TR4, TR87 or TR13? Choosing a Motorcycle Tube Valve

# TR4, TR87 or TR13? Choosing the Valve for Motorcycle Inner Tubes

When you order motorcycle inner tubes, the size gets most of the attention. The valve code next to it is easy to skip, and that is how a container of tubes arrives with valves that will not go through the rim or cannot be reached with an air chuck.

This guide explains what TR4, TR87 and TR13 usually refer to, why the valve follows the tube size and the rim rather than the bike model, and what to confirm before you order.

Start with the tube size, then the valve

Michelin's advice on choosing a road motorcycle or scooter tube has two steps, in this order:

1. "The tube must match the size of your tyre."
2. "Then choose the type of valve (if more than one choice is offered)."

That order matters for a buyer. The valve is not chosen on its own. It comes with a tube size, and the tube size comes from the tyre.

Michelin also explains why some sizes are offered with a choice: "When access to the valve is difficult, for example because of the braking system, it may be easier to apply pressure with an angled valve rather than a straight valve." Small scooter wheels are the typical case. On Michelin's off-road tubes, by contrast, the valve "is always straight".

What the three codes usually mean

There is no single public chart that every maker uses, and the full valve standards (ISO 9413 and the ETRTO data book) are paid documents we have not quoted here. A widely used reference is the valve stem chart in the Parts Unlimited Tire & Service catalogue, a US motorcycle parts distributor. It describes the three codes like this:

In plain terms:

• TR4 is a metal valve held with a thread and nut, without the bend of TR87. In our catalogue it is the valve on almost all 14- to 21-inch motorcycle tubes.
• TR87 is a metal stem bent at 90 degrees. The bend helps where a straight stem is hard to reach, which is why it shows up on small scooter rims.
• TR13 is a rubber valve rather than a metal one.

Use these descriptions to recognise the valve, not to decide which one a rim needs. That decision comes from the size and the rim, as below.

How the valve follows the size: examples from our catalogue

Page 23 of our 2026 catalogue lists every inner tube size "with the valve it comes with". A few examples:

Source: ZENYARE 2026 motorcycle tyre catalogue, page 23.

Three things stand out:

• The small-wheel sizes are where TR87 and TR13 appear. The 17-, 18-, 19- and 21-inch motorcycle sizes in the table all come with TR4.
• Some sizes come with more than one valve. 3.00-12 is listed with TR4 or TR87, so you have to say which one you want.
• One size can appear twice with different valves. Our catalogue lists 4.80/4.00-8 once with TR87 and once with TR13.

Another supplier may pair the same size differently. In the Parts Unlimited chart, 3.00-10 is offered with TR-4, TR-87 or a taller bent valve (JS-244A). In our catalogue, 3.00-10 comes with TR87. Neither is "the" 3.00-10 valve. That is why the valve code belongs on every order line.

What to check on the rim

Before you fix the valve for a size, look at the wheels your customers actually ride on:

• The valve hole. A rubber valve and a metal valve with a nut do not sit in the rim the same way. Match the valve to the hole the rim was made for. If a different valve does not fit, ask the rim or vehicle maker before changing anything on the wheel.
• Access for the air chuck. On small wheels with a brake drum or disc close to the hole, check whether a straight stem can be reached at all. Michelin's guidance above is the reason bent valves exist.
• What came out of the old tube. For replacement stock, the valve on the tube that came off the bike is the best guide to what your market already uses.

If you are not sure, send us a photo of the rim's valve hole and the old valve next to a ruler, with the tyre size. We will tell you which valve we fit for that size.

Putting it on the order

A tube line that leaves no room for doubt has four parts:

1. Tube size, written as on the catalogue or the old tube, for example 3.00-12.
2. Material: natural rubber or butyl rubber. We make both.
3. Valve: TR4, TR87 or TR13, as listed for that size. Where two are listed, choose one.
4. Quantity: our minimum for motorcycle inner tubes is 2,000 pieces per size and material. Natural rubber and butyl are counted separately. If you want part of one size with each valve, tell us the split and we will confirm how it is counted in the quotation.

Our quotations are valid for 15 days. Lead time is 20–30 days, with a 30% deposit and the balance before shipment.

FAQ

Is TR4 the same as TR87?

No. In the Parts Unlimited chart, TR-4 is a metal valve with a thread and nut, and TR-87 is a metal valve with a 90-degree bend. They are used for different access situations, and the size table shows which one goes with which tube.

Which valve does a 3.00-18 tube take?

In our 2026 catalogue, 3.00-18 comes with TR4. Other suppliers may list a different option, so check the valve on the tube line of any quotation.

Why do scooter tubes often have bent valves?

Michelin says an angled valve can be easier to inflate "when access to the valve is difficult, for example because of the braking system". Small scooter wheels often have that problem.

Can I choose the valve myself?

Where our catalogue lists two valves for a size, yes, choose one. Where it lists one, that is the valve we fit for that size. Ask us if your market needs something else.

Do you sell valves on their own?

Our catalogue lists valves as part of the inner tube. Ask us if you need anything outside that.

Send us your tube list

Send the tube sizes, rubber material, valve and quantity per line, and we will confirm each one in a quotation. See our motorcycle inner tubes, read natural rubber vs butyl inner tubes for the material choice, or contact us.

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