FAQ for motorbikes

Discover Michelin's answers to the most frequently asked questions about motorbike tyres and riding. Follow our advice and enjoy safe rides!

Recommendations

How to choose motorbike tyres?

The first criterion for choosing motorbike tyres is the type of use (commuting, track, off-road...) and the performance required. Then it's the compatible (and in some cases legally approved) sizes that will determine your choice. Read our complete guide to choose the right motorbike tyres.

Which motorbike tyres are best for the wet?

It's the tread and the rubber compound that make motorbike tyres good in the wet and safe in slippery conditions. Thanks to Michelin's expertise, we design tyres that perform well in the wet for different types of use (track, commuting, touring, etc.). Read our article to find out which tyre is best suited to wet conditions for your use.

How to check tyre tread depth?

To check the tyre tread depth, several wear indicators are located inside the tread pattern. On our tyres, a little Michelin Man indicates their position. If the tread is so worn that it is close to the wear indicators, the tyre must be replaced. Read all about tyre tread depth.

What is the legal tyre tread depth?

Each country has its own legal tyre tread depth limit for motorbike tyres. For example, in France the minimum tyre tread depth is 1 mm, but in other countries it is 1.6 mm. It is your responsibility to ensure that your tyres never exceed the legal limit. Read all about tyre tread depth.

Can I fit my vehicle with tyres of different dimensions from the originals?

Compliance with the original tyre dimensions for the vehicle is essential for user safety, comfort and tyre durability. It is a key factor for optimal vehicle behaviour and changes will alter the geometry giving unwanted handling anomalies and could also affect insurance cover. We strongly recommend not to do so, unless an alternative size is validated by the vehicle manufacturer.

How to find the tyre size?

The motorbike tyre size is indicated on its sidewall. It is composed of a series of codes in letters and numbers which have a precise meaning. For example: 180/55 ZR 17 M/C (73W). Read all about motorbike tyre size.

How to read tyre size?

A set of codes determine the size of a tyre: they designate the width, aspect ratio, diameter, load and speed index and other additional indications such as the construction (radial, bias, bias belted). Read all about motorbike tyre size.

Can I fit two different tyres front and rear?

Our product ranges are developed to give the best combined performance between the front and rear tyres. This is why we strongly recommend that you use a single type for your vehicle, even if mixing different types is possible. Tyres of the same family can sometimes be mixed, in this case we would recommend fitting the best performing tyre to the front wheel for safety.

Motorbike handling

What causes handlebar wobble?

The motorbike handlebar wobble is an unpleasant sideways, continuous oscillation of the fork at low speed, usually felt while slowing down. There are several possible causes, such as excessive wear and incorrect pressure. Read all about handlebar wobble and other handling difficulties.

How to reduce handlebar vibration?

Handlebar vibration occurs at both the front and rear of the motorbike, but is felt most strongly at the handlebars, usually at high speeds. To eliminate handlebar vibration, we recommend that you take your motorbike to a professional to identify the cause. The wheel may need to be balanced and/or the tyre centred on the rim. Read all about handlebar vibrations and other handling difficulties.

What causes kickback on a motorbike?

The motorbike kickback is felt at the front of the vehicle. The handlebars make an unpleasant right-left movement occurring particularly whilst accelerating. This phenomenon is generally triggered by an external source such as a bump or join in the tar. Read all about kickback and other handling difficulties.

Tyre basics

What is tyre speed rating?

Motorbikes have a maximum speed at which approved tyres must be able to perform.
The speed rating corresponds to this maximum speed. It is indicated by a letter on the sidewall of the tyre. Read all about speed rating.

What is load rating on tyres?

Motorbikes have a maximum load at which approved tyres must be able to perform.
The load rating corresponds to this maximum load. It is indicated by a number preceding the letter of the speed rating on the sidewall of the tyre. Read all about speed rating.

What is the difference between bias and radial tyres?

Bias tyres are able to carry more weight because their sidewalls are stiffer. Radial tyres offer greater comfort at high speeds thanks to their flexible sidewalls, which absorb road imperfections. Read all about bias and radial tyres.

Where to find tyre size equivalences?

