Best motorcycle tyre pressure monitoring systems

One of the ‘new fangled’ safety systems that some manufacturers fit to higher-specification motorcycles is a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Carried over from the car world, which admittedly uses the system to alert drivers of cars fitted with run-flat tyres of a problem, this system can provide a crucial early warning of a problem with a tyre and give the rider time to stop safety before experiencing a dangerous fast deflation.

Cars using run-flat tyres need it as some drivers may not be aware they have lost pressure, as these tyres are designed to stay on the wheel rim when some or all of the inflation air has been lost – specially designed beads stay on the rim and stronger sidewalls support the weight of the vehicle.

On a bike, this isn’t practical but anything that can give advance warning of impending problems can make a big difference to safety, not just for the rider and pillion but other road users as well.

Bikes such as high-end BMWs and KTMs feature TPMS from the factory but it is possible to fit an aftermarket system to any bike. Factory systems use sensors built in to the wheels but the aftermarket uses pressure sensors that screw on to the pressure valves and read the actual air pressure in real time.

Related: Best motorcycle wheel and tyre accessories

However, don’t think that this is a replacement for regularly checking your tyres – a system like this is there to offer a warning of problems, not eliminate the need for you to check regularly.

They won’t for example, show whether you have any damage to your tyre or how they are wearing. You still need to do your regular checks.

Here is a selection of TPMS systems for motorcycles.

If you’re going to fit a TPMS, then one from one of the world’s biggest tyre manufacturers is probably a fairly safe bet. This Michelin system is subtle in its design yet effective in its operation. Clearly marked sensors fit to the front and rear tyres using the included tool and the sensors are battery powered and activate when movement is detected.

The display unit is a small removable version that is held in place in its mounting by a magnet and it charges wirelessly, so you can remove it when parked up. An elegant, if expensive, solution.

What Emma said: "This kit allows you to keep an eye on your tyre pressures at all times via a pair of sensors that replace your valve dust caps. These sensors then wirelessly relay a live pressure read-out to a small dash- mounted display housed in a magnetic mount.

"Fitted to my seldom-used Kawasaki ZX-10R, it’s been handy for letting me know the status of my tyres prior to a ride. Checking it against a pressure gauge reveals that the system is very accurate. Visual warnings are displayed in the event of a sudden loss of pressure while out on a ride, indicating the affected tyre.

"The system also warns when a tyre’s under-inflated or over-inflated. It’s a high-quality bit of kit, and the fact that the display is rechargeable via USB is a nice touch. I’d advise fitting the kit at the same time as a new pair of tyres, as your wheels will need to be balanced in order to take into account to small-but-not-insignificant weight of the sensors."

This shows the pressure and temperature of each tyre, as well as the time – handy for bikes with no clock. In addition to the digital read-out, it has an audible alarm for low pressure and its rugged looks would suit many adventure-style bikes.

The display shows pressures, temperatures and the time and has seven audible alarms with different parameters to warn the rider, including quick leak and high or low pressures.

It comes pre-paired wirelessly to the two included wheel sensors that mount to the valves and it is fitted using the included double-sided tape or any other way you feel appropriate.

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