Motorcycle Careers

Helmets On ... Motorcycle Careers Rev Up
What do motorcycle careers entail? Besides repairing and overhauling engines, motorcycle mechanics work on transmissions, brakes, and ignition systems and make minor body repairs. They also perform routine inspection, cleaning, repair, adjustment, and parts replacement. When equipment breaks down, professionals with motorcycle careers are called on to diagnose mechanical, fuel, and electrical problems and to make repairs quickly and accurately.

Those with motorcycle careers usually service just a few makes and models of motorcycles, since most work for dealers that service only the products they sell. Some mechanics also customize and tune motorcycles for racing.

Make Your Mark at Motorcycle Schools
If you're hopping on one of these revved-up motorcycle careers, knowledge of basic electronics is essential, since electronic components control an engine's performance, the vehicle's instrument displays, and more. Helpful high school courses to take include small engine repair, automobile mechanics, science, and business math.

Due to the increasing complexity of motorcycles, employers prefer to hire mechanics who have graduated from formal training programs. And motorcycle schools are flourishing, especially with the support of major motorcycle manufacturers. WyoTech (Fremont, CA, and Daytona, FL) and Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (Phoenix, AZ, and Orlando, FL), for instance, offer vocational training for those pursuing motorcycle careers. These motorcycle schools provide a technical skill set and applied logical diagnostics approach to diagnose, service, and repair modern motorcycles. After completing core training, you'll benefit from training programs supported and equipped by major motorcycle manufacturers including Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, BMW, and Ducati.

At motorcycle schools, you'll learn everything from routine maintenance to major overhauls. You'll learn different types of engine design, carburetion, and electrical systems, as well as how to adjust and repair the frame, wheels, shocks, transmission, and valves. You'll learn routine service tasks by replacing ignition points and spark plugs and by taking apart, assembling, and testing new equipment. And you'll gain experience with two- and four-stroke engines as well as other emissions-reducing technology.

The Madness of Motorcycle Careers
Once you're on the job, you'll have access to continuing education courses conducted by motorcycle manufacturers or distributors. These courses upgrade your skills, provide information on repairing new models, and serve as an overall refresher.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, motorcycle mechanics held around 19,000 jobs in 2004. And, employment of those with motorcycle careers is expected to increase 9 to 17 percent through 2014.

Median hourly earnings of motorcycle mechanics were $13.70 in May 2004, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $21.95.

What are you waiting for? Get motivated with high-speed motorcycle careers.

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