Motorcycle mechanics repair and service many of the some 4 million motorcycles in operation today. Motorcycles, like automobiles, need periodic servicing, and mechanics spend a large part of their time doing this work. They adjust and replace spark plugs, ignition points, and brakes. They also undertake major re pairs, such as overhauling engines.
Most motorcycle mechanics work for motorcycle shops or dealers. Some mechanics work for local governments and service motorcycles used by police. In large shops mechanics work only on overhauling motorcycles and doing major repairs. Most shops, however, do all kinds of repairs. In some small shops motor cycle mechanics also repair other machines that have small motors, such as lawn mowers. Most motorcycle dealers sell and service only a few brands of motorcycles. Some shops specialize in customizing motorcycles. Mechanics in these shops add instruments, change engine parts, and alter the motorcycles to meet the individual owner's wishes.
Motorcycle mechanics use ordinary hand tools such as wrenches and screw drivers, which they usually buy themselves. A full set of tools can cost as much as $400 to $500. The shop supplies power tools and machines that the mechanic uses to fix motorcycles, such as hoists to lift heavy motorcycles and testing equipment.
Education and Training
Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates, but they will also employ other qualified applicants. Courses offered by some high schools and vocational schools in small engine repair, automobile mechanics, science, and mathematics are helpful. Many motorcycle dealers employ students to help assemble new motorcycles and perform minor repairs.
Public schools in some large cities offer postsecondary and adult education in small engine and motorcycle repair. Some technical schools have training programs for motorcycle mechanics. Many junior and community colleges offer courses in motorcycle repair.
Most motorcycle mechanics learn their trade on the job. Trainees first learn to assemble and test drive new motorcycles. Then the mechanic trainees learn to perform routine repairs. With more experience they undertake such complex repairs as major overhauls to electrical systems and motors. It usually takes about 2 to 3 years for a trainee to become an experienced mechanic. Employers sometimes send trainees and mechanics to courses given by motorcycle manufacturers that usually last about 2 weeks. In these courses trainees learn to make repairs, and experienced mechanics upgrade their skills and learn about new kinds of motorcycles.
Employers who hire motorcycle mechanics look for people who have their own motorcycles and have already learned to make basic repairs. Sometimes they also hire people with no experience if they are mechanically inclined mid show an interest in learning the work.
Getting the Job
You should apply directly to a motorcycle dealer or manufacturer for a position as a motorcycle mechanic trainee. Another source of jobs is the want ad sections of motorcycle magazines. Also check your state employment service for jobs.
Employment Outlook
Advancement opportunities for motorcycle mechanics are limited. Mechanics with management ability may become service managers or general managers for motorcycle dealers. Those with enough money often start their own motorcycle shops. Skills learned through repairing motorcycles can be transferred to other fields of mechanical work. For example, because all internal combustion engines are similar, a motorcycle mechanic can become an automobile or diesel mechanic after some additional training. Although transfer would not necessarily mean higher earnings, it might increase possibilities for employment.
The employment outlook for motorcycle mechanics is expected to be fair. Mechanics will be needed to replace workers who retire or leave their jobs for other reasons. Although the demand for motorcycles has consistently decreased since the mid 1980s, motorcycling is expected to make a return. The number of people between the ages of 18 and 24 should begin to grow, and motorcycle usage should continue to be popular with this age group. In addition, motorcycles are becoming increasingly popular with people over the age of 40.
Some motorcycle mechanics are also able to work on related vehicles. These may include mini bikes, snowmobiles, and mopeds, as well as outboard motors and other equipment powered by small gas engines.
Working Conditions
Most motorcycle mechanics work in cities having more than 30,000 people. In smaller cities motorcycles are repaired by dealers or by mechanics who fix all kinds of small engines. There are currently about 12,000 motorcycle mechanics employed in the United States. About half of them work in the states of California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Minnesota. Most dealers employ fewer than 5 mechanics.
Motorcycle shops are usually well lighted and well ventilated. Motorcycle work is cleaner than auto repair work. Mechanics do not have to crawl under motorcycles to work on them. Shops are often noisy, however. Mechanics rarely have to lift heavy objects or work in awkward positions. Although the work is not dangerous, mechanics do get minor cuts and bruises.
Motorcycling increases in warm weather and mechanics often work more than 40 hours a week during the summer months. Some of the work is done during weekends. Many temporary mechanics and students are hired during the summer to handle the increase in the workload. These part time workers are then laid off when the weather gets colder.
Earnings and Benefits
Earnings for motorcycle mechanics vary. Wages often depend on the skill of the mechanic and the location of the employer. Some mechanics are union members. Their wages are set by union contract. Motorcycle mechanics usually earn between $290 and $410 a week. Experienced motorcycle mechanics may earn $31,000 or more a year. Some mechanics are paid a base salary plus a commission. The commission is usually a percentage of the cost of labor. When mechanics work for a commission, their earnings depend on how much work they are given and how quickly they complete it. The more work they do, the more money they make.
Many motorcycle mechanics get holiday and vacation pay, and sometimes they receive other benefits, such as life and health insurance. Some mechanics also receive paid sick leave and are covered under retirement plans. Mechanics who work for dealers are often given discounts on the purchase of accessories, parts, and motorcycles.
