Motorcycle Tyre Pressure in Thailand: How Much PSI for Your Scooter?
TalataMotorcycles
Most 110–160cc scooters sold in Thailand, including the Honda Click, Scoopy, PCX and Wave, run 29 PSI (2.0 bar) in the front tyre and 33 PSI (2.25 bar) in the rear when you ride alone. The big exception is the Yamaha NMAX, which takes only 22 PSI up front. Check them cold, and trust your bike's own sticker over any chart. Talata, Thailand's marketplace for buying and selling motorbikes, pulled every figure below from Honda and Yamaha owner's manuals.
What tyre pressure should a motorcycle run in Thailand?
Tyre pressure is the air pressure inside the tyre that carries the weight of the bike and rider and keeps the full tread on the road. Thai petrol station pumps and most local mechanics work in PSI, so that is the number you will type into the machine.
If you do not know your bike's figure yet, start from the ranges below, then confirm with the label on the bike.
| Type of bike | Example models | Front | Rear (rider only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step-through 110–125cc | Honda Wave 110i, Wave 125i, Yamaha Finn | 29 PSI / 2.0 bar | 33 PSI / 2.25 bar |
| Automatic scooter 110–160cc | Honda Click, Scoopy, PCX, Yamaha Fino, NMAX | 22–29 PSI / 1.5–2.0 bar | 33–36 PSI / 2.25–2.5 bar |
| Mid-size 150–400cc | Yamaha YZF-R15, YZF-R3, MT-03 | 29–33 PSI / 2.0–2.25 bar | 36 PSI / 2.5 bar |
| Big bike 500cc and up | Yamaha TMAX, YZF-R7, Tracer 9 GT | 33–36 PSI / 2.25–2.5 bar | 36–42 PSI / 2.5–2.9 bar |
| Trail / dual sport | Honda CRF300L Rally | 22 PSI / 1.5 bar | 22 PSI / 1.5 bar |
These ranges come from Honda and Yamaha owner's manuals for bikes sold in Thailand. Individual models can sit outside them, so treat the table as a starting point.
Why the rear tyre needs more air than the front
The rider's weight, the engine and whatever is under the seat all sit mostly over the rear wheel. The rear tyre needs higher pressure so it does not squash and overwork its sidewalls, while a slightly softer front tyre grips better when you steer. Filling both tyres to the same number out of habit means one of them is always wrong.
PSI, kPa or bar?
Thai pumps and stickers use PSI, owner's manuals list kPa alongside, and riders from Europe often think in bar. The quick conversions: 1 PSI is about 6.9 kPa, and 1 bar is 100 kPa or about 14.5 PSI. The two numbers you will see most often in Honda manuals are 200 kPa (29 PSI, 2.0 bar) and 225 kPa (33 PSI, 2.25 bar).
Tyre pressure chart for popular Honda and Yamaha models in Thailand
Every figure here comes from the Thai owner's manual published by the manufacturer. All values are for cold tyres.
Honda
| Model | Front | Rear, rider only | Rear, with passenger | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wave 110i | 29 PSI / 2.0 bar | 33 PSI / 2.25 bar | 41 PSI / 2.8 bar | Wave110i manual, 2024 |
| Wave 125i | 29 PSI / 2.0 bar | 33 PSI / 2.25 bar | 41 PSI / 2.8 bar | Wave125 manual, 2026 |
| Scoopy | 29 PSI / 2.0 bar | 33 PSI / 2.25 bar | 33 PSI / 2.25 bar | Scoopy manual, 2025 |
| Click 125i / Click 160 | 29 PSI / 2.0 bar | 33 PSI / 2.25 bar | 33 PSI / 2.25 bar | Click125i manual |
| PCX 160 | 29 PSI / 2.0 bar | 33 PSI / 2.25 bar | 36 PSI / 2.5 bar | PCX160 manual, 2025 |
| ADV 160 | 29 PSI / 2.0 bar | 33 PSI / 2.25 bar | 33 PSI / 2.25 bar | ADV160 manual, 2026 |
| Giorno+ | 29 PSI / 2.0 bar | 33 PSI / 2.25 bar | 33 PSI / 2.25 bar | Giorno+ manual, 2025 |
Yamaha
| Model | Front | Rear, rider only | Rear, with passenger | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NMAX (all 150–155cc versions) | 22 PSI / 1.5 bar | 36 PSI / 2.5 bar | 36 PSI / 2.5 bar | NMAX GPD150 and GPD155 manuals |
| Grand Filano | 29 PSI / 2.0 bar | 33 PSI / 2.25 bar | 33 PSI / 2.25 bar | LTF125 manual, 2026 |
| Fino 125 | 29 PSI / 2.0 bar | 33 PSI / 2.25 bar | 33 PSI / 2.25 bar | LNC125 manual |
| Aerox | 29 PSI / 2.0 bar | 33 PSI / 2.25 bar | 33 PSI / 2.25 bar | GPR155 manual, 2026 |
| XMAX 300 | 29 PSI / 2.0 bar | 33 PSI / 2.25 bar | 33 PSI / 2.25 bar | CZD300 manual, 2026 |
| Finn | 29 PSI / 2.0 bar | 33 PSI / 2.25 bar | 41 PSI / 2.8 bar | T115FL manual |
Figures can change between model years and tyre sizes, so the label on your bike always wins.
