What maintenance records should I keep when selling a motorcycle?
Two identical bikes, same year and mileage — the one with a folder of receipts and a clear service history sells faster and for more. Here is what buyers want to see, and how to get it together.
The essentials
- V5C logbook in your name and address, matching the bike's VIN and engine number.
- Service history — the stamped book, invoices, or a dated log of every service.
- Receipts for work and parts: tyres, chain and sprockets, brakes, batteries, any big jobs.
- MOT history — buyers can check it themselves online, so make sure what you say matches it.
- Both keys (and any coded or master key) and the owner's manual.
What makes a history convincing
- Dates and mileages on every entry, so the story adds up.
- Who did the work — dealer, independent garage or you.
- What was done, not just "service".
- Mileages that line up with the MOT history. Buyers do check, and the MOT history records mileage at each test.
If you service the bike yourself
DIY servicing is fine, but you need to show it. Write down the date, mileage and exactly what you did, and keep the receipts for the oil, filters and parts you used. A tidy, consistent log with receipts behind it is far more convincing than a few stamps from years ago.
Major jobs worth highlighting
- Valve clearance check — a big, expensive service many buyers ask about.
- New chain and sprockets, tyres or brake discs.
- Recent brake fluid and coolant changes.
- Any recall work, carried out by a dealer.
Filling gaps in the history
- Ask the dealers or garages who serviced it — many keep records by registration.
- Use the MOT history to show the mileage at each test.
- Be honest about gaps. Buyers trust a seller who explains a missing year more than one who claims everything was done.
Present it well
Put everything in date order in a folder, with a one-page summary on top: services, big jobs, tyres and MOTs, with dates and mileages. MotoTrac's service history gives you that summary as a printable service sheet.
Sources
This guide is general information for UK vehicle owners. Your owner's manual and your mechanic or MOT tester have the final word for your vehicle.