Motorcycle maintenance in Switzerland: how much does it cost?
Buying a motorbike is one thing – the maintenance costs are another: service, insurance and tyre changes can be expensive in Switzerland. Comparis answers key questions on this subject.
20.06.2023
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1. How much does motorcycle liability insurance cost in Switzerland?
There is no single standard premium for motorcycle insurance. The rate is determined by the vehicles capacity and value. Factors such as place of residence and gender also influence how much premiums cost. However, the most decisive factor is the insurance cover itself. If youve only taken out compulsory liability insurance for your motorcycle, it will be cheaper than partial casco or full casco cover.
Either way, it's worth comparing premiums. For example, liability insurance for a Suzuki GSX-S1000 (new value: 18,000 francs) costs between 90 and 380 francs per year (based on a 30-year-old Swiss person from Aarau). The premiums depend not only on the deductible and the insurance cover, but also on the provider.
2. How high is motorcycle tax in Switzerland?
Traffic duties vary depending on the canton and the motorcycles engine capacity, weight and emission values. For example: a BMW R 1250 R (engine capacity 1254 cc, emission standard Euro 4) is taxed in the canton of Lucerne with traffic duties of 181 francs. In the canton of Zurich, the same vehicle costs 124 francs.
3. Changing my motorcycles tyres: how much does it cost?
A motorcycle tyre change costs about 50 to 100 francs, incl. fitting and balancing. A set of tyres lasts one to two seasons, depending on the model and your driving style. Depending on the dimensions or speed rating, you can get a set of tyres for 100 to 400 francs.
Motorcycle services: costs in Switzerland
If you want to maintain your motorcycle properly, you should get it serviced once a year. This small service costs between 200 and 400 francs. A large service (about every 10,000 km) costs between 400 and 1,200 francs. A scooter service costs at least 150 francs in Switzerland.
4. Do I need a vignette for my motorcycle?
For highways you need a vignette. A vignette is required for all motorcycles – even if youre riding a motorbike with interchangeable number plates. The sticker does not need to be visible, but should be affixed to a non-dismountable part of the vehicle. It costs 40 francs.
5. How much does it cost to get petrol for my motorcycle?
The number of kilometres driven each year varies greatly depending on the use of the motorcycle. In Switzerland, the average is around 2,500 kilometres per year. With an average consumption of 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres and petrol prices at about 2.14 francs (as at May 2022), this results in petrol costs of about 300 francs per year.
Tip: do you mainly travel short distances? Smaller motorcycles and scooters are increasingly available in electric models. This way you can get on the road cheaper than with a petrol engine.
Motorcycle storage: costs from 30 francs per month
Do you use your motorcycle for the whole year? If so, you can store it through the winter, for example. Indoor parking spaces for motorcycles usually cost at least 30 francs per month. Prices vary depending on the location.
6. How much value does my motorcycle lose per year?
Your motorcycle loses the most value shortly after purchase. In the first year, a motorcycle loses about 12% to 15% of its value. In the following years, this drops to between 4% and 6%. A rough calculation of the loss of value might look something like this:
After 1 year: 12% loss in value
After 2 to 5 years: 6% loss of value per year
After 2 to 5 years: up to 4% loss of value per year
This means that a motorcycle with a new value of 10,000 francs is still worth around 6,500 francs after six years. Important: the loss of value depends on the brand, condition and mileage.
The season is also a factor: in the warmer months, the demand for motorcycles is greater. Do you want to sell your motorcycle? Wait until spring. If you want to get a bargain, buy a motorcycle in winter.
7. Conclusion: ongoing costs for your motorcycle
How much does a motorcycle cost per year? Its impossible to give an exact number. The running costs are highly dependent on the model, insurance cover and driving habits. Heres a rough estimate of the major expenses:
| Motorcycles: running costs per year | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Liability insurance |
CHF 40 | CHF 380 |
| Traffic duties incl. motorway vignette | CHF 70 | CHF 220 |
| Tyre change | CHF 50 | CHF 100 |
| Tyre set | CHF 100 | CHF 400 |
| Small service | CHF 200 | CHF 400 |
| Full service | CHF 150 | CHF 300 |
| Petrol | CHF 300 | CHF 300 |
| Storage (4 months) | CHF 120 | CHF 600 |
| Total | CHF 1,030 | CHF 2,700 |
The calculation was based on a Piaggio Vespa 125 Sprint Sport at the lower end and a Suzuki GSX-S1000 at the upper end. Information from the table without liability.
This article was first published on 21.08.2019
