Motorcycle Mechanics

Career summary

Motorcycle mechanics talk to customers to learn about the problems they are having with their motorcycles. They inspect engines to diagnose the type of repair needed. They examine motorcycle frames to assess damage. They estimate how much repairs will cost.

Mechanics take apart engines and examine how the parts are working. They use gauges to assess the alignment and movements of parts. They may connect computers to engines to test how parts are performing.

Motorcycle mechanics decide whether to put in new parts or repair current parts. Mechanics finish repairs and put the engine back together and test how it runs.

Some repairs may be made to the body of the motorcycle. Motorcycle mechanics use hand and power tools to replace or adjust parts. They hammer out dents and put the bike frame back together. Most specialize in repairing one brand of motorcycle.

Related careers

This career is part of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Appliance Installers and Repairers
• Automobile Mechanics
• Bicycle Repairers
• Bus and Truck Mechanics
• Electric Motor Repairers
• Locksmiths
• Motorboat Mechanics
• Small Engine Mechanics

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to motorcycle mechanics.

• Talk to customers to learn more about engine problems.
• Listen to engines and look at motorcycles to determine problem or amount of damage.
• Take apart engines or parts to examine condition, movement, or alignment of parts.
• Connect computers to engines to measure their performance.
• Replace defective parts, using hand tools.
• Repair and adjust parts, such as headlights, brakes, or starters.
• Check condition of tires. Mount, balance, or change tires when necessary.
• Remove cylinder heads and grind valves back to normal. Scrape off any carbon buildup in the valves.
• Reassemble engines and test how they run.
• Hammer out dents and bends in frames. Once frames are repaired, put them back together and install engines.

Common work activities

Motorcycle mechanics perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Get information needed to do the job
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Handle and move objects
• Control machines and processes
• Think creatively
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Use computers
• Document and record information

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, motorcycle mechanics:

Interpersonal relationships

• Communicate with others by telephone and in person.
• Have a medium level of social contact. Mechanics talk to bike owners and other mechanics, but also work alone.
• Are responsible for the work done by assistants.
• Are somewhat responsible for the safety of motorcycle owners.
• May work as part of a team of mechanics.

Physical work conditions

• Usually work indoors. However, they may work outdoors when testing motorcycles.
• Often wear protective or safety attire.
• Are sometimes exposed to chemicals, such as antifreeze or diesel fuel.
• May be exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels while working on motorcycles.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous conditions and situations that might produce minor cuts or scrapes.
• May work near others, such as when sharing work space.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors could cause problems for the motorcycle or the customer riding the bike.
• Make decisions that affect their employer's or personal reputation. Customers often refer businesses by word-of-mouth.
• Make decisions that affect customers on a daily basis. Mechanics often make decisions without talking to a supervisor, but may seek advice from time to time.
• Set some of their daily tasks and goals independently, but usually receive direction from someone else.
• Must meet strict weekly deadlines.
• Often repeat the same mental and physical tasks.

Hours/travel

• May work less than 40 hours a week during the winter. Most repair work for motorcycles is done during the spring and summer, when customers are riding.
• May work more than 40 hours a week during spring or summer.
• May work evenings or weekends when there is a high demand for motorcycle repair.

Physical demands

Motorcycle mechanics frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for motorcycle mechanics to be able to:

• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for motorcycle mechanics to be able to:

• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.

Skills and abilities

Motorcycle mechanics need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.

Work with things

• Repair machines or systems.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Motorcycle Repair
• Small Engine Repair

Other programs of study to consider

• Automotive Technology
• Bicycle Mechanics and Repair
• Boat Maintenance and Repair
• Diesel Technology
• Electrical and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

Training

To work as a motorcycle mechanic, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete a formal training program; and
• complete long-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Most mechanics complete a formal training program. Motorcycle repair programs are available at professional-technical schools and two-year colleges. Most programs offer a combination of class instruction and hands-on practice. Programs last from six months to two years. Two-year programs usually grant an associate degree.

On-the-job training

Once on the job, mechanics typically receive training from an experienced mechanic. You begin by working as a helper. As a helper, you perform routine services and make minor repairs. As you get more experience, you work on more complex tasks. During training, you learn to:

• replace parts;
• service electrical systems; and
• overhaul engines.

On-the-job training usually takes one to two years to complete.

Employers also send mechanics to training courses provided by manufacturers. Some courses take several weeks to complete.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Auto Repair Technology
• Diesel Mechanics and Repair
• Driver Education
• Motorcycle Mechanics and Repair
• Small Engine Mechanics and Repair

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

With motorcycles becoming more complex, employers may have a harder time doing all the training on the job. An increasing number of employers prefer to hire motorcycle mechanics who are graduates of formal training programs.

Employers look for motorcycle mechanics who know the basics of electronics. Electronic technology controls engine performance and instrument displays on motorcycles. For motorcycle mechanics to recognize and fix problems, they need to know the basics of electronics.

Employers prefer to hire trainees who have mechanical ability. They look for people who know the basics about small engines. Most employers hire high school graduates for trainee positions. They may accept applicants with less education if they have good reading, writing, and math skills. Some motorcycle dealers may hire part-time students in the summers. They help put together new equipment and make minor repairs.

Certification through the Equipment and Engine Training Council, which is affiliated with the Outdoor Power Equipment and Engine Service Association, may be helpful. See the Other Resources section in this description for contact information.

#Verified this certification still offered, 3/25/08 lh. Added ref to EETC here & in IA database since OPEESA website now has a link to it, 3/12/09, cj. Info here still accurate, 3/1/11, cj. Ok 2/13/12 lh. Ok 4/10/13 & 3/4/15 & 12/5/16, 4/9/19 cj.

Tips

Employees who relate well to the public are preferred. Obtaining and studying manufacturers' technical manuals are helpful. Talk with local shop managers to assess job prospects in your area.

Costs to workers

Workers are usually required to furnish their own hand tools. The cost varies.

#Deleted estimated cost for hand tools since no longer have way (no RP) to verify this, 3/12/09, cj

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Motorcycle Mechanics 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and by the mechanic's level of experience and training.

Motorcycle mechanics who work in large shops may receive more benefits than those who work in smaller shops. These benefits may include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Some employers pay for additional training and provide uniforms. In general, only mechanics who work full time receive benefits. 

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Motorcycle dealers
• Motorcycle repair shops

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will grow faster than average. New technology in motorcycle engines will create new jobs for mechanics. Jobs will also be created because more people are buying and riding motorcycles.

Most job openings are expected to be from mechanics transferring to other jobs or retiring. Job opportunities will be good for those who complete formal training in a postsecondary program.

Other resources

Equipment & Engine Training Council 
344 Oak Grove Rd
Kings Mountain, NC 28086
888.406.1810
803.222.6149

References

Career cluster

• Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Motorcycle Mechanics (49-3052.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Frame Repairer (807.381-018) 
• Frame Straightener (807.484-010) 
• Motorcycle Repairer (620.281-054) 
• Motorcycle Subassembly Repairer (620.684-026) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled