Motorcycle Mechanic Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

This post provides detailed information on the job description of a motorcycle mechanics, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities that they typically perform.

It also highlights the major requirements you may be expected to meet to be hired for the motorcycle mechanics role by most employers/recruiters.

Ever wondered what goes into keeping those two-wheeled beasts purring like kittens?

Well, we are about to delve deep into the world of motorcycle mechanics.

These unsung heroes form the backbone of the biking community, making sure riders can take on the wide-open road with confidence and style.

It doesn’t matter if you’re about to make a change in your career to becoming a motorcycle mechanic or if you are an owner looking to hire the most exceptional technician in town – out of plain curiosity or even wanting to know what happens behind the scenes at your local bike shop – it is all here.

So, grab a cuppa joe and let’s fire up the FUN-fueled exploration of the motorcycle mechanic profession!

What Does a Motorcycle Mechanic Do?

First and foremost, the motorcycle mechanic undergoes training in every discipline concerning motorcycle maintenance, repair, and tuning.

They become the keepers of your precious bikes, ensuring they run smoothly, safely, and efficiently.

Their work, however, isn’t merely about twisting wrenches and changing parts.

It requires proper servicing, troubleshooting techniques, and a genuine passion for motorcycles.

According to the Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, motorcycle technicians also receive training in small-engine, which enables them to work on all-terrain vehicles, personal watercraft, and side-by-side vehicles, as well as to perform motorcycle inspection, service, and repairs.

Usually, motorcycle mechanics report to a service manager or shop owner in dealerships, repair shops, or specialty motorcycle service centers.

But some daredevils strike out on their own, opening their own shops or offering mobile repair services.

Now, that’s taking things into your own hands!

Motorcycle mechanics are eclectic professionals who mate technical expertise with interpersonal skills.

The motorcycle mechanic job description entails diagnosis and repair of mechanical problems, routine maintenance, and customizing of bikes, and provision of safety checks.

Indeed, many times other than the role as a mechanic at the workbench, they double as customer advisors, explaining complex repairs and advising on how best the customer can maintain their vehicle.

These skilled workers can be found in many diverse settings, from bustling dealerships and independent repair shops to high-octane racing teams or even government agencies.

But becoming a motorcycle mechanic isn’t about knowing merely which end of a screwdriver to hold.

Becoming a mechanic takes a solid educational foundation and on-going training.

For the most part, many employers prefer the candidate to have a high school diploma or its equivalent to back it up, but it’s usually followed by completion of a vocational program in motorcycle repair or small engine mechanics.

Some techs go extra lengths and actually earn an Associate’s degree in Motorcycle Technology.

Certifications are another feather in a mechanic’s cap.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers certifications specific to motorcycle technicians, which can really rev up your career prospects.

Additionally, many manufacturers offer their own certification programs, allowing mechanics to specialize in specific brands like Harley-Davidson, Honda, or BMW.

The importance of motorcycle mechanics varies in different countries.

In  Asia and other places where the business of motorcycle is enormous, the place of mechanics becomes important since they are needed to handle major transportation maintenance functions.

In other countries, mechanics will tend to deal with the high-end or vintage bikes.

Employers are after motorcycle mechanics who possess a strong grounding in the solid technical skill base but also a mix of the soft skills.

Outstanding mechanics have good problem-solving abilities, are great in customer service provision, careful with details, and possess the physical strength needed for demanding work.

They are adaptable in working on their own, in collaboration, show a continuous drive to learn, and keep updated in all industry advancements.

Finally, there’s a whole section in charge of governing this transportation industry.

In the United States, NHTSA is responsible for establishing the safety standards for motorcycles, while state agencies are responsible for licensing and other repair shop regulations.

This really places the importance of motorcycle mechanics being in the know about this one in the interest of staying on the right side of the law.

Motorcycle Mechanic Job Description Sample/ Example/ Template

The motorcycle mechanic job description consists of the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough repair work for issues related to motorcycles
• Carry out advanced repair work based on available safety guidelines
• Perform routine maintenance, including replacement of worn-out parts, ignition tuning, and inspection.
• Prepare work orders and estimate costs of repair work to be accomplished on the vehicles
• Replace or repair faulty parts such as engines, transmissions, brakes, and suspension systems
• Carry full motorcycle inspection to confirm that motorcycle are in a condition that is within safety and environmental regulation
• Diagnose using computerized equipment, complex motorcycle defects and determine proper work methods to rectify such defects
• Check, comes up with the proper settings, and calibrate the operation of motorcycle parts for better performance, e.g., carburetors, fuel injection system, and ignition system
• Install whatever part and accessories required to meet customer needs or improve performance as better
• Perform wheel alignments and balance the tires to ensure a smooth and safe ride. Troubleshoot and repair the electrical system; for example, starters, alternators, and battery systems
• Record repairs, maintenance, and parts replacement done on each motorcycle
• Advise customers professionally on matters related to taking care of their motorcycles, indicating when they need to check their motorcycles’ condition and looking for ways to improve performance
• Provide customers with an estimation in terms of costs, time, and causes, at the same time clearly explaining the cause of the problem and identifying other potential works that may be required
• Order for parts, tools, and supplies and managing inventory to be used effectively at the workshop
• Clean and detail motorcycles before delivery after repair to the owner. This is good professional presentation to the owner
• Be updated on new motorcycle models, its technologies and repair techniques through continual training and certification
• Being able to collaborate with other mechanics and service officials in the effective balancing of workload for on-time deliverables
• Mentor and train junior mechanics or apprentices; that is, imparting knowledge and best practices
• Provide, whenever necessary, emergency road service; roadside diagnose and fix breakdowns, when feasible.

