A lot Of People Asking that how to become a certified motorcycle mechanic so we want to discuss them in this article. .
A certified motorcycle mechanic is one who has received the proper education, training, and hands-on experience with motorcycles in order to provide high-quality service. Having certification will not only give you an edge when applying for employment but it will also show your customers that you possess the knowledge needed to make their bike run like new again..
Now let’s start.
Becoming a motorcycle mechanic is not as easy as it sounds. First off, you need to spend some time learning about how motorcycles work and how the various parts of a bike function.
Then after gaining basic knowledge of how bikes work you should always make sure that the proper tools and safety equipment are readily available before working on an actual bike.
Finally, to become a certified motorcycle mechanic (once you think you have the basics down and feel comfortable with your ability and knowledge) you can begin trying to find employment at small mom-and-pop shops or start out just doing minor service jobs on your own time until something more permanent comes along.
A great thing about motorcycle mechanics is that the demand for them will never go away.. As long as people are buying motorcycles, there will be jobs available. Once you have your certification and start working on bikes, no matter what type of bike it may be from a Harley Davidson to a Yamaha crotch rocket you’ll always have work because almost every bike needs service at one point or another.
Also, once you become a certified motorcycle mechanic, although things may start out slow, word of mouth travels fast in the biker community so before too long business should come flooding in…especially if you know what you’re doing. The pay isn’t bad either..
I’ve known full mechanics to make anywhere from $60,000 a year to almost six figures.
Table of Contents
What does a motorcycle mechanic do?
The primary goal of a motorcycle mechanic is to keep all the moving components on a bike in proper working order. Common services provided by most certified mechanics include:
Service and repair of brakes, chains and sprockets, clutches and cams (cam adjustments), tires, and wheels (including bearings and valve stem replacement). Replacement of headlight bulbs, handlebar grips, mirrors, control cables, etc.
Mechanics also inspects accessories such as saddlebags or backrests for damage or looseness. And finally, they make sure that all fluid levels are correct (brake fluid, anti-freeze/coolant, etc.) before handing over their work.
Once everything has been checked out to be fit for riding it’s time for the customer to take it around the block once again, if something doesn’t sound quite right or needs further adjustment it’s helpful to have a second opinion. Once the bike has been gone over one last time and all is well then you can ask them to sign off on their work before they leave.
The average salary of a motorcycle mechanic:
An average salary of a motorcycle mechanic ranges from $20,000-$40000 depending on the shop or dealership you work for. Many dealerships offer medical insurance and other incentives which may increase the starting wage by as much as 20% to 40%. Also, many mechanics will bring in extra income from their part-time jobs.
Alterations to motorcycles for personal use are also often performed by mechanics, which can increase their earnings. Like other motorcycle-related jobs it is definitely something you should consider.
Motorcycle mechanic requirements:
To become a certified motorcycle mechanic you need to have several practical skills. First, you must be able to work with your hands and possess a good degree of manual coordination. You must also have a basic understanding of shop safety and know how to use tools such as wrenches and screwdrivers.
Education
you’ll also need a high school diploma and you will also need to take basic math courses. Although there isn’t any specific college degree required to become a motorcycle mechanic, some employers may prefer mechanics with training in an automotive repair program or at least two years of postsecondary education.
Training and certification
Mechanics who service electric and internal combustion engines on motorcycles, scooters, or ATVs must be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before they can work on such vehicles. The EPA certified mechanics by requiring them to pass a written test. It is important for prospective motorcycle mechanics to take advantage of all available training opportunities in high school or through professional associations.
The more knowledge and training they have, the better able they will be to compete for higher-paying jobs with larger repair facilities.
Professional certifications:
Although being a certified mechanic is not mandatory it will help you stand out from other applicants. Three of the most common certification agencies are Associated Motorcycle Manufacturers (AMC), National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), and National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.
Which Skills Do You Need to Become a Motorcycle Mechanic
Good Physical and mental health
Mechanics need to have excellent hand-eye coordination. They must be able to stand for long periods of time often in hot or cold weather conditions..
They should also have good mental health because they are often exposed to vehicle emissions which can cause irritation of the eyes nose and throat. And finally working with the greasiest equipment can cause skin problems.
Problem Solving Skills
you will need excellent problem-solving skills because you will often have to troubleshoot problems that can arise. Mechanics may also need good leadership skills, because it is possible they are the only mechanic working on the floor of a busy motorcycle shop..
Good Communication Skills
you will need good communication skills, because you may have to work with customers if their motorcycle or scooter needs repairs..
Proficiency with tools and equipment:
you’ll need to be proficient with tools and equipment.. The ability to use a wrench and other common tools is essential for motorcycles and scooters. As well as ATVs, because small engine repair shops often work on all types of recreational vehicles.
Mechanics should also have good math skills to help them estimate costs or charge customers properly according to the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). For example, you should be able to determine how much labor time is needed to complete a specific job, such as removing an engine from a motorcycle so it can be shipped back to the factory.
Customer service skills
You will need excellent customer service skills because you may have to take phone calls or work directly with customers. You must be able to explain the nature of a problem and give an estimate for repairs.
How to become a motorcycle mechanic:
Here are the most important steps to follow when you want to become a motorcycle mechanic.
Graduate with a high school diploma:
you will need to graduate from high school or earn a GED. Most employers require that entry-level mechanics have completed at least two years of postsecondary education, but some may accept applicants who are still maturing physically and mentally.
vocational education:
attending a vocational school or trade school can help you to gain the skills needed to become a motorcycle or scooter mechanic. The most recognized of these programs are offered by technical institutes, community colleges, and private sector trade schools.
Succeed in apprenticeship program:
you should look for an experienced mechanic who is willing to teach you everything about fixing motorcycles or scooters.. You can offer to work at your teacher’s business for free in exchange for training until you have completed the number of hours required for certification. But mechanics who complete apprenticeship programs often earn as much as those with four-year degrees..
Become ASE-certified:
Once you have completed a formal education program, you should become certified by either the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or a comparable agency.. You can then take part in entry-level positions that pay between $15 and $25 an hour. In some cases, this may involve getting a job at a dealership where mechanics receive on-the-job training from experienced mentors. For more advanced positions, such as service manager, you may need to attend college or university.
on-the-job training:
Some mechanics get on-the-job training while they are apprentices, although a number of establishments prefer to hire experienced workers. In fact, some motorcycle and scooter shops only take applicants who have already worked in a related field. This can be an outstanding way to gain the skills needed to open your own business if you intend on working for yourself sooner or later.
Become a pro Mechanic:
Once you have become skilled in motorcycle repair, you can consider working as a specialist or master mechanic.. You must be comfortable reading blueprints and schematics to ensure that replacement parts are correctly installed on motorcycles.
you should complete courses on special topics, such as emissions testing, electronic diagnostics, engine rebuilding, and safety systems to help further your education. You may also want to learn how to train other mechanics so they can take care of routine jobs.