Instructions and tips for motorcycle users

• M/C – tires for motorcycles, for the rims of motorcycles with a diameter of the tire bead seat different from the rims with the same designation but intended for passenger or commercial/delivery vehicles.
• MOPED – tires constructed for motorcycles that achieve a speed of 50 km/h or less.
• MST- tires for special-purpose motorcycles, a wider tire tread than the comparable dimensions of the same designation.
• NHS – Not for Highway Service - tires for off-road motorcycles, use on public road surfaces not allowed.
• M+S – tires designed for use in mud and snow (winter tires).
• PR – designates various tire versions (load index/inflation pressure) of the same dimension designation.
• REINF – motorcycle tires for load and inflation pressures that exceed standard values.
• TUBELESS – tires specially designed for tubeless mounting on suitable rims
• TUBE TYPE – tires specially designed for mounting with a tube.
• TT/TL – Tube Type/Tubeless – tires for use with a tube / without a tube.
• LI/SS – Load index, Speed Symbol.
• TRA. – The Tire and Rim Association.
• TWI – Tire Wear Indicator
• ETRTO – European Tire and Rim Technical Organization.
• DOT – Department of Transportation, USA.
• NHTSA – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (an agency of the Executive Branch of the US government).

TIRE ASSEMBLY
Advances in motorcycle technology over the last few decades has led to the development of a wide range of motorcycle tires that all are made from the same basic parts:

• Tire tread is the upper part of the tire that contacts with the road surface. The combination of tire tread pattern and rubber compound ensures sufficient grip on-road or off-road as well as water dispersion from tread grooves. Road grip depends on the rubber compound. As a rule, a tire made from a softer compound has more grip but a shorter service life, whereas a tire made from a harder one has less grip but a longer service life.
• Sidewall connects the tread area to the rim area and is also where data is engraved with: size, speed symbol, load index, pattern name, manufacturer name, country of origin, ECE homologation number and others.  During use the sidewall transmits lateral forces, dampens oscillations and prevents tire deformations.
• Carcass plies are the supporting structure of the tire that help retain its shape irrespective of the forces generated during the ride. They consist of two or more cord layers of rayon, nylon, polyester, kevlar, steel and other relevant materials.
• Tire bead which consists of a wire bead and layers of rubberized cord that holds the tire onto the rim and prevents it from moving. The bead provides rigidity to the tire and controls acceleration and braking forces while transmitting them to the suspension. On tubeless tires, the tire bead also prevents loss of air pressure.

TYPES OF TIRE CONSTRUCTION
There are three types of tire carcass construction:

• Diagonal tires otherwise called Bias and are the most common in use. The carcass plies of a diagonal tire combine two or more textile cord layers that overlayed at determined angles. These tires are commonly used on motorcycles with a lower cubic capacity, scooters, and classic.
• Diagonal-belted tires are similar to Diagonal tires with a reinforced diagonal belt under the tread surface. These tires are marked with the B letter in the size description: e.g. 130/90B15. Best suited to heavy high cubic capacity motorcycles and poor road conditions.
• Radial tires have carcass plies with a cord layer layed at steep angles towards the riding direction with reinforcement belts placed across the carcass plies in order to stabilize the tread surface. Steel cord-reinforced radial tires come with an additional steel cord under the tread surface. Radial tires are particularly suited for high speed motorcycles that generate strong acceleration, deceleration and cornering.

SPEED / LOAD INDEX
The speed index indicates the highest permissible tire speed under the marked Load index (see below), while the load index indicates the maximum permissible tire load applicable.  Permissible speed/load indices for each tire are listed in the catalogues and in www.mitas-moto.com. These speed and load indications apply to tires in good condition, properly inflated and mounted on suitable rims.  When replacing worn-out tires, make sure the speed and load indices of the new tires correspond to the values specified by the motorcycle manufacturer.

