Motorcycle inner tubes come in different sizes, thicknesses, materials and valve configurations. Choosing the right one is straightforward once you know what to look for.

To select a motorcycle inner tube, you need to check four things:

The diameter of your wheel
The tyre sizes covered by the tube
The position and type of valve
Whether the tube is intended for road, trail or competition use

The tube does not always need to display the exact size printed on your tyre. One inner tube will often cover several closely related tyre sizes, but the wheel diameter must match and your tyre size must fall within the tube manufacturer’s stated coverage.

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL OF OUR MOTORBIKE INNER TUBES

How do I know whether my motorcycle needs inner tubes?

Whether your motorcycle needs an inner tube is determined primarily by the wheel and rim, not simply by whether the tyre is marked TT or TL.

Traditional spoked wheels commonly have spoke nipples passing through the well of the rim. These holes prevent the wheel from holding air by itself, so an inner tube and protective rim tape are normally required.

Cast wheels are normally designed for tubeless tyres, although there are exceptions. Some modern spoked wheels are also sealed and designed to run tubeless.

Look for TT or TL in the tyre description:

TT means tube type.
TL means tubeless.

A tyre marked TL may sometimes be used with an appropriate inner tube on a tube-type rim, provided the tyre and rim manufacturers permit that combination. However, you should not assume that fitting a tube makes every tyre and wheel combination acceptable.

If you are uncertain, check the motorcycle handbook, wheel markings and tyre manufacturer’s fitting instructions.

How to choose the correct motorcycle inner-tube size

Start with the size printed on the sidewall of your tyre. It may be written in metric form, such as:

120/90-18

This means:

120 – nominal tyre width in millimetres
90 – sidewall height as a percentage of the width
18 – wheel diameter in inches

You need an 18-inch inner tube whose listed dimensional coverage includes 120/90-18.

An imperial tyre size might be written as:

4.00-18

Again, the final number is the wheel diameter, so this tyre requires an 18-inch tube with suitable width coverage.

The tube may be marked with one exact tyre size or a range of compatible sizes. For example, an inner tube may cover several sizes including 100/100-18, 110/100-18, 120/90-18 and 130/80-18.

Always use the compatibility information supplied for the particular tube rather than relying on a general conversion alone.

Can I use a slightly different inner-tube size?

An inner tube can usually accommodate a limited range of tyre widths. That is why manufacturers commonly list several compatible tyre sizes against one tube.

However, you should not fit a tube simply because its wheel diameter is correct.

A tube that is too small may be stretched excessively, making it thinner and placing additional strain around the valve. A tube that is too large can fold or crease inside the tyre, creating areas that may rub, trap heat or eventually fail.

Use a tube whose published size range includes your tyre. If you cannot confirm compatibility, ask us before ordering.

Metric and imperial motorcycle inner-tube sizes

Older motorcycles and many classic tyres use imperial sizes such as 3.25-18 or 4.00-18. Modern tyres are more commonly marked with metric sizes such as 100/90-18 or 120/80-18.

There are approximate relationships between imperial and metric tyre sizes, but they are not always exact. Tyre shape and actual dimensions can also vary between manufacturers.

For that reason, an imperial-to-metric chart should be treated as a useful starting point rather than proof that a particular tube is suitable.

The individual tube listing should state the metric and imperial tyre sizes it covers. If your size is not shown, contact us and we will help identify the correct tube.

Which inner-tube thickness do I need?

Motorcycle inner tubes are available in standard, reinforced, heavy-duty and ultra-heavy-duty constructions.

The terminology is not completely standardised between manufacturers, but typical thicknesses range from approximately 1.5 mm for a road tube to around 4 mm for an ultra-heavy-duty off-road tube.

Standard road tubes

A standard tube is normally the appropriate choice for road motorcycles, scooters, classic bikes and road-biased adventure bikes.

Road tubes are designed for sustained road speeds and are available in a wide range of sizes and valve configurations.

Reinforced and medium-duty tubes

A reinforced or medium-duty tube provides more material than a standard tube without necessarily being as bulky as an ultra-heavy-duty competition tube.

These can suit trail and enduro riding where some additional resistance to pinching is useful but the bike may also cover road miles.

Heavy-duty and ultra-heavy-duty tubes

Heavy-duty tubes are designed primarily for demanding off-road use. Their thicker construction can provide greater resistance to pinch punctures when riding over rocks, roots and other obstacles at reduced tyre pressures.

Thicker is not automatically better. A heavy tube adds weight, occupies more space inside the tyre and can generate or retain more heat. Suitability for road use and sustained speed varies by product.

Some heavy-duty and ultra-heavy-duty tubes are road legal, while others may be intended specifically for competition or limited off-road use. Check the individual manufacturer’s instructions rather than relying solely on the words “heavy duty”.

Can I use a heavy-duty inner tube on the road?

It depends on the particular tube.

