When Do You Need an Inner Tube?
The function of an inner tube is to ensure that the tire and wheel assembly are sealed. To determine if you need an inner tube, start by checking whether your tire is Tube Type (TT) or Tubeless (TL)
How Do You Know If Your Tires Are TL or TT?
Tube Type Tires (TT)
Tube Type tires have a first layer of rubber on the inside that is not airtight. As a result, they require an inner tube to maintain pressure.
Tubeless Tires (TL)
Tubeless tires have an airtight first layer of rubber, so an inner tube is not required to ensure the seal.
However, there is one exception: if the rim is TT, an inner tube must still be used, even with Tubeless tires.
How Do You Know If Your Rims Are TL or TT?
1. Spoke Rims
Spoke rims typically have spokes that pierce the rim in the centre along the entire circumference. These holes mean the rim is not sealed, making it Tube Type (TT) and requiring an inner tube.
However, some spoke rims are designed differently, with spokes fixed in a way that maintains the seal. These are considered Tubeless (TL) rims and do not require an inner tube.
A Tube Type (TT) Rim
A Spoke Rim That Is Tubeless (TL)
Rim Band for Spoke rims
When spokes pierce the rim, the inside of the rim is not smooth. This can lead to overheating or even a puncture in the inner tube during riding. To prevent this, it’s recommended to use a rim band—a rubber accessory that covers the inner rim and protects the motorcycle inner tube or the Michelin Bib Mousse™ from the spoke heads.
2. Alloy Rims
An Alloy rim is always Tubeless (TL) because its structure does not compromise the seal.
In Summary
The following table presents the key points:
| Alloy rim | |
TT tire (Tube Type) | Inner tube* | Inner tube |
TL tire (Tubeless) | Inner tube* | No inner tube |
*We recommend using a rim band with Tube Type tires.
Important:
For an alloy rim with a Tubeless tire, we do not recommend fitting an inner tube. In the event of a puncture, the tire could flatten instantly, which could lead to rapid airloss.
Now you know if your tires need an inner tube. If they do, let's see how to choose the right one for your type of vehicle or use.
Inner Tubes for Road Motorcycles and Scooters
When choosing an inner tube for road use, follow these two steps:
Match the Tube to Your Tire Size
Begin by identifying your tire size to find the appropriate inner tube.Choose the Valve Type
For the same tire size, you may have the option to select between two types of valves:
Straight valve
Angled valve
How to Choose a Valve
The valve shape determines how easy it is to pressurize the tire. For example:
If access to the valve is difficult, such as when the braking system obstructs it, an angled valve may make it easier to inflate the tire compared to a straight valve.
Scooter Inner Tube (angled valve in this example)
Road Motorcycle Inner Tube (straight valve in this example)
Inner Tube for Off-Road Motorcycles
For off-road use, we offer two types of inner tubes:
Reinforced Inner Tube: Robust and durable.
Ultra-Heavy Duty (UHD) Inner Tube: Extra robust with 4 mm thickness for added resistance.
Choosing the Valve
For off-road inner tubes, the valve type is always straight, so there is no choice to make here.
Which Inner Tube Should You Choose?
If both options are available in your tire dimensions, the Ultra-Heavy Duty (UHD) inner tube offers superior resistance, making it the more secure choice.
Reinforced Inner Tube
Ultra-Heavy Duty Inner Tube (UHD)
The Michelin Bib Mousse™ Alternative
Since the Michelin Bib Mousse™ contains no air, it’s an excellent off-road option that eliminates the worry of punctures.
Recommendations
We recommend using a new rim tape and a new inner tube every time you install a new tire.
When to Change the Valve of a Tubeless Tire
Rubber Valve: Replace the valve at every tire change.
Metal Valve: Replace the valve seal at every tire change.
To obtain the accessories mentioned in this article, contact your dealer or a professional near you:
