FAQ

It is always recommended to use the pressures advised by your motorcycle manufacturer. These can be find in the motorcycle handbook.

To measure tyre pressure on your motorcycle, make sure the tyres are cold and on a flat surface. Remove the valve from the tyres and with the help of a well-calibrated pressure gauge, check the pressure and compare it with the pressure recommended by the motorcycle manufacturer, which you can find in the motorcycle handbook. Fix the pressure, if necessary, and put the valve back on.

There are multiple reasons why tyres lose pressure, including: defective valve, puncture, damage to the tyre, air leaks from the rims, corrosion of the valve or rim or, incorrect installation of the valve or rim. If you cannot identify the cause of the problem, it is recommended to take your bike to a qualified mechanic for a thorough inspection and necessary repairs.

Tyres lose pressure in cold weather mainly due to two factors:
- Air contraction: as the air cools, the molecules contract and use less space, reducing the pressure inside the tyre;
- Changes in air density: at lower temperatures, air becomes denser, which leads to a reduction in pressure inside the tyre.

It is important to monitor tyre pressure during the colder months and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, as tyre pressure influences safety and motorcycle performance.

It is possible to add air to nitrogen-filled tyres on a motorcycle, but it is better to keep the original mixture to maximise the benefits of nitrogen, especially if your bike is used in particularly demanding conditions. Always be sure to monitor tyre pressure periodically to ensure a safe ride.

The tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is a system designed to constantly monitor your motorcycle’s tyre pressure and alert the rider if there is a loss of pressure or insufficient pressure in one or both tyres. This system is important because proper tyre pressure is critical to road safety, tyre life, fuel efficiency and performance.

Not all motorcycles are equipped with a TPMS as standard, but it is possible to install aftermarket systems which provide similar features. TPMSs can use sensors mounted on tyre valves or integrated into the wheels to monitor tyre pressure and temperature. The effectiveness of a TPMS system depends on the quality of the sensors and the system, as well as the maintenance and proper functioning of the components.

The numbers on a motorcycle tyre provide important information about the tyre's dimensions, specifications and certifications of the tyre. Usually, the numbers are printed on the sidewall of the tyre and follow a specific pattern. Here is what the main numbers mean: tyre width, aspect ratio, rim diameter, load index, speed index plus other information depending on the typology of the tyre.

To determine the size of the tyres mounted on your motorcycle, check your motorcycle handbook or consult with your nearest Pirelli stockist.

In tyre size, the number representing the height is called the aspect ratio. This number is expressed as a percentage of the tyre width. A higher aspect ratio means that the sidewall of the tyre is higher than the width, while a lower aspect ratio indicates a lower sidewall and thus a "shorter" tyre.

To know when your motorcycle's tyres were manufactured, you can check the DOT code (Department of Transportation) on the sidewall of the tyre. The DOT code provides information about the tyre's manufacturer and date of manufacture plus some other information. To find out the date the tyre was manufactured look at the last four numbers: the first two numbers identify the week it was manufactured, while the last two numbers represent the year.

The time needed to change a motorcycle's tyres depends on different factors such as the experience of the mechanic, access to the appropriate tools, the complexity of the job, the overall condition of the motorcycle but also the type of tyres you are replacing. Changing a motorcycle's tyres can take from 1 hour to more than 2 hours; it is important to take all the time necessary to do the best job and make sure the motorcycle is safe to ride after the tyre change.

Yes, an unbalanced motorcycle tyre can cause annoying and dangerous discomfort while riding. Additionally, an unbalanced tyre can cause uneven wear and tear with negative effects on the life of the tyre. In fact, balancing a motorcycle's tyres helps eliminate undesirable vibrations that can occur at different riding speeds. These vibrations can result from small weight imbalances in the wheel-tyre assembly or from small variations in tyre roundness. Without proper balancing, these vibrations can increase fuel consumption, premature tyre wear, and adversely affect motorcycle stability and handling, at both low and high speeds.

Some signs that may indicate the need for tyre balancing include abnormal vibration, handlebar vibration, instability or “wobble”, irregular tyre wear and excessive noise. In general, it is advisable to balance tyres whenever they are fitted or have been removed and refitted for maintenance. In addition, if you experience any of the above listed symptoms, it is a good idea to take the motorcycle to a specialist for inspection and possible tyre balancing.

Disposing of used motorcycle tyres depends on local ordinance and the policies of waste management services in your area. Here are some general tips on how to dispose of used tyres responsibly: authorised collection centres, recycling events, motorcycle dealers and tyre dealers.

Punctures are often caused by nails, stones or other foreign objects. Excessive wear and tear on the tread and running at inappropriate pressures can also be contributing factors.

There can be several reasons why your motorcycle tyres have become noisy:
- Tyre wear: if the tyres are worn, they may produce more noise while riding;
- Tyre pressure: if the tyre pressure is too low or too high, it could cause more noise while riding;
- Improperly mounted tyres could be the cause of excessive noise;

Generally, when the tyres become noisy suddenly, it is recommended to take your bike to a qualified mechanic.

The minimum tread depth of motorcycle tyres varies according to local regulations and tyre manufacturer recommendations. It is important to regularly check the tread depth of your motorcycle tyres and replace them when necessary.