Are you passionate about motorcycles and looking to make a career out of that interest?
Becoming a motorcycle mechanic might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Motorcycle mechanics are responsible for maintaining and making recommendations about other people’s bikes.
Motorcycle mechanics must also be passionate and dedicated to the motorcycle industry.
A motorcycle mechanic career is easier to begin than you might think, and if it is something that interests you, there’s no time like the present to get started.
Ideal Candidates for Motorcycle Maintenance
While there are many who can work on motorcycles, there are certain qualities that great mechanics have.
First, ideal candidates usually have great dexterity and work well with their hands. Since motorcycles have a lot of small components which require precise alignment, mechanics need enough control to place parts correctly.
Second, motorcycle mechanics need to have good communication skills so they know how to talk to different types of customers. The easier it is for you to address their questions and concerns, the more they trust your judgment.
Finally, when learning how to become a motorcycle mechanic, it’s essential that you have passion for the industry. Generally, mechanics who enjoy their career provide quality service and see greater personal satisfaction.
Education Requirements for Working on Motorcycles
If you’re wondering how to become a motorcycle mechanic, the first step is to graduate from high school or earn your GED. Once you have achieved this first step, you will then need to attend motorcycle mechanic school.
Many community colleges offer motorcycle mechanic schooling, and private companies might offer training as well.
In motorcycle mechanic school, you will learn about basic motorcycle technology like:
- Brake systems,
- Suspension,
- Fuel systems,
- Electrical systems, and
- Microcomputers.
In addition to the basics that can be applied to all motorcycles, some motorcycle mechanics earn certifications from specific motorcycle manufacturers.
A GED and basic motorbike training are generally all that are required to start working on motorcycles.
However, if you are interested in opening your own motorcycle repair shop, it is also a good idea to obtain an associate’s degree in business from a local college.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Motorcycle Mechanic?
The length of motorcycle training courses depends on the specific course and depth of training you want to pursue. Some courses require up to 18 months of coursework. However, some require as little as 42 weeks. Ultimately, it depends on whether you want manufacturer-specific training.
Putting in the time to be a competent mechanic will pay off in the long run, so it is important to take the training requirements seriously when becoming a motorcycle mechanic.
What to Expect in a Motorcycle Mechanic Course
A standard motorcycle mechanic course teaches you general skills applicable to multiple types of small-motor vehicles, including both motorcycles and ATVs. However, these courses typically focus on the types of engines, major mechanical systems, and electrical components.
Essentially, you’ll learn everything you need to know about a motorcycle from the ground up, including:
- Ignition and starter systems;
- Body and frame types;
- Drives and transmissions;
- Two-stroke and four-stroke engines;
- Cooling and lubrication systems;
- Exhaust and emission controls;
- Wheels, brakes, and tires; and
- Customization options.
In addition, you’ll also learn about the appropriate tools and techniques for different repairs or forms of maintenance. This gives you a thorough understanding of general motorcycle maintenance.
That being said, if you want training for specific manufacturers, you may need to take a specialized course. Many different certification programs offer these specific courses to newly educated mechanics so they can work on Harley-Davidsons, Hondas, Yamahas, and more.
Motorcycle Mechanic Job Duties & Pay
Once you complete the required education, you are ready to begin your motorcycle mechanic career. In this career, you will be responsible for:
- Repairing damaged motorcycles,
- Performing oil changes and other routine maintenance, and
- Recommending life-extending work for aging motorcycles.
Because of the scope and skill required of a motorcycle mechanic, such professionals earn an average salary of $41,970, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, location plays a large role in determining your salary.
Right now, the highest paying state is Nevada, where motorcycle mechanics make an average salary of $50,850 annually. In contrast, the lowest paying state for motorcycle mechanics is West Virginia, where the average annual salary is $30,430.
Motorcycle Mechanic Career Outlook
As of May 2021, the job career outlook for motorcycle mechanics is good. Not only does the BLS expect the number of opportunities to increase by 9% between now and 2030, the wages of mechanics also seem to be increasing.
Currently, the top five states with the highest employment for motorcycle mechanics are California, Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Kickstart Your Career With Stratford Career Institute
If you are interested in learning more about a career as a motorcycle mechanic, begin by enrolling in Stratford Career Institute’s motorcycle/ATV repair course.
This course is not the motorcycle mechanic schooling required to become a certified motorcycle mechanic, but it will help you decide if committing to long-term schooling is right for you. It will also provide you with a comprehensive fundamental overview of motorcycle and ATV repair that could help you with your own repairs.
Whether you want to pursue a career as a mechanic or simply enjoy it as a hobby, this is the course for you. For more information on how to become a motorcycle mechanic, contact us or enroll today.
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