Everything You Need To Know To Pursue A Motorcycle Mechanic Career
Have you ever considered working as a motorcycle mechanic? Becoming a motorcycle mechanic requires a specific type of training, and there are dedicated educational programs available to those of you who’d rather work on two-wheelers. If you are one of them, keep reading to learn everything you need to know to in order to become a full-fledged bike mechanic in no time!
What does a motorcycle mechanic do?
The main difference between a car mechanic and a motorcycle mechanic is that each of them deals with a very distinct type of vehicle. Motorcycle engines may well be based on the same working principles as car engines, but the diagnosis of suspension and direction system problems will differ considerably. Not to forget that a motorcycle mechanic will be in charge of general maintenance and repair for motorcycles, but also scooters and mopeds.
One thing you may not be aware of is that the field of motorcycle mechanics is quite vast, and there are many job descriptions and names for the positions you may apply for in a repair shop. For instance, you can work as an ATV technician, as a master motorcycle technician, as a motor scooter mechanic, or as a custom bike builder. Each of these can also have a specialization like transmission diagnosis, power management specialist and even custom frame designs. All these positions and specializations are related to the same field but will, in turn, require different work experience and lead to different paygrades and job opportunities.
As a motorcycle mechanic, you will be in charge of troubleshooting issues, operating power tools to complete various parts replacement like shocks, bearings, tire mounting and balancing, transmissions work and brake jobs. You will also be asked to perform oil changes on a regular basis and many other demands depending on the customers’ needs.
Besides your technical skill, you must also be an excellent communicator. People who walk into your shop may not all be knowledgeable of motorcycle mechanics, so their description of the problem may not be accurate. Therefore, it will be up to you to work your communicational skills and do your best to understand their concerns while keeping the customer as comfortable as possible.
You must also be a good team player. You will work side by side with other mechanics, and, on some repair jobs, you might also have to work with them, as well.
What educational background is necessary to become a motorcycle mechanic?
The minimum educational requirement to even consider a career as a motorcycle mechanic is a high school diploma or any form of equivalent for GED. That is highly recommended to be able to understand what you will be taught in a motorcycle repair training program. Be aware that particular admission standards vary from one program to another, but, as a general rule, a high school diploma will do just fine.
Most of them don’t have an entrance exam, and also don’t require standardized test scores. At the end of the training program, you’ll be awarded a certification of completion that you can attach to job applications. Further studies can bring you an associate degree, and some motorcycle mechanics have it but you’ll have the time to figure out if you want to pursue a specialization later on in your bike mechanic career.
In case you’re wondering, it is also possible to work as a motorcycle mechanic without educational training by following an apprenticeship program. However, most repair shops would favor someone with a certificate obtained from a motorcycle repair training program over someone with no experience and no education whatsoever.
How to pick the right motorcycle repair training program
As stated earlier, a motorcycle repair training program is paramount for your qualifications if you want to work in this field. It is not enough to know what replacement parts would fit a Harley to be a motorcycle mechanic.
The good news is that there are plenty of formal education options to consider if you want to pursue this career. Technical institutes, community colleges, adult learning centers, as well as vocational schools and training programs offer such courses so that you can have your pick.
At the end of your formal education, you will receive a certificate. You should consider getting hired within nine months to one year max after you complete your studies, as that’s the expiration date for the certificate you get.
If you’re interested in getting an associate degree, you will find plenty of educational choices, as well. Having such a degree demands you to follow courses for two years, but the effort will be worth it, as repair shops will value your application even more.
As you look at the various options available, don’t forget to consider aspects such as class size, facilities located onsite, the school’s accreditation, as well as those regarding tuition costs. Some schools may even offer financial aid, and that’s something to bear in mind in case you don’t have enough money to get this type of certification.
What will you study?
After admittance to one of the schools offering motorcycle repair training programs, you will have to follow a curriculum. There are two parts to the program you will follow; one that consists of the instructions provided in a classroom setting, and practical training in the shop.
For the first part, you will mostly study motorcycle repair theory. During classes, you will learn about the distinctive parts of the motorcycle, such as the chassis, or the suspension, as well as how to take apart a motorcycle, how it works, how to repair it, and how to improve its performance.
For the practical part of your courses, you will get to repair actual motorcycles. That is why it is essential that the school you pick has some facilities on site where such repairs can take place. In case that’s not available, some schools work with local repair shops, and their students can gain their hands-on training there.
Your first job
Once you finish your formal education and you have received your certification as a motorcycle mechanic, it will be time to apply for your first job. As a novice, you can apply for low entry positions and deal with basic repairs for some time until you can gain enough work experience to tackle more complicated tasks.
Other opportunities may include customizing motorcycles. This can be quite a profitable venue as there are plenty of customers who want to make their bikes unique.
Last Words
No matter which training program you will choose, your actual training is never over. Even when you finally have your certificate in hand and you’ve got yourself a good position in a bike repair shop, never stop paying attention to the work performed by other more-experienced mechanics you are working with. There is plenty to learn by observing them, and it is this type of unofficial training that will help you the most to advance in your career. Theory is important but nothing will ever replace actual shop experience.