# Tire Knowledge

Combination of tubeless and tube-type motorcycle tires with rims and inner tubes

as well as the usage of valve caps and flaps

There are two different types of Continental Motorcycle and Scooter Tires available: Tube-Type Tires and Tubeless-Tires.

Tubeless-Tires (TL Tires)

These tires are designed to be mounted on tubeless rims (see rim description below) and have a corresponding TL marking in the description of the tire size (e.g. 120/70 ZR 17 M/C 58W TL).

Continental Tubeless-Tires can be mounted on tubeless rims without inner tubes but also on tube-type rims, if mounted with inner tubes of the correct size.

Tube-Type Tires (TT Tires)

TT tires are designed to be mounted on tube-type rims only (see rim description below) and have a corresponding TT marking in the description of the tire size (e.g. 90/90-21 M/C 54S TT).

Tube-Type Tires from Continental have to be mounted on tube-type rims with inner tubes of the correct size but are not allowed to be mounted on tubeless rims, neither with tubes nor without tubes.

Types of Rims

Tubeless rim

only to be used without tube
e.g. MT H2-type with safety humps
usually used for cast wheels

Tube-type rim

only to be used with tubes
e.g. WM-type
usually used for spoked wheels

Inner Tubes

If replacing a tire with inner tube, always use a new tube!
It is not allowed to mount tubes on tubeless rims, only tube type rims are suitable for tubes!
Continental tubes are developed for speeds up to 210 km/h (130 MPH).
Before mounting the tube, place the washer on the valve stem.
After mounting lock both nuts against each other with a space of approx. 5mm (0,2”) above the rim. This type of mounting ensures, that on the one hand the valve is held in position for inflation, but on the other hand it does not tear off the tube in case the tire and tube rotate slightly on the rim.

Valve Caps

Please mount the valve cap after mounting a tire!
The valve cap protects the valve core from dirt and avoids air loss in case of high speeds or a faulty valve core.
Your valve core may open with centrifugal force – a loss of pressure could occur.
Use a quality valve cap with O-ring.

Flaps (Rim Strips)

Flaps or rim strips are used for tube-type rims.
They are in place to protect the inner tube from damage, especially from the nipples of the spokes, which are mounted inside the rim.
When fitting a new tire or inner tube, the flap must be checked for damage and replaced if necessary.