
Neil S.

[CaST]

I saw it today too on http://www.amotostuff.com. Does it come with any slime?

[crazykz]

I saw it today too on http://www.amotostuff.com. Does it come with any slime?

Nooe. Use a Stop-n-Go plugger kit. Better than slime anyday and the shop that replaces your tie won't want to kill you.

Curt

[crazykz]

Just clip the two wires on the connector, solder red to black, black to red
use red and black shrink tubing to "change" the color of the wires leading
to the plug... (exposed is now - covered is now +) You can now use your
battery tender plug to power the compressor...

Putt...

Just swapping the color of the wires isn't going to change the fact that the compressor is looking for + on the exposed lead when you connect it to the compressor. You'll have to swap it somewhere before it gets to the compressor or what I might do is take the compressor apart and swap it internally.

For the battery tender thing I mean connect it to the battery with the battery tender harness they give you that attaches to the battery terminals. I have one already on the bike for that so I can use that but now I have to consider the fact that the polarity is wrong.

Curt

[Bones]

I assume it fits well in the left locked compartment.

Is that a correct assumption, Curt?

This one does for sure:
http://www.adventurersworkshop.com/sparrow.htm
Mine has a convertible BMW/cigarette lighter plug so I can use it for car, truck or bike.

[crazykz]

Is that a correct assumption, Curt?

This one does for sure:
http://www.adventurersworkshop.com/sparrow.htm
Mine has a convertible BMW/cigarette lighter plug so I can use it for car, truck or bike.

I'll check tonight and let you know. I didn't realize that one was so small and it has a gauge. Maybe a better value. Anyway I'll check the fairing pocket setup tonight and post my findings.

Curt

[CrashTestDanny]

Just swapping the color of the wires isn't going to change the fact that the compressor is looking for + on the exposed lead when you connect it to the compressor. You'll have to swap it somewhere before it gets to the compressor or what I might do is take the compressor apart and swap it internally.

For the battery tender thing I mean connect it to the battery with the battery tender harness they give you that attaches to the battery terminals. I have one already on the bike for that so I can use that but now I have to consider the fact that the polarity is wrong.

Curt

Most DC motors don't care about polarity - it only changes the direction they run in. The compressor itself shouldn't care - it's probably just a piston on a crank so it will compress in either direction. That being the case, you could probably plug the thing right into your battery tender connector with no issues.

[Putt]

If you are going to plug it into a battery tender cable that is wired
correctly, it will work.... Your just changing the polarity of the
plug, not anything else..

{Putt..


Just swapping the color of the wires isn't going to change the fact that the compressor is looking for + on the exposed lead when you connect it to the compressor. You'll have to swap it somewhere before it gets to the compressor or what I might do is take the compressor apart and swap it internally.

For the battery tender thing I mean connect it to the battery with the battery tender harness they give you that attaches to the battery terminals. I have one already on the bike for that so I can use that but now I have to consider the fact that the polarity is wrong.

Curt

[Louie Louie]

Thats the one I have!!!! I love it. BeST compressor I've owned. Liked it more than the Cyclepump.! I think its made in Denmark(Airman Sparrow).!

[ccryder]

I talked with Slime's CSR Manager and sent her the picture of the battery pigtails with the SAE connector in question. (BTW Curt great picts.) She will be forwarding my concern and your pict to engineering and quality to see if my observation is correct. So far she had not seen either Curt's or my e-mail.

I'll let everyone know what they think. This compressor is one of their own designs and new to their type of product offering.

Time4Dinner
Neil S.

[crazykz]

Thanks Neil.

I checked the fit for the front left fairing pocket and it will fit but it is snug to get in and out. I'll just keep mine in the saddlebag. Good enough for me.

Curt

[CaST]

Thats the one I have!!!! I love it. BeST compressor I've owned. Liked it more than the Cyclepump.! I think its made in Denmark(Airman Sparrow).!

Does it fit in the left locked compartment?

