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Motorcycle Repair Training Courses

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Motorcycle Repair Schools

Many people imagine motorcycle enthusiasts as the burly, leather-wearing, bearded, dark sun-glassed man who you don't want to mess with. And a lot of motorcyclists do in fact fit this stereotype. And maybe you do too. Maybe you don't. But either way, the truth is that motorcycles are vehicles for anyone looking for a thrill or a fun way to get around. Having that much power underneath your legs is a true rush and genuine thrill. Some think of them as bicycles with an engine, others consider them their main transportation vehicle, and others make motorcycles a true part of their identity.

motorcycle repair schools Whatever you might think of them as, you know that you want to take your skill and interest in motorcycles to the next level. Fortunately, there's need for people like you: while purchasing and riding motorcycles are fun, many individuals are not cut out for the maintenance and repairs motorcycles need.


If you are serious about your career then start today but researching a local or online motorcycle repair school.

Areas that feature warmer climates year round, like the southern states, also feature more motorcyclists who will ride year round. Other areas of the country, like New England, Chicago, or Washington, have ranges of weather that are less conducive and limit motorcycle riding to the warmer seasons. However, no matter where motorcyclists ride, their vehicle will need repairs and upkeep. In fact, different regions might feature different repair needs, depending on what conditions are prominent in those regions.

Motorcycle Repair Training Programs

There are generally two main career paths open to individuals who receive a motorcycle repair degree. Either you can repair motorcycles at someone else's shop, or you can repair motorcycles at your own shop. Both opportunities come with their own pros and cons, but both options also promise that you will have the opportunity to do your passion as your career. To many people, that's way more important than when or where they work. If your passion is motorcycles, and you have a heart for repairing them, then obtaining your degree and working in this field will certainly not let you down.

When you work in someone else's shop, you will have the opportunity to focus solely on working on bikes. You don't have to worry about customers, marketing, finances, sales, or any of the other headaches that business owners deal with. The customers come to you, the bikes come into the shop, and you get to work on them, putting all of your knowledge and expertise together. Working for an owner also means, however, that you are obedient to the owner's schedule and demands, which may or may not be appealing.

When you work for yourself, you decide what your operation looks like. Some individuals with motorcycle repair degrees will end up working only on bikes as a hobby or side business while being employed in some other job. Other might make the big leap and open up their own shop. Either way, the advantage is that you're in charge. The disadvantage, too, is that you're in charge. When it comes to pricing, customer satisfaction, marketing, rent, employees, and other business issues that are not entirely motorcycle repair related, you're the one who is ultimately accountable.

Motorcycle repair offers a variety of opportunities for you to exploit your passion and either make it an amazing hobby or a lucrative career. Customers and owners are willing to pay for talent, nothing says talent more than a degree to match your interest and experience. While you might not be the one wearing the leather and bandanas, you are the one holding the wrench which means you're the one who enjoys motorcycles and helps others continue to enjoy them too. Find that perfect motorcycle repair school below and get started with your new career training.

 

Motorcycle Repair Courses

 

Do you love motorcycles and would love to have a career in which you could work on them every day? Becoming a motorcycle mechanic is a great career choice for the motorcycle enthusiasts. You’ll routinely be testing motorcycles to make sure they are in peak running performance. This type of maintenance includes learning how to change oil and plugs, inspect brakes and the ability to overhaul engines. Motorcycles need routine check-ups and clients bring their bikes in for maintenance more often than they do their cars. As a motorcycle repairer or mechanic you’ll learn how to run detailed inspections, produce estimates and be able to fix anything related to the performance of motorcycles.


Being a mechanic also means knowing everything about parts and the tools necessary to put on those parts. These days’ customers might want to use custom motorcycle parts to fully customize their riding experience. You’ll need to stay on top of the industry to know what the latest trends are.


Career Paths

 

General Mechanic Shops
The great thing about becoming a motorcycle technician or repair mechanic is all the different career paths available. Many graduates enter the field as a repair technician and go to work for a motorcycle repair shop. Here you’ll learn more about how to work on bikes with additional real-world experience. Often these repair shops are general shops that work on almost any kind of bike. This offers a great learning experience as a new employee.