Enduro and Motocross tyres are measured differently. In this article about tyre markings, our "Enduro / Motocross" correspondence table will help you make the right choice. The article also includes a table showing the compatibility between motorbike tyre sizes in inches and millimetres. A third table shows the correspondence between Harley Davidson tyre markings (alphanumeric) and motorbike tyres using metric markings.

Are the tyres Tubeless or Tubetype?

Once you have searched by motorbike on our tyre selector, you may browse Tubeless or Tubetype tyres using the filters in the left-hand column on our website. TT stands for Tubetype, and TL stands for Tubeless.  If the tyre has both markings – TT/TL – then it is suitable for either wheel rim type, but of course you would still need an inner tube on a Tubetype wheel rim.

With which tyres is an inner tube required?

All our tyres are marked either TT (Tubetype) or TL (Tubeless). You need to fit an inner tube if your tyre is marked TT or if your wheel is TT.

Which is the most appropriate inner tube?

The dimension of the inner tube must correspond correctly to the dimension of the tyre. There may be more than one inner tube which is suitable, for example an additional heavy-duty option designed for off road use. Contact your local tyre dealer for advice.

What is wheel balancing?

Wheel balancing involves placing weights at precise locations on the wheel to offset any imbalance, ensuring a smooth rotation. Read all about motorbike wheel balancing.

How to balance wheels?

Wheel balancing is an operation carried out by a professional. He or she uses a balancing machine, which is a semi-automatic device that spins the tyre to pinpoint any imbalance locations. Read all about motorbike wheel balancing.

Replacement and repair

What are the three main threats to a tyre?

The three main threats to a tyre are physical, environmental and human. The physical threats are age, poor storage conditions and damage. Environmental threats include extreme temperatures, humidity, ozone, solvents and chemicals. Human threats include neglecting routine checks, incorrect inflation pressure, re-inflating a punctured tyre, aggressive riding style and incorrect storage or repairs. 

How to change a motorbike tyre?

You can change a motorbike tyre yourself for any off-road activity (Enduro, Trial, Rally raid, Cross Country) if you have the necessary tools. However, we do not recommend changing a motorbike tyre for road use as it is a more complex procedure that requires wheel balancing. To change an off-road motorbike tyre, simply follow our step-by-step guide.

When to change tyres?

Tyres in poor condition may not perform well and can endanger your safety. A tyre puncture or damage that cannot be repaired, legal tread wear limit reached, unusual wear or signs of ageing are among the possible reasons for changing tyres. To find out more, read our article.

Can tyres be repaired?

In the event of a flat tyre, the tyre should be inspected by a professional. Only he will be able to confirm that the tyre's interior chamber hasn't suffered any irreparable damage. In some cases, a tyre can be repaired, but in others, for example if it has a puncture in the sidewall, it cannot. To find out more, read our article.

What area of a tyre can be repaired?

A tyre may be repairable if the puncture is in an area that represents around three-quarters of the tread. Under no circumstances can a tyre be repaired if a puncture has occurred on its sidewall. To find out more, read our article.

Pressure

What should my tyre pressure be?

Motorbike tyre pressure must be adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations which can be found in the Owner's Manual of the vehicle, or on the vehicle itself. The inflation pressure indicated in these documents is for inflation when cold. In the absence of these documents, contact the motorbike manufacturer.
NB: The maximum pressure indicated on the tyre should under no circumstances be considered safe for road usage. This marking is to show the maximum tyre pressure at the maximum load and is indicative of the safety capability of the tyre, not the running conditions.
Tyre pressure may be different for the front tyre and the rear tyre. It may also depend on your use. To find out everything you need to know, read our full article on motorbike tyre pressure.

What is the correct pressure for my tyres on the track?

The inflation pressure for track use is often different than for road use due to the very intense nature of track use. This is indicated in the Michelin tyre documentation for track product ranges. It may also be consulted online at On track: Correct Track Pressure. If you do not have this information to hand, refer to the tyre expert at your track day.
Find out more in our full article on motorbike tyre pressure.

When should tyre pressure be checked?

