Nitrogen
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,476
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
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.
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.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 0
From: Chicago.
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.
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.
Last edited by Roadjunkie1; Dec 11, 2008 at 07:42 AM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 15,321
Likes: 29
From: Phoenix, Arizona
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.
Last edited by EZ48; Dec 12, 2008 at 11:47 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From:
To the guys using (buying) nitrogen:
How do you know that whatever they're putting in your tires really IS nitrogen?
How do you know that whatever they're putting in your tires really IS nitrogen?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