Own your own Business
Many motorcycle mechanics end up opening their own business. This gives you the flexibility to not only set your own hours but you can become a specialist in something. An example would be if you only focused on motorcycle carburetors or perhaps custom exhaust system. This is common as many shops have a central focus and are known in the motorcycle industry for their talents.


Small Engine Repair
Another option many graduates find themselves looking into is small engine repair. This isn’t just for motorcycles but engines for snowmobiles, race boats, chainsaws, mowers and more. Once you have an understanding of small engine repair it opens you up to more employment opportunities.


Racing Teams
Motorcycle racing teams including circle track and even drag racing are big business. Having the knowledge to work your way up into a racing team is a dream job for many who start this career.


Sales/Parts Manager
No one is more better suited as a sales or motorcycle parts manager than someone who actually knows how to work on bikes. We see often motorcycle mechanics end up moving into the parts department as their extensive knowledge gives them the experience needed to do the job more effective than someone that has never been around a motorcycle.


As you can see the career paths one can take are pretty extensive. A recent report shows that over 70,000 jobs were related to small engine repair. Of that over 30% of the employees worked for places like dealerships, 15% worked for suppliers (which could include sales), 10% were self-employed and the rest worked in maintenance or even at the wholesale level.


Find the Right Training Program

 

The most important first step is to find a training program. You can search our page to find one close to you or choose several of the online schools that are listed. Many of the schools have specialized programs including motorsports technology, off-road mechanics, Harley-Davidson concentrations, ATV repair and more. Once you find the repair school you would like to research request information and learn more about the school. It is important that you research the below:


1. Accreditation – We try to list only accredited schools. This has always been a goal of ours as it gives you the protection you need as a student.


2. Tuition Cost – A big factor you need to consider is the cost of tuition. Tuition costs will range depending on the length of the program, the type of program you are taking as well as what certifications you’ll earn when you graduate. Tuition can range from $500 to over $30,000.

3. Scholarships – Each year 1000’s of scholarships to unclaimed. Many of these scholarships are general in nature where anyone can apply. Many of the motorcycle repair schools listed offer scholarships so make sure to inquire about them to see how you can qualify.

4. Government Loans – If the school is accredited they might offer federal student loans. The government offers many different types of loans including Title IV or Pell Grants. Some of these loans don’t need to be paid back and you could qualify them based on your current financial status.

5. Military Funding – Are you currently on active duty, a military veteran, dependent or military spouse? If so many of the schools offer military tuition assistance and or discounts to military veterans.

6. Alumni Support – Many of the schools listed have great customer support departments for their graduates. Some offer job leads where others might already have relationships formed at motorcycle repair shops.

7. Self-Paced – When looking at which school to attend make sure you find out if the program is 100% self-paced or not. If the program is at a campus more than likely it won’t be self-paced however perhaps some modules online can be. Some program are full self-paced which will allow you to complete it faster and get started on your motorcycle repair career quicker.


Coursework & Curriculum

 

When you start looking into the curriculum at many of the schools you’ll soon notice that they are all different. Most school will go over small engine repair first which will include both two-stroke and four-stroke engines. Modules on fuel systems, clutches, transmissions and maintenance are also common core areas the school will discuss. What separates out most schools is what the main curriculum goes over. Units on motorcycle fames, steering and suspension might also be included. For hands-on training programs you’ll dive into areas such as the electrical system of a motorcycle and more advanced areas of repair. As mentioned before some programs specialize in certain types of motorcycles including Harley Davidson, Asian Motorcycles and even European ones. If you have a specific kind of motorcycle you would like to work on make sure your Admissions Representative at the school is fully aware of it so you can make sure to enroll in the right program.
In terms of training time some schools offer programs that can be completed in less than 5 months where others offer 1 to even 2 year training programs. The longer programs are always hands-on program at a campus.


Motorcycle Repair Resources:
BLS Motorcyelc Repair
Motorcycle Industry Council
American Motorcycle Association
Equipment and Engine Training Council