Printable Motorcycle Maintenance Log Template
Maintenance isn’t just about wrenches – it’s about records. A log builds confidence, protects resale value, and keeps your bike safe as well.
1. Oil Change
The Challenge: Oil is the lifeblood of your engine. Forgetting changes shortens engine life.
🚫 Myth‑busting: “Synthetic oil lasts forever.”
Reality: Even synthetic oil breaks down with heat and contaminants.
✅ Rider Strategies
- Log mileage and date of every oil change
- Note oil type and filter brand
- Set reminders for next change
🛠️ DIY Drill
Write down your last oil change mileage/date. Compare to manual’s interval – are you on track?
| Date | Mileage | Oil Type | Filter | Next Due |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025‑05‑10 | 12,500 km | 10W‑40 Synthetic | OEM | 17,500 km |
2. Chain Service
The Challenge: Chains wear fast if not cleaned and lubed regularly.
🚫 Myth‑busting: “O‑ring chains don’t need lube.”
Reality: They still need external lubrication and cleaning.
✅ Rider Strategies
- Log clean/lube dates and mileage
- Note slack adjustments
- Track sprocket replacements
🛠️ DIY Drill
Check your chain slack today. Record it in a log – start building a baseline.
| Date | Mileage | Service | Slack | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025‑06‑01 | 13,200 km | Lube + Adjust | 30 mm | OK |
3. Tire Checks
The Challenge: Tires age out even if tread looks fine.
🚫 Myth‑busting: “Tread depth is all that matters.”
Reality: Rubber hardens with age – check DOT date codes.
✅ Rider Strategies
- Log pressures, tread depth, and tire age
- Note punctures or repairs
- Record replacement dates
🛠️ DIY Drill
Find the DOT code on your tire. Record its age in your log.
| Date | Mileage | Front PSI | Rear PSI | Tread Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025‑06‑15 | 13,800 km | 34 | 38 | 3 mm |
4. Brake Service
The Challenge: Pads, rotors, and fluid degrade with use and time.
🚫 Myth‑busting: “Brake pads last forever if you ride gently.”
Reality: Pads wear even with light use, and fluid absorbs moisture.
✅ Rider Strategies
- Log pad thickness, rotor condition, and fluid flushes
- Note squeals, pulsing, or spongy feel
- Track replacement dates
🛠️ DIY Drill
Check your pad thickness with a flashlight. Record it in your log.
| Date | Mileage | Pad Thickness | Rotor | Fluid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025‑07‑01 | 14,200 km | 3 mm | OK | Dark |
5. Coolant
The Challenge: Coolant prevents overheating and corrosion. Old coolant loses effectiveness and can damage the engine.
🚫 Myth‑busting: “Coolant never needs changing.”
Reality: Additives break down over time, reducing protection.
✅ Rider Strategies
- Log coolant flushes every 2 years
- Note top‑ups and coolant type
- Track leaks or overheating events
🛠️ DIY Drill
Check your coolant reservoir cold. Record the level and color in your log.
| Date | Mileage | Coolant Type | Service | Next Due |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025‑07‑15 | 14,800 km | 50/50 Ethylene Glycol | Flush | 2027 |
6. Valve Clearance
The Challenge: Incorrect valve clearances cause poor starting, loss of power, and engine wear.
🚫 Myth‑busting: “If it runs, the valves are fine.”
Reality: Valves drift gradually out of spec – symptoms can be subtle.
✅ Rider Strategies
- Log valve checks every 20,000–30,000 km
- Note if adjustment was required
- Record shop invoice or DIY notes
🛠️ DIY Drill
Listen to your bike’s idle. Record any ticking or hard‑start symptoms in your log.
| Date | Mileage | Service | Adjustment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025‑08‑01 | 15,200 km | Valve Check | In spec | No adjustment |
7. Battery
The Challenge: Weak batteries cause no‑start situations and strain charging systems.
🚫 Myth‑busting: “If it starts today, the battery is fine.”
Reality: Batteries can fail suddenly, especially in cold weather.
✅ Rider Strategies
- Log voltage checks monthly
- Note charging system output
- Record replacement dates
🛠️ DIY Drill
Measure your battery with a multimeter. Record resting and running voltage in your log.
| Date | Mileage | Voltage (Rest) | Voltage (Running) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025‑08‑15 | 15,600 km | 12.7V | 14.1V | Healthy |
8. Air Filter
The Challenge: A clogged filter reduces airflow, power, and fuel efficiency.
🚫 Myth‑busting: “Air filters last forever if you don’t ride much.”
Reality: Filters degrade with time and environment, not just mileage.
