MOTORCYCLE TECHNICIAN & MECHANIC CLASSES

Engines, Transmissions and Precision Measurement

Students will be taught the theory and operating principles of four-stroke engines. They will also be taught about design and function of various engine and transmission configurations, clutches and primary drive systems. These lessons take place through a series of hands-on lab demonstrations that will give students an opportunity to disassemble the system and practice their measuring skills.¹⁸

Students are introduced to professional work standards, shop safety rules, proper use of common hand tools and manufacturer’s service manuals, with special focus on the use of precision measuring tools.

Chassis, Suspension and Final Drive

Students will be taught about design, operation and maintenance procedures of motorcycle suspension systems, including servicing of steering head bearings and suspension components, as well as brake systems. Students will be taught the various types of tire construction, wheel removal and replacement, tire removal and replacement, dynamic and static tire balancing, chain peen removal and replacement, and ATV tire removal and replacement.

Electrical Systems

Students will be taught the fundamentals of electricity. Subjects include electrical theory, Ohm’s and Watt’s laws, series and parallel circuits, and how each of these principals is applied to the electrical systems on a motorcycle. Students will use electrical demonstration boards and components to build and test various circuits. Students will be taught about design and function of the common electrical systems found on modern motorcycles and powersports equipment from a variety of manufacturers.

These systems include starting, ignition, charging and lighting systems. The course also introduces the tools and procedures used to verify proper operation of these systems. The tools include digital multimeters and wiring schematics. The lab tasks are performed on fully operational motorcycles. Students also will be taught to make wiring repairs using soldering equipment and connector crimping tools.

Vehicle Maintenance

Students will be taught periodic maintenance procedures for motorcycle and powersports equipment, engine inspection and adjustment procedures, oil and oil filter service, cooling system theory, inspection, and servicing, as well as chassis adjustments. Instruction also will cover the use of specialized maintenance equipment, including valve train service and adjustment tools, and throttle body synchronization tools. In addition, students will learn the proper selection and use of solvents and lubricants.

Instruction will be delivered on use of common dealer management system (DMS) software. This provides students the opportunity to train with electronic repair orders and parts catalogs, helping to create an accurate simulation of a working service department environment.

Engine Troubleshooting and Noise Diagnosis

Building upon the skill sets learned in MOTO-101 Engines, Transmissions, and Precision Measurement, in this portion of their motorcycle mechanic courses, students will learn about the tools and procedures used to diagnose common engine issues. This includes use of diagnostic test equipment, identifying and interpreting engine noises, and disassembly and inspection of the engines and engine subsystems. Additional instruction will cover cam timing, engine clearance measurements and service limits.

Electrical Diagnostics

Building upon the skill sets learned in MOTO-103 Electrical Systems, students will be introduced to the tools and procedures used to diagnose common electrical issues on a variety of motorcycle systems, including starting, ignition, fuel injection, and charging systems. Students are introduced to computer-based diagnostic tools, accessing and clearing of diagnostic codes, and use of graphical data to troubleshoot EFI and electrical problems.