Some manufacturers sell reinforced or ultra-heavy-duty tubes that are road legal. However, that does not necessarily make every thick competition tube suitable for prolonged high-speed road use.

Check:

whether the tube is approved for road use
any speed or usage restrictions
the tube’s compatibility with your tyre size
the instructions supplied by the manufacturer

For a motorcycle used mainly on the road, a standard road tube is normally the simplest and most appropriate choice. For a bike used across road and off-road conditions, a reinforced tube may provide a better compromise than the thickest tube available.

Natural-rubber vs butyl-rubber inner tubes

Most motorcycle inner tubes are made from butyl rubber, natural rubber or a blend of the two.

Butyl-rubber tubes

Butyl rubber retains air well and is widely used for standard road and trail inner tubes. It generally offers good resistance to ageing and is a practical choice for ordinary road use.

Natural-rubber tubes

Natural rubber is highly elastic and is commonly used in some heavy-duty and competition-focused tubes. Its flexibility can be useful in demanding off-road applications.

In practice, construction, thickness, quality and intended use are more important to most riders than the material alone. Choose the correct type and size of tube from a reputable manufacturer rather than assuming one rubber compound is always superior.

Choosing the correct valve

The valve must suit the hole and valve position in your wheel.

A correctly sized tube with the wrong valve may be impossible to fit safely. Check your existing tube and wheel before ordering.

The most common motorcycle inner-tube valves include:

TR4 – straight metal valve, normally centrally positioned
TR6 – straight metal valve with retaining nuts, available in different positions
TR13 – straight rubber valve
TR15 – wider rubber valve base, available in centre or offset versions
TR87/TR87C – angled metal valve
PV78 – angled valve used in some applications
JS244A – centre-mounted angled metal valve

This is not an exhaustive list. The exact valve code matters less than ensuring that the valve’s type, angle and position match the wheel.

Centre or offset valve?

On some wheels, the valve hole is positioned in the centre of the rim. On others, particularly certain cruiser and Harley-Davidson wheels, it is offset to one side.

Do not force a centre-valve tube into a wheel designed for an offset valve. This pulls the valve stem sideways and places unnecessary stress on its joint with the tube.

Straight or angled valve?

An angled valve can make pressure checks easier on some small-diameter or closely packaged wheels. However, it must be the correct type and orientation for the wheel.

Whenever possible, match the valve on the replacement tube to the original.

Should the valve-stem nut be tightened against the rim?

Follow the instructions supplied by the tube manufacturer.

On many off-road installations, the retaining nut is not tightened firmly against the rim. Leaving clearance can make it easier to see whether the tyre and tube have moved on the wheel and can reduce the chance of the valve immediately being torn from the tube.

Other tube and wheel arrangements may have different fitting instructions. The nut should not be used to pull the valve into position when the tube is incorrectly seated.

If the valve begins to lean, stop and investigate. It may indicate that the tyre and tube have moved around the rim.

What are rim tape and rim locks?

Rim tape

On a conventional spoked wheel, rim tape sits between the inner tube and the wheel. It protects the tube from spoke nipples, edges and holes in the rim.

Inspect the rim tape whenever the tyre or tube is removed. Replace it if it is split, displaced, brittle or no longer covers the spoke nipples properly.

Rim lock

A rim lock clamps the tyre bead against the rim and helps prevent the tyre rotating when low pressures and high drive or braking forces are involved.

Rim locks are common on motocross and enduro motorcycles. If the tyre moves but the tube and valve do not, the valve can be pulled from the tube.

A rim lock must be the correct width for the wheel and should be fitted and balanced properly.

Should I fit a new tube with a new tyre?

We recommend fitting a new inner tube when replacing a tyre.

An old tube has already been stretched and heat-cycled inside the previous tyre. It may also have thinning, abrasion, corrosion around the valve or damage that is difficult to see.

Reusing it saves relatively little compared with the inconvenience and potential risk of another tyre removal if the old tube subsequently fails.

The rim tape should also be inspected and replaced if damaged or deteriorated.

Can a tubeless tyre be fitted with an inner tube?

Sometimes—but only on an appropriate tube-type rim and where the tyre manufacturer permits it.

Many TL tyres can be used with the correct tube when fitted to a conventional tube-type wheel. This is common on classic motorcycles and bikes with traditional spoked wheels.

That does not mean you should add a tube to an ordinary tubeless wheel as a routine repair or workaround. The suitability of the rim, tyre, tube and valve must all be confirmed.

A tube should not be used to disguise damage to a tyre or wheel.

What does NHS mean on an inner tube?

NHS means Not for Highway Service.

A tube or tyre carrying this marking is intended for competition or off-road use rather than normal public-road use.

Do not assume that every motocross or ultra-heavy-duty tube is road legal. Check the markings and product information for the specific tube.

Motorcycle tyre mousses

A mousse is not an inflatable inner tube. It is a solid foam insert designed to provide the equivalent of a low tyre pressure without being vulnerable to an ordinary puncture.

