III - Pressure

how to choose a motorcycle inner tube

How do you know if tyres are TL or TT? 

Tube Type tyres (TT)

These are tyres where the f irst layer of rubber on the inside is not airtight. They must therefore contain an

inner tube to maintain pressure.

Tubeless tyres (TL)

In tubeless tyres, the f irst layer of rubber is airtight. It is therefore not necessary to f it an inner tube to ensure

the seal.

However, there is an exception: if the rim is TT, an inner tube must be used.

Now examine rims to determine whether they are TL or TT.

How do you know if rims are TL or TT?  

Spoke rims

The spokes usually pierce the rim in the centre around the entire circumference. And since these holes imply a lack of sealing, this type of rim is

Tube Type (TT). It therefore requires an inner tube.

However, there are rims with spokes that are f ixed in other ways, in order to maintain the seal. This types of spoke rims are Tubeless (TL) and not

Tube Type (TT).

When do you need an inner tube? 

The function of an inner tube is to ensure that the tyre/wheel assembly is sealed. To f ind out if you need an inner tube, start by determining

whether your tyre is Tube Type (TT) or Tubeless (TL).

A Tube Type TT rim the spokes pierce

the rim in the centre

A spoke rim that is Tubeless TL the spokes are f ixed on the edges

maintaining the seal

ALT caption A rim band protects the inner tube or the MICHELIN Bib Mousse from the spoke heads

Rim band for spoke rims

When the spokes pierce the rim the inside of the rim is not smooth When riding this can

lead to overheating or to a hole in the inner tube To avoid this it is recommended that

you use a rim band This is a rubber accessory that covers the inner rim and protects the

motorcycle inner tube or the MICHELIN Bib MousseTM from the spoke heads

MICHELIN MOTORCYCLE AND SCOOTER 175

Technical data