TYPES OF TUBES
Mitas normal and heavy-duty tubes for motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds are made from a high-quality butyl compound, while the ultra heavy-duty tubes are made from natural rubber. Mitas tubes are from 1.2 to 2.0 mm thick, whereas the ultra heavy-duty tubes are up to 4 mm thick. The  TR4, TR6, or JS87 valve stems are fully threaded and have a ring-shaped base. Metal valve cap with a rubber seal prevents dust from getting into the valve. All our tubes are packed in boxes.

• It is extremely important to maintain the specified tire pressure. An appropriately inflated tire will have the correct shape, last longer, have better overall stability, riding comfort and road grip.
• Inflate the tire to the value recommended by the motorcycle manufacturer in the user manual.
• An underinflated tire can be very hazardous as this generates heat at high constant speeds that can cause abrupt tire failure.  Underinflation can also lead to higher tear wear and tire cracking along the sidewall.
• An overinflated tire will cause higher wear along the central tread section of the tire tread, can lead tread cracking.  The tire will also be more uncomfortable, the lower contact area will also reduce the tire grip.
• In the case of a sudden pressure drop, remove the tire from the rim and check it completely for damages.
• Maintain the air pressure by measuring cold pressures (when tires are still cold before use).
• if riding at high speeds, increase the pressure by 0.2 bar (2,9 psi)
• if riding with high loads (passenger and luggage), increase rear tire pressure by 0.2 bar (2,9 psi).
• if tire is hot, inflate the tire 0,3 bar (4,35 psi) higher than the specified cold pressure and adjust again when the tire is cold to the correct pressure.
• Using a calibrated pressure gauge, check tire pressure at least once per week when the tire is cold and always before a longer trip.
• Be aware that the pressure increases when the tire is hot and decreases when cold. The pressure can also drop if a valve insert does not fit well or is worn out.
• Check the valve insert, tighten it or replace it if required.
• Always fix the valve cap tightly to prevent dust from entering.
• We recommend replacing the valve when replacing a tubeless tire.
• We recommend replacing the tube when replacing a tube-type tire. Tubes stretch during use and debris inside the tire can also cause damage. Prolonged use increases the chance of tube failure and abrupt pressure loss which can lead to a loss in vehicle stability. We recommend using Mitas tubes with Mitas tires.

All tires treads are designed to include a TWI (Tire Wear Indicator) along the tread area.  These usually become more visible as the tire tread wears and are warn the rider once the tread is worn that the time has come to replace the tire.

Below a list of different factors that can cause abnormal tire wear and tear:

• Underinfaltion or overinflation can cause excessive or unequal wear.
• Riding at high speeds, with aggressive acceleration and deceleration.
• Higher road surface temperatures.
• Rough and/or abrasive road surface conditions.
• Mechanical irregularities such as deformed wheels, incorrect brake adjustment, poor-quality shock absorbers, a too large gap between the wheel bearings, etc.
• Unbalanced rotation mass of the tire with the rim valve.
• Inaccurately aligned rear wheel after transmission chain replacement or adjustment.

Always ensure sufficient space between the individual motorcycle parts (mudguards, forks, transmission chain) and the tire mounted on the rim.  At high speeds the tire will change shape due to centrifugal force.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MOUNTING A TUBELESS TIRE

Mounting procedure:

• When replacing a tire, it is recommended to replace the valve as well.
• Make sure that the tire and the rims are clean and in good condition.
• Apply a special emulsion to the rim edge and the tire bead.  This will make fitting easier and protect the tire from bead damage.
• Pay attention to the ROTATION marking on the sidewall of the tire to ensure pattern is working in the designed direction of service.
• High speed tires will normally have a yellow dot on the sidewall which indicates the lightest point on the tire cirecumference.  The valve should be aligned with this dot once the tire is mounted on the rim in order to make balancing the tire and rim with weights easier.
• Ideally using tire mounting equipment, fit the tire unto the rim. Please follow instructions for the tire mounting equipment from the manufacturer.
• Inflate the tire upto a pressure of at least 3.5 bar (51 psi) ensuring the tire bead seats firmly onto the rim.  It is recommended to inflate to such a pressure without the valve insert.
• Adjust the tire pressure to the value preferably specified by the motorcycle manufacturer.
• The wheel is ready for use.

