Motorcycle Mechanic Schools And Jobs

About Motorcycle Mechanics

Motorcycle mechanics are responsible for maintaining, repairing, and overhauling motorcycles. Many also repair other types of small engine drivable equipment including motor scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, and all-terrain vehicles. In addition to repairing and maintaining motorcycle engines, they also may work on transmissions, brakes, exhaust and ignition systems, and make minor repairs to damaged sections of the motorcycles' body.

Most motorcycle mechanics also enjoy driving them and have a passion for working with them that was often developed in their youth. The majority of mechanics choose to specialize in the maintenance and repair of only a few makes and models. Mechanics limit the number of manufacturers that they service because the motorcycle dealers will service only the products they carry in their shop for sale.

The popularity of motorcycles has increased dramatically in recent years. Motorcycles are used by a wide variety of drivers for commuting, weekend touring, and racing. With the increasing cost of gasoline many people are choosing to drive a motorcycle due to its' fuel efficiency. A number of television shows that have come on the air in the past few years portray the inner workings of motorcycle repair and the daily work routines of motorcycle builders. These shows have allowed more people to learn about these vehicles and have contributed to the increased interest in purchasing a motorcycle, moped, or dirt bike. Because of the increasing complexity of this role, motorcycle mechanic schools play an important role in preparing people for their career as a mechanic.

Motorcycle Mechanic Job Duties

When a motorcycle breaks down, a mechanic uses a variety of techniques to determine the source of the problem and the extent of the repairs needed. A skilled mechanic will be able to diagnose mechanical and electrical problems easily and to make repairs quickly. Some repair jobs require replacement of only a single part or many parts vital to the efficient operation of the motorcycle. In larger repair shops, mechanics often use computerized diagnostic testing equipment developed for motorcycles as a preliminary tool in analyzing the equipment and the problems the owner is experiencing. These computers provide a report of how various components are performing and compare them to ratings established for that make and model.

After pinpointing the problem, the motorcycle mechanic makes the needed repairs or replaces unfixable parts. While performing the repairs a mechanic often refers to service manuals from the manufacturer for detailed instructions and specifications. Hoists may be used to lift motorcycle models that are especially heavy. More complex jobs such as a complete engine overhaul require many hours to disassemble the engine and then replace worn parts including valves, bearings, pistons, and other internal parts.

Motorcycle engines also require periodic maintenance to reduce the chance of breakdowns and to keep them running at peak efficiency. During routine maintenance, mechanics will follow a checklist of functions to be checked that includes inspecting and cleaning the brakes, electrical systems, fuel injection systems, plugs, and other parts. After completing the inspection, mechanics will repair or adjust parts that are not working properly and replace unfixable parts. In most repair shops, routine maintenance is normally the majority of the motorcycle mechanic’s work.

Whether performing repairs or maintenance a motorcycle mechanic uses a variety of hand tools. They are the most important aides a mechanic has to perform their duties. On a daily basis a mechanic will use wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers. Mechanics usually provide their own hand tools and most employers will provide more sophisticated, expensive power tools, computerized analyzers, and other diagnostic equipment. Computerized engine analyzers, compression gauges, and other testing equipment help a mechanic locate faulty parts and tune engines and are necessary for the successful repair of today's sophisticated engines. This equipment provides a systematic performance report of various components to compare against normal ratings to assist the mechanic in diagnosing the problem.

To successfully maintain or repair a motorcycle a mechanic will usually follow these steps:

• Perform visual inspection of the motorcycle
• Test drive the vehicle to accurately determine repairs needed of the mechanical, electrical, or computerized components
• Use computerized testing devices to check motorcycles operating systems
• Review the manufacturers technical manuals for updated information on parts to be used and procedures/standards to be followed when performing maintenance or making repairs
• Make an accurate estimate of time required to perform required maintenance or repair the motorcycle
• Compile a list of parts needed and the cost of replacement/new parts
• Perform needed repairs or maintenance including: Fuel injection systems, oil changes, plugs, brakes, electrical and computer systems, etc. according to manufacturers specifications and established industry standards

Motorcycle Mechanics Work Environment and Job Characteristics

Thorough knowledge of basic electronics is essential for all motorcycle mechanics. Electronic components control the engines' performance, instrument displays, and many other functions.

