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Do You Love Motorcycles? Learn How to Become a Motorcycle Mechanic

If you’re passionate about motorcycles or if you’re mechanically inclined, consider a career as a motorcycle mechanic. Education programs are available across the nation. Whether you want to work on choppers, cruisers, or sports bikes, there’s an education program for you.

Motorcycle Technician Training

Motorcycle technician education programs typically last from six months to two years. Associate’s degrees in motorcycle service technology as well as diplomas and certificates are available. Programs that provide apprenticeships are definitely worthy of your consideration. Apprenticeships provide valuable experience and networking opportunities, and sometimes employers will hire their apprentices.

Look for education programs that train you to install the latest computerized equipment and specialized components on high-end motorcycles.

Enginecycle.com provides an extensive list of schools that offer motorcycle technician training.

Through partnerships with motorcycle manufacturers, some schools provide training for specific motorcycle brands. Motorcycle manufacturers also provide professional certification via technical schools. You have the opportunity to specialize in Harley-Davidson, Asian, or European motorcycles.

Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson mechanics are required to have a formal education in core motorcycle mechanics. Through partnerships with Harley-Davidson, schools provide specific training for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Here’s a list of the schools that offer this opportunity:

• Fort Scott Community College (Kansas)
• Pittsburgh State University (Kansas)
• Lake Washington Tech (Washington State)
• Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (Arizona and Florida)
• Central Carolina Community College (North Carolina)

Some Harley-Davidson dealers provide internships. Harley-Davidson technicians can seek jobs with Harley-Davidson dealerships, shops that restore old Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Harley-Davidson race teams, and V-twin custom shops.

Motorcycle Mechanic Careers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports there were approximately 18,800 motorcycle mechanics in the United States in 2008. Dealerships employ the largest number of motorcycle mechanics, and most dealerships provide steady pay and dependable hours.

Many employers prefer graduates of accredited motorcycle postsecondary degree programs. Besides repairing and restoring motorcycles, some motorcycle mechanics also work on motor scooters, mopeds, and all-terrain vehicles.

Shown below are the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of motorcycle mechanics:

• Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, Florida
• Grand Junction, Colorado
• Winchester, Virginia-West Virginia
• Yuma, Arizona
• Altoona, Pennsylvania

Employment Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 9% employment growth for motorcycle mechanics from 2008 to 2018. Employment prospects should be good for individuals with formal training. Most of the new positions will be in the motorcycle dealer sector.

In 2008 the median wages for motorcycle mechanics was $15.08 per hour. The highest paid 10% earned more than $24.27 per hour. The lowest paid ten percent made less than $9.76 per hour.

Before enrolling in a motorcycle mechanic program, ask managers of local motorcycle dealerships and repair shops which schools they recommend.

Brady Daniels is a member of the Motorcycle Insurance Quote writing staff. He writes feature articles about a variety of topics related to motorcycles.

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