Motorcycle mechanics deal with the inner workings of motorcycles and other small engines. So, how to become a motorcycle mechanic? If you enjoy working with mechanical parts in general, being a motorcycle mechanic would be easy for you.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at how to become a motorcycle mechanic. This article will also discuss the skills you need and the responsibilities you will fulfil as a motorcycle mechanic. We’ll also go through some of the frequently asked questions people have before joining the industry.
Table of Contents
Who is a Motorcycle Mechanic?
Before we move on to ‘how to become a motorcycle mechanic’, let’s take a closer look at the profession itself. Motorcycle mechanics are basically small engine repair mechanics. They specialise in two and three-wheeled vehicles like motorcycles, dirt bikes, and mopeds, among others.
Essentially, motorcycle technicians are responsible for the upkeep, repair and maintenance of small-engine vehicles. They also work on engines, ignition systems, brakes, transmissions and more.
How to Become a Motorcycle Mechanic: Different Types of Mechanic Jobs
The next step in learning how to become a motorcycle mechanic is to learn about the different types of opportunities that are out there in this field. If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, you got plenty of ways to go about it.
The fact of the matter is that skilled technicians are needed across a wide variety of industries. And that gives technicians an opportunity to hone in on something they are passionate about. Some of the common jobs in the motorcycle industry include –
- Service Technician
- Mobile Mechanic
- Parts Associate
- Shop Foreman
Service Technician
A career as a service technician is great if you love hands-on work. Service technicians are often the first to spot a problem on a bike and identify a solution. Also, great technicians can perform a variety of repairs and are always up for new challenges.
Furthermore, service technicians also do oil changes and engine dissemblance. Additionally, they remove dents to make a fender look as good as new. You must possess dexterity in order to perform each task with detailed precision.
Mobile Mechanic
Being a mobile mechanic, you bring the shop to the customers rather than customers having to tow their bikes across town. Customers contact mobile mechanics to meet them roadside or wherever they might be to perform the repairs. So, you should be an expert in fixing bikes on the spot as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Parts Associate
If you’re fascinated with motorcycle parts, you must know the ins and outs of what makes a motorcycle run. Parts associates work in dealerships and assist customers with finding specific parts.
You would have to compile and maintain parts inventory and recommend to customers what they need. Parts associates should have the ability to think on their feet and provide exceptional customer service.
Shop Foreman
Shop foremen manage the workshop or motorcycle repair shop setting. Your task would typically be to manage employees in your area, such as an office attached to the shop. Some other responsibilities may include hiring and training staff, performing employee evaluations, creating and assigning work schedules etc. Moreover, they also decide the salary range for employees and make sure everything runs smoothly.
How to Become a Motorcycle Mechanic?
Now that you’re aware of quite a few possible job roles in this field, let’s find out how to become a motorcycle mechanic. Being a big motorcycle fan can help you a great deal while pursuing a professional mechanic career. But turning your hobby into a full-time job is little more than that.
Sometimes, you’d have to deal with major engine overhaul issues after some accidents. And in such cases, you need to have some acquired specialised knowledge. Hence, you need a high school diploma or a GED certificate along with some training in motorbike maintenance. Consequently, you can earn your mechanic qualifications through certification and diploma programs.
Additionally, you can earn an associate degree if you want to run your own shop. Regardless, a training program will usually prepare you for every little thing a mechanic does with hands-on experience.
Become a Certified Motorcycle Mechanic
How to become a motorcycle mechanic? UK national career service specifies having a level 2 or level 3 course to train as a professional motorcycle mechanic. More advanced courses will better help you to train extensively. You could specialise in handling, maintaining and repairing all sorts of engines. And your specialisation can bring in more income when it comes to rally and race bikes.
Apprenticeship can usually last up to 5 years, spending on the level of your education. You can also learn practical skills alongside experienced mechanics. Consequently, training programs make you pick up traits such as being independent, practical, and investigative.
Get enrolled in our Motorbike Maintenance Course today and learn about all the components of motorbike maintenance. The course teaches you fundamentals from the ground up. You can learn to diagnose and troubleshoot engine issues, and test performance, driveability and more. So, get your ticket to professional development.
Motorbike Maintenance Course
This motorbike maintenance course will give you the skills you need to get you and your motorbike out of trouble.
Motorbike Maintenance Course
This motorbike maintenance course will give you the skills you need to get you and your motorbike out of trouble.
Take a Direct Route
You can land a great job and salary even if you don’t study any formal course or graduate from an institution. However, you will need to be very skilled and have much experience in handling motorcycles. Hence, knowing your way around the motorcycle and its engine can work to your advantage. Many shop owners would rather hire knowledgeable mechanics instead of inexperienced individuals fresh from mechanic school.
You just have to prove your worth through your skills and work ethic in order to take a direct route. Regardless of how you become a motorcycle mechanic, you still need to learn about new skills and technologies continuously. For mechanics, learning is never-ending.
How to Gain Experience as a Motorcycle Mechanic?
How to become a motorcycle mechanic while you’re getting your degree? You can do an internship in a repair shop while getting your education. There are some certification programs that require you to complete an internship. And they help pair you with a shop in the area. Even if there is no requirement, you should still get an internship or job during your training. That gives you the necessary experience when you’re officially on the job market.
Additionally, you can ask an advisor in your program for a list of shops you could work at for experience. You can also make a list of the repair shops in your area by yourself. And then contact them to see if they’d be willing to take you on as an intern or apprentice. You should always maintain a good relationship with the people you’ve interned with. They could further give you a job or refer you to someone who is hiring when you’re done with school.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Motorcycle Mechanic
There are some major duties and responsibilities of a motorcycle mechanic. You can’t really do the job of a mechanic if you don’t have training and knowledge. Also, the more experienced you are, the more handsomely you will be paid in this job.
