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Individuals interested in becoming a professional motorcycle technician can attend motorcycle repair school to take specialized motorcycle repair courses as part of a motorcycle performance, maintenance and diagnostic training program. Motorcycle repair schools teach students basic mechanics and provide in-depth knowledge about motorcycles, engines, fuel systems, electrical systems, and troubleshooting engine problems. Motorcycle technician school training programs are comprised of both hands-on and classroom training, and provide students with the business skills they need to enjoy a successful career as a motorcycle mechanic or repair technician.
Attending Motorcycle Technician School
Motorcycle technician schools provide professional training for mechanics who want to learn high-tech skills and acquire safety training to work on a variety of different makes and models of motorcycles. Motorcycle repair schools are often comprised of core courses and advanced training in Asian, European and Harley-Davidson bicycles amongst others.
Some motorcycle repair schools offer highly-specialized training programs for particular engines and machines, including Harley-Davidson Late or Early Model Training, Yamaha YamPro Training, Kawasaki K-Tech Specialist, Suzuki Factory-Authorized Suzuki Training (FAST), BMW MotorRad and Honda HonTech.
Motorcycle technician schools provide real-world motorcycle training to start a career as a motorcycle repair technician. Some schools offer accelerated in as little as 48 weeks. Students may also choose to enroll in a motorcycle manufacturer program that focuses on a particular type of motorcycle. These elective programs include hands-on training in a particular brand of motorcycle, training in state-of-the-art facilities, tool kits for graduates, and access to industry connections.
Programs Available at Motorcycle Repair Schools
Motorcycle repair schools provide in-depth training in the areas of motorcycle engines, ignition systems, steering, suspensions and maintenance. Students attending a motorcycle technician school develop skills in the following areas:
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Performing motorcycle inspections
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Troubleshooting motorcycles
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Motorcycle maintenance procedures
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Motorcycle ignition systems
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Motorcycle electrical circuit systems
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Inspection and repair frames
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Motorcycle steering and suspensions
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Motorcycle wheel assemblies
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Motorcycle tires
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Inspecting and replacing transmission components
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Final drive systems
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Fuel delivery and injection systems
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Fuel tank and accessories
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Perform engine overhauls
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Replace ignition points and spark plugs
Motorcycle repair school programs prepare students to work for motorcycle or marine vehicle dealerships, work for existing motorcycle repair businesses, or run their own motorcycle repair shop.
Types of Motorcycle Repair Courses
Students can take several motorcycle repair courses that teach students the basic skills and working knowledge of the average motorcycle. Types of motorcycle repair courses include:
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Two and four-stroke engines
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Transmission and clutch
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Lubrication and cooling systems
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Electrical systems
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Motorcycle suspension
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Carburetion, brakes and steering
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Fuel delivery
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Wheels, rims and tires
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Engine layout and four stroke engines
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Engine applied skills
Some trade schools and technical schools offer online motorcycle repair courses, as well as distance learning programs where students can take self-paced lessons. As a motorcycle repair technician, graduates know what it takes to fix steering and suspensions, brakes, wheels and tires, ignition systems, and electrical systems.
A motorcycle mechanic school typically offers hands-on training sessions and workshops where students have the opportunity to disassemble and reassemble different types of engines, and repair and restore engines back to running condition. A motorcycle repair course typically consists of both hands-on and repair shop training, and classroom instruction so that students can apply their knowledge while working on different types of motorcycle repair and restoration projects.
Careers After Motorcycle Repair School
Graduates of motorcycle repair school can explore a number of career opportunities, including:
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Motorcycle Assembly Specialist
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Dealership Motorcycle Technician
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Specialty Shop Motorcycle Technician
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Performance Shop Technician
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Customer Service Representative
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Motorcycle Parts Representative
In addition to working on different types of motorcycles, graduates of motorcycle repair schools can work on a variety of engines and equipment, including motorcycles, chain saws, motorboats, lawnmowers and outdoor power equipment.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a steady increase in demand for motorcycle mechanics through 2016. As of May 2010, the median salary for motorcycle mechanics is about $30,000 per year, with the top 10% making more than $48,000. Mechanics earning a higher salary typically specialize in a certain manufacturer, and use computerized equipment and protocol to perform diagnostics and repairs. Because of the increasing complexity of motorcycle and motorboat engines, many employers prefer to hire mechanics who have graduated from a formal training program that specializes in small engine mechanics.
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