Dinesh Kamath's column 'Information about Careers' (Motorcycle Mechanic) that was published in Newsband

Information about Careers

Motorcycle Mechanic

Motorcycle Mechanics need a range of tools to service and repair motorbikes

Motorcycle mechanics service and repair motorbikes, mopeds and scooters. They may customise motorcycles to meet customers' requirements.

Motorcycle mechanics specialize in repairing, adjusting, and diagnosing problems with motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, dirt bikes, and other similar vehicles.

Some of the work that motorcycle mechanics do is very routine, and other types are extremely complicated. In many cases, mechanics have to completely rebuild an engine or re-calibrate pistons. They commonly service brakes, engines, ignition systems, transmissions, and sometimes make body repairs as well.

In some cases, computers play a big role in the jobs of motorcycle mechanics. For instance, mechanics who work on racing bikes use computers to help them tune and customize the bikes. Without the computer's help, they could make mistakes that could lead to potentially deadly high speed accidents.

Motorcycle mechanics use many common tools to do a lot of their work. Pliers, screwdrivers, and wrenches are often used in a repair shop. They also use more complex tools like computerized engine analyzers, voltmeters, and pneumatic power tools when required for a job.

Mechanics normally need to provide their own basic tools for their work, but employers provide the more expensive tools that are needed for diagnostics and repairs.

The majority of motorcycle mechanics work for dealerships and specialized repair shops, and the work can be very seasonal.

Many motorcycle owners like to use their bikes in the spring and summer, and then put them away during the fall and winter. For some mechanics, this means that they work overtime during some parts of the year, and then part time during other parts of the year.

Motorcycle service technicians, also called motorcycle mechanics, are small engine repairers who specialize in two and three-wheeled vehicles, such as scooters, motorcycles and mopeds. They may also work on all-terrain vehicles. Some motorcycle mechanics choose to specialize in only one type of vehicle or one aspect, such as motorcycles from a specific manufacturer or customizations. Specific duties depend on the type of employer, but many tasks and training requirements are common.

Typical Duties

Motorcycle service technicians perform routine maintenance tasks, such as replacing spark plugs or changing the oil. They also repair engines and transmissions, and they may also perform minor repairs to the body, such as removing dents from fenders. In shops with diagnostic machines, the technician connects the motorcycle to the machine to learn what could be causing the problem. Repairs are sometimes minor, but at other times, the mechanic may need to disassemble the engine or transmission, replace the defective part and then reinstall the rebuilt component. Some motorcycle mechanics perform specialized duties, such as fine-tuning motorcycles used as racers or installing custom body components.

Helpful Qualities

Motorcycle service technicians need good mechanical aptitude. They must have the ability to understand how an engine works to better determine what could go wrong with one. Mechanics need the manual dexterity to install parts, some of which are rather small, and get them properly aligned, as even a small misalignment can cause performance problems. Interpersonal and communication skills are desirable, because technicians often need to discuss needed repairs with customers, who may have questions regarding why a repair is necessary or whether the problem would have been preventable.