On this page
- Why is a puncture on a motorbike more delicate?
- Is a warning triangle compulsory for motorbikes?
- How do you secure the motorbike on its stand?
- Tubeless or inner tube: what difference does it make?
- Can a motorbike tyre be repaired?
- What should you tell us when calling about a motorbike?
- Frequently asked questions
Why is a puncture on a motorbike more delicate?
On a motorbike a puncture is more delicate because, on two wheels, tyre pressure directly affects balance: a deflating tyre makes the bike unstable, especially when cornering and braking. If you feel the bike "floating" or the steering getting heavy, don't push on.
- Hold the handlebars firmly and don't brake sharply.
- Slow down gradually, using both brakes gently or engine braking.
- Pull over somewhere safe, away from the traffic.
- Switch on your hazard lights, if the bike has them.
Is a warning triangle compulsory for motorbikes?
No: in Italy the emergency warning triangle isn't compulsory for two-wheeled motorbikes and mopeds. That doesn't mean you can neglect visibility. To make your presence known:
- switch on your hazard lights or leave your lights on, if possible;
- wear highly visible clothing, ideally reflective, especially at night;
- move away from the carriageway and wait somewhere protected, with your helmet to hand.
The general rules for cars and other vehicles are in the guide on how to stay safe.
How do you secure the motorbike on its stand?
Only put the bike on its stand on firm, level ground: with a flat tyre the bike sits lower and is less stable than usual.
- Centre stand: if the bike has one, it's more stable and lifts one of the two wheels, which is useful for the job.
- Side stand: be careful on sloping ground, hot tarmac or soft ground, where the foot can sink. Put the bike in gear to stop it moving.
If the ground is sloping or soft, don't leave the bike unattended on the side stand: tell us about the situation on the phone.
Tubeless or inner tube: what difference does it make?
It makes a big difference to the job. Tubeless tyres hold air without an inner tube and are common on motorbikes and scooters with alloy wheels; tyres with an inner tube are more often found on spoked wheels.
| Tubeless | With inner tube | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it's usually found | Alloy wheels on motorbikes and scooters | Often on spoked wheels |
| Behaviour when punctured | Air loss often more gradual | Deflation often faster |
| Job | Assessed according to the damage | Also involves the inner tube |
If you don't know which type you have, look at the tyre sidewall: it often says TUBELESS or TL; if in doubt, send us a photo of the wheel.
Can a motorbike tyre be repaired?
On motorbikes, repairability must be assessed even more cautiously than on cars, because the tyre works leaned over in corners and safety depends heavily on its integrity. Generally a small hole in the central area of the tread can be assessed, while sidewall damage, cuts or tyres ridden on deflated need replacing. Also follow the tyre manufacturer's guidance. The general picture is in the guide on when a tyre can be repaired.
What should you tell us when calling about a motorbike?
When you call +39 377 326 0999 we set off straight away; so that we arrive with the right equipment, tell us:
- whether it's a motorbike or a scooter, with make and model;
- which wheel is punctured, front or rear;
- the tyre size and whether it's tubeless or has an inner tube;
- whether the bike has a centre stand;
- exactly where you are, including via your location on WhatsApp.
You can also send a photo via the online assistance request.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a puncture repair aerosol on my motorbike?
Puncture repair aerosols can temporarily seal small holes in some tubeless tyres, but they don't work on cuts or sidewall damage. On a motorbike, safety depends heavily on the tyre: after use, have it checked as soon as possible and ride at moderate speed, following the product's instructions.
Can I push the motorbike with a deflated rear tyre?
You can push it by hand for a few metres, to a safe, level spot: that's preferable to riding it. Avoid riding any distance on a deflated tyre, though, because you risk losing control and irreparably damaging the tyre and rim.
My scooter has small wheels: does that change anything with a puncture?
On scooters, small-diameter wheels make the vehicle sensitive to potholes, tram tracks and pressure loss, all common in Milan traffic. The advice stays the same: slow down, pull over safely and don't carry on with a deflated tyre. Tell us the model and tyre size when you call.
Do motorbikes have a pressure sensor like cars?
The European TPMS requirement since 2014 applies to cars, not motorbikes. Some motorbike models have it as standard or as an accessory, many don't. That's why on a motorbike it's even more important to check the pressure regularly when the tyres are cold, following the values in the owner's manual.