Shark Leathers stocks motorcycle inner tubes across every major wheel size, valve type and application. From 2 mm heavy-duty road tubes to ATV and off-road fitments, every tube is sourced from proven brands including Michelin, Whites, Vee Rubber, Avon, Eurogrip and Tube Moto.
TUBE SUPER H/DUTY 4mm 100/100-18 TR4 Ctn 10
TUBE 13 X 5.00-6 TR87 BUTYL RUBBER
Whites Tube 250-10 TR4 (74mm wide)
Choosing the Right Motorcycle Inner Tube
The correct tube specification starts with three fixed numbers: tyre width, aspect ratio and rim diameter. A tube stamped 275/300/360 90/90-18 covers that entire width band on an 18-inch rim, so cross-referencing your tyre sidewall markings before ordering eliminates fitment errors every time.
Valve Types Explained
Valve choice is determined by your rim valve-hole configuration, not personal preference. TR4 is a straight rubber-stem valve suited to wire-spoked rims. TR6 is the bent rubber-stem variant for rims with an angled valve aperture, common on ATV and motocross wheels. TR13 is an offset rubber-stem design for larger-diameter rims with restricted clearance. Steel-stem variants suit rims where rubber stems risk tearing under sustained high-speed rotation.
Wall Thickness and Application
| Tube Grade | Wall Thickness | Typical Application | Rim Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1.5 mm | Road / scooter | 10 to 18 inch |
| Heavy Duty | 2 mm | MX / enduro / hard enduro | 16 to 21 inch |
| Ultra Heavy Duty | 3 to 4 mm | Rocky enduro, desert racing | 18 to 21 inch |
| ATV | 2 to 3 mm | Quad / ATV off-road | 8 to 12 inch |
Common Fitment Sizes
Front MX wheels run 19 or 21 inches; a 70/100-19 tube covers the most common 19-inch front MX fitment. Rear MX wheels use 18 or 19-inch rims. Road bikes typically run 17-inch front and rear. Scooters call for 10, 12 or 14-inch tubes. ATV wheels span 8 to 12 inches. Matching rim diameter within 1 inch of the tube spec prevents pinch flats and burst seams.
Installation
Inflate any new tube to approximately 10 percent of rated operating pressure before fitting, then deflate fully before seating the bead. Lubricate with tyre mounting paste, not petroleum-based products. Torque valve-stem nuts to 4 Nm on steel stems; finger-tighten rubber stems only.
Frequently asked questions
What does the tube size marking mean, such as 70/100-19?
The first number is the tyre width in millimetres, the second is the aspect ratio as a percentage of width, and the number after the hyphen is the rim diameter in inches. Your tube must match all three values or fall within the stated compatibility range printed on the tube packaging.
Is a heavy-duty 2 mm tube necessary for road riding?
Standard 1.5 mm tubes are adequate for road and scooter use. Heavy-duty 2 mm tubes are designed for MX, enduro and hard enduro where impact forces from rocks and roots are significantly higher. Using a heavier tube on the road adds unsprung rotational mass without a protection benefit.
Can I fit a TR4 tube in a rim designed for TR6?
No. The valve hole angle and diameter in your rim determines the correct valve type. Fitting a straight TR4 stem into an angled TR6 hole causes the stem to bear sideways load at speed, which can shear the valve at the base. Always match valve type to the rim specification.