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Motorcycle Mechanic School and Motorcycle Mechanic Institute FAQs |
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Motorcycle Mechanic School Listings SIGNIFICANT POINTS ABOUT A MOTORCYCLE MECHANIC CAREER
Small engines powering motorcycles share many characteristics with their larger counterparts, including breakdowns. Mechanics usually specialize in the service and repair of one type of equipment, although they may work on closely related products. Motorcycle mechanics repair and overhaul motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, and all-terrain vehicles. Besides repairing engines, they may work on transmissions, brakes, and ignition systems and make minor body repairs. Mechanics often service just a few makes and models of motorcycles, because most work for dealers that service only the products they sell. TRAINING, OTHER QUALIFICATIONS, AND ADVANCEMENT Due to the increasing complexity of motorcycles, most employers prefer to hire mechanics who have graduated from formal training programs for small engine mechanics. Because the number of these specialized postsecondary programs is limited, most mechanics learn their skills on the job or while working in related occupations. For trainee jobs, employers hire persons with mechanical aptitude who are knowledgeable about the fundamentals of small two- and four-stroke engines. Many trainees develop an interest in mechanics and acquire some basic skills through working on automobiles, motorcycles, motorboats, or outdoor power equipment as a hobby. Others may be introduced to mechanics through vocational automotive training in high school or one of many postsecondary institutions. However it is recommended to attend a motorcycle mechanic school or motorcycle mechanic institute to receive the formal training. Trainees learn routine service tasks under the guidance of experienced mechanics by replacing ignition points and spark plugs or by taking apart, assembling, and testing new equipment. As they gain experience and proficiency, trainees progress to more difficult tasks, such as advanced computerized diagnosis and engine overhauls. Anywhere from 3 to 5 years of on-the-job training may be necessary before a novice worker becomes competent in all aspects of the repair of motorcycle engines. Employers often send mechanics and trainees to special courses conducted by motorcycle manufacturers or distributors. These courses, which last as long as 2 weeks, upgrade workers’ skills and provide information on repairing new models. They also may be used as a refresher for employees. They are usually a prerequisite for any mechanic who performs warranty work for manufacturers or insurance companies. Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates for trainee mechanic positions, but will accept applicants with less education if they possess adequate reading, writing, and arithmetic skills. Many equipment dealers employ students part time and during the summer to help assemble new equipment and perform minor repairs. Helpful high school courses include small engine repair, automobile mechanics, science, and business arithmetic. Knowledge of basic electronics is essential for small engine mechanics, because electronic components control an engine’s performance, the vehicle’s instrument displays, and a variety of other functions of motorcycles. The most important work possessions of mechanics are their hand tools. Mechanics usually provide their own tools, and many experienced mechanics have invested thousands of dollars in them. Employers typically furnish expensive power tools, computerized engine analyzers, and other diagnostic equipment, but mechanics accumulate hand tools with experience. The skills used as a small engine mechanic generally transfer to other occupations, such as automobile, diesel, or heavy vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics. Experienced mechanics with leadership ability may advance to shop supervisor or service manager jobs. Mechanics with sales ability sometimes become sales representatives or open their own repair shops. EMPLOYMENT Motorcycle mechanics held around 19,000 jobs. Almost half worked for other motor vehicle dealers, an industry that includes retail dealers of motorcycles, boats, and miscellaneous vehicles; or for retail hardware, lawn, and garden stores. Most of the remainder were employed by independent repair shops, marinas and boatyards, equipment rental companies, wholesale distributors, and landscaping services. About 20 percent were self-employed, compared to about 7 percent of workers in all installation, maintenance, and repair occupations. JOB OUTLOOK Employment of small engine mechanics is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2014. Most of the job openings are expected to be due to the need to replace many experienced small engine mechanics that are expected to transfer to other occupations, retire, or stop working for other reasons. Job prospects should be especially favorable for persons who complete mechanic training programs. Motorcycle usage should continue to be popular with persons between 18 and 24 years, an age group that historically has had the greatest proportion of motorcycle enthusiasts. Motorcycles also are becoming increasingly popular with persons over the age of 40. Traditionally, this group has more disposable income to spend on recreational equipment such as motorcycles and motorboats. The construction of new single-family houses will result in an increase in the lawn and garden equipment in operation, increasing the need for mechanics. However, equipment growth will be slowed by trends toward smaller lawns and the contracting out of maintenance to lawn service firms. Small engine mechanics’ growth will also be tempered by the tendency of many consumers to dispose of and replace relatively inexpensive items rather than have them repaired. Employers will increasingly prefer mechanics to have knowledge of both two- and four-stroke engines, as well as other emissions-reducing technology, as the government increases regulation over the emissions produced by small engines. While advancements in technology will lengthen the interval between checkups, the need for qualified mechanics to perform services on motorcycles will increase. EARNINGS Median hourly earnings of motorcycle mechanics were $13.70 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $10.58 and $17.53. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $8.48, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $21.95. Median hourly earnings in May 2004 in other motor vehicle dealers, the industry employing the largest number of motorcycle mechanics, were $13.60. Small engine mechanics tend to receive few benefits in small shops, but those employed in larger shops often receive paid vacations, sick leave, and health insurance. Some employers also pay for work-related training and provide uniforms. Start a career by finding a Motorcycle Mechanic School in your area. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition. |
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