geez, this is funny.

Coupla people pointed out several obvious points:

Air is 80% nitrogen.

Nitrogen molecules are larger than most of the molecules comprising air (emphasis added).

Air contains significant moisture; nitrogen is completely devoid of moisture.

Nitrogen is an inert element; air contains oxygen which is a very active element.

All that stuff adds up to reasons why nitrogen will do a better job in tire inflation than air. Nothing magic, nothing hoo-doo, just plain ol' science, easily proven in any high school physics class.

That pretty much leaves only economics as a legitimate deciding factor. Use the info, make your choice, and then don't worry about it, either way.

MoparDave had the simplest idea - compressor with air dryer.

 

Screw it, I say use Harely approved Helium in your tires, Will make your bike lighter and give you better gas milage.


In all seriousness, MoparDave was dead bang on. Been using a Silica type filter with my compressor for years. Most of the condensate will sit on the bottom of your compressor tank. A filter on the output will get the remainig moisture out. You can pick one up for under 20 bucks.

 

 

Is synthetic air OK to use in your tires?

 

Only if it's Harley approved! (got cha)

 

I don't know if this stuff is synthetic, naturally occurring, or the new cost-effective "blend"!

 

seems to me that Xenon would be the best gas to use for tires, it's inert and has the largest atomic weight of all the non-radioactive noble gases so won't leak as much. Another benefit is if ya go fast enough your tires will glow bright white too.

 

To the guys using (buying) nitrogen:

How do you know that whatever they're putting in your tires really IS nitrogen?

 

double dawg dare ya???

 

if not harley approved, it could void your warranty