Let’s look at some of the job tasks and duties you might have to deal with on a daily basis.
- Mount, change and check the condition of tires.
- Inspect the overall condition of the vehicles and adjust the components according to specifications.
- Examine vehicle frames and determine the nature and extent of malfunction or damage.
- Replace defective or damaged mechanical parts.
- Use hand tools or flexible power presses to repair non-engine automobiles.
- Adjust or repair motorcycle subassemblies such as transmission, brakes etc. Repair and adjust non-engine automotive or vehicle components according to specifications.
- Dismantle engines and replace defective parts. For instance, magnetos, carburettors, generators etc.
- Replace or repair parts such as headlights, horns, handlebar controls, gasoline or oil tanks, starters etc.
- Connect the engine with test panels and measure generator output, ignition timing or other engine performance indicators. You also have to measure the equipment outputs.
- Disassemble and examine conditions of subassembly units or alignment of parts using gauges.
- To scrape carbons off of the grind valves, remove the cylinder head. You might also have to replace defective valves using hand and power tools.
- Reassemble and reinstall frames and engines after repairs.
- You have to test mechanical equipment to ensure the proper functioning and assemble the mechanical components.
What Skills Do You Need to Become a Motorcycle Mechanic?
Now that you have some knowledge of how to become a motorcycle mechanic. Let’s take a look at what skills you need to become a mechanic. The primary duty of a motorbike mechanic is to service and repair motorcycles. You can also service and repair other small engine vehicles. However, motorcycle mechanics require some specific skills, just like any other job. Here is the checklist of some of the necessary skills to become a motorcycle mechanic.
Mechanical Knowledge
As a motorcycle mechanic, you should have a good grasp of motorcycle engines. For instance, knowing about different parts of engines and how these function etc.
If you don’t have strong mechanical knowledge, you can’t be a good mechanic.
Troubleshooting
A motorcycle mechanic should have the ability to understand the causes of errors and decide how to fix them.
Repairing
Motorbike mechanics should gain the necessary repairing skills that are required for the job roles. For instance, how to repair engine frames, how to dismantle and reassemble the parts etc.
Critical Thinking
Having the ability to apply logic and reasoning to analyse alternatives and make the right decision is necessary. It’s even more important while putting your hands on the bike to repair it.
Operation and Control
You should have the ability to monitor and control the operation. And also ensure that the machines are running properly.
Equipment Maintenance
Motorcycle mechanics should know how to maintain the tools and equipment in a sound condition in order to increase their longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Become a Motorcycle Mechanic?
There are some frequently asked questions that we get to hear alongside how to become a mechanic. So, we have curated a list of the most asked question for you in this section. Let’s go through some of it.
How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Motorcycle Mechanic?
To become a motorcycle mechanic, you can finish training in just under a year. Any typical mechanic training program should last about 42 weeks.
However, it will take an additional 2 years if you decide to pursue an associate’s degree. Be aware that, you might not get your first job right away soon as you’re done with your training.
What is the Working Condition of a Motorcycle Mechanic like?
Workplace condition is an important aspect to consider before researching how to become a motorcycle mechanic. The condition of the workplace may vary based on the mechanic’s role. Motorcycle mechanics may work both indoors and outdoors in a typical work setting. You may have to work with other mechanics. And you should have the ability to keep up with the fast-paced work environment.
Additionally, you have to abide by the safety procedures in order to protect yourself, your colleagues and the customers. It is also important for mechanics to have great communication and customer service skills. Consequently, you have to be able to talk to bike owners and collaborate with other mechanics to get the job done.
You might have to work in depots or workshops, which can get really hot in the summer. Working conditions may be cramped and uncomfortable when you are doing repairs. You should use a barrier cream to protect your hands while dealing with oil and grease. Moreover, lifting heavy parts by yourself or with the help of lifting equipment will be a routine job. Not to mention, you might have to work overtime or be on call when it’s necessary.
How much does a Motorcycle Mechanic get Paid?
Now that we know how to become a motorcycle mechanic, let’s find out the reward you receive as pay. Your salary range will mostly depend on where you work and the size of the company you work for. Starting salary of a motorcycle mechanic may be based on the national minimum wage. Currently, the rate for apprenticeship in the UK is £4.81 an hour. It’ll be £5.28 from 1 April 2023. Usually, the apprentice rate is applicable for those aged under or over 19.
Regardless, the salary for newly qualified motorcycle technicians tends to be around £18,000 a year. Consequently, the pay will rise with experience from around £22,000 to over £35,000 a year.
Operation and Control
You should have the ability to monitor and control the operation. And also ensure that the machines are running properly.
Equipment Maintenance
Motorcycle mechanics should know how to maintain the tools and equipment in a sound condition in order to increase their longevity.
Motorbike Maintenance Course
This motorbike maintenance course will give you the skills you need to get you and your motorbike out of trouble.
Motorbike Maintenance Course
This motorbike maintenance course will give you the skills you need to get you and your motorbike out of trouble.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to become a motorcycle mechanic, it’s time for you to decide whether you wanna go down this path or not. It is a great career choice if you enjoy working with your hands and have an aptitude for mechanics.
You don’t have to love motorcycles to be a good mechanic. But it sure will make your job a lot more fun. Regardless, you should continue education to specialise in maintenance repair for particular motorbike manufacturers.
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February 22, 2024