[Tim4255]

I think the Airman Sparrow is perfect. If your filling air in a tire after a roadside flat it's nice to have an idea how much pressure you have as you fill. :03biker:

Tim

[Tim4255]

Yes it fits in the left glove box on the ST1300, I keep it there with a few tire tools and keep the worms under the carpet in the top box so they don't melt in the glove box. Airman Sparrow still works after being cooked for more than a year in the glove box... :D

Tim

[ccryder]

The last mail I got from the CSR Mgr. at Slime was their initial "Fix" was to supply a cap to cover the exposed hot lead. They were then going to review the issue and have engineering make a change.

She asked me if I was going to buy one of the compressors? I told her I would if:
A: THey made the changes to the SAE connector or.
B: THey told me it would not affect performance or reliabilty to run the compressor backwards.

So far I have not heard back from her.

TIme2Work
Neil S.

[crazykz]

The last mail I got from the CSR Mgr. at Slime was their initial "Fix" was to supply a cap to cover the exposed hot lead. They were then going to review the issue and have engineering make a change.

She asked me if I was going to buy one of the compressors? I told her I would if:
A: THey made the changes to the SAE connector or.
B: THey told me it would not affect performance or reliabilty to run the compressor backwards.

So far I have not heard back from her.

As an addition I have heard nothing on my email to them yet.

TIme2Work
Neil S.

Thanks for checking into it. If I had known the issue I don't think I would have bought one. I can fix the issue but then the running backwards questions comes into play.

I would say unless they fix the issue with the SAE plug I wouldn't buy own simply because it's too easy to accidentally ground that terminal even when you're trying to be careful.

Curt

[Louie Louie]

Yes it fits in the left glove box on the ST1300, I keep it there with a few tire tools and keep the worms under the carpet in the top box so they don't melt in the glove box. Airman Sparrow still works after being cooked for more than a year in the glove box... :D

Tim


Glad to hear that. I also have the Sparrow on my left fairing pocket! I have it in a small nylon bag and was afraid it would melt.

[ccryder]

This is the latest I recieved from Slime:

Hi Neil:

Our manufacturer provided the following in regards to your question below: Attaching the pigtails backwards WILL affect the performance and MAY affect the life.


Best regards,

Corinne Harrison
Customer Service Manager

What we actually need is a gender changer that you would just plug into the battery pigtail SAE connector. They have them all over the place in the computer industry, hmmm (See pict below).

Anyway Time2Go home

Neil S.

[Dave Austin]

I carry (4) CO2 cartridges and a air stem filler valve that screws onto the cartridge which allows you to add air to the bike valve stem. Four of these will easily get you home, or to a bike shop where you can have a tire replaced etc. Of course you have to carry a T handled plugger as well.

You can buy a pack of CO2 cartridges at most highend bycycle stores. They also sell the adapter. Most bycyclists carry this little item. Four will fill a motorcycle.

Light weight, compact and ya don't have to take up space with a compressor. A nice little light weight piece of insurance.

Dave-:03biker:

[Biddyman]

I've been looking for a compressor for my bike and really like the one Austin City Limits has. So, today I was buying a bunch of stuff for the bike and was ready to order that compressor from Sears and they are out of stock online and at the store. Then, I was walking through Sam's and found a portable 12v "Bonaire" compressor with digital pressure gage (probably end up in the garbage... its cheap) and a detachable LED light. I thought, you know its small and I will only use it for emergencies. Plus, it kills two birds with one stone with the light. Set back..... 14.00.

[crazykz]

I've been looking for a compressor for my bike and really like the one Austin City Limits has. So, today I was buying a bunch of stuff for the bike and was ready to order that compressor from Sears and they are out of stock online and at the store. Then, I was walking through Sam's and found a portable 12v "Bonaire" compressor with digital pressure gage (probably end up in the garbage... its cheap) and a detachable LED light. I thought, you know its small and I will only use it for emergencies. Plus, it kills two birds with one stone with the light. Set back..... 14.00.

