Anyone who's had to seat a tire bead by inflating it with a hand-held bicycle pump is sure to know how quickly you get all pumped out. Even just airing up or down to handle different riding terrain or elevation becomes a hassle, and probably something you quickly give up on doing--especially on a hot or rainy day when you're already dripping in your riding gear.
Enter the motorized pump. There are many options available, although most them seem to be aimed at automotive use and aren't compact or rugged enough for the typical abuse of adventure riding. On a motorbike, luggage space is coveted and failure to properly inflate a tire could spell the end of your planned adventure and the start of an unplanned adventure. So, a motorized pump isn't just a luxury, it can become a necessity to ensure timely and safe repairs.
Rocky Creek Designs makes the MotorPressor, one of the few "naked" styles of mini air compressors that strips down the mechanicals to bare necessities. At CAD$69.00, it's a bargain compared to the Best Rest CyclePump I also considered, which--although offering impressive quality--also sells at a BMW-level premium for us poor Canadians. (Besides, gotta leave some room for unplanned adventure!)
The MotoPressor kit includes a decent neoprene-like pouch, some el-cheapo connector cables, and a barely-credible plastic nozzle kit. Since I already have an SAE plug connected right to the battery on my bike, the pump is ready to go as-is.
The pump itself is an all-metal beast, weighing in at around 609 grams or about a pound and a half with the case (no accessories). This is more than twice the weight of my Slime-brand pump shown beside it, which feels downright flimsy by comparison.
Besides eliminating unnecessary bulk and weight, the strategy of exposing the compressor mechanicals to open air increases the self-cooling ability of the compressor, which in theory should allow higher pumping rates for a given size. These little compressors get surprisingly hot when doing their job. Some of the enclosed designs have been reported to melt their plastic case under hard use, or are so restrained in their pumping ability to prevent overheating, that they take several long minutes to inflate a tire.
The wiring and hose on the MotorPressor seems well made, with plenty of length to be convenient without being excessive. The pump itself is a sturdy casting, although I'm not sure how the exposed gearing will resist grit, etc. -- especially when inflating in the muddy, rainy, or dusty conditions. At least it's easy to inspect and clean. A quick test shows some decent airflow and modest heat. There's no air pressure gauge, but then the one on the Slime is all but useless and I prefer a separate pressure gauge that's more accurate anyway.
Until I've had a chance to inflate a tire or seat a bead, I'll reserve final judgement on this product. But based on construction alone, I feel much more confident that it'll get me all pumped up when I really need it to.
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