Motorcycle Tyre Pressure Guide
General front/rear tyre pressure ranges (bar/psi) by motorcycle class, with a bar–psi–kPa converter.
Free · No sign-upCorrect tyre pressure is critical for handling, braking distance, tyre life and fuel use. Low pressure overheats the tyre and makes the bike wallow in corners; high pressure shrinks the contact patch and reduces grip.
The chart below shows general ranges by motorcycle class. The correct value for your bike is in the owner's manual and, on most models, on a label on the swingarm, chain guard or under the seat; that value always takes priority.
General tyre pressures by class (cold tyres)
| Motorcycle class | Front | Rear (solo) | Rear (pillion/load) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scooter (50–125 cc, small wheels) | 1.75–2.0 bar25–29 psi | 2.0–2.25 bar29–33 psi | 2.25–2.5 bar33–36 psi |
| Geared commuter (100–250 cc) | 1.75–2.0 bar25–29 psi | 2.0–2.25 bar29–33 psi | 2.25–2.8 bar33–41 psi |
| Maxi scooter (250–600 cc) | 2.0–2.25 bar29–33 psi | 2.25–2.5 bar33–36 psi | 2.5–2.9 bar36–42 psi |
| Cruiser / chopper | 2.0–2.25 bar29–33 psi | 2.25–2.5 bar33–36 psi | 2.5–2.9 bar36–42 psi |
| Naked and sport (radial tyres) | 2.25–2.5 bar33–36 psi | 2.5–2.9 bar36–42 psi | 2.9 bar42 psi |
| Touring and adventure (road use) | 2.25–2.5 bar33–36 psi | 2.5–2.9 bar36–42 psi | 2.8–2.9 bar41–42 psi |
| Enduro / motocross (off-road)Off-road only, at low speed | 0.8–1.2 bar12–17 psi | 0.8–1.2 bar12–17 psi | — |
bar – psi – kPa converter
2.25 bar = 32.6 psi = 225 kPa
How it is calculated
Measure with cold tyres, before riding or after at least 3 hours parked. A hot tyre typically reads 0.2–0.4 bar higher; letting that extra air out is a mistake.
When riding with a pillion or luggage, raise the rear pressure to the 'loaded' value in the manual, usually 0.25–0.4 bar above the solo value.
The 'max. pressure' on the sidewall is the highest pressure the tyre can withstand, not the pressure to ride at.
Formula
- 1 bar = 14.504 psi = 100 kPa
- psi = bar × 14.504
- bar = psi ÷ 14.504
Worked example
- 12.25 bar × 14.504 ≈ 32.6 psi (usually 33 psi on a compressor gauge)
- 236 psi ÷ 14.504 ≈ 2.48 bar
- 32.0 bar = 200 kPa
Good to know
- Check the pressure at least every two weeks and before every long trip; even sound tyres lose pressure over time.
- Petrol station gauges can be inaccurate; your own digital or dial gauge is more reliable.
- A tyre that keeps losing pressure may have a nail, a rim-bead or a valve leak; have it inspected.
Frequently asked questions
What tyre pressure should my motorcycle run?
Use the value in your owner's manual. As a general guide, 125 cc scooters run about 1.75–2.0 bar front and 2.0–2.25 bar rear; motorcycles over 300 cc on radial tyres run about 2.25–2.5 bar front and 2.5–2.9 bar rear.
How often should I check tyre pressure?
At least every two weeks and before every long trip. Even sound tyres can lose around 0.1 bar a month.
How do I convert psi to bar?
Divide the psi value by 14.504: 33 psi ÷ 14.504 ≈ 2.28 bar. To convert bar to psi, multiply by 14.504.
Why lower tyre pressure off-road?
Lower pressure enlarges the contact patch and improves grip on dirt and rocks. Use these values only off-road and at low speed, and reinflate to road pressure before going back on tarmac.
Results are for information only and are based on theoretical calculations. For parts and maintenance, follow your motorcycle's owner's manual and the manufacturer's specifications. Last reviewed: October 8, 2026
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