If you post new and cool stuff and don't provide a link I totally reserve the right to take away Putt's food at the next RTE.

Curt

[crazykz]

Well that's a crappy answer so it doesn't sound like they are going to fix it. Looks like I'll be ripping into it to flip the wires on the inside or I'll figure out something.

Curt

[Biddyman]

If you post new and cool stuff and don't provide a link I totally reserve the right to take away Putt's food at the next RTE.

Curt

You force me to take a picture. I looked on the web site and they didn't have it on there. Below are the pictures. It comes with the clear plastic case, which I will throw out.

[STeve1300]

Biddy, I like your work table...does it come in the faster red?

[Biddyman]

Biddy, I like your work table...does it come in the faster red?

I'm sure they do. :D I think you can even get a slower version with Flowers on it.

[Blue STreak]

I carry (4) CO2 cartridges and a air stem filler valve that screws onto the cartridge which allows you to add air to the bike valve stem. Four of these will easily get you home, or to a bike shop where you can have a tire replaced etc. Of course you have to carry a T handled plugger as well.

You can buy a pack of CO2 cartridges at most highend bycycle stores. They also sell the adapter. Most bycyclists carry this little item. Four will fill a motorcycle.

Light weight, compact and ya don't have to take up space with a compressor. A nice little light weight piece of insurance.

Dave-:03biker:

I carried these for a while, until someone else pointed something out to me. If your first attempt to plug the tire doesn't work, and the air leaks out again, you're stuck. With a compressor, you can refill it over and over if need be.

I now carry the cheapo compressor from Wally World, liberated from it's plastic case and with an SAE plug grafted on the end instead of the cigarette lighter plug. It fits, along with a pair of small jumper cables, in one of the little zippered bags that attaches to the back of the RKA bag liners for my ST1100. It should fit in either fairing pocket on an ST1300 without any problem, too.

[crazykz]

I'm looking at switching the leads going to the pump on this thing since I'm not going to use any of their cables except the one that has the fuse in it and that one isn't color coded so it doesn't matter. Once I swap them then I can use the battery tender cable that has an SAE plug on it that already on the bike.

The problem that I've just realized though is that the positive wire should be the one that is cut by the switch. So now it's a matter of deciding if I want to do all this or just buy that stupid SAE adaptor that flops the polarity. At this point that would be the smarter move.

I wonder if these guys will ever change this design. I can't remember EVER seeing an SAE plug that had the positive terminal on the exposed side. I guess just don't use the permanent battery cable because it ever comes in contact with the frame the sparks are going to fly. Because the juice is coming from the battery those no real damage you're going to do to the pump because once it's all connected there's only the contact at the battery exposed which you would have in any situation.

To me Slime is opening themselves to potential complaints with the permanent install cable. I'll put the SAE polarity adaptor in the kit and just be done with it.

</*****ing>

Curt

[ccryder]

Curt:

I'm an engineer not a lawyer but from the recall items and product liability issues that I have been around, their best case scenario is to issue a recall. Anybody that doesn't return the discrepant product after that, is on their own.

Slime would be relaitively off the hook as far as liability. Granted they would have to replace any product that's out there but, they would not be liable for much else.

Maybe we have some legal types on the board that can comment on this issue. Anyway, I wish they would fix this issue so I can buy one.

Oh, one more thing about rewiring, doesn't the fuse need to be on the hot lead? If you don't address that issue you will not be to protected from an overload situation.

Later
Neil S.

[crazykz]

Curt:

I'm an engineer not a lawyer but from the recall items and product liability issues that I have been around, their best case scenario is to issue a recall. Anybody that doesn't return the discrepant product after that, is on their own.

Slime would be relaitively off the hook as far as liability. Granted they would have to replace any product that's out there but, they would not be liable for much else.

Maybe we have some legal types on the board that can comment on this issue. Anyway, I wish they would fix this issue so I can buy one.

Oh, one more thing about rewiring, doesn't the fuse need to be on the hot lead? If you don't address that issue you will not be to protected from an overload situation.

