Is my motorcycle ready for spring?

1. Battery: enough power to start?

Does the engine start? That's the first thing you should check. Over the winter the battery can often go flat. If that is the case, connect a charger overnight, and check the charge in the morning.

If that doesn't work, there's only one thing for it – remove the battery and take it to a motorbike garage. An expert can tell you whether it can be saved, or if you need a new one. Whatever you do, always begin the season with a fully charged battery.

2. Lights: can I be seen?

Check the headlights, the indicators, the brake lights, the warning lights on the instrument cluster, and the number plate lights.

3. Are the brakes impeccable?

Whether your brakes are lever or pedal-operated, if they are to do their job the brake fluid must still have good hydraulic properties. Brake fluid ages, no matter how many kilometres you cover.

If you're not sure when you last changed it, check the service handbook or ask a professional.

4. Do I have enough oil and coolant?

You should check whether your bike needs an oil change. The service handbook should tell you when it's time. If in doubt, contact an expert. Make sure that the coolant is topped up, too.

5. Is my motorbike clean?

You probably cleaned your bike before winter. If not, give it a thorough clean now. Doing so makes it easier to see problems.

Tip: remove the old motorway vignette while you are cleaning, and put the new one on.

6. Chain and chain tension

Check chain tension and lubricate it according to the condition of the chain.

7. How's the tyre profile and tyre pressure?

By law, your tyre treads must be at least 1.6 millimetres deep, so measure them to ensure they're compliant. Tip: hold a two-franc coin in the groove. If the groove covers Helvetia's foot, the tyre satisfies the minimum tread.

Then give the tyres a visual check for anything that might be wrong. Small, sharp stones especially like to burrow themselves into the rubber. Finally, ride over to your local petrol station to check the tyre pressure. For the best grip, stick with the pressures stated by the manufacturer. Tyres can lose pressure significantly over the winter, so checking them every spring is a must.

Important: you should replace your tyres occasionally, even if the treads are still good. This is because the rubber compound hardens over time. This is often an issue after five or six years. If your tyres are that old, you should have them checked regularly by an expert.

8. Cockpit: are there any warning lights?

Check your motorcycle's cockpit for any warning lights. The handbook will tell you what the individual symbols mean. The TCS motoring organization also offers a useful overview (in German). If necessary, take your bike to a specialist.

9. Motorcycle insurance: can I start riding?

Do you have valid insurance? Motorcycle liability insurance is mandatory. It covers loss or damage that you cause to others with your motorbike.

You can additionally take out partial or full casco insurance. Partial casco cover insures your motorcycle against theft, natural hazard damage, fire, glass breakage, collisions with animals and other risks. Full casco combines partial casco and collision casco. It also covers damage to your own motorcycle caused by collisions.

Which insurance is right for you depends on a range of factors, including the age of your bike.

It used to be common practice to deposit number plates with the Road Traffic Office for the winter. Nowadays, many insurers offer what is known as a waiver of suspension. This means you receive a generous discount if you insure your motorcycle year-round.

10. Am I ready for spring with my motorbike?

Speaking of checks, have you also given some thought to your fitness? Riding a motorcycle increases your blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature. Stamina is especially important.

Tip: use special grip trainers or a tennis ball to strengthen your fingers and improve the precision of coupling and braking.

You should also make sure that your gear still fits. You might also want to treat yourself to a professional training session before the season starts. There are road safety courses at all levels, from beginners to experienced riders.

Many motorcycle insurance companies will reward you for attending by reducing your premiums. Some even offer subsidized training. You'll also discover new ways of being safer on your bike – and have more fun in the process.