Essential Motorcycle Log Book Templates for Maintenance & RidesKeeping a motorcycle log book is one of the best habits a rider can adopt. A well-structured log book helps you maintain your bike’s health, plan service intervals, track fuel economy, record trips and expenses, and preserve a clear history that raises resale value. This article provides practical templates, explains what to record and why, and gives tips for organizing and using a motorcycle log book effectively—both on paper and digitally.
Why keep a motorcycle log book?
A motorcycle log book is more than paperwork. It’s a single source of truth for your bike’s status and history. The main benefits:
- Maintenance accuracy: Track oil changes, chain adjustments, brake pads, tires, and coolant changes so nothing is missed.
- Cost control: Monitor spending on parts, labor, fuel, and accessories to spot trends and budget better.
- Warranty & resale: A consistent service record supports warranty claims and can significantly increase buyer confidence.
- Safety: Regular checks reduce the chance that wear or neglect will cause breakdowns or accidents.
- Performance monitoring: Track fuel economy and how parts or settings affect ride quality.
Key sections every motorcycle log book should include
- Bike identity and ownership
- Routine maintenance records
- Service and repair history
- Fuel and mileage tracking
- Trip and ride logs
- Parts and accessories inventory
- Expenses and receipts
- Inspection checklist (pre-ride and periodic)
- Notes and observations
Below are detailed templates you can copy or adapt. Each template is followed by brief notes on how to use it.
Bike identity & ownership template
- Make:
- Model:
- Year:
- VIN / Frame number:
- Engine number:
- Color:
- Plate/Registration:
- Purchase date:
- Purchase price:
- Current owner:
- Insurance provider & policy number:
- Warranty expiry:
Notes: Keep front-page details updated. Photocopy or scan important documents (registration, insurance, warranty) and note where originals are stored.
Routine maintenance record (template)
| Date | Odometer (mi/km) | Service performed | Parts replaced | Fluids changed | Shop/Mechanic | Cost | Next due (mi/km or date) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-08-01 | 12,345 mi | Oil & filter, chain lube | Oil filter #123 | 10W-40 3.2L | Joe’s Garage | $65.00 | 15,345 mi / 2025-11-01 | Replaced oil seal leaking slightly |
How to use: Record every maintenance action. For dealer or shop work, keep a copy of the invoice and note the warranty on work if given.
Service & repair history template
| Date | Odometer | Problem reported | Diagnosis | Work performed | Technician | Parts & part numbers | Labor hours | Cost | Warranty on work | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-05-12 | 9,880 mi | Front brake judder | Warped rotor | Replaced front rotor & pads | A. Smith | Rotor #FR-998, Pads #BP-45 | 2.0 | $320.00 | 12 months | Test ride OK |
How to use: Use this section for non-routine repairs, diagnostics, recalls, and crash repairs. Include photos if available.
Fuel & mileage log template
| Date | Odometer start | Odometer end | Distance (mi/km) | Fuel added (L/gal) | Price per L/gal | Total cost | Average fuel economy | Trip purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-20 | 12,000 | 12,120 | 120 mi | 4.0 gal | $3.60/gal | $14.40 | 30 mpg | Commute | Highway-heavy |
How to use: Fill this each refuel. Compute fuel economy for trend analysis. If your bike has a trip meter, use it to confirm odometer distances.
Trip & ride log template
| Date | Odometer start | Odometer end | Distance | Route (start—end) | Duration | Weather/road | Purpose | Co-riders | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-06-15 | 11,200 | 11,420 | 220 mi | City A — Coastal Hwy — City B | 5h30m | Sunny, wet patches | Weekend tour | 1 passenger | Carried extra luggage; rear shock preload +1 |
How to use: Use for memorable rides, long tours, or when testing bike setup. Include observations about comfort, handling, wind buffeting, luggage mounting, and last-minute maintenance needed.
Parts & accessories inventory template
| Item | Installed date | Part number | Cost | Condition | Warranty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chain | 2025-01-10 | CH-520 | $45 | Good | 6 months | Adjusted at 500 mi |
How to use: Track tires, battery, chain, sprockets, brakes, windscreen, luggage, electronics. For batteries note CCA and purchase date to predict replacement time.