Later
Neil S.

Crap! Geez this whole thing is a nightmare. Yes you're right about the fuse.

Curt

[crazykz]

Now I'm thinking if I put the SAE polarity changer on the battery tender cable then the positive lead of the pump still has the fuse on it. Plus the battery tender cable has a fuse on the positive lead anyway so although it makes my head hurt thinking about it, it will still work.

Curt

[ligito]

It's only a $20 item.

I see 3 possible options.

1. Replace it.

2. Replace the SAE connector inside the compressor with one that is wired correctly (and matching cables).

3. Install it on the bike and wire it to a switch.

[ccryder]

Let's see, from my China dealings, if they sell this for $30, it probably cost them $12-$15. $15x5000 units=$75,000
Cost of a Lawyer: $150x200hrs=$30,000. So maybe they come out ahead if they only get sued twice.
How much is your reputation worth in the consumer world?????? PRICELESS!

Just my $0.02
Neil S.

[crazykz]

Swithing it inside the unit makes their cables useless and not worth the purchase. Putting another cable on the bike with a switch is just more crap when I have a perfectly good cable already. Replacing it is an option but I would like to keep it.

I think the option is to get the SAE polarity adaptor and use it on my battery tender cable before plugging it into the fused cable that came with the unit. Now that means I have two fuses on the positive lead but no big deal there. I think they are the same value anyway.

I think I've beat this to death. No I just need to find a dealer who sells the SAE adaptor. It would be nice if Powerlet sold it since I plan on making a purchase from them in the next week or so. Might be worth a call.

I hope in the end they fix the thing but if all it takes is the polarity adaptor I'm good with that.

Curt

[AuntyGranty]

It's only a $20 item.

I see 3 possible options.

1. Replace it.

2. Replace the SAE connector inside the compressor with one that is wired correctly (and matching cables).

3. Install it on the bike and wire it to a switch.
Now, option 3, that would be SOME farkle? mmm.....:cool:
But where?

[CrashTestDanny]

I hope in the end they fix the thing but if all it takes is the polarity adaptor I'm good with that.


Curt,

Just take their long cable (SAE to SAE) and reverse the polarity of one end. One cut, two solders (or posi-locks, since you own the entire WI stock of them now) and some heat shrink or electrical tape should solve your problem nicely and allow you to plug right into the battery tender cable without running the thing backwards.

[CrashTestDanny]

Now, option 3, that would be SOME farkle? mmm.....:cool:
But where?

Somewhere in the bottom cowl, maybe? :)

[ccryder]

Message from the CSR Mgr @ Slime Inc:

Hi Neil,

I wanted to update you on our efforts regarding this suggested change.

I have been informed that we will be switching the leads on ALL auxiliary connections and the compressor unit. We are submitting an engineering change request to our supplier and they will be making changes effective immediately. I suspect we will have units out there at retail that will have the original set up. I'd certainly be happy to let you know when the amended unit becomes available.

I am awaiting input on our strategy as it relates to product already at retail or in the hands of the consumer.

Just my $0.02 but they seem to be reacting in a positive and timely manner. In the corporate world, things cannot happen overnight and management has to explore all their options and the repercussions. (just look at all the "spin doctoring" (A.K.A. CYA) Kryptonite had to do when it was exposed that you could pick their locks with and Bic pen barrel!).

If I were to hazard a guess....... they will probably offer up a return to mfg. for an exchange on the units in consumer hands and on the shelves. This will probably happen once they get enough inventory in the US to cover what they have sold and, have out there on the shelves. (just my $0.02, and I'm only an engineer and NOT some corporate Big Wig).

So it seems that they are reacting to our concerns and that all may be well with the world, in a few weeks :) .

Time4Sleep
Neil S.

[crazykz]

UPDATE!!

Hi Everyone,

Well Neil has been chasing Slime down as well as I have over the past couple weeks about this issue. Both of us have spoken to Corinne and I also had a chance to talk with Brendon, one of their engineers, today.

