Posts
4
Joined
12/31/2021
Location
AU
Edited Date/Time
1/12/2022 1:50pm
Would you use an online dirt bike logbook? Before I go to the effort of building a comprehensive maintenance/ride/parts/general bike logbook website, I was wondering if this is a tool that many of you would use. There’s a few apps and sites that attempt to do this, but none that I’ve found that do it really well or with all the features I have planned. I’d make it available for free for everyone.
The website would allow you to:
• Create multiple bike profiles
• Log maintenance jobs done and upgrades/parts added
• Log rides to record where, when, with who, pics etc. Enter hours at end of ride and the system will auto-calculate hours done
• For racers – log training sessions (what you were focusing on in training etc.) and race details (which track, which classes competed in, conditions, lap times, results etc.)
• Create custom reminder alerts (e.g. change oil every 10 hours)
• Have a ‘read only’ link you can give to anyone, which opens a web page that includes maintenance done, parts added pics and other items designed to give credibility to how the bike has been maintained. Great for giving to your mechanic and in ads when selling the bike so its history is more transparent.
• Shopping list for parts you’d like for each bike including description, links, prices etc.
• Many more features
Would you use something like this and if so what would you like to see included?
Also, would you prefer this as an app, or would there be too much typing and a website be easier?
Thanks all, looking forward to hearing your feedback.
The website would allow you to:
• Create multiple bike profiles
• Log maintenance jobs done and upgrades/parts added
• Log rides to record where, when, with who, pics etc. Enter hours at end of ride and the system will auto-calculate hours done
• For racers – log training sessions (what you were focusing on in training etc.) and race details (which track, which classes competed in, conditions, lap times, results etc.)
• Create custom reminder alerts (e.g. change oil every 10 hours)
• Have a ‘read only’ link you can give to anyone, which opens a web page that includes maintenance done, parts added pics and other items designed to give credibility to how the bike has been maintained. Great for giving to your mechanic and in ads when selling the bike so its history is more transparent.
• Shopping list for parts you’d like for each bike including description, links, prices etc.
• Many more features
Would you use something like this and if so what would you like to see included?
Also, would you prefer this as an app, or would there be too much typing and a website be easier?
Thanks all, looking forward to hearing your feedback.
Inter-app compatibility would be ideal to sling data around (e.g. Yamaha PowerTuner maps, etc.). Consider this aspect, for sure.
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I never really saw a need here because I can do a lot more with a spreadsheet (logs, calcs, embed pics, on and on). That said, most people are smartphones for everything (maybe)?
It's always been nothing more than a spiral notebook for me but I'm Old School Lol. However as a Yamaha guy I've grown fond of the Power tuner App over the years but its very basic, so i like the idea of this.
If you generally make the app easy to use (which = an aspect of fun, too!) and it does the basics, you're golden. Then just enhance from there.
"Fun!" = my new life mantra. Seems like a good band name, too ...
I'm also using a spreadsheet currently, which as others have said works and is fine. However it's not simple to use at the track and lacks all the functionality of the app/website I'm proposing. The tool I'm proposing would be simple to use, able to be used on any device (even mobiles at the track), all data added would be exportable and it'd be beautifully designed. i'll also include graphs and timelines etc. I have also thought of integrating with other systems (Yamaha app, Litpro etc.), but haven't looked into if that can be done yet.
Thanks again, I'll look into getting this started.
Advice if it helps - but it seems you've done this before? (I do a fair # of these type of software/app/firmware/site projects):
(1) Develop a simple, robust interface that is s-c-a-l-a-b-l-e
(2) Don't over "featurize" it - incrementally deliver your capability with updates. This approach keeps you from being overwhelmed + allows you to monetize at soonest.
(3) KISS = Keep It Simple Stupid ... always let this guide you
(4) Be realistic about the steps it will take to get where you intend to go + the investment of time & $$$ (and write them out so you have a planning framework)
(5) HAVE FUN --- ENJOY THE JOURNEY
#5 is sooooo important. Turning your hobby into a business can really impact your outlook/morale as the challenges arise - and they always do. I've consulted with a number of company owners in the moto industry on this and it was a common "pain point" for all of them. Know that going in so you're prepared to weather it, after all moto = supposed to be our outlet!
Good luck - you're going to develop a KICK A$$ app!
Pit Row
Thread's a few years old, but I built exactly what you were describing. Started coding during a Montana winter, launched that spring.
Lightbulb moment was a riding buddy saying "I wish there was an app to remind me to fix my bike. Take a picture of what's broken, get reminded later."
https://lookover.app/dirt-bike-maintenance-app/ - might save you the build effort if you never got around to it.
Thanks @SendDerek, I got caught up with other projects and haven't started this one yet. I took a look at your website and it looks great. I've just downloaded the app and will have a play with it. So far I'm impressed - thanks for the heads up.
My pleasure, @BenS! 😁
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