Dismounting procedure:

• Ideally using tire mounting equipment, remove the tire from the rim. Please follow instructions for the tire mounting equipment from the manufacturer.
• If the tire has reached the TWI, replace the tire.  Please dispose of the tire correctly.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MOUNTING A TUBE-TYPE TIRE 

Mounting procedure: 

• When replacing a tire, it is recommended to replace the tube as well.
• Make sure that the tire, rims and flaps are clean and in good condition.
• Apply a special emulsion to the rim edge and the tire bead.  This will make fitting easier and protect the tire from bead damage.
• Slightly inflate the tube to make it easier to fit and place it in the inside cavity of the tire.  Sometimes it can also be placed inside the tire cavity once only one bead is fitted to the rim.
• Pay attention to the ROTATION marking on the sidewall of the tire to ensure pattern is working in the designed direction of service.
• High speed tires will normally have a yellow dot on the sidewall which indicates the lightest point on the tire cirecumference.  The valve should be aligned with this dot once the tire is mounted on the rim in order to make balancing the tire and rim with weights easier.
• Ideally using tire mounting equipment, fit the tire unto the rim. Please follow instructions for the tire mounting equipment from the manufacturer.
• Inflate the tire upto a pressure of at least 3.5 bar (51 psi) ensuring the tire bead seats firmly onto the rim.  It is recommended to inflate to such a pressure without the valve insert.
• Adjust the tire pressure to the value preferably specified by the motorcycle manufacturer.
• The wheel is ready for use.

Dismounting procedure:

• Remove the valve insert and deflate the tube completely.  Ideally using tire mounting equipment, remove the tire from the rim. Please follow instructions for the tire mounting equipment from the manufacturer.
• If the tire has reached the TWI, replace the tire.  Please dispose of the tire correctly.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MOUNTING A MOUSSE WITH A TIRE

Mounting procedure:

• Make sure that rims are clean and in good condition.
• Remove the mousse from the packaging, make sure to check you have the correct sizes for the tires.
• Apply the lubricant supplied with the mousse or Mitas Lube thoroughly to the surface of the mousse. This will make fitting easier and will protect the condition of the mousse.
• A rim-lock is recommended when using a mousse to avoid the tire spinning on the rim.  Please follow instruction for rim-lock assembly from the rim-lock manufacturer.
• Stuff the mousse into the inside of the tire (as you would do with a tube) making sure that the entire mousse fits into the tire cavity.
• Pay attention to the ROTATION marking on the sidewall of the tire to ensure pattern is working in the designed direction of service.
• Ideally using tire mounting equipment, fit the tire unto the rim. Please follow instructions for the tire mounting equipment from the manufacturer.
• Lock the rim-lock(s)
• The wheel is ready for use.

Dismounting procedure:

• Remember to unblock any rim-lock(s).  Please follow instruction for rim-lock disassembly from the rim-lock manufacturer.
• Ideally using tire mounting equipment, remove the tire from the rim. Please follow instructions for the tire mounting equipment from the manufacturer.
• Remove the mousse from inside the tire.
• Once the mousse has broken down and is no longer providing the requested support or it has expired, please dispose of correctly.

