just talked to a cousin who told me about a buddy of his who put nitrogen instead of O2 in his motorcycle tires. suppose to keep the
tires cooler on the pavement and allow you to run them a little longer before changeout. Have I missed something here?
anyone doing this out there?

twinfreeze

 

Pretty common nowdays in car tires.

 

If you are running 200 mph on a track, it may be benefical. However, for the average street machine it is a lot of hype and hooey, IMO. Why pay for 100% nitrogeon when you can get 78% for free.

 

I agree with xxx.

We ran it in my asphault oval cars, but can't see much value on the street. THe big deal on racecars is that it expands much less than o2 under extreme heating conditions. Can't imagine ever getting enough heat in my HD tires for it to matter....

 

biggest advantage is the molecules are larger and more uniform which keeps the pressure more constant for less adding of "gas". you also get more load capacity, the tires stay drier inside for durablility and the cooler tire lasts longer. for $5 a tire it's cheap and refills/top offs are free.

 

also forgot that you get a stiffer sidewall that enhances cornering. had it done to one of my cars 2004 GP and the difference in handling is evident.

 

i ll probably try it on my bike tires next spring ...

 

anyone ever try helium?

 

I use helium on Christmas Eve to deliver toys!

 

The only advantage that comes with nitrogen is that it's DRY - no water vapor. Gases ALL expand and contract at the same rate as long as they are far removed from their boiling points - since water is close to its boiling point at room temperatures, it can expand and contract unpredictably. Nitrogen sold in bottles is quite dry which gives the illusion that it has some benefit. It's dirt cheap since it's free (78% of the air is already N2) and is a very nice way to screw a sucker into the hype. Save your money - it's BS at best.