how to become a motorcycle mechanic

How To Become A Motorcycle Mechanic In Smart Ways

Is Working As A Motorcycle Mechanic Right For Me?

Do you love riding and fixing bikes? Do you like figuring out how mechanical stuff operates? Or enjoy disassembling and putting things back together as they were, or better? Do engines, machines, and electrical equipment interest you?

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Are you handy with tools, mechanical diagrams, and electrical charts, not put off by oily messes? Can you methodically work out mechanical problems quickly but with safety in mind?

If so, then learning how to become a motorcycle mechanic may suit you well.


Perks

how-to-become-a-motorcycle-mechanic
  • You can train on the job and eventually become self-employed.

  • If you’re cool with motorcycles and lots of hands-on time on them, it may be dream work.

  • You’ll be test riding as part of your duties, which isn’t hard at all, right?

  • It’s great when you see the owners of the bikes you worked on ride off happily.

  • Skills in servicing small engines can be useful in similar fields such as marine equipment.


Challenges

how-to-become-a-motorcycle-mechanic
  • It can get messy and physically demanding with oily parts, unsafe chemicals, and shop noise about.

  • You may need to perform outdoor repairs in sometimes-unpleasant settings or weather conditions.

  • You’ll be constantly updating your tools and skills to keep pace with rivals.

  • Annual wages of about $35,000 are just average.


What You’ll Need To Know

how-to-become-a-motorcycle-mechanic

If you want to know how to become a motorcycle mechanic, it’s good to have a liking for bikes. Some mechanics start as kids who serviced their own mountain or BMX bikes and then moved on to scooters and motorcycles as they grew.

  • Mechanics have to be physically fit and in good health, able to handle big bikes or lift weighty parts.

  • You need good vision and an eye for detail to remember proper techniques and steps.

  • You should be good at mechanical problem solving and able to figure out how assemblies come apart and fit again correctly.

  • You will learn to listen to customers and answer their questions correctly, and work with associates and suppliers to service bikes.

  • Learning to be handy with tools and not mind getting your hands messy comes with the job.

One mechanic’s story:


Needed Skills And Certifications

It’s good to have an interest in riding and fixing bikes for that would already be a good start. On the job, you will learn much on the job while supervised by experienced mechanics.

  • The qualifications you may want to secure from school or community college will vary, but normally includes math and science basics and some engineering. But even when starting out you can usually continue studying while you have a job.

  • Employers usually look for at least high school graduates. But you can always land work with less schooling provided you have essential reading and math skills.

  • Certain states require mechanics doing major repair work to be certified, which can mean taking written tests and submitting applications.

how-to-become-a-motorcycle-mechanic

Work Prospects

States with warmer weather like California and Florida see many motorcycle mechanics constantly engaged. The work can be largely seasonal in colder climes. Most customers will have their bikes serviced when spring and summer comes, when you might work find yourself working overtime until evening and on weekends.

If you gain skill at other service jobs as with servicing snowmobiles, you’ll likely find profitable employment all year.


Steps To Working On Bikes

how-to-become-a-motorcycle-mechanic

If you’re decided, then your next step is to gather your qualification and apply for a job. Try asking around local shops and forums about dealers hiring in your area. If you’re in a training program, you can ask for referrals. You can learn a lot from those already working as successful mechanics and trainers.

Go through this checklist of conditions and requirements to see where you fit and can do a great job:


1. Basic Certifications.

Shop owners like to hire people who've finished community college or technical training courses.

  • Technical training or community college certification can get you ahead of applicants with only high school diplomas.

  • These programs can involve broad coursework and lots of hands-on instruction on things like power transmissions, fuel-system diagnostics, and making estimates for repairs.

  • You can enhance your knowledge of electronics and computers, which are additional qualities that employers look for.

how-to-become-a-motorcycle-mechanic

An informal guide to training stuff.


2. Manufacturer Training.

Manufacturers offer technical qualification through programs such as the Honda Registered Technician, Harley-Davidson PHD, and Suzuki Service Pro.

  • Certifications from these firms should make your work history more desirable.

  • You can earn these certifications after you’ve finished courses offered through technical schools that are approved by dealers.

  • Some mechanics work for dealers who service only certain marques such as Harley-Davidson or Honda, while others work at shops that service all brands and models.

Shop training and technical courses: 


3. Interviews On Skills And Aptitudes.

To be effective as motorcycle mechanic you must possess certain qualities, which you’ll have to demonstrate to prospective employers as needed.

  • Mechanical aptitudes above all.

  • Strength and ability to handle hand tools and heavy bikes and lift gear weighing more than 55 pounds.

  • Pride in performance and willingness to work long days and weekends in peak season.

  • Competence in relating with customers.

  • Appreciation of the need to upgrade your knowledge and skills.

Doing the job with Hondas: 


4. Work Conditions. 

Mechanics normally do indoor work in shops which get noisy when engines are under test, and you’ll want to know if you’ll be happy working on a given shop floor.

  • Good ventilation can help reduce exhaust fumes, but the smell of fuel and burned brakes will be there.

  • Garage toolsets may be supplied, but otherwise you could be expected to bring some hand tools of your own.

  • As a trainee, you can learn other useful skills such as time tracking and inventory modules.

  • You ought to be free to chat with co-workers and enjoy your music privately as you work in most shops.


5. Jobs And Duties. 

Managers and experienced hands will have you train for basic tasks and responsibilities:

  • Handle a variety of hand and power tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, spanners, drills, and welding equipment.

  • Understand mechanical and electrical service guide schematics of motorcycles.

  • Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical faults and disassemble, adjust, and fix or swap parts.

  • Discuss issues with customers and co-workers by describe faults and repair and maintenance methods.

Shop work: 


6. Common Maintenance. 

You’ll be expected to perform routine tasks:

  • Change engine oil, replace spark plugs, check wheel alignment, mount tires, attach accessories, and tune-up engines.

  • Clean and adjust carburettors, clutches and brakes, and drive chains.

  • Customize ride and seating according to customers’ needs.

  • Help other workers fix dented bodies.

Tools for working on Harleys: 


7. Major Repairs.

You may learn how to diagnose major issues with bike engines, suspensions, and frames using certain techniques.

  • Run computer diagnostics to resolve faulty operation.

  • Identify failing modes in electrical systems and power trains by examining the bike then listening to it operate.

  • Repair or rebuild gearboxes, engines, brakes, suspension links, clutches, fuel- and electrical-system assemblies.

  • Work with equipment like a powered press for tearing down engines and extracting cylinder heads and pistons, valve seat cutter, chassis dynamometer, and tire changer.

A bike’s engine:


Thoughts On Getting The Job Done

If you’re into classic bikes, you can enjoy working on them as well. You’ll even have time to read bike manuals and magazines and online resources in the trade to keep up with new things. Ideally, you should be motorcycle enthusiastic yourself so than you can appreciate what owners expect of their bikes.

how-to-become-a-motorcycle-mechanic
  • Working as a mechanic can be rewarding for those who like precision tasks, are motivated by solving mechanical problems, and love riding and fixing bikes.

  • It’s worth it to get the job you desire if you want to keep you close to the bikes you enjoy riding and tinkering on.

Some mechanics eventually specialize in certain marques or vintage sportsters, or even big-displacement GP racers. What’s not to like?

Have you learned how to become a motorcycle mechanic? How did you go about it? Did you learn from this article and enjoy what you read? Feel free to share what you know.



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