Motorcycle mechanics usually work in repair shops that are well ventilated and provide lighting conducive to detail oriented work such as motorcycle repair. These shops can sometimes be noisy especially when engines are being tested. During the winter months in the colder, snowy portions of the United States, mechanics may work fewer than 40 hours a week as motorcycle use declines during this time, as does the need for repairs and service work. During the months when they have less work motorcycle mechanics will often work on other small engine equipment such as snow blowers, lawn mowers, or on all-terrain vehicles, and snowmobiles, etc. During the off-season many mechanics also schedule time-consuming engine overhauls and re-builds so the clients' motorcycle is ready for the spring. During the peak summer months when most motorcycles are in use mechanics may work more than 40 hours a week to meet clients' repair and maintenance needs.

To succeed a motorcycle mechanic should possess most of the following skills and traits:

• Attention to detail
• Comfort with computers and computer diagnostic equipment
• Ability to lift heavy parts and equipment, work in confined spaces in awkward positions
• Aptitude for following instructions and diagrams in manufacturers manuals
• Interest in learning new technologies to meet changing motorcycle designs and manufacture
• Commitment to personal safety and that of their co-workers
• Ability to work independently
• Tolerance for noise, grease, and chemicals
• Outstanding time management skills to insure repairs are completed according to estimate
• Flexibility of work schedule to accommodate seasonal use of equipment, workload and customer needs - including evenings and weekends
• A mechanic who owns their own shop would also need effective communication and superior customer service skills as well as the expertise to accurately estimate the work hours and parts needed for each repair project

Motorcycle Mechanic Schools and Training

As the complexity of motorcycle operating systems continues to increase, employers prefer to hire mechanics that have successfully completed a formal motorcycle mechanic training program. The number of postsecondary programs that specialize in small engines and specifically motorcycles is limited and therefore, most mechanics currently working will learn their skills on the job or while working in related fields.

Mechanics who complete a motorcycle repair training program are more likely to advance quicker to more demanding small engine repair jobs than a mechanic who has not completed formal training. Motorcycle mechanic training programs are often conducted at area technical or vocational schools. Motorcycle mechanic schools typically offer a diploma or certificate on program completion.

Although the length of these training programs varies from one to two years all will provide classroom instruction and hands-on practice. In addition to formal training prior to being hired, once on the job employers often send mechanics and trainees to courses conducted by motorcycle equipment distributors and manufacturers. These courses add to a workers skills and provide up-to-date information on repairing new motorcycle models. Successful completion of these manufacturer classes is usually required for any mechanic who performs warranty work for manufacturers or work reimbursed by insurance companies.

For trainee mechanic positions employers prefer to hire high school graduates with mechanical aptitude and knowledge of basic electronics who have an interest and a passion for maintaining and repairing motorcycles. Many employers will also hire applicants who are not high school graduates if they possess solid reading, writing, and mathematical skills. Knowledge about the fundamentals of small 2- and 4-stroke engines is necessary for a trainee. Many trainees learn basic maintenance and repair skills by working on automobiles, motorcycles, or motorboats as a hobby or assisting family members.

Many trainees have also worked part time or during the summer at equipment dealers assembling new equipment and performing minor repairs. Many mechanics choose to attend a vocational high school in their community to learn the fundamentals of small engine repair. As part of a vocational program students will often take classes in automobile mechanics, science, and business math.

Trainees will learn routine service and repair tasks while working as an apprentice to a more experienced mechanic. They will replace parts such as spark plugs and ignition points and disassemble, assemble, and test new equipment. As trainees gain more experience and skill, they will take on more difficult tasks such as computerized diagnosis and engine overhauls. 3 - 5 years of on-the-job work experience and on-going training may be necessary before an inexperienced worker becomes proficient in all aspects of motorcycle engine repair.

Some motorcycle mechanics take the skills learned repairing small engines and their aptitude for solving mechanical problems and transfer those skills to other occupations, including automobile, diesel, or heavy vehicle repair. Experienced mechanics who enjoy dealing with customers and the business tasks involved in running a shop may advance to shop supervisor or service manager jobs. Some mechanics choose to open their own repair shop or become a sales representative for equipment or parts manufacturers.

Employment prospects for motorcycle mechanics and other small engine mechanics is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations. As more and more people become interested in purchasing a motorcycle for recreational use so will the demand for skilled mechanics.

Sources of additional information for Automotive Body Repairers

• National Independent Motorcycle Repair Association
• Motorcycle Industry Jobs
• Motorcycle Industry Council
• American Motorcyclist Association
• The National Motorcycle Dealers Association

Schools for Motorcycle Mechanics are listed in the column to the left.

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