The NMAX is the one that catches people out. Every version from the original 150 to the current 155 lists just 22 PSI for the front tyre, well below the 29 to 30 PSI many riders put in by habit. The Wave and Finn are the opposite case: their manuals raise the rear to 41 PSI when you carry a passenger, while most scooters keep the same pressure either way.
Where to find the right pressure for your bike
The most reliable source is the tyre information label that came with the bike. Its position depends on the model: under the seat, on the rear mudguard or near the swingarm are the usual spots. It lists front and rear pressures, and on some models a separate figure for riding two-up.
If the label has peeled off, check the specifications section of the owner's manual. No manual? Honda and Yamaha Thailand both publish their manuals as free PDFs on their websites, or any authorised service centre can tell you the figure if you give them the model and year.
On a rental bike, ask the shop when you pick it up. Most rental scooters in Thailand are Clicks, Scoopys, PCXs or NMAXs, so the chart above covers you in most cases.
The number on the tyre sidewall is not the one to use
Many tyres carry text such as MAX PRESS or MAX LOAD followed by a number. That is the most pressure or weight the tyre can handle, not what your bike should run day to day. Inflate to the sidewall number and you get a tyre that is too hard, grips less and makes the ride harsh.
Fitted different tyres? Ask before you pump
If you replaced the tyres with the same size, use the label figures. If you went wider, changed rim size or fitted special-purpose tyres, ask the shop that fitted them or check the tyre maker's recommendation for your bike.
Riding two-up or carrying luggage: do you need more air?
It depends on the model. On the Wave 110i, Wave 125i and Finn, the manual raises the rear from 33 to 41 PSI with a passenger. The PCX 160 goes from 33 to 36 PSI. The Scoopy, Click, ADV 160, Giorno+, NMAX, Grand Filano, Fino, Aerox and XMAX keep the same pressure whether you ride alone or two-up. None of the models in the chart change the front.
If the label is gone and you are unsure about the passenger figure, ask a service centre rather than guess. Never go above the maximum on the sidewall, and stay within the bike's total load limit. For the Yamaha scooters in the chart, that limit is around 150 to 170 kg for rider, passenger and luggage combined.
How to fill your tyres at a Thai petrol station
Most petrol stations in Thailand have a self-service air machine where you set the pressure first. The labels may be in Thai, but the layout is almost always the same: a display, plus and minus buttons, and a hose.
- Let the tyres cool first if you have just ridden a long way
- Use the plus and minus buttons to set the PSI for the tyre you are filling, starting with the front
- Unscrew the valve cap and keep it somewhere you will not drop it
- Push the air chuck straight onto the valve and hold it until the machine beeps or the light shows it is done
- Change the number to the rear figure and repeat
- Screw both valve caps back on firmly. They keep dirt out of the valve
If the station has a hose with a dial gauge instead, add air in short bursts and check the needle each time. Scooter tyres are small and fill much faster than car tyres.
Fill when the tyres are cold, not hot
Cold tyres give the true reading. Michelin defines a cold tyre as one that has been parked for at least 3 hours or ridden no more than 2 to 3 km. A tyre that has warmed up from riding reads higher than it really is, so it can look fine while actually being soft.
If you have to top up mid-ride with warm tyres, Yamaha suggests adding roughly 4 PSI above the normal figure, then rechecking once the tyres have cooled. Do not let air out of a hot tyre because the number looks high. Once it cools, it will be under-inflated.
Put in too much air?
Press the small pin in the centre of the valve gently with a fingernail or a thin tool, and air will hiss out. Let it out a little at a time and recheck with a gauge, or put the pump chuck back on, until you reach the right number.
Under-inflated vs over-inflated: what goes wrong
Soft tyres are the more common problem, because air leaks out slowly every day and you do not notice. The signs are heavy steering, a wobbly feel in corners, wear on both outer edges of the tread and higher fuel use. A badly under-inflated tyre also builds heat in the sidewall on long or fast rides, which raises the chance of tyre damage.
