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MOTORCYCLE MECHANICS INSTITUTE
A Division of Universal Technical Institute
Do you have a passion for motorcycles and are considering making a career out of it?
Training to become a motorcycle technician at Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) could be the right move for you.1.1
There are a ton of motorcycle enthusiasts out there, as well as those who love to ride personal watercraft, all-terrain vehicles and side-by-sides—meaning there’s a need for trained individuals to help repair and maintain these modes of transport!
Keep reading to learn more about the life of a motorcycle tech, from job duties to work environment and compensation.
Motorcycle Repair Technician Job Description
Now you know a bit about what a motorcycle technician does. But what does an average day on the job look like for them? The daily routine of a mechanic can vary, but some common duties are:
- Repairing transmissions and engines
- Assisting with washing and detailing motorcycles
- Performing fluid changes
- Replacing defective mechanical parts
- Repairing subassemblies
- Mounting, balancing and checking tires
- Body maintenance, like hammering out dents or bends in frames
- Disassembling and reassembling equipment to perform repairs
- Utilizing diagnostic equipment to identify problems
- Maintaining relations with and communicating repair information to customers
Some technicians work on specific brands or specialize in a certain type of vehicle. These factors can also affect the tasks they perform day-to-day.
The typical work environment for a motorcycle technician is fast-paced. They’ll work with other mechanics and must keep up with the dynamic changes that come their way.
It’s also important for technicians to adhere to safety procedures. This includes wearing protective eyewear and gloves that help prevent injuries when making repairs on different vehicles.
Motorcycle technicians can work in many settings, including:
- Custom bike shops
- Brand-specific dealerships
- Independent repair shops
- Police departments
- Motorcycle trade schools
Successful technicians must pay close attention to detail and have a passion for their work. Having a good work ethic can take you a long way in the industry! You can explore more about different motorbike technician careers here.
Motorcycle Program Graduate Story
How To Become a Motorcycle Technician
Before you seek a job in the industry, it’s very important to have a foundational education and hands-on experience. Employers are looking to hire those with the right training, especially as technology and techniques in the field continue to evolve.
The 48-week Motorcycle Technician Training program at MMI is designed to train you for troubleshooting and repairing motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides and personal watercraft.7
MMI’s industry relationships help ensure you’ll be trained using current technology and equipment. You can also count on instructors with real-world experience to guide you through both classroom and lab learning.18
There are six manufacturer-specific programs to choose from after completing the Motorcycle Technician Prerequisite (MTP) program, which takes place over the first 18 weeks. These manufacturer programs are endorsed by each of the following brands and are made possible due to our collaboration with them:
MMI also offers a 60-week program that includes an additional 12 weeks of manufacturer-specific training. Graduates of this program earn an associate of occupational studies (AOS) degree.
Whether you choose to pursue additional training or not, MMI can help give you the education you need to pursue an entry-level motorbike technician role in the industry after graduating.
Motorcycle Technician Salary & Job Outlook
One of the questions you may have when thinking of pursuing a career in the industry is, “What is the average motorcycle technician salary?”
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.
There are many people driving motorcycles every day. So, as long as people are out there cruising, there will be a constant demand for qualified technicians and mechanics to work on bikes!
Once technicians have gained experience in the industry, they have the potential to pursue other opportunities for motorcycle technician employment. These might include management positions or roles that are more customer-service oriented, like service writer.6
Start Your Motorcycle Repair Training at MMI
Two MMI campus locations offer motorbike technician training: Phoenix, Arizona, and Orlando, Florida. Classes start every six weeks, offering you the flexibility you need to start your education on your schedule.
You can graduate in just 48 weeks with the skills and training needed to pursue an entry-level position in the industry. Visit our program page to learn more.