Are motorbike tyres tubeless?

Types of motorcycle tyres

The motorcycle tyre types are dependent on the wheel type mounted on the motorcycle.

Tubeless motorcycle tyres

Most modern motorcycles with alloy or cast wheels use tubeless tyres. These types of tyres seal directly to the rim as car tyres do. They have the advantage of losing air slowly when you get a puncture instead of deflating instantaneously.

Tubed motorcycle tyres

Motorcycles with wire-spoke wheels usually require tyres that have inner tubes. This is due to the fact that the rim's spoke holes prevent an airtight seal from forming when a tubeless tyre is mounted.

How to determine what you have

Look in your motorcycle handbook or the markings on your current tyres. Tubeless tyres will almost always be marked TUBELESS on the sidewall. If you're still not sure, check with your dealer or a motorcycle tyre professional.