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Tyres > Help > Tyres Help > Can motorcycle tyres go flat?
Yes – like any pneumatic tyre,
motorcycle tyres can go flat due to a puncture, slow air leak, valve failure, or even under-inflation over time.
A flat tyre can happen suddenly or gradually, and how quickly it deflates will often depend on the location and size of the puncture.
Tubeless tyres tend to lose pressure more slowly than those with inner tubes, but both can result in dangerous riding conditions if not addressed promptly.
Riders without a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) must rely on either visuals, feel, or check using a tyre pressure gauge.
A flat tyre can severely affect your control and stability. If the front tyre deflates, you may experience poor steering response or a tendency for the bike to run wide in corners. A rear tyre being flat can make the motorbike feel unstable or difficult to accelerate safely.
If you suspect a flat tyre, reduce speed gradually and stop in a safe place as soon as possible – continuing to ride on a deflated tyre can cause permanent damage or lead to a crash.
If your motorcycle has tubeless tyres, the quickest way to fix a flat is with either a repair spray or a plug kit.
Repair sprays are easy to use and inject a sealant that temporarily fills small holes from the inside.
They’re best for punctures under 5 mm and can get you back on the road quickly. However, they are only a short-term fix, and the tyre must still be professionally inspected or replaced.
Plug kits are more effective for slightly larger punctures (up to 6–8 mm) in the central tread area.
These kits involve using a reaming tool to clean the puncture hole, inserting a rubber plug with sealant, and reinflating the tyre using CO2 cartridges. It takes more effort but offers a more secure seal than spray.
For inner tube tyres, roadside repair is much harder.
You’ll need to remove the wheel and either patch or replace the tube – which usually requires proper tools and is not easily done without workshop support.
Please note that these are only temporary fixes – once your tyres are feeling flat again, look to replace them as soon as possible.