Expenses & receipts template
| Date | Category (fuel/parts/labor/insurance/etc.) | Vendor | Amount | Payment method | Notes | Receipt scanned? (Y/N) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-02-02 | Parts | MotoStore | $82.00 | Card | Brake pads | Y |
How to use: Helpful for tax deductions (if used for business), insurance claims, and budgeting. Link scanned receipts to each entry.
Pre-ride inspection checklist (quick)
- Tires: pressure, tread depth, cuts
- Brakes: function, pads wear
- Chain/belt: tension, lubrication
- Lights: headlight, tail, indicators
- Fluids: oil level, coolant, brake fluid
- Controls: clutch, throttle, brakes smooth
- Mirrors: secure & clear
- Fasteners: no loose bolts on critical parts
- Battery: secure, terminals clean
- Luggage: secure
How to use: Keep this checklist compact and laminate a printed copy to stash in a tank bag or glove box for quick reference.
Digital vs. paper log book — quick comparison
| Feature | Paper log book | Digital log book (app/spreadsheet) |
|---|---|---|
| Portability | Tangible, can be kept on bike | Accessible across devices, cloud backup |
| Search & analysis | Manual lookup | Quick search, graphs, reminders |
| Ease of entry | Simple, pen-based | Can be faster with templates, voice input |
| Backup | Vulnerable to loss/damage | Easier to back up and share |
| Resale presentation | Physical record appreciated | Professional PDFs/exports available |
Notes: Choose a system you’ll actually use. Many riders use both: a compact paper notebook for quick pre-ride notes plus a detailed digital spreadsheet or app for records, photos, and backups.
Tips for keeping a useful log book
- Be consistent: Record every service, refuel, and longer ride as soon as possible.
- Use photos: Before-and-after shots of repairs, odometer readings, or damage add credibility.
- Standardize units: Decide on miles vs. kilometers and liters vs. gallons and stick with them.
- Schedule reminders: If digital, set alerts for oil changes, chain service, or tire replacement.
- Keep receipts: Scan and attach receipts to the corresponding log entries.
- Version control: If multiple riders use the same bike, agree on who records what to avoid duplicate entries.
- Backup regularly: Scan paper pages or export your digital log monthly.
Sample monthly maintenance routine (example)
- Weekly: Quick pre-ride inspection, chain lube if ridden in wet/gritty conditions.
- Every 1,000–2,000 mi (1,600–3,200 km): Check chain tension, tire condition, fluid levels.
- Every oil change interval per owner’s manual (commonly 3,000–6,000 mi): Oil & filter change.
- Every 6–12 months: Brake fluid check/replace, coolant check, battery terminal cleaning, full inspection.
- Annually: Comprehensive service or dealership inspection.
Adjust intervals to your bike’s manual and riding conditions (fuel-injected sport bikes differ from air-cooled cruisers).
Templates you can copy (plain text)
Copy-paste friendly text version of the core templates for quick use in a note app or spreadsheet:
Routine maintenance record: Date | Odometer | Service performed | Parts replaced | Fluids changed | Shop/Mechanic | Cost | Next due | Notes
Fuel & mileage log: Date | Odometer start | Odometer end | Distance | Fuel added | Price per unit | Total cost | MPG / L/100km | Notes
Trip log: Date | Odometer start | Odometer end | Distance | Route | Duration | Weather | Purpose | Notes
Parts inventory: Item | Installed date | Part number | Cost | Condition | Warranty | Notes
Expense log: Date | Category | Vendor | Amount | Payment method | Notes | Receipt scanned (Y/N)
Final thoughts
A carefully maintained motorcycle log book pays back in safer rides, lower costs, and a stronger sales position. Start small—use the pre-ride checklist and fuel log—and grow the system as habits form. Whether paper, spreadsheet, or app, consistency is the single most valuable trait of an effective log book.
If you’d like, I can: provide a downloadable spreadsheet (CSV/Excel) version of these templates, create a printable PDF layout, or adapt templates for specific bike types (sportbike, adventure, cruiser). Which would you prefer?
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