Flat tires never happen at a good time or location. Motorcycles don’t carry a spare, flat-fix kits can be problematic, and when we finally do patch the tube or plug the tubeless tire, we still need a means to re-inflate it. CO2 cartridges are compact but unwieldy, and a good supply of them is necessary to fully inflate a tire.
For the latter situation, Dynaplug (which also makes plug and patch kits) has introduced its Micro Pro Inflator. Ensconced in a zippered, nylon case that measures 6 inches long, 4.5 high and 3 wide, the pump weighs just 7 ounces and has a 20-inch coiled hose and a pencil-type tire gauge. Four pigtails are provided in the pouch as a means of attaching the 12-volt Inflator to a bike’s battery. Each has an SAE connector at one end that plugs into the Inflator’s 8-foot power cord, while on the other end these cords have alligator clips, or ring terminals, or an SAE connector (in case you already have a pigtail attached to your battery to accommodate a charger or electric clothing), or a plug for a standard 12-volt accessory outlet. Remove the red cap on the latter and it fits into a DIN (European)-sized receptacle. The alligator and ring terminal cables have a 15-amp fuse inline, but the other two are not fused, relying upon the one that should already be in place for your bike’s accessory outlet or charging cord.
To test the unit, I put my personal bike on its centerstand and totally deflated its 160/60-18 rear tire, then attached the SAE cord with the appropriate battery connector to the Inflator and my battery. With one end of the flexible hose now screwed onto the Inflator and other onto the tire’s Schrader valve, I hit the button on top and let ‘er rip. The unit sprang into action with a fairly loud, frantic air-compressor putter.
The unit draws 4.5 amps at 40 psi, inflates up to 100 psi and will run for 30 minutes before needing a 20-minute cool down. A very handy feature of the Micro is a second Schrader valve located on its base that allows the operator to check the pressure with a gauge while the tire is being inflated. I took periodic readings with the pencil gauge and found that the tire had reached 20 psi by five minutes, 30 at seven minutes, and in nine minutes reached my target pressure of 38 psi.
The Micro Pro with its hookups now resides in my tank bag as a permanent part of my gear. After all, if one bike’s battery were not sufficient to inflate the tire, other bikes may be available. The Dynaplug Micro Pro Inflator is designed in the U.S., manufactured in China and sells for $59.99.
For more information, call (530) 345-8000 or visit dynaplug.com.
Excellent review of what appears to be a good product. However, I’d like to read these reviews when they incorporate competing products. Including other products makes it less an advertisement and more like a credible review. As well, I like to hear expert opinions as to the usefulness of electronic pumps vs high quality hand pumps like Silca’s Pocket Impero.
Walter, I’ve used several tire pumps over three decades of riding (various electric, foot pumps, compressed air capsules and a bicycle tire pump) and formally tested one 12 volt pump designed for motorcyclists. A pump intended primarily for bicycle tires, like the Pocket Impero you reference above, will pump up a motorcycle tire, but it will take a LONG time, particularly if you’re starting from ambient air pressure. Here’s how I look at it: I can operate an electric pump unless (a) my bike doesn’t run or (b) my bike has no battery power, and in either of those cases the bike isn’t going anywhere, flat tire or not. An electric pump has another advantage, too: it can seat a tire bead. I’ve seen it more than once. I doubt a hand pump would be able to do that. Bottom line, for me anyway, is an electric pump is faster and more convenient than a manual pump. I agree with you that a multi-product air pump review sounds like a good idea.
My $.02
I’d charge more than two cents for that opinion. Seating a tire bead trumps any benefit the hand pump may offer, thanks for the reminder. Over the last 40 some odd years, and over 400,000 km of riding I’ve been very lucky. One flat tire near enough to a garage it was easier to push than pump. That said, I think I hear the bike gods giggling. Time to buy a new kit and hope I never have to use it.
I must have bought a “lemon”. My new Dynaplug Ultra Compact 12 Volt Tire Inflator – Micro Pro Model would not even reach 24 lbs. on my front motorcycle tire! During a 10 minute run, the unit got hot enough to make the hose fail. Big hole near the base of the unit. I will be getting a refund. The stated capacity of this and other brand inflators in my opinion are way stretched. Have yet to find what I’m looking for.
Interesting reading BUT I can’t buy the micro anywhere – which kinda defeats its goal – unless you know differently CONTACT ME immediately.
Jim W
I have one of these and really like it as it is so compact, does not draw much power, and has inflated my tires and those of buddies many times. They have been having some delivery problems but should have them available again soon.
Bought on of these in November 2020. Tested it in the garage and it seemed to work fine. Used it to air up a 90/90×21 to about 30 psi after replacing the tube in June (2021) — seemed to work fine. Needed it again about 3 weeks later to air up a 140/80×18 after patching the tube, but it only got up to about 12 psi before it started cutting out — fortunately I had a manual pump available to finish the job.
I had a brand new one that failed after 3-4 uses! Too bad as I loved the small size & low weight. Got a refund and searching for my next option.