What is the correct pressure for my tyres on the road?
The recommended tyre pressures for road use are set by the vehicle manufacturer. They 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 motorcycle 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.
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.
When and how do I check pressure?
Check your motorcycle 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.
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.