Motorcycle mechanic
Motorcycle mechanics service and repair motorbikes, scooters and quad bikes.
Also known as: Motorcycle technician, motorbike mechanic
- Starter salary£25,000 a year
- Experienced£40,000 a year
- Typical hours38 to 40 a week
What you'll do
As a motorcycle mechanic, you could:
- conduct mechanical, electrical and electronic checks
- refer to manufacturers' guides for routine service and maintenance
- find and fix faults
- strip, rebuild and tune engines
- road test bikes
- advise customers on repair times and costs
- update service and repair records
- customise motorcycles to match owners' requirements
Working environment
You could work at a garage or in a workshop.
Your working environment may be noisy and dirty.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- the ability to repair machines or systems
- problem-solving skills
- the ability to work well with your hands
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- customer service skills
- persistence and determination
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become a motorcycle mechanic
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course in motorcycle maintenance and repair, which would teach you some of the skills you need in this job.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You can apply to do a Motorcycle Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
This can take around 3 years to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and learning off site.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Volunteering
You'll find it useful to contact a local workshop, garage or dealership to see if they offer any work experience opportunities.
You can also volunteer to work at road racing or motocross events organised by Auto-Cycle Union and AMCA .
Direct application
You can apply directly to employers if you've got some experience of repairing vehicles or mechanical engineering.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll usually need a valid motorcycle licence.
Career path and progression
With experience and further training, you could become a motorcycle diagnostic technician, workshop manager or motorcycle MOT examiner.
You could also start your own sales and repair business, or specialise in customised bike building.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Institute of the Motor Industry for professional development and training opportunities.
Guides for this industry
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