FAQ for motorcycles

The first criterion for choosing motorcycle tires 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 motorcycle tires.

It's the tread and the rubber compound that make motorcycle tires good in the wet and safe in slippery conditions. Thanks to Michelin's expertise, we design tires that perform well in the wet for different types of use (track, commuting, touring, etc.).

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

Each country has its own legal tire tread depth limit for motorcycle tires. In Canada, the legal tread depth limit generally aligns with 1/32 inch, but it’s important to check provincial regulations, as they may vary. It is your responsibility to ensure that your tires never exceed the legal limit. Read all about tire tread depth.

Compliance with the original tire dimensions for the vehicle is essential for user safety, comfort and tire 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.

The motorcycle tire 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 motorcycle tire size.

A set of codes determine the size of a tire: 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 motorcycle tire size.

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

The motorcycle 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.

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

The motorcycle 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.

Motorcycles have a maximum speed at which approved tires must be able to perform.

The speed rating corresponds to this maximum speed. It is indicated by a letter on the sidewall of the tire. Read all about speed rating.

Motorcycles have a maximum load at which approved tires 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 tire. Read all about speed rating.

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

Once you have searched by motorcycle on our tire selector, you may browse Tubeless or Tubetype tires using the filters in the left-hand column on our website. TT stands for Tubetype, and TL stands for Tubeless. If the tire 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.

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

The dimension of the inner tube must correspond correctly to the dimension of the tire. 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 tire dealer for advice.

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

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 tire to pinpoint any imbalance locations.

The three main threats to a tire 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 tire, aggressive riding style and incorrect storage or repairs.

You can change a motorcycle tire 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 motorcycle tire for road use as it is a more complex procedure that requires wheel balancing.

Tires in poor condition may not perform well and can endanger your safety. A tire 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 tires. To find out more, read our article.

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

A tire may be repairable if the puncture is in an area that represents around three-quarters of the tread. Under no circumstances can a tire be repaired if a puncture has occurred on its sidewall.

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

The mandatory pressure for road use is set by the manufacturer. It 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 manufacturer network.

NB: The maximum pressure indicated on the tire should under no circumstances be considered safe for road usage.

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 tire 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 tire expert at your track day. Find out more in our full article on motorcycle tire pressure.

Correct inflation is essential for user safety, comfort and tire 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 tire, uneven wear and, in the case of under-inflation, irreversible damage to the tire which can lead to sudden, complete deflation.

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 tire.

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 tire life.

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 moto and how to behave on the road.

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 motorcycle, 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 moto.

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.

While the airbag does not replace basic motorcycle 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.

There are many models of motorcycle helmets on the market (full-face helmets, open-face helmets, modular helmets, off-road helmets). Firstly, it is the use you make of your motorcycle 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.

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…

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.

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 tire dealers can obtain and supply Michelin motorcycle and scooter products for you.

The price of each tire 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.

Contact your local tire dealer for information on our current offers or click here.

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Michelin motorcycle and scooter tires, used in normal service on the vehicle on which they were originally fitted and in accordance with the maintenance recommendations and safety warnings contained in the attached owner’s manual are covered by this limited warranty against defects in workmanship and materials for the life of the original usable tread, or six years from date of purchase, whichever occurs first.

If you have further questions or want to submit a claim, our North American Consumer Care department is available on business days from 8am - 7pm EST to answer any questions you might have about your tires. Call 1-888-871-4444.

Click here to find out more about Michelin's motorcycle and scooter tire owner's Limited Warranty.

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