Mousses are intended for off-road competition and specialist use. They require the correct lubricant, careful fitting and regular inspection. They also have a finite service life.

A mousse should not be treated as a puncture-proof road conversion. Heat and sustained speed can damage it, and road use may be prohibited by the manufacturer.

Mousses are also notoriously difficult to fit, as anyone in our workshop who has wrestled with one will confirm.

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL OF OUR MOTORBIKE MOUSSES

Harley-Davidson inner tubes

Which Harleys run inner tubes? The answer is: quite a few of them. If your Harley has spoked wheels, the chances are it runs an inner tube.

Michelin make a 16M12 tube that has an off centre valve, this tube is a very very common fitment for HD spoked wheel with an offset valve hole.

Metzeler make their enormous ME-K18 also with and off centre valve.

Motorcycle inner-tube fitting tips

Check that the tube size and valve match the tyre and wheel.
Inspect the inside of the tyre for nails, thorns, trapped debris and carcass damage.
Check the wheel for rust, sharp edges and damaged spoke nipples.
Inspect or replace the rim tape.
Add only enough air to give the tube its shape before fitting.
Make sure the tube is not twisted or trapped beneath the tyre bead.
Do not use the valve nut to pull an incorrectly seated valve into place.
Take care not to pinch the tube with tyre levers.
Confirm that the tyre bead is seated evenly around the wheel.
Fit a valve cap after inflation.
Recheck the pressure after the first ride.

If you are not confident fitting a tube, use an experienced motorcycle tyre fitter. A tube can be damaged during installation without the problem being immediately obvious.

Motorcycle inner-tube FAQs

Do all spoked motorcycle wheels need inner tubes?

No. Traditional spoked wheels normally require tubes because the spoke nipples pass through the rim bed. Some modern spoked wheels are sealed and designed for tubeless tyres.

Does the tube need to show exactly the same size as the tyre?

Not necessarily. A tube normally covers a range of compatible tyre sizes. Your tyre size must appear within the dimensional coverage stated by the tube manufacturer.

Can I repair a punctured motorcycle inner tube?

A tube can sometimes be patched, but replacement is usually the better option for normal motorcycle use. Damage close to the valve, splits, extensive abrasion and tubes that have been ridden flat should not be repaired.

Can I reuse an old tube in a new tyre?

It may be physically possible, but fitting a new tube is recommended. The old tube may already have stretched, deteriorated or suffered unseen damage.

Can I use a motocross tube on the road?

Only if that particular tube is approved for road use and suitable for the tyre, motorcycle and intended speeds. Do not assume all heavy-duty or competition tubes are road legal.

What causes an inner tube to tear at the valve?

Common causes include the tyre moving around the rim, incorrect valve alignment, an unsuitable tube, low pressure, poor fitting or the valve being placed under tension.

Why does my inner tube keep puncturing?

Repeated punctures can be caused by a remaining object in the tyre, damaged rim tape, rust or sharp edges on the wheel, spoke nipples, incorrect tube sizing, low pressure, tyre movement or damage caused during fitting.

Can I use a tube as a repair for a damaged tubeless tyre?

No. An inner tube should not be used to make a structurally damaged tyre safe. The tyre must still be suitable for continued use, and the tyre/rim/tube combination must be approved.

Find the right motorcycle inner tube

Use the size on your tyre, check the tube manufacturer’s stated dimensional coverage and make sure the valve matches your wheel.

We stock a wide range of motorcycle and scooter inner tubes from the most popular manufacturers. We have direct accounts and we can get hold of any product in any size:

Shop motorcycle inner tubes by manufacturer

Avon

Avon Heavy Duty Inner Tubes (Natural Rubber)

Avon Inner Tubes (Butyl Rubber)

Bridgestone

Bridgestone Road + Trail Inner Tubes

Bridgestone Medium Heavy Duty Motocross + Enduro Inner Tubes

Continental

Continental Road and Trail Inner Tubes

Continental Scooter Inner Tubes

Continental Moped Inner Tubes

Continental Medium Heavy Duty Motocross + Enduro Inner Tubes

Kenda

Kenda Standard Motocross + Enduro Inner Tubes

Kenda Super Tuff Tube Motocross + Enduro

Kenda Tuff Tube Motocross + Enduro

Kings

Kings Motorcycle Inner Tubes

Heidenau

Heidenau Road + Trail Inner Tubes

Heidenau Heavy Duty Inner Tube

Michelin

Michelin Road + Trail Motorcycle Inner Tubes

Michelin Reinforced Motocross, Enduro + SuperMoto Inner Tubes

Michelin Ultra Heavy Duty Motocross + Enduro Inner Tubes

Michelin Trials Inner Tube

Metzeler

Metzeler Road Inner Tubes

If you are unsure, contact the Two Tyres team with:

your motorcycle make, model and year
the complete tyre size
the front or rear wheel
a photograph of the existing valve or old tube, if available

We can then help you identify the correct inner tube.