Over-inflated tyres put less rubber on the road. The bike feels every bump, braking on wet roads gets worse and the centre of the tread wears out fast. Both mistakes shorten tyre life. The safest number is the one on the label.
How often should you check motorcycle tyre pressure?
If you ride every day, check at least once a week, plus before a long trip, after the bike has been parked for a while, and when the weather changes sharply. A small scooter tyre losing just a few PSI changes how the bike handles far more than it would on a car.
You do not have to wait for your weekly check. If the tyre feels softer than usual when you squeeze it, the steering feels heavy or the bike weaves in corners, stop and measure. Squeezing tells you something is off, but only a gauge tells you the number. On a rental, check the pressure before you ride away, not after the first wobble.
Nitrogen or regular air?
For riding around town, regular air is fine. Nitrogen seeps out through the rubber more slowly, so pressure stays steady a little longer, but you still need to check it on the same schedule.
You may hear that once a tyre has nitrogen you cannot top it up with normal air. That is not true. Michelin states that nitrogen and compressed air mix well, for example when you add pressure on the road. You simply end up with a lower share of nitrogen, with no harm to the tyre. For a fuller comparison, see our car tire pressure guide.
Renting or buying a used motorbike: tyre checks before you ride
Rental and used bikes have often had their tyres replaced, and the last person may have pumped them to whatever felt right. The first thing to do after collecting the bike is to look at the tyres and reset the pressure to the label, not to whatever is already in them.
Check four things. The tyre's age: the last four digits of the DOT code on the sidewall are the week and year it was made, so 2324 means week 23 of 2024. The tread depth, which should stay clear of the wear indicator bars. The sidewalls, which should have no cracking or bulges. And the tyre size, which should match the bike's specification. If the size is different, ask a tyre shop what pressure to run before riding any distance.
If you are still choosing a bike, browse used motorbikes and scooters for sale on Talata, compare models and prices from different sellers in one place, and ask owners about tyre age and the last tyre change before you arrange a viewing. That way you know what you might spend after the purchase. For the wider checklist on frame, brakes and paperwork, see our guide on what to check before buying a used motorcycle in Thailand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tyre pressure should a Honda Click run?
A Honda Click 125i or Click 160 runs 29 PSI (2.0 bar) in the front and 33 PSI (2.25 bar) in the rear. The manual keeps the same figures when you carry a passenger. Check them with the tyres cold.
What tyre pressure for a Honda PCX 160?
A PCX 160 runs 29 PSI in the front and 33 PSI in the rear when you ride alone, according to Honda's manual. With a passenger, raise the rear to 36 PSI and leave the front at 29 PSI.
Is 22 PSI on the NMAX front tyre a mistake?
No, it is the figure in Yamaha's manual for every NMAX from the original 150 to the current 155. The rear runs 36 PSI. Riders often add more air up front out of habit, but the manual figure is 22 PSI with or without a passenger.
Is 35 PSI too high for a scooter tyre?
For the front tyre of most 110–160cc scooters, yes. Their manuals call for 29 PSI, and the NMAX only 22 PSI. For the rear, 35 PSI is slightly above the usual 33 PSI and within the 36 PSI that the PCX and NMAX use, so it is less of a concern, but the label on your bike is the number to aim for.
Can I use my car's tyre pressure on my motorbike?
No. Car and motorcycle tyres carry different loads and are built differently, and typical car figures are higher than a scooter's front tyre needs. Change the number on the pump every time you switch vehicles. Car figures are covered in our car tire pressure guide.
Do tubeless tyres and tyres with inner tubes need different pressures?
No. Use the pressure in your bike's manual either way. Honda and Yamaha set pressures by model and load, not by tyre type. The difference shows when you pick up a nail: a tubeless tyre usually leaks slowly enough to reach a shop, while an inner tube tends to go flat quickly.
Is the air at Thai petrol stations free?
Usually, if you use the self-service machine yourself. Some stations where an attendant fills the tyres for you may charge a small fee, so ask first. Nitrogen is normally available at tyre shops or service centres, sometimes for a separate charge.
I bought a used bike and the tyres still have tread but are old. Should I replace them?
Have a tyre shop look at them first. Rubber hardens with age and grips less even when the tread looks fine. If the sidewalls show fine cracks or the rubber feels hard to the touch, replace the tyres before using the bike every day.
What should I check on the tyres before selling my motorbike?
Set the pressure to the label and make sure there are no leaks or cracks, because buyers usually take a test ride and notice heavy steering or a wobble straight away. Mention the tyre age and when they were last replaced in your listing. For the documents and fees involved, see our guide on how to sell a used motorbike in Thailand.
