I used to carry a co2 kit, it had 3 of the taller cartridges in it... until I actually tried using it after having to plug a tire out in BFE on the side of the road. Anything else that will put air in the tire, in my opinion is better. Too much volume in the back tire on a touring bike for those cartridges to do anything but maybe get you off the rim... a little. Then if the plug doesn't seal good, you're done... not gonna add more. Since then I've had a small 12v pump in the saddlebag.

 

12v pump all the way tucked into my Thrashin Saddle Bags
I have this one.

 

I have a 12v pump in my saddlebag along with a tire plug kit. Hope I never need either but one never knows.

 

I bought the Stop and Go pump and patch kit last summer. Fortunately didn’t have to use the patch kit, but tried the pump out in the garage - worked well and more compact than hand full of CO2 cartridges.


https://www.stopngo.com/mini-air-com...ers-atvs-only/

 

12 volt pump from my adventure motorcycle days. When I hit dirt, I’d let 5 pounds out of my tires. Then, when back to tarmac, I’d air up. It was small and powerful then. It travels in my left side saddlebag guard bag. Along with repair kit, thin watch cap and glove liners.

We had one bike try the CO2 cylinders. He ended up borrowing my pump after several attempts.

Touring, I’ve only used it to help others. I figure since I have it, I won’t need it. I was gifted the Harley one, nice pump but too large for my bike. I use it in the shop occasionally when I don’t feel like plugging in the compressor as it has a decent ability to move air.

On average, for a std Harley tire you’d need about 10 each (12 or 16 ounce does not make much difference) CO2 cylinders. 7-8 would get you enough to limp to a gas station.

If you ride with others, you only need one pump between you. They are rarely used, but oh so important when you need one.

 

 

i carry 3 extra cart cause they are so small and IF you are or have done stuff like this before, they do work well. but just me if ya got a bagger then different story

 

I have a Harley 12 volt pump. I used it once to bring the pressure to spec and it did surprisingly well. It’s small enough to carry in the saddlebag along with a plugging tool and plugs.

 

CO2 canisters plus an old time bicycle pump. Three rounds of 50 pumps will usually get you there. Not as easy for me to do as it once was but it takes up basically no room in a saddlebag.

 

I've carry the small Slime compressor for years and only needed it once (to help someone else.

A friend of mine has a neat coiled air hose with a locking nozzle at each end and if you can find a "donor" (maybe a spare tire or a semi truck) it works pretty cool.