Inner Tube Valve Guide: TR4 / TR13 / AV (Schrader & Presta)

Choosing the right inner tube valve seems simple until you’re standing in a shop with TR4, TR13, and AV options. This guide clears up the confusion once and for all.

Common Valve Types

Motorcycle inner tubes use three main valve types:

Valve	Style	Common Use
TR4 (AV01)	Straight, 32mm	Most commuter motorcycles
TR13 (AV02)	Angled 90°, 32mm	Street bikes with disc brakes
AV (Schrader)	Straight, 8mm	Cars, SUVs, some motorcycles
Presta	Straight, thin	High-performance road bikes

TR4 vs TR13: Straight vs Angled

The most common confusion is between TR4 and TR13 valves. Both are 32mm stem length and use the same rim hole size — the difference is the angle.

• TR4: Straight valve stem. Easy to inflate, works in most situations.
• TR13: 90° angled valve. Used when the straight stem would hit the brake disc or caliper.

Key rule: Always match the valve angle to your rim. A TR4 won’t fit through a TR13 rim hole orientation, and vice versa.

AV Valve (Schrader)

The AV valve is the standard car tire valve (8mm stem). It’s shorter and thinner than TR valves. Some motorcycles use AV valves, particularly dual-sport and older models.

Advantages: Universal — every gas station has a Schrader pump. Disadvantage: May not seal as well in motorcycle rims designed for TR valves.

Presta Valves

Presta valves (also called Sclaverand or French valves) have a thin metal stem and a locking nut at the top. They’re common on high-pressure road bike tires and some sportbike applications.

Advantage: Can handle higher pressures. Disadvantage: Require a special pump head or adapter.

How to Identify Your Valve

1. Look at the valve angle: Straight = TR4 or AV. Angled = TR13.
2. Measure the stem length: TR valves are typically 32mm or 48mm.
3. Check the stem thickness: TR ≈ 6.5mm, AV/Schrader ≈ 8mm, Presta ≈ 6mm thin.
4. Look at the rim hole: Does it need straight or angled access?

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