✅ Rider Strategies
- Log inspections every 10,000 km
- Note cleanings or replacements
- Record filter type (paper, foam, cotton)
🛠️ DIY Drill
Remove your filter and hold it to light. Record visibility and condition in your log.
| Date | Mileage | Filter Type | Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025‑09‑01 | 16,000 km | Paper | Replaced | Dusty region |
9. Controls & Cables
The Challenge: Sticky throttles or frayed clutch cables can fail suddenly.
🚫 Myth‑busting: “If the lever moves, the cable is fine.”
Reality: Cables can fray internally or bind without obvious signs.
✅ Rider Strategies
- Log lubrication dates
- Note free play adjustments
- Record replacements
🛠️ DIY Drill
Check clutch free play and throttle snap‑back. Record results in your log.
| Date | Mileage | Service | Free Play | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025‑09‑10 | 16,400 km | Lubed | 2 mm | OK |
10. Lights & Electrical
The Challenge: Burned‑out bulbs or weak charging systems compromise safety and visibility.
🚫 Myth‑busting: “If the headlight works, the electrics are fine.”
Reality: Weak batteries or failing regulators can still leave you stranded.
✅ Rider Strategies
- Log bulb replacements and upgrades
- Note charging voltage checks
- Record battery swaps
🛠️ DIY Drill
Turn on all lights and horn at once. Record brightness and voltage in your log.
| Date | Mileage | Service | Voltage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025‑09‑20 | 16,800 km | Headlight Replaced | 14.0V | OK |
11. Fasteners & Torque
The Challenge: Vibrations loosen bolts over time. Critical fasteners must be torqued to spec.
🚫 Myth‑busting: “Tight is tight enough.”
Reality: Over‑tightening strips threads, under‑tightening risks parts falling off.
✅ Rider Strategies
- Log torque checks on wheels, brakes, and engine bolts
- Note use of threadlocker
- Track any stripped or replaced bolts
🛠️ DIY Drill
Torque your axle nut to spec. Record the value and compare to “hand tight.”
| Date | Mileage | Fastener | Torque Spec | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025‑09‑25 | 17,000 km | Rear Axle | 100 Nm | OK |
12. Fuel System
The Challenge: Dirty injectors or clogged carbs cause poor running and hard starts.
🚫 Myth‑busting: “Fuel stabilizer isn’t necessary.”
Reality: Untreated fuel gums up carbs and injectors during storage.
✅ Rider Strategies
- Log fuel filter changes
- Note carb cleans or injector services
- Record use of stabilizer before storage
🛠️ DIY Drill
Add fuel stabilizer before winter. Record date and mileage in your log.
| Date | Mileage | Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025‑10‑01 | 17,200 km | Fuel Stabilizer Added | Winter prep |
13. Drive Belt / Shaft
The Challenge: Belt and shaft drives need less attention than chains, but still require checks.
🚫 Myth‑busting: “Belt or shaft drives are maintenance‑free.”
Reality: Belts crack, shafts need oil changes.
✅ Rider Strategies
- Log belt inspections for cracks or frays
- Record shaft oil changes
- Note tension adjustments
🛠️ DIY Drill
Inspect your belt or shaft housing. Record condition and service date.
| Date | Mileage | Drive Type | Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025‑10‑10 | 17,500 km | Belt | Inspected | No cracks |
14. Bearings
The Challenge: Wheel and steering bearings wear silently until they fail.
🚫 Myth‑busting: “If it rolls, the bearings are fine.”
Reality: Worn bearings cause wobble, noise, and unsafe handling.
✅ Rider Strategies
- Log bearing inspections during tire changes
- Note replacements
- Record grease service if applicable
🛠️ DIY Drill
Lift the front wheel and wiggle side to side. Record play or smoothness in your log.
| Date | Mileage | Location | Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025‑10‑20 | 17,800 km | Front Wheel | Inspected | Smooth |
15. Fuses & Relays
The Challenge: Electrical gremlins often trace back to simple fuse or relay issues.
🚫 Myth‑busting: “If the bike starts, the fuses must be fine.”
Reality: A weak or corroded fuse/relay can cause intermittent failures.
✅ Rider Strategies
- Log fuse replacements by amperage
- Note relay swaps or spares carried
- Record symptoms before replacement
🛠️ DIY Drill
Pull one fuse and inspect for corrosion. Record condition in your log.
| Date | Mileage | Fuse/Relay | Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025‑10‑25 | 18,000 km | 15A Fuse | Replaced | Corroded |
16. Cleaning & Detailing
The Challenge: Dirt hides leaks, corrosion, and cracks. A clean bike is easier to inspect and maintain.
🚫 Myth‑busting: “Cleaning is just cosmetic.”
Reality: Cleaning reveals problems early and prevents corrosion.
