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Are you a motorcycle enthusiast? A career as a motorcycle technician may be a great way to pursue your passion while earning a living. The motorcycle industry offers exciting opportunities to apply your knowledge in a variety of environments from the racetrack to custom bike shops.
Keep reading to learn all about how to pursue motorbike mechanic jobs, what a motorbike tech does, the types of bikes they work on, job opportunities in the industry, salary and more.
16,000+
$46,270
What Is a Motorcycle Technician?
Motorcycle technicians (also called motorcycle mechanics) are small-engine repair mechanics who specialize in two-, three- and four-wheeled vehicles like motorcycles, dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles and mopeds.
A motorcycle technician is responsible for the upkeep, maintenance and repair of small-engine vehicles. They work on engines, ignition systems, brakes, transmissions and more.
Some technicians specialize in one type of vehicle or work on a specific brand. A typical day in the life of a motorcycle technician varies based on the employer. However, many of the tasks and training requirements are similar across different motorcycle technician jobs and facilities.
Motorbike Mechanic Traits
Successful motorcycle technicians share several key traits that set them apart. They possess a deep passion for motorcycles, viewing their work as more than just a career but a lifestyle. They possess technical and product knowledge, enabling them to diagnose and repair various models, and their manual dexterity ensures precise work on intricate components. Technicians thrive on challenges, using problem-solving skills to overcome unexpected obstacles and keep vehicles running smoothly.
In addition to technical expertise, motorcycle technicians are self-motivated, organized and efficient, and can advance their careers due to their initiative.6 They also embrace lifelong learning to stay current with evolving technologies. Strong communication skills are also vital, allowing them to build trust with customers and collaborate effectively with peers, fostering a positive work environment.
Motorcycle Mechanic Responsibilities
Here are some responsibilities a typical motorcycle mechanic job description might have:
- Perform routine maintenance tasks such as changing oil and replacing spark plugs.
- Repair engines and transmissions.
- Listen to engines, examine vehicle frames and use diagnostic machines to identify problems and suggest solutions.
- Complete minor body repairs such as removing dents from fenders.
- Replace worn, damaged and defective parts.
- Check the condition and pressure of tires and adjust them according to specifications.
- Disassemble and reassemble equipment to perform repairs.
- Communicate important repair information to customers.
Types of Motorcycle Mechanic Jobs
There are plenty of jobs for trained motorcycle enthusiasts. Skilled technicians are needed across various industries, allowing them to hone in on something they’re passionate about.
Most of our grads are prepared to work as entry-level technicians or in other entry-level motorbike mechanic jobs. As with any industry, over time, they may be able to advance in their careers with experience and hard work. Common entry-level and advanced roles in the motorcycle industry include:77
Service Technician
If you love hands-on work, consider an entry-level role as a service technician. These techs are often the first to spot a problem on a bike and identify a solution. Great technicians can perform a variety of repairs and are always up for new challenges.
Whether they’re completing an oil change, disassembling an engine or removing dents to make a fender look as good as new, their dexterity allows them to perform each task with precision detail.
Mobile Mechanic
Mobile motorcycle mechanics bring the shop to their customers. Rather than having customers tow their bikes across town, they can contact mobile mechanics who can meet them roadside or wherever they may be to perform the repairs. Mechanics in this advanced role specialize in getting these bikes back on the road as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Parts Associate
Motorcycle parts associates know the ins and outs of what makes a motorcycle run. They often work in dealerships and assist customers with finding specific parts. Responsibilities may include compiling and maintaining parts inventory and recommending parts to customers. These entry-level associates can think on their feet and provide exceptional customer service.
Shop Manager
A shop manager acts as a foreman in a workshop or motorcycle repair shop. This advanced role typically involves managing employees in a nearby area such as an office attached to the shop.
Other responsibilities often include hiring and training staff, performing employee evaluations, creating and assigning work schedules and making salary decisions. A shop manager also maintains the shop’s equipment and ensures all systems and processes run smoothly.
Race Team Technician
Race team technicians are vital members of a race team crew, tasked with monitoring and getting bikes ready to be in tip-top shape for racing competitions.
Depending on the size of the team and the level of competition, techs in this advanced role may be responsible for maintenance and setup between events, making repairs to bikes during the race or both.
Service Writer
Service writers act as liaisons between businesses and their customers. They have in-depth knowledge of their product line and a natural ability to develop relationships with their customers. Some responsibilities of this entry-level role include tracking repairs, processing warranties, developing cost estimates and scheduling technicians.
Where You Can Work in the Motorcycle Industry
Motorcycle tech jobs are available across a wide variety of industries, not just in dealerships! You might be surprised by the different settings where motorcycle mechanics work.
- Brand-specific dealerships: Technicians who specialize their skills to service certain makes often work in brand-specific dealerships. Popular brands include BMW Motorrad, Harley-Davidson®, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Honda.
- Multiline dealerships: Motorcycle technicians can also pursue careers in multiline dealerships, which carry vehicles from different brands. This is a great path for technicians looking for variety in their work.
- Independent repair shops: Technicians at independent repair shops often use computers to diagnose and test for problems, similar to how they would in a dealership setting. Their work includes performing minor body repairs, servicing ignitions and transmissions, fixing brakes, replacing and adjusting spark plugs, and even overhauling engines.
