Vegetarian - Vegan bike parts, tyres/tires
Hi all,
I'm starting this thread to get more awareness regarding which parts of our bikes (and other vehicles) are vegan/vegetarian and what options we have.
Not many people realise that rubber tyres are made with stearic acid.
Stearic acid can be made from plants but is mostly made from animal fat which obviously is not vegetarian/vegan.
I've been contacting the major tyre manufacturers below to ask them about it.
Please add any that I'm missing.
- Avon
- Bridgestone
- Continental
- Dunlop
- Heidenau
- Kenda
- Maxxis
- Michelin
- Mitas
- Pirelli
- Shinko
Here's what I asked:
Quote:
Dear Madam, Sir,
I would like to know whether you use any animal based source materials in your tyres or in the process of making your tyres.
As a member of a group of Vegan motorcycle riders it would be nice to be able to use your tyres for our motorcycles and other vehicles.
As an example; stearic acid can be fully plant based but also mixed with animal sourced stearic acid.
Can you please tell us whether that's the case and if there are any other concerns for us regarding the use of your tyres?
Thanks a lot!
Kind regards,
Bee Dee
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Apart from Michelin and Kenda, none answered the question yet.
But my mission paid off!
Kenda got back and said they don't use animal based materials!
Quote:
Thanks for the note. I had a similar question a few months back. I requested a response from our factory and they replied that no animal based materials are used.
Thanks and ride safe-
Kenda Customer Service
American Kenda Rubber Industrial Co., LTD
614-866-9803 Main
614-866-9805 Fax
Kenda Tires - Since 1962
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It's been long known that Michelin is vegan as well so now we have TWO options!
- Michelin

- Kenda

Any one have any more info on the other brands, or on other parts?
Maybe it would be good to all start asking around and find out which tyres or other parts are good for us to use and which not?
PS: I will always put the full up-to-date list I have in my latest post to this thread.
Cheers!
Beedee
__________________
EU: DRZ400s 2004 - R850R 2002 - R1100RT 1997 / SEA: AX1 250 1995 / LK: CD200 Roadmaster 1979
Last edited by Beedee; 16 Feb 2015 at 17:56.
Reason: Informing readers that I will always put the full up-to-date list I have in my latest post to this thread.
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