7 TRAITS OF A SUCCESSFUL MOTORCYCLE TECHNICIAN

Motorcycle technicians, commonly referred to as motorcycle mechanics or motorbike techs, are responsible for the upkeep, maintenance and repair of two-, three- and four-wheeled vehicles such as dirt bikes, scooters, all-terrain vehicles and more. They possess the skills to work on engines, transmissions, electrical systems, and chassis and suspension systems. They also regularly perform vehicle maintenance.

Wondering how to become a motorcycle mechanic? Achieving this goal often requires the completion of a specialized program such as Universal Technical Institute’s (UTI) Motorcycle Technician Training program,¹ as well as hands-on experience. As with any career, it requires a particular set of skills to do the job well.

Read along as we explain seven traits commonly shared among successful motorcycle technicians so you can determine if this is the right career path for you.

Passion

First and foremost, motorcycle technicians have a passion for what they do. This career is truly for enthusiasts looking to turn their hobby into a career.

The job of a motorbike tech isn’t always easy—it requires hard work, dedication and perseverance. However, it can be incredibly fulfilling. For those passionate about motorcycles, this isn’t just a career. It’s a lifestyle.

According to UTI Motorcycle Instructor David Dyck, passion is key to succeeding as a motorcycle technician. “You really want to have a passion for this. If it’s something that you enjoy doing, why not do it? When I go home from work I can still go out to my garage and tinker on my stuff and enjoy it,” he says. Check out his story below:

Technical & Product Knowledge

Motorcycle technicians possess in-depth knowledge of the technology and parts they work with on a daily basis. It’s often said that no two days on the job are alike—technicians are constantly working on different models and makes.

Technicians with the ability to diagnose and repair bikes from different manufacturers are an asset to any shop. This allows them to perform a variety of repairs as well as answer customers’ questions, so they know they’re in good hands. Motorcycle technicians with advanced technical and product knowledge are also likelier to climb the ladder and advance to management positions.⁶

Manual Dexterity

Successful technicians have the manual dexterity to install even the smallest of parts with precision. They understand that the slightest misalignment can lead to performance issues, which requires them to be incredibly detail-oriented.

Typically, motorcycle technicians learn by doing and have loved tinkering with things from a young age. One of the main aspects that draws them to this career is the hands-on component. They are happy working with their hands for hours on end!

Always Up for a Challenge

Motorcycle technicians never back down to a challenge. In fact, the challenging aspects of this job are what motivates them!

Technicians use their problem-solving skills on the job every day. In this career, things don’t always go as planned—tools wear out, technology fails and parts malfunction. It’s the job of a motorbike tech to get the vehicles they work on back up and running, no matter what obstacles stand in their way. This often requires technicians to innovate and think outside of the box to find solutions.

The Desire To Learn

Successful motorcycle technicians have a strong desire to learn. The motorcycle industry changes every day, and for technicians to stay relevant, they must invest in continuous education—whether this is through on-the-job experience or attending a motorcycle school like Universal Technical Institute.

Technology has changed the role of motorcycle technicians drastically, yet the need for qualified, skilled technicians remains. As the older generation of technicians phases out, skilled technicians who understand today’s modern technology will be needed to step up and fill these open positions.

Self-Motivated

Self-motivation is vital to the success of motorcycle technicians. Motivated technicians work harder, which is reflected in the quality of their finished work. Successful technicians take ownership of their work and understand what needs to be done without having to be told.

Being self-motivated carries over into many aspects of a motorcycle technician’s work. It often means they’re organized, efficient, on time consistently and loyal to the company they work for. Self-motivated technicians can also lead others and often advance to higher positions in the industry.

Communication

Last but certainly not least, it’s important for motorcycle technicians to have good communication skills. Technicians spend much of their time working with equipment hands-on, yet an important element of their job is communicating with their customers and peers.

When customers have questions or concerns, they often go right to the technician. A successful technician knows how to put their customers at ease when they feel stressed and provide as much information as possible so they feel informed about the repair process. Additionally, they can work with their leaders and coworkers in harmony, which can help foster a pleasant work environment.

Train To Become a Motorcycle Technician

Ready to turn your passion for motorcycles into a career? Consider training at Universal Technical Institute.

After completing core motorcycle mechanic training courses that teach foundational skills in troubleshooting, maintenance and repairs, graduates can then pursue specialized training. With specialized programs for manufacturers like Harley-Davidson®, Suzuki and Kawasaki, UTI provides hands-on training that can help you pursue a career at these manufacturers’ facilities.¹⁸ You'll train with state-of-the-industry tools and learn from experienced instructors who are dedicated to helping you develop the skills employers value.

To learn more about how to become a motorcycle mechanic and what a future at UTI might look like, visit our campus page and request information today.