TIRES

• Tires are the only part of a motorcycle in contact with the road surface. Safety at accelerating, braking, steering, and cornering thus depends on a relatively small surface between the tire and the road. Proper tire maintenance during their entire service life is thus of extreme importance.
• Maintain tire pressure specified for a particular vehicle. Regularly check tire wear and tear. Regularly, at least once a week, check tire pressure. Regularly check the condition of the tire (damages on the outer surface), preferably before each use. Improper tire pressure or improper condition of the vehicle can shorten and/or negatively affect the service life of the tire.
• Monitor tire tread wear regularly to ensure best performance. Worn-out tires are more prone to damage and do not ensure adequate grip, particularly on wet roads. Riding worn-out or damaged tires can be very dangerous.
• Only trained authorized personnel should replace the tires to ensure the tire is correctly mounted and balanced on the rim.
• The service load of the vehicle must be distributed so as not to overload any individual tire. The loading capacity of the tire is determined by tire inflation and the maximum speed of the vehicle.
• The surface of a new tire is very smooth, which is why we recommend riding carefully for the initial 100 km to run in the tire.
• Ride carefully. Excessive acceleration, braking and cornering significantly reduce the service life of the tire and increases chances of an accident.
• MITAS motorcycles tires are designed for motorcycles only. Mounting these tires on any other vehicle could be hazardous.
• We recommend to always comply with the nominal dimensions indicated by the motorcycle manufacturer.  Not doing so could compromise handling and performance. The rider is responsible for the proper use of tires and compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Always read and follow the instructions issued by the motorcycle manufacturer.
• Tubeless tires require corresponding tubeless rims, however they can be assembled on a type-type rim provided a tube is used.  More recent tires have been homologated as TL/TT, meaning the tire is both a tubeless and tube-type tire. This is quite common on Adventure / Dual Sport / Trail bikes.
• Technical parameters in the Mitas catalogs are based on international standards and recommendations (ETRTO, TRA).
• Suitable flaps must be used with spoked wheels. Regularly check the flaps to prevent a protruding spoke head puncture the tube.
• Do not use a damaged tubeless tire with a tube.
• Immediately remove rocks and nails from the tire tread to avoid punctures to carcass plies, a tire failure or an accident. The main advantage of tubeless tires is that they do not deflate abruptly even if punctured by a nail; however, if a rider is not aware of a tire failure and carries on with the ride, the extent of damage can increase and turn into a hazardous one.
• We strongly advise against repairing the tire shoulder and sidewall area.
• We strongly advise against repairing the P speed or higher category tires.
• We strongly advise against repairing any radial tires (on any section).
• The tire can behave differently if in contact with oil or fat, therefore clean the throughly with a cloth soaked in gasoline (benzene).
• After purchasing a tire, the buyer assumes responsibility for its proper storage and disposal.

RIMS

• Use only specified, suitable, clean, and undamaged rims. Before mounting a rim, check it for damages and clean any oils or dirt (such as but not limited to rust). It is recommended to coat sheet metal rims with a protective paint.
• Rim diameter, width, load values and other relevant technical data are defined in the Mitas catalogs. Specific data is available as part of vehicle documentation. Use vehicles in conformity with the manufacturer’s instructions. Use motorcycles only with the rims specified by the motorcycle manufacturer. Using a suitable rim is essential for a stable ride and other riding characteristics. A too narrow or a too wide rim can influence the shape of the tire tread and deteriorate riding characteristics in general.

• Make sure that stored tires are not pinched, squeezed or stretched in storage to prevent any permanent tire deformations.
• Short-term storage (up to 4 weeks): stack the tires horizontally up to a height of 1.5 m, but only if they have carrying cardboard inserted.
• Longer storage periods: place the tires vertically and turn them slightly once a month.
• Recommended storage temperature: below 25°C, below 15°C even better.
• If temperatures are higher, tire deformations are more likely. Prevent direct contact with heat sources such as heaters and hot pipes.  Very low temperatures can negatively affect the tires.
• Before using, warm the tires up to 25°C.
• Store the tires in ozone-free spaces (away from electrical motors and other equipment producing sparks and discharges that cause or increase ozone concentration in storage space) and in the spaces that are free from chemical substances such as fuels, greases, chemicals, acid, or disinfectants.
• Store the tires away from sharp objects, which could damage their surface (pointy metal parts, wooden parts, or other sharp objects).
• Mousse shelf life, please refer to production date on the mousse box:
• Standard & Rally mousse – 12 months from production date
• Soft & Extreme mousse – 8 months from production date

General storage conditions apply to colored tires (white walled) as well; however, it should be taken into account that a colored sidewall is extremely sensitive to dirt and direct sunlight, which is why we recommend wrapping up colored tires in protective foil and storing them in a dark space.