Vehicle technology and motorcycle-specific equipment
This domain checks that your machine would pass a Swiss inspection and that you know which equipment is legally required rather than merely nice to have. Questions are practical: what must work, what must be approved, and what changes when you carry a passenger or luggage.
Legally required equipment
- A type-approved helmet, correctly fastened, for rider and pillion.
- Dipped beam or daytime running light switched on whenever you ride - motorcycles must be lit in daylight in Switzerland.
- Working brake light, indicators, horn, rear reflector and mirrors.
- Tyres with clearly visible tread and correct pressure; no unapproved mixing of tyre types.
- Approved exhaust and lighting. Any modification needs type approval or a Beiblatt; otherwise the periodic inspection (MFK) can refuse the bike and insurance cover may be affected.
The machine underneath
Front and rear brakes work on separate circuits; ABS has been required on new type-approved motorcycles above 125 cm³ for several years and is now common on used machines too. Brake fluid absorbs water and is usually changed every two years. Chain slack is typically 20–30 mm with the bike loaded; a dry or over-tight chain wears sprockets and can snap. Suspension preload, tyre pressure and headlight aim must be adapted for pillion and luggage as set out in the manual.
Pre-ride check
Walk round the bike: tyres and pressures, brake function, lights and indicators, chain, cables, leaks, mirrors, fuel. It takes a minute and catches most of the faults that cause breakdowns.
Worked example
Two-up with luggage for a pass ride. Reasoning: the extra load compresses the rear, so increase preload and rear tyre pressure per the manual (often around +0.2 bar), check the chain is not over-tightened by the load, confirm the maximum permitted weight in the Fahrzeugausweis, and lower the headlight aim so you do not dazzle oncoming traffic.
Traps
Setting tyre pressure when the tyres are hot; testing only the rear brake; fitting an unapproved LED bulb or a louder exhaust "for safety"; ignoring brake fluid age; overloading a top box beyond its stated limit.