Check your motorbike tyre pressure when the tyre is cold (ambient temperature). Michelin recommends checking the tyre pressure every two weeks and more frequently during long trips.
Never bleed air from a hot tyre. Normal use of tyres results in the air inside the tyre warming up and expanding and giving a higher tyre pressure reading than when cold. Removing air to set to cold tyre pressure recommendations will therefore result in reduced operating air pressure. Read all about motorbike tyre pressure.

What are the consequences of under- or over-inflation?

Correct inflation is essential for user safety, comfort and tyre durability. Compliance with manufacture recommendations on inflation pressures is a key factor for road holding, both in a straight line and when cornering, even at moderate speeds and during braking.
Driving at pressures other than those recommended may result in premature wearing of the tyre, uneven wear and, in the case of under-inflation, irreversible damage to the tyre which can lead to sudden, complete deflation. Read all about motorbike tyre pressure.

Durability

What is the average life and mileage expectancy of a tyre?

Average life and mileage expectancy are heavily dependent on the vehicle, usage and conditions of use and will vary accordingly. Michelin recommends taking account of 7 major factors affecting the durability of a tyre.
Some are directly within the control of the motorcyclist: inflation pressure, the load being transported, speed of vehicle, driving habits (braking and acceleration).
Some are not under driver control and require adjustments in riding: curves of the road, type of road surface, air temperature.
Find out how to optimise tyre life.

Driving tips

How to ride a motorbike with a passenger?

Before you start out, take a moment to talk to your passenger, especially if he or she is inexperienced. This way, you can explain how to get on the bike and how to behave on the road. Read our full article on how to ride with a passenger.

How to corner on a motorbike?

Before a turn, anticipate your trajectory while being aware of the traffic ahead and behind you. Decelerate gently, using engine braking more than the brakes. During the turn, anticipate the exit point. Lean your body in line with the motorbike, keeping your head vertical to the ground. After the turn, keep your eyes fixed on the exit to maintain a stable trajectory. Release the brakes and accelerate gradually as you straighten the bike. Read our full article on how to corner on a motorbike.

What protective gear for motorbikes?

The basic equipment we recommend consists of: an approved helmet, approved gloves, approved shoes or boots, approved trousers with knee and hip protectors, an approved jacket with elbow and shoulder protectors, and back protection (which can be integrated into a jacket, or worn under the jacket). While the quality of your equipment's protection is important, don't neglect comfort. To find out more, read our full article.

Do motorbike airbags work?

While the airbag does not replace basic motorbike equipment, it does provide effective additional protection. With another major advantage: it can be worn under clothing. The development of airbags for two-wheeled vehicles has made enormous strides since their invention, with technology that can be adapted to a variety of disciplines, including racing.
Read all about airbags in our article on protective gear.

Which motorbike helmet is best?

There are many models of motorbike helmets on the market (full-face helmets, open-face helmets, modular helmets, off-road helmets). Firstly, it is the use you make of your motorbike that helps you determine the type of helmet you choose. Next, your choice should be based on the right size for your head and on comfort.
Read our complete guide to choosing a helmet.

How to measure for a motorbike helmet?

If you don't know your head size, you can measure your head circumference 2 cm above the ears with a tape measure or a string. Then, check if the size indicated on the back of the helmet matches yours. Note that measurements are sometimes indicated by letters, as they are for clothes: S for Small, M for Medium, L for Large… In this case you can refer to our table of correspondences in our complete guide to choosing a helmet.

How to ride in a group?

Here are the main tips for riding in a group: keep your distance and ride in staggered formation, unless the narrowness of the road prevents you from doing so. Keep a safe distance and communicate with other riders. Follow the road captain (or leader). Keep an eye on the road behind you and respect the rules of the group. Read all about riding in a motorbike group.

Price, retailers, warranty

Where can I find a retailer?

Use our partner dealer locator to search by town, address or post code to find the dealer closest to you in just a few clicks. Alternatively, most tyre dealers can obtain and supply Michelin motorbike and scooter products for you.

How are tyres priced?

The price of each tyre is dependent upon retailer pricing policy. Michelin is unable and unwilling to impose retail prices on retailers, who therefore remain free and independent when setting prices.

Promotions

What promotions are currently available?

View out current promotions here. Or Contact your local tyre dealer.

What promotions are coming up?

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