📝 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.
Total Motorcycle’s Printable Maintenance Log guide lists the Top 20 log entries every rider should track, with myth‑busting insights and sample table rows you can print or copy.
1. 🛢️ Oil Change
The Challenge: Oil is the lifeblood of your engine. Forgetting changes shortens engine life.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Think of this log as your riding diary: every entry tells the story of your bike’s health and your growth as a rider. The more consistent your records, the more confident you’ll be on every ride.
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.
Posted on September 26, 2025 by Michael Le Pard