They have come up with a solution to the issue. They will be replacing the cable set. Unless you spend time studying the pictures this may not make sense but I will explain what they intend to do with the cable set. They will be shipping the new cable sets to anyone that has purchased this pump free of charge and will include postage to return the old cable set.

1. They will remove the fuse from the extension cable harness. (Yes, they are putting a fuse back in another place... stop panicking)
2. They will flip the connector on one end of the extension cable harness. This makes the harness a "true" extension cable. Leaving the fuse in the cable harness, from a cost standpoint, would be cheaper but flipping one end causes an issue of plugging the cable in correctly so the fuse is always on the positive lead. So removing the fuse and flipping one end makes the cable a true extension cable. But there's still the issue of the polarity on the other cables. That leads to the next step.
3. Flip the connectors on the wiring harnesses that connect to the bike/power source. Now the positive lead is not exposed on the wiring harnesses and they can be plugged into the extension harness without issue. There's still one issue left and that is the fact that there's no fuse since it was removed from the extension cable harness. That's the last piece of this puzzle.
4. Put a fuse on the positive lead of each of the cables that connect to the bike/power source. This resolves the issue of needing a fuse and the good thing is that the fuse is closer to the power source. From a cost standpoint it's more expensive but Slime believes in doing it right and even though the clip type harness shouldn't really need a fuse they have decided if one needs a fuse they ALL need a fuse. It's the complete, and right, solution in their opinion.

All in all Slime was more than willing to talk to Neil and myself about this issue. If you have ever had to deal with your customers you know it can be a nightmare to handle but Slime was very receptive to our concerns. I have never received this kind of support from a corporation and was extremely surprised by their attitude and approach to the whole situation. It's unfortunate that these pumps sold so quickly as they are now trying to contact everyone that purchased one so that they can get them a new cable kit. If you have purchased one of these pumps contact Slime directly:

Slime
1-888-457-5463

They will take your information and get you a new cable kit as soon as they have them in stock. They also will provide postage to ship the old ones back.

I've been involved with engineering mishaps in my career also so I empathize with Slime on this issue. However Slime has really stepped up here and admitted they have an issue and are willing to resolve the issue ASAP. There is a note here that if you read the operator manual it covers how to properly "operate" the pump. So it brings up a good point that even though there was an issue here it is still possible to operate this pump without issue if you read the manual and take the time to do it correctly. In other words RTFM guys.

I'm happy with their solution as it will allow me, and many others I imagine, to hook the pump up to my Battery Tender cable harness that is already on the bike. If you have a similar harness make sure that you use a 15 amp fuse as the pump under pressure will draw slightly more than 10 amps. This is true of any pump of this style, it's not just their unit. Luckily the Battery Tender cable fuse is 15 amps.

BTW, if you have the Honda Accessory plug in the fairing pocket do NOT plug ANY compressor into it. Even though the accessory fuse on the bike is a 15 amp fuse there is another fuse on the accessory plug harness, up in the fairing, that is a 2 amp fuse. If you plug in something that draws more than 2 amps it will blow that fuse and you'll be hunting around in the dark with a flat tire trying to take off your left side fairing to get to the fuse and replace it. It's a standard ATC blade style fuse. Good luck with that. Ask me how I know this. ;)

In the end everybody is happy. Great job Slime. It's hard to call them Slime when they are such nice people. :)

Happy pumping!! Thanks Neil for taking the lead on this and making it easy for me. :D

Later,
Curt

[number9]

I already have a CH compressor from Walmart that I cut the case down to make it smaller so I don't currently need a compressor. BUT, when I do need to replace it, I will replace it with the Slime compressor. I am really pleased with the way Slime appears to have actually listened to their customers, consider what they say and address issues with their product. That demonstrates great customer / product support in my opinion. This has earned me as a future customer.

Good job guys and good job Slime :yr1:

[Tim4255]

Does Slime tell you what the pressure of the tire is? I have had to fix a tire at the side of the road and it was nice to have an idea how much pressure was in the tire. If it doesn't have that option then you have to keep taking it off to check it. I think the Airman Sparrow is a much better product. The Slime unit does look pretty though :D

Tim :03biker:

[crazykz]

Does Slime tell you what the pressure of the tire is? I have had to fix a tire at the side of the road and it was nice to have an idea how much pressure was in the tire. If it doesn't have that option then you have to keep taking it off to check it. I think the Airman Sparrow is a much better product. The Slime unit does look pretty though :D

Tim :03biker:

It does not and I did consider that but they do give you a gauge. Not a big deal because I carry a gauge that goes inline with the pump so I can use it with any pump I have. I agree it would be a nice feature and their other pumps have one but not a necessity for me.

Curt

[Tim4255]

I have the Smartire already :D

The Smartire system doesn't monitor the tire pressure until the bike is moving at 6 miles per hour or faster.

Tim :03biker:

[Ken]

Curt - thank you for posting the update. Nice to hear a vendor/manufacturer doing the right thing. Did they indicate when there would be a new manufacturing run to incorporate this fix? I'd like to purchase one of these, but not until I know this defect has been resolved. Thanks!

[Louie Louie]

Get the Airman Sparrow and your troubles will be over. I conducted a "Louie study" and I went thru all the air compressors on planet earth and I carry it one my left (hot pocket) and it hasnt melted in the intense heat of the Desert Summer!:D "..

[Ken]

The Sparrow looks nice and it gets nice reviews, but the Slime unit is so much smaller....or are the pictures deceiving me?

[crazykz]

Curt - thank you for posting the update. Nice to hear a vendor/manufacturer doing the right thing. Did they indicate when there would be a new manufacturing run to incorporate this fix? I'd like to purchase one of these, but not until I know this defect has been resolved. Thanks!

They do not have a date as of yet. I suggested that they could register with this forum and post in the vendor corner when they have the new kit out. I believe all it would be the exact same thing as what I will have with the new cables but I guess I'll have to wait and see. The hardest problem I think they have right now is trying to replace all the ones that were sold. Not an easy task.

If I find out any information I can post it out here.

Curt

[crazykz]

The Sparrow looks nice and it gets nice reviews, but the Slime unit is so much smaller....or are the pictures deceiving me?

I don't have measurements on the sparrow so I can't do a comparison unless someone posts the exact dimensions. The Slime compressor itself is smaller, I believe, than the sparrow but you have to take into account that the sparrow included a gauge and a hose storage mechanism. The Slime compressor unit though breaks down into components which makes it easier to store IMO. You can take out what you're not going to use from the kit to make it easier to pack. Also the rubberized/zippered case that Slime uses, again IMO, is great. I can store it and don't have to worry about it rubbing on anything and damaging it. If anything the Slime case would take the abuse but it's rubberized enough that it will take most abuse pretty well I believe. It's hard to say for sure without carrying it around for a while but first impressions make me believe it will. The case is flexible enough and thin enough that it will fit in the left fairing pocket. The right fairing pocket has that front part angled in for the accessory plug which makes fitting it in there tough if not impossible. But if you took the compressor out of the case you wouldn't have a problem putting it in there.

For me I don't like that they fold up the compressor hose so I actually wrap it around the inside perimeter of the case to store it instead. Then the only cable I need to carry is the extension harness because I have a battery tender cable attached to the bike. One thing that would be nice if they added was a powerlet adaptor for people who have them but I think most people that have them have a powerlet to SAE adaptor anyway so I don't think it's a big deal. I know I do for my tankbag.

It's a toss up I think. The Sparrow has a gauge and is an all-in-one unit although I haven't seen where the power cord is. I'm assuming it stores inside the unit. The Slime unit with the case is about the same size but comes in a storage case and breaks down into components and it does not come with a gauge. It offers more storage options depending on what you want to carry. With the Sparrow you have to find a spot for it the way it is and with the Slime you have some options and a nice storage case. With the Sparrow you have a gauge and with the Slime you do not. Are you going to spend more time carrying it or more time pumping with it? ;)

For me the size and storage options are what won me over but I solved the gauge issue with an inline guage like the one that comes as an option with the cycle pump. It also includes the multiple hookups for power. I'm not sure what the Sparrow offers for power hookups.