- Custom bike shops: Those who consider themselves creative types often thrive working in custom bike shops. Technicians in this line of work may build motorcycles from scratch or customize them with painted decals, custom tires and more.
- Police departments: Police officers often ride motorcycles because they offer greater mobility. This means they need technicians to keep their bikes up and running! Many technicians pursuing this industry choose to specialize in servicing police-model motorcycles.
- Motorcycle mechanic schools: Many technicians pass on their knowledge to the next generation as instructors—including the experienced pros teaching motorcycle mechanic students at UTI. Experienced mechanics who want to take the education route can teach in technical trade schools, online learning courses or even on-the-job training.
- Self-employment: Some technicians decide to go independent and take the self-employed motorcycle mechanic route. These techs find and manage their own client base and may provide a variety of repair and maintenance services.
Motorcycle Mechanic Working Conditions
When researching any job it’s important to consider the role’s working conditions. These conditions vary based on a mechanic’s role. In a typical work setting, motorcycle mechanics work both indoors and outdoors to test and repair bikes.
They usually work among other mechanics and must keep up with their fast-paced environment. Motorcycle mechanics must abide by safety procedures to protect themselves, their colleagues and their customers.
When it comes to interpersonal relationships, mechanics need to have great communication and customer service skills. Motorcycle mechanics often work on repairs alone. However, they must also be able to talk with bike owners and collaborate with other mechanics to get the job done.
Successful mechanics pay close attention to detail and take pride in their work. They often have repeat clients and receive new business through word of mouth, which requires them to develop trusting relationships with their customers. Passion, a great work ethic and professionalism go a long way in motorcycle mechanic jobs.
Physical and Mental Requirements of a Motorcycle Mechanic
- Physical requirements: Successful motorcycle mechanics must have the physical stamina to work on their feet for extended periods and the strength to lift and maneuver heavy parts and tools. They need excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to handle small components precisely. Additionally, working in tight spaces or awkward positions is often required, which calls for flexibility and physical endurance.
- Mental requirements: The job demands strong problem-solving skills to diagnose and repair complex issues efficiently. Mechanics must stay focused and detail-oriented, as even minor errors can lead to significant performance problems. A commitment to continuous learning is essential to keep up with rapidly evolving motorcycle technologies and repair methods, ensuring they remain skilled and effective in their roles.
Motorcycle Mechanic Salary
The average motorcycle mechanic salary depends on many factors, such as location, skill level and industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for motorcycle mechanics in the United States was $46,270 in May 2023.30 This means half of motorcycle technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.
A career as a motorcycle mechanic is truly for enthusiasts. As technology continues to advance, a new generation of technicians will be needed to fill these motorcycle technician employment openings.
How To Become a Motorcycle Mechanic
As with most careers, you will most likely need to advance your education to become a motorcycle mechanic.
While some technicians learn through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training, attending a motorcycle mechanic training program such as our Motorcycle Technician Training program can help jump-start your training and prepare you for a career in the field in less than a year.7
UTI’s 48-week Motorcycle Technician Training program teaches students the fundamentals from the ground up. Students are taught the foundations of servicing motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides and personal watercraft.
Students are taught to diagnose and troubleshoot engine issues and test performance and drivability, receiving specialized training on leading brands in the industry.
In the Motorcycle Technician Prerequisite (MTP) portion of the program, students train through a combination of classroom preparation and hands-on application. These prerequisite courses cover the key components of motorcycle technology and serve as a foundation for professional development.
From here, students customize their training by choosing one or more of the following manufacturer-specific portions of the curriculum:
The program is available at our Phoenix, Arizona, and Orlando, Florida, campuses. Both campuses are equipped with state-of-the-industry tools and technology, so you’ll be training with the same equipment used by technicians today!
Along the way, you’ll be taught by passionate and experienced instructors who want to invest in you as you complete your education.
Overall, the industry is full of exciting opportunities for technicians searching for motorcycle mechanic jobs. Whether you’re gearing up to graduate high school or are looking to make a career change, UTI can provide you with training to help you prepare to achieve your goal of becoming a motorcycle technician.
Motorcycle Job Placement Assistance Through UTI
UTI’s Career Services department is dedicated to helping motorcycle training graduates transition seamlessly into entry-level roles in the industry through:
- Career placement support: Universal Technical Institute's Career Services department provides assistance to motorcycle training graduates, helping them pursue entry-level positions in the industry. With access to a vast network of employer relationships, students can connect with top companies seeking trained technicians. Career Advisors guide graduates through job search strategies, interview preparation and résumé building to help them stand out as candidates.
- Employer connections and opportunities: UTI actively partners with leading motorcycle manufacturers and dealerships, offering graduates direct pathways into the workforce. These relationships often lead to exclusive hiring opportunities and on-campus recruitment events. Career Services ensures that graduates are matched with employers looking for the specific skills they gained during their training.
- Ongoing career guidance: Beyond initial job placement, UTI's Career Services department offers long-term support to help graduates navigate their career paths. Whether it's seeking advancement opportunities, relocating for a new role or pursuing further certifications, UTI remains a valuable resource. This continued guidance can help graduates stay confident and competitive as they grow in their fields.