Motorcycle mechanics are responsible for repairing and overhauling two wheeled motorized vehicles. Some of the most common are motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters, dirt bikes, and all-terrain vehicles. Mechanics may perform a wide variety of repair and service duties, including transmission work, engine repair, brake jobs, ignition work, and even minor body repairs. Most motorcycle mechanics are employed by dealers that service a limited number of makes and models of motorcycle. For this reason, mechanics tend to specialize in servicing only the types of vehicle that their employers sell. Work hours tend to be seasonal, with heaviest workloads occurring in the spring and summer.
Education, Certification, Licensing
The ideal motorcycle mechanic possesses a combination of classroom and garage experience. High school graduates are preferred by employers and initial training in the profession usually includes small engine courses acquired through high school, vocational school, or community college programs. A growing number of motorcycle mechanics today graduate from formal motorcycle programs beyond high school. A large amount of a mechanic's training takes place on the job and a few years experience is usually necessary for full proficiency in the trade.
Because motorcycle mechanics typically service the specific models of the company that employs them, they need to learn the specific nuances of their particular model. For this reason, employers often send mechanics and trainees to specialized courses conducted by motorcycle manufacturers or distributors. These courses, which usually do not exceed two weeks in duration, upgrade the mechanic's skill set and provide updated information on repairing new models. There are no nationally recognized certifications in this field; however, the short term training offered by manufacturers and distributors typically concludes with an industry certification. These certifications can be valuable to a mechanic's employment opportunities and future salary.