It's all a matter of what you consider to be your CTQ's (Critical to Quality). If the built in guage ranks above the storage convenience and power options then you're probably going with the Sparrow. If you have other solutions for the guage or you're willing to use the stick guage that comes with the Slime unit then you're probably going to choose the Slime unit. Then there's the coolness factor. ;) Which one just looks cool? The Slime is in a cool case with a cool logo on it but the Sparrow is color matched to the faster '04 ST. :D

I think it's nice that we have choices. The CyclePump @ $80 without the gauge and no storage for the hose was just out of my price range. The Airman, the Sparrow, the cube shaped CH (or broken down), and now the Slime all offer some good alternatives to a small compressor for less than $80.

If I had money to blow I would buy them all and compare but I don't think it's rocket science to choose the one that fits you the best. I'm happy with the Slime choice and that was only reinforced with their dedicated support.

Curt

[bobcj0]

OK, now I am mega confused! I never thought it would be so hard to find a good air compressor for my bike but after reading the posts it seems to be a big thing.

[crazykz]

OK, now I am mega confused! I never thought it would be so hard to find a good air compressor for my bike but after reading the posts it seems to be a big thing.

Not really. This is just a full blown, out of proportion, over analysis of pumps. It's like most things you buy in your lifetime. You buy one thing realizing that it's not exactly what you want and then finally after spending way too much you find the one that fits the bill. Usually about the time that happens it is either discontinued or you're dead. ;)

This whole pump issue is what happens when you get two engineers analyzing the simplest of items. Having a global forum to discuss these things though brings up all kinds of issues and things to think about so when you finally decide on one you know you've probably got the best one suited for your needs. Until next year when someone releases a pump that has XM radio built in and an MP3 player. Stupid Garmin. Oh, wait... that's my GPS problem not my compressor problem.

Curt

[Tim4255]

I took some pictures of what I carry in the glovebox of my ST1300.
I keep the Airman Sparrow in a white cloth bag (need a black one)
In a blue cloth bag I keep my Mini Mag Light, Leatherman Wave, Tire Repair Tools (worm repair) and a valve core tool/replacement cap.
Other stuff I keep in the glovebox:
Extra Smartire Sensor (in case one gets broken during a tire change on a long trip, rare but can happen)
Aerostich Carbon Fiber Sidestand Plate http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Aerostich-CFSP-MK-II-Deluxe-p-16814.html
Digital Tire Pressure Gauge (not used very often due to Smartire)
6389 Airman and tools in bags

6390 Airman Sparrow in glovebox

6391 Airman Sparrow side view

6392 blue bag contents and other items

6393 everything in the glovebox

Hope the pictures help for those who have never seen the Airman Sparrow up close.

Tim :03biker:

[Ken]

Thanks, Tim!

Seeing it with some perspective helps - it is smaller than it looks on the vendor web pages.

[Rolling Thunder]

Who is the best and quickest supplier for this unit? :confused:

[OlDrifter]

Who is the best and quickest supplier for this unit? :confused:

I just ordered one from Amazon. In stock and available for next day delivery if you want!

[dannyk]

I think I saw them on the shelf at wally world the other day when I was in to get some gummy worms. :biker:

[pepollock]

I've always carried several CO2 cartridges - simple, almost fool-proof, cheap - but have considered a compressor for longer trips. Both the Slime and Sparrow look like good choices (MCN did a comparison of mini compressors a while ago and there was some reason they chose the Slime over the Sparrow, but I can't remember why).