✅ Rider Strategies
- Log deep cleans and waxing
- Note corrosion spots or touch‑ups
- Track protective sprays used
🛠️ DIY Drill
After your next wash, inspect for leaks or loose fasteners. Record findings in your log.
| Date | Mileage | Service | Products Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025‑11‑01 | 18,200 km | Wash + Wax | pH Neutral Soap | Chain guard cleaned |
17. Luggage & Accessories
The Challenge: Added accessories (racks, bags, lights) loosen over time and affect handling.
🚫 Myth‑busting: “Once installed, accessories don’t need attention.”
Reality: Vibrations loosen bolts and wiring on add‑ons.
✅ Rider Strategies
- Log installation dates
- Note bolt torque checks
- Record wiring inspections
🛠️ DIY Drill
Check your luggage rack bolts. Record torque and condition in your log.
| Date | Mileage | Accessory | Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025‑11‑05 | 18,400 km | Top Case Rack | Re‑torqued | All bolts secure |
18. Suspension Settings
The Challenge: Incorrect preload, damping, or sag affects handling and tire wear.
🚫 Myth‑busting: “Factory suspension settings work for everyone.”
Reality: Rider weight, luggage, and style require adjustments.
✅ Rider Strategies
- Log preload, rebound, and compression settings
- Note changes for touring vs. solo riding
- Record sag measurements
🛠️ DIY Drill
Measure rider sag with a friend’s help. Record settings in your log.
| Date | Mileage | Setting | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025‑11‑10 | 18,600 km | Rear Preload | +2 clicks | Touring setup |
19. Safety Gear Checks
The Challenge: Helmets, jackets, gloves, and boots degrade over time. Damaged gear reduces protection.
🚫 Myth‑busting: “If it looks fine, it’s safe.”
Reality: Helmet EPS foam degrades, and textiles lose abrasion resistance even without visible damage.
✅ Rider Strategies
- Log helmet purchase and replacement dates (5‑year rule)
- Note gear inspections after crashes or drops
- Track cleaning and waterproofing treatments
🛠️ DIY Drill
Check your helmet’s manufacture date. Record it in your log and calculate replacement year.
| Date | Gear | Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025‑11‑15 | Helmet | Inspected | Replace by 2029 |
20. General Notes & Mileage
The Challenge: Not every issue fits neatly into a category. A general notes section captures odd noises, feel, or rider impressions.
🚫 Myth‑busting: “If it’s not broken, don’t write it down.”
Reality: Small observations (like a faint rattle) often predict bigger issues later.
✅ Rider Strategies
- Log mileage at fuel stops or trips
- Note unusual noises, vibrations, or smells
- Record weather/conditions for context
🛠️ DIY Drill
After your next ride, jot down one observation about how the bike felt. Build the habit of noticing patterns.
| Date | Mileage | Observation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025‑11‑20 | 19,000 km | Light rattle at idle | Monitor next service |
Stay Ahead with Your Maintenance Log
Use the table below as a printable master log. Keep a copy in your garage or tank bag, and update it regularly.
Master Maintenance Log (20 Essentials)
| # | Item | What to Record | Typical Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oil Change | Date, mileage, oil/filter | 5–8k km / 12 mo |
| 2 | Chain Service | Lube, slack, sprockets | 500–800 km |
| 3 | Tires | PSI, tread, age | Weekly / 5 yrs |
| 4 | Brakes | Pad thickness, fluid | 5k km / 2 yrs |
| 5 | Coolant | Type, flush date | 2 yrs |
| 6 | Valves | Check/adjust | 20–30k km |
| 7 | Battery | Voltage, replace date | 3–5 yrs |
| 8 | Air Filter | Type, clean/replace | 10–20k km |
| 9 | Controls & Cables | Lube, free play | Monthly |
| 10 | Lights & Electrical | Bulbs, voltage | Monthly |
| 11 | Fasteners & Torque | Critical bolts | Monthly |
| 12 | Fuel System | Filter, stabilizer | Seasonal |
| 13 | Belt / Shaft | Condition, oil | 10–20k km |
| 14 | Bearings | Wheel/steering play | Tire change |
| 15 | Fuses & Relays | Replacements | As needed |
| 16 | Cleaning | Wash, wax, protect | Monthly |
| 17 | Luggage & Accessories | Bolts, wiring | Monthly |
| 18 | Suspension Settings | Preload, sag | Setup change |
| 19 | Safety Gear | Helmet/gear checks | Annual / 5 yrs |
| 20 | General Notes | Mileage, observations | Every ride |
🏍️ Tip: Consistency beats perfection. Even quick notes after a ride build a powerful history of your bike’s health.
