KICKSTART
UNDER PRESSURE
With 130 years of experience
Michelin knowathing or two
about tyres, so the fact that
they’ve launchedamotorcycle
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) suggests
there’saneed.
Whats the problem?
Anyone who’shad ablowout
will confirm that it’snofun.
According to the AA, in 2015
almostathird of accidents in
the UK in which vehicle
defects wereacontributory
factor were due to under
inflated, defective or illegal
tyres.With onlyafew square
centimetres of rubber holding
us to the road, tyres are one of
ascooter’smost important
components, yet also one of
the most neglected.
What’sthe product?
Although they’re standard
equipment on many new cars
and high-end touring
motorcycles, most two-
wheelers aren’t fitted with a
TPMS. Marketed as ‘fit2go’,
Michelin’ssolution is a
portable, retro-fit system that
provides real-time updates on
tyre pressures and
temperatures.
The kit comprises two
monitors, which replace the
standard dust caps,aUSB
charger unit andacompact
display unit. Once fitted, a
WiFi connection keeps the
monitors in contact with the
display.Pressure readings
periodically rotate between
front and rear tyres and any
sudden changes in pressure or
temperature triggerawarning.
What’sitlike to use?
It’sclaimed that the kit can be
fitted in minutes and for most
motorcycles that may be true.
Indeed, onaVespa PX its
simplicity itself. The monitors
screw on in seconds and the
display unit’scombined
magnet/adhesive base grips
the top of the toolbox with
ease. Unfortunately for
Lambrettas it’snot so
straightforward. Although the
monitors fit my GP,theydon’t
seem to be compatible with all
fork set ups and finding the
recommended ‘flat and
magnetic’ surface to mount
the display isachallenge.
Without doubt this is the
product’sAchilles heel.
Neither the magnet nor
adhesive pad are strong
enough to hold the unit on
their own and there are
surprisingly few places on a
Lambretta orVespa GTS that
would mount the unit in view.
Does it work?
Having used the product on
his recent ride to Austria,
Stan’sbeen impressed. The
fluctuation in tyre pressures
over aday’sriding is
surprising, often3or4psi. It’s
clear to read and ensures the
daily tyre pressure check isn’t
neglected. Unfortunately,it
does needabetter mount.
Stan lashed upamirror mount
using an old sat-nav holder,
which worked fine. Hopefully
the manufacturer will act on
this feedback.
Verdict
For long-distance tourers it’sa
really useful piece of safety
equipment. Unfortunately,the
prod uct’smounting fails
to impress.
RRP:£79.
More info:www.fit2gotpms.com
CST QUATTRINI MANIFOLD
As Quattrini’s210 kit seems to
gain popularity with every
passing month, it’snosurprise
that accessories are starting to
appear.Fresh to the market
from Chiselspeed isamanifold
specifically developed for the
kit. The manifold is priced at
£49.95 inc vat, whilst bespoke
rubbers to suitavariety of
carburettors range between
£25 to £27.50 inc vat.
More info:www.chiselspeed.
co.uk
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WHODUNNIT?
We receivedafabulousset of photos in the
post ashort while back, but much to our
dismay we received no additional info inside to
tell us who had sent them, nor any details
relating to the pics themselves! The selection
is areal nostalgia trip, and we’d love to do
something with them, but need more info. So
if it was you please let us know.Email: dan@
scootering.com
8 |SCOOTERING|AUGUST
