Environmental awareness and economical riding
This domain tests whether you ride in a way that limits fuel, emissions, tyre wear and noise - and whether you know which habits are actually prohibited. It is not a soft topic: unnecessary idling and non-approved exhausts are enforcement issues in Switzerland, and noise complaints affect where motorcycles may ride.
Riding style is the biggest lever
Anticipate far ahead, roll off early, brake less, accelerate smoothly. Every hard acceleration followed by braking turns fuel into heat. Shift up early and keep the engine in its efficient band rather than near the redline; use engine braking on long descents, where fuel cut-off means near-zero consumption and the brakes stay cool. A steady speed beats surge-and-brake in traffic.
Machine and maintenance
Correct tyre pressure cuts fuel use and tyre wear. A clean, correctly tensioned and lubricated chain, a clean air filter, fresh plugs and brakes that are not dragging all matter. Do not idle the engine to warm it up - ride gently instead; unnecessary idling is prohibited. Strip what you do not need: weight and a large top box cost fuel at speed.
Noise and disposal
Exhaust and intake must stay type-approved. A louder pipe does not make you safer; it brings fines, failed inspections and route restrictions on noise-sensitive roads. Ride quietly through villages, do not blip the throttle, and take used oil, tyres, batteries and brake fluid to a collection point - never into a drain.
Worked example
A long summer pass descent. Reasoning: select a high gear, throttle closed, engine braking, brakes only for the hairpins. Fuel is cut off on overrun, the brakes stay cool and the engine sits in an efficient range - the same technique that is safest is also the cheapest.
Traps
Believing a low gear is always better; warming up for several minutes on the stand; running under-inflated tyres "for comfort"; short cold-engine trips when a bicycle would do; treating an aftermarket exhaust as a safety device.