Season-start checklist

Tyres: tread depth

Swiss law: at least 1.6 mm tread depth across the whole tread (VTS Art. 58). The wear indicator on motorcycle tyres sits at only 0.8 mm, so do not rely on it.

TCS recommends at least 2 mm at the start of the season. For cold-season rides, the ifz recommends not letting tread drop below 4 mm.

Sources: bfu.ch (opens in a new tab) · tcs.ch (opens in a new tab)More

Tyres: age (DOT) and pressure

Tyre age: the last four digits of the DOT code are the week and year of manufacture (4521 = week 45, 2021). Tyre makers advise a yearly check by a professional from 5 years of use and replacing tyres older than 10 years, even if they look fine.

Use the tyre pressures set by your motorcycle maker (owner's manual or sticker), checked with cold tyres. If your manual lists values for riding with a passenger or luggage, use those. The maximum pressure on the sidewall is not a riding pressure.

Sources: michelinman.com (opens in a new tab) · michelin.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

Brakes

Hand and foot brakes must grip firmly. If they feel spongy, do not ride. Renew the brake fluid at least every three years.

Sources: tcs.ch (opens in a new tab)

Chain

Check the chain tension and lubricate the chain. If the chain or sprockets are worn, replace the whole chain kit.

Sources: tcs.ch (opens in a new tab)

Lights, indicators, horn

Test the lights, indicators, brake light and horn; replace defective bulbs and lenses. In Switzerland you ride with lights on by day too.

Sources: tcs.ch (opens in a new tab) · ch.ch (opens in a new tab) · ch.ch (opens in a new tab)

Battery

After the winter the battery is often weak. Charge or check it before the first ride.

Sources: tcs.ch (opens in a new tab)

Visor and Pinlock

Visor without cracks or scratches that affect your view. TCS suggests thinking about a new helmet after five to seven years.

Fog-free visor: double-walled (Pinlock) or anti-fog coated visor, or anti-fog spray. Rule of thumb

Sources: tcs.ch (opens in a new tab) · ifz.de (opens in a new tab)Our pick: Nordwand Tourer FF

Rain gear

Pack a rain oversuit unless your jacket and pants are laminate. With a zip-in membrane you would have to half undress in a sudden shower. Rule of thumb

Pack a waterproof pair of gloves. Rule of thumb

Sources: motorradonline.de (opens in a new tab)Matching bundle: Rain bundle

Licence, registration, insurance

Carry your driving licence, registration document and proof of insurance.

Sources: bfu.ch (opens in a new tab)

Motorway vignette 2027

The 2026 vignette is valid until 31 January 2027. After that, motorways and expressways need the 2027 vignette (CHF 40), as a sticker or as an e-vignette from the official via.admin.ch webshop.

Sources: ch.ch (opens in a new tab) · ch.ch (opens in a new tab) · bazg.admin.ch (opens in a new tab) · bazg.admin.ch (opens in a new tab)

First-aid kit

Not required for motorcyclists in Switzerland, but neighbouring countries may require one. Check before crossing a border.

Sources: bfu.ch (opens in a new tab)

Tools and puncture kit

Pack basic tools and a puncture kit.

Sources: bfu.ch (opens in a new tab)

Phone, mount, charger

Carry a phone with the Rega app. Mount the holder firmly and pack a charging cable or power bank so navigation and emergency calls last all day.

Rule of thumb Mount and charger are our advice, without a source.

Sources: rega.ch (opens in a new tab)