My general concern about using these things is: 1) How long does it take to pump up a rear tire to minimum riding pressure, say 35 lbs? and B) do you have to run the engine to keep the battery from going flat? So, who has some real-world experience?:confused:

[c-lapier]

Recently I bought a Slime compressor <$10.00> that only came with the male cigar connector. I ended up paying $30.00 for adapter harnesses from Gerbings<coax to SAE>, and Powerlet<SAE to female cigar>; but at least it worked, and it's better than a footpump or CO2.

[George]

Pffft. When I bought my $10 Campbell-Hausefield I just cut off the cigar lighter end and soldered on a 2-pin SAE (about $.60 at the local True Value.)

[roginoz]

I bought one of the Slime units last June. I've used it on my DRZ400S and my Dodge Dakota. (Takes a little while to do a truck tire...) It works fine on the SAE battery tender plug; polarity isn't a problem. I keep mine in the bottom of the top box, with a plug and go kit. Motorcycle Consumer News rated it highly, and it was less than forty bucks.

[CDNolddude]

Just for those who missed it before... here is a comparison of some of them.

http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/features/Novpumpstest.pdf

[UNTMatt]

I think they have them at Cycle Gear and I keep meaning to pick one up on Curts recommendation.

[ConqSoft]

I think they have them at Cycle Gear and I keep meaning to pick one up on Curts recommendation.

Yep, they do. I went by there and picked mine up today.

[STindy05]

I just bought one of these slime compressor. For those of you looking I found it at Meijer. If you have one of those stores around you...they are 29.99 there.

Landon

[Caper]

Has anyone tried using one of the small bicycle pumps, a little more labour intensive, but light, compact and simple. Hopefully it's not something that you're going to need to use very often.

[ConqSoft]

I've got one of those compact bicycle pumps on my XX, but never had to use it.

[ChipSTer]

Has anyone tried using one of the small bicycle pumps, a little more labour intensive, but light, compact and simple. Hopefully it's not something that you're going to need to use very often.
I've got one of those on my mountain bike (and a spare tube as well) and had to use it once... Trust me it was a real PITA :cus: (even though it pumps on both strokes)... I would not want to try to pump up a motorcycle tire... Although getting the proper pressure would probably not be a problem (42psi for the motorcycle and 55psi for the bike)... :D
:cool:

[Imrubicon]

So much for sleeping for now
old topic but now I have top go check mine as I bought it at the motorcycle show in Dallas a couple of months ago.Sleep is over rated anyway LOL:eek:

[Imrubicon]

That took a few min and
I can sleep as mine is the right way .
I also have the adapter plug for the dual powerlets so I may just use that also as I already have a adapter for them

[CDNolddude]

Has anyone tried using one of the small bicycle pumps, a little more labour intensive, but light, compact and simple. Hopefully it's not something that you're going to need to use very often.

Sorry.. dont want to get a heart attack over a flat tire! manual pumps are for you younger guys...

[Snoweyowl]

Noticed the other day that my local Pep Boys is now stocking them at $29.99.

[Louie Louie]

I ordered one after seeing the comparison on MCN and love it. Better than the Hausfeld I had on the 03...Fits perfectly in the left pocket. I also have the tire plugger.

[BlaSTr]

Ordered one last night. Thanks for the tip. I looked at the Slime kit but wasn't impressed. This one seems lots better (even with the poorly engineered connectors).

[UNTMatt]

Yep, they do. I went by there and picked mine up today.

This was my birthday...did you get me one too? :D

[Imrubicon]

The slime has been beating them all in most cases except in price

[CDNolddude]

Just picked up my Slime Powersport (the one in the comparison) and it also came with a bottle of slime and a little tire pressure gauge and carrying case which I think I will toss as I'd like to put just the inflator,connections and the Slime plug kit in the left fairing pocket if it will all fit. Hopefully they can take the heat. I've never seen them up here in Ontario but when I phoned the distributer, they said any dealer can order it from them...

[Mellow]

WingSTuff now has these as well if you can't find one.

http://www.wingstuff.com/pgroup_detail/41_Home_New_Products/20123_Mini_Tire_Compressor_300PSI_from_any_12V_Sou rce/?goto=%2F