Planning to buy new tires for your motorcycle and came across the term “tire approval”? It’s no wonder, because especially with high-quality brand tires like Michelin, tire approval plays a vital role in your safety and the proper operation of your bike.
What is Motorcycle Tire Approval?
Tire approval, also known as ABE (General Type Approval) or a parts certificate (Teilegutachten) in some regions, is a document that confirms a specific tire is approved for your motorcycle model. It ensures the tire meets the necessary technical requirements and can therefore be ridden safely on your bike.
But why is Michelin tire approval so important? Imagine mounting tires that aren’t approved for your motorcycle.
“I remember a case in my workshop,” says Michael Wagner, an experienced motorcycle mechanic from Berlin. “A customer came with his sport motorcycle complaining of unstable handling. It turned out he had mounted tires that were the correct size but didn’t have the proper approval for his motorcycle. The tires were designed for significantly lower speeds.”
Sport motorcycle exhibiting unstable handling due to incorrect tires
Michelin Tire Approval: How to Find the Right Tires
Michelin offers a convenient online tire selector tool that makes finding the right tires incredibly easy. Simply enter your motorcycle’s details, and you’ll receive a list of all Michelin tires approved for your bike.
Using the Michelin tire approval tool gives you the confidence that you’re choosing tires optimally matched to your motorcycle.
Benefits of Michelin Tire Approval
Using tires with the correct Michelin tire approval offers you numerous advantages:
- Safety: You can be sure your tires meet your motorcycle’s requirements and ensure safe handling.
- Performance: Tires with the correct approval are matched to your bike’s riding characteristics, allowing for optimal performance in terms of handling, grip, and braking distance.
- Legality: With tires that have approval, you ride legally and avoid problems during vehicle inspections or in the event of an accident.
- Comfort: Michelin tires are known for their high riding comfort. With the correct tire approval, you’ll enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride.
Online search tool displaying Michelin motorcycle tire approval results
What Happens if I Ride Without Approved Tires?
Riding with tires without the necessary tire approval can have serious consequences:
- Increased Accident Risk: Non-approved tires can negatively affect handling, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Loss of Insurance Coverage: In the event of an accident, your insurance company may refuse payment if you had non-approved tires mounted.
- Fines: Riding with non-approved tires can result in fines.
Michelin Motorcycle Tire Approval: FAQs
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about Michelin tire approval:
Where can I find the tire approval for my motorcycle?
You can usually find the tire approval in your motorcycle’s vehicle documents (registration papers). Alternatively, you can use Michelin’s online tire selector tool.
Can I ride with non-approved tires?
No, riding with tires without the necessary approval is not permitted and can lead to the consequences mentioned above.
How much does tire approval cost?
Tire approval itself is usually free. However, you will incur costs for the tires and mounting.
Do I need to carry the tire approval document with me when riding?
No, it is not necessary to carry the tire approval document with you while riding.
Motorcycle tire being mounted by a mechanic in a workshop
Do you have more questions about Michelin motorcycle tire approval or need help finding the right tires for your bike? Our experts at autorepairaid.com are happy to assist you.
