Motorcycle mechanics work for dealerships to service and repair specific makes and models. They work on transmissions, ignition systems, braking, adjustments and alignment, and also conduct minor body repairs, among other services. Not only do motorcycle mechanics work on motorcycles, they also extend their areas of expertise to many all-terrain vehicles, including: mopeds, dirt bikes, scooters, and more.
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ALL IN A DAY'S WORK
Working at a dealership or in a repair shop, you’ll do all types of diagnoses, adjustments, repairs, and overhauls for your customers’ motorcycles. You might even be required to test drive motorcycles brought to you for repair. A day in the life of a certified motorcycle mechanic involves discussing the diagnostic end of repairs with your customers, performing your typical routine maintenance, checking for malfunctioning parts, replacing and/or repairing parts, engine work, and keeping comprehensive records of your performed work.
Your certifications may play a role in determining the type of bikes you'll be able to work on.
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YOU'VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES - THE SOFT SKILLS
Motorcycle mechanics should possess certain soft skills. If you're a person who is skilled in these areas, you should feel even more confident when looking into a career as a motorcycle mechanic.
Customer service: You’ll be speaking with customers who have true concerns about their motorcycles. Like many car owners, most motorcyclists are extremely passionate about their vehicles. Having proper people skills will serve you well in the career. Especially when it comes to repeat customers and word-of-mouth promotion.
Attention to details: Motorcycles are made up of many small parts. This means you have to be extremely diligent when determining the root cause of an issue.
Troubleshooter: If you're a good troubleshooter, your repairs are likely to be successful, efficient, and more lucrative. Between the equipment you'll use to troubleshoot and your knowledge, this skill can take you far as a mechanic.
Organized: There's no question that as a mechanic, you must disassemble and reassemble. Being able to stay organized from your tools to your disassembled parts is essential when it comes to being a good mechanic who can offer fast and quality repairs.
Good with your hands: Manual dexterity is a must for success among all mechanics. It is even more so for motorcycle mechanics that have much smaller engines, compartments, and parts.
Persistent: Also known as being stubborn — if you're someone who does not throw in the towel after a few roadblocks, being a mechanic might be for you. At times, repairs require more than a couple of attempts.
COURSES
There are schools across the U.S. that offer certificate, diploma, or degree programs for motorcycle maintenance. Depending on which program you choose, it can take between a few months to 2 years to complete your schooling. Most schools will require a high school diploma or a GED equivalent to enroll in their courses.
In addition, you'll need a valid driver's license along with a motorcycle endorsement, which you can get at your local DMV office or Secretary of State.
- Certificate: In 2 to 3 semesters, you will complete the program and have a certificate allowing you to be a motorcycle mechanic. Your coursework will cover different motorcycles and their systems.
- Diploma: Diploma programs are usually completed in less than 2 years. You will learn about motorcycles and their systems, but you may also take related business courses involving management and customer relations.
- Associate Degree: If you want an associate degree, you’ll enroll in a motorcycle mechanics program at a community college. You’ll learn about motorcycle engines, electrical systems, fuel systems, welding, troubleshooting, and much more.
Along with your education, you'll likely need to complete an apprenticeship under the guidance of an experienced mechanic. Most likely, you might start out observing the mechanic as he or she works. As you learn, your options for hands-on experience should increase significantly.
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ABOUT APPRENTICESHIPS
Some motorcycle mechanics learn everything they need to know through a registered apprenticeship. There are many benefits to apprenticeships, one being that apprenticeships come at no cost to you. In fact, most apprenticeships pay you as you learn under the guidance of an experienced mechanic.
WHAT CERTIFICATIONS ARE THERE?
Your state may require you to have an EETC certification in order to work as a motorcycle mechanic, so be certain to check with your local state boards regarding requirements. Even if your state does not require any certifications, mechanics are encouraged to get them. Certifications give you more versatility in the shop, can make you more marketable as an employee, and can result in a larger paycheck.
There are many certifications available to motorcycle mechanics. You can become certified through one of a motorcycle manufacturer's certification programs. Listed below are 5 larger motorcycle certification programs:
Harley-Davidson: Harley-Davidson partners with a few programs across the nation to better train motorcycle mechanics to work on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Some schools offering the program are Motorcycle Mechanic Institute and Wyotech.
Honda: UTI’s Motorcycle Mechanic Institute also offers a 24-week HonTech training program that will allow you to service all types of Honda motorcycles. This program is only available to motorcycle mechanics with experience.
Suzuki: This is a 12-week program called Suzuki FAST, which partners with Suzuki Technical Support to train motorcycle mechanics on all aspects of Suzuki bikes.
Kawasaki: Wyotech offers an Asian motorcycle repair certification course which will provide you with the proper skill set to work not only on Kawaski, but Suzuki, Yamaha, and Honda motorcycles. And, Motorcycle Mechanic Institute has a 12-week K-Tech program, which will train you to work in a Kawasaki dealership.
Yamaha: There are three levels to Yamaha certification: bronze, silver, and gold. Bronze is for entry-level mechanics, whereas silver and gold go more in depth.
THE MONEY
Motorcycle mechanic work can prove to be seasonal, depending on where you live. During the warmer months, you’ll probably be busier than 40 hours per week. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average salary for motorcycle mechanics in 2023 was $47,960, with the top 10 percent making $67,730 or more. Keep in mind, your salary will be dependent on location, the type of shop you work in, your experience level, and if you have certifications allowing you to work on different types of motorcycles.
States with the Highest Salaries in 2023
|
State |
Salary |
|
$54,300 |
|
|
$54,270 |
|
|
$53,930 |
|
$53,400 |
|
|
$52,580 |
THE JOB OUTLOOK
The growth rate for motorcycle mechanics will vary depending on state. However, there has been a slight increase in motorcycle sales, so this is good news for motorcycle mechanics everywhere. The demand for motorcycle/small engine mechanics by 2032 is expected to increase steadily by 3 percent.
Opportunities can be more plentiful for mechanics who have completed postsecondary education. They may have a competitive edge on other applicants without a postsecondary education.
If it’s motorcycles you love and want to work with and on, then you’ve picked the perfect trade to settle into happily.
References
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/small-engine-mechanics.htm
http://learn.org/articles/Motorcycle_Mechanic_Become_a_Motorcycle_Mechanic_in_5_Steps.html
http://www.howtogetcertified.com/motorcycle-mechanic-certification.htm
http://learningpath.org/articles/Motorcycle_Mechanic_Career_Profile.html