186 MICHELIN Motorcycle Scooter Tire Guide 2026 Edition

IV - THE MAIN PROBLEMS

Threats to the tire

THE THREE MAIN THREATS TO THE TIRE

ARE PHYSICAL , ENVIRONMENTAL AND HUMAN

They are usually related to the inf lation pressure , damage , the level of wear of the tread , weather conditions , maintenance ,

load conditions and speed …

With so many parameters involved , it is impossible to accurately predict the lifespan of a tire .

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

• Age .

• Poor conditions of storage .

• Wear and damage ( punctures , cuts , impacts , cracking /

crazing of the tread / sidewall rubber , lumps and bulges ,

etc ) .

• Extreme temperature .

• Moisture .

• Ozone .

• Solvents , Hydrocarbons .

• Fuel .

• Chemicals .

• Does not perform routine tire checks for wear or damage .

• Does not maintain proper tire pressure ( under inf lation or

over inf lation ) .

• Re - inf lates a tire that has run f lat or seriously under -

inf lated .

• Does not change a tire before it reaches the legal wear

limit .

• Neglects changes in bike behavior such as loss of

pressure , vibration , noise , etc .

• Does not inspect a tire after a severe impact .

• Has an aggressive riding style .

• Uses tires of dif ferent sizes or types .

• Does not replace the valve when replacing a tubeless tire .

• Repairs a tire themselves rather than go to a tire

specialist .

• Temporary repairs that become a permanent solution .

• Mount a tire on a wheel that is damaged or distorted .

• Does not store tires correctly .

• Tires tested on dynamometers :

Motorcycle or scooter tires that have been used for

performance tests on dynamometers should not be used

for normal outdoor riding afterwards . Specif ic test tires

or worn , smooth tires should be used for dynamometer

tests .

human

TECHNICAL DATA I THE MAIN PROBLEMS