Gear review - Tire Repair Tools

Motorcycle gloves

 

My complete tire repair kit

This photo shows my complete tire repair kit that I always carry on the bike. It is a lot, with CO2 cartridges, compressor and Fix-a-Flat. But since I haven't had a single flat on my more than 200,000 km (knock on wood) I can't really say which is the best system. The Fix-a-Flat spray can is certainly not the best system and I will get rid of it at some point.
Not shown in the photo are spare tubes for front and rear tire, one each.

 

 

 

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Tire Patch Kit   Euro 4.95

The shown kit contains a lot more than a normal kit. I mixed kits from different manufacturers. The round and oval patches I already used for my moped way back and they work well if done correctly. The square patches are specially for motorcycle tires, but I'm skeptical as they are very thick and have sharp edges.
Conclusion: Absolutely recommended.

 

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Aerostich   Mini-Compressor   $ 47.00

This compressor is relatively small and light weight. It's plug is the same as it is often used for battery chargers. Power cord and hose are long enough to fit every bike. The compressor looks rather raw, it seems that they took a small compressor and just removed the plastic housing. It works well, but it takes several minutes to completely inflate a tire.
Conclusion: Noisy and slow, but small, therefore recommended.

 

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Motion Pro   Tire Levers   $ 17.95

I use three short tire levers, others use three long ones, or only two, it depends on personal preference. I like these because they are round and therefore don't slip off as easily as more flat ones.
Conclusion: Highly recommended.

 

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Polo   CO2 Cartridges   Euro 19.95

I bought this system to avoid having to carry a compressor. During a test I noticed that one needs at least three cartridges to inflate a tire, that's why I carry four cartridges. The replacement CO2 cartridges are expensive (Euro 10.00 for 3 pcs.), that's why I will get rid of this system as soon as I used it.
Conclusion: Conditionally recommendable.

 

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Polo   Tire Pressure Gauge   Euro 4.95

One should always carry a tire pressure gauge. This one here is cheap, doesn't need batteries and just works.
Conclusion: Highly recommended.

 

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Auto Parts   Fix-A-Flat   Euro 9.95

I always carried one or even two Fix-A-Flat's on my trips, but never needed to use them. If they work at all for tube tires is not totally clear. In addition it is a HUGE mess if the can goes of inside the luggage (experience).
Conclusion: Not really recommendable.