Nitrogen in tires
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 18
From: Orange, VA,
We use nitrogen in our race car tires, it is more extreme but if I go out for a 10 lap practice the pressure will not build as much as oxygen and change the tire, a tire after all is a type of spring, more pressure stiffer spring, less softer. With oxygen it can build as much a 10lbs over what we originally put in it to start, nitrogen will only go up a few pounds, nitrogen also will not leak out as quickly as oxygen.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 521
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
I can tell you from experience that Nitrogen is the way to go. I am in the industry and work at an air seperation plant, which is where you get liquid and gaseous nitrogen from. Nitrigen Will run cooler in your tires which will equate to better wear on your tire and will not expand and contract like regular air. When you check your air in your tires depending upon the temp outside or if the vehicle has been driven the pressure will vary, with Nitrogen filled tires it stays constant. Nitrogen also has no moisture in it either which means no break down of the tire due to rust, water, etc.. For 10 bucks a tire it is well worth it. I run it in every vehicle i own including my boat trailer tires and have seen dramatic increases in my MPG, tire wear and tire longevity.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 14
From: Idaho
So for your basic H-D rider, unless you are pulling a cross country nitrogen is not a "need". Best of luck.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: cape coral,florida
O.K., if air is already 79% nitrogen and doesn't leak out because it is a bigger molecule, then if you keep having to add air the % of nitrogen would have to keep increasing to the point of not leaking out......right........hahahahahaha. Came in my new mustang but would not spend the extra $ to put it in. Also if ya have a water filter on your compressor there should be no moisture......later....mark
Last edited by alaskanadams; Sep 21, 2012 at 12:54 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,893
From: Oklahoma
Since the oxygen leaks at a faster rate, after several "top offs" you have above the ambient concentration of nitrogen anyway, and for free. Perhaps that is why new tires seem to seep pressure for a few months after installation.
Not only is nitrogen more stable over temperature changes, there is no oxygen to cause oxidation at extreme high heat. Most people have no concept of the heat generated in airplane brakes, and it is considerable. The heat radiates outward into the tires and the absence of oxygen is an advantage as the brakes and tires cool. The cold pressure on some aircraft tires can be 150 psi or higher.
Not only is nitrogen more stable over temperature changes, there is no oxygen to cause oxidation at extreme high heat. Most people have no concept of the heat generated in airplane brakes, and it is considerable. The heat radiates outward into the tires and the absence of oxygen is an advantage as the brakes and tires cool. The cold pressure on some aircraft tires can be 150 psi or higher.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 521
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
What most people are not understanding is that nitrogen has no moisture in it so no corrosion, no breakdown of rubber,no heat and no expansion. It may not be the best investment for the "weekend warrior" but if you ride daily it is worth it. you will save the cost in the first year alone in just tire wear. If you want to go on the cheap and not pay a tire shop or dealer for it, just go to your local welding supply store Like airgas or others and get a small,bottle for like 20 bucks and put a hose nozzle on it, you can get about 10 tires filled on the small BBQ propane sized bottles they have, just will pay a deposit on the tank which is refundable upon return.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,948
Likes: 54
From: The Burgh
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
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 12
I have a compressor, but I just use a nice bicycle pump to top off when I ride if the tires do not read 40 psi. Not a big deal. In about a minute I have both tire running the recommended psi for my tires.
This also reminds me to do some safety checks on the bike. I ride every day.
This also reminds me to do some safety checks on the bike. I ride every day.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,015
Likes: 3
From: Moline, IL
i have never paid extra or it. it is all my dealer uses, guess its in the tire install price, whenever im at dealer i can pull into service and they will check it and add as needed for free so that s why i keep it