The list runs across a wide spectrum of activities that a motorcycle mechanic is likely to encounter in everyday practice.

Of course, the specific duties will vary depending on the employer, specialization, and individual path a career takes.

But one thing is for sure, the life of a motorcycle mechanic is never a dull one!

Motorcycle Mechanic Job Description for Resume

If you have worked before as a motorcycle mechanic or are presently working in that role and are making a new resume or CV, then you can create a compelling Professional Experience section for your resume by applying the sample motorcycle mechanic job description provided above.

You can highlight the duties and responsibilities you have performed as a motorcycle mechanic in your resume’s Professional Experience by utilizing the ones provided in the above motorcycle mechanic job description example.

This will show to recruiters/employers that you have been successful performing the duties and responsibilities of a motorcycle mechanic, which can boost your chances of being hired for the new position that you are seeking, especially if it requires someone with some motorcycle mechanic work experience.

Motorcycle Mechanic Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success

Here’s are important skills, knowledge, and abilities that are usually required by employers/recruiters in hiring for the motorcycle mechanic role, which are also needed for success in the career:

• Able to manipulate the diagnostic tools and equipment
• Possess comprehensive level of working knowledge about engines, transmissions, and electrical systems
• Can read technical manuals and wiring diagrams
• Able to accurately measure and adjust motorcycles to obtain high performance
• Quick and decisive decisions have to be made in case of motorcycle repairs
• Manual dexterity, physical strength, and good eye-hand coordination are required in motorcycle repair
• Problem solving and analytical thinking is a prerequisite for motorcycle repair
• Good communication skill is required to explain technical issues clearly to motor cycle owners
• Detailed Oriented to ensure that all things are well addressed in motorcycle repairs
• Ability to prioritize and manage several motorcycle repair projects can become crucial
• Safety sensitization and maintenance of a safe workplace are among the key things a motorcycle mechanic should be alert about.

Motorcycle Mechanic Employment

According to the May, 2023 survey data on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website, there were 14,330 motorcycle mechanics in employment in the United States.

However, Zippia gave 9,951 as the number of motorcycle mechanics that are currently employed in the U.S. 

Employment by Industry

The industries with the highest levels of employment for motorcycle mechanics, according to BLS, include:

• Other Motor Vehicle Dealers: 12,220
• Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance: 1,480
• Rental and Leasing Services (5322, 5323, and 5324 only): 130
• Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing: 110
• Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers: 50

Employment by State

According to Zippia, States with the highest motorcycle mechanic employment include  Texas and California, with 1,407 and  1,303 employments respectively.

Motorcycle Mechanic Salary

The average yearly salary of a motorcycle mechanic is $ 47,960 as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2023.

On the other hand, Zippia gives the annual average salary of a motorcycle mechanic in the United States  as $47,652.

Salary by Industry

The top paying industries for motorcycle mechanics in the United States, according to BLS include:

• Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers: $56,820
• Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance: $48,820
• Other Motor Vehicle Dealers: $48,030
• Rental and Leasing Services (5322, 5323, and 5324 only): $43,380
• Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing: $41,990.

Salary by State

According to Zippia, States that pay the highest salaries to motorcycle mechanics in USA include California and  Rhode Island, with yearly average salaries of $54,331 and $53,876.

Motorcycle Mechanic Job Satisfaction

According to CareerExplorer, motorcycle mechanics have been rated as above average on the job satisfaction scale.

The majority of them note a high enjoyment in their work.

In fact, motorcycle mechanics rank 3.5 stars out of 5 for career happiness, for being in the top 28% of all careers.

However, motorcycle mechanics rated their satisfaction with their salary at 2.6/5.

Salary: Motorcyclists do not see the salary as good enough, and only very few show satisfaction with the pay.

Conclusion

Motorcycle mechanics are truly the unsung heroes in the motorcycle community, guaranteeing safety with a smooth ride for motorcyclists.

They are jugglers in their line of work, ranging from diagnosing complex issues using highly advanced tools to customer service and records meticulously kept.

With rather unsatisfactory pay, the job provides a high level of enjoyment and the chance to work with your passion: motorcycles.

If you’re the mechanically inclined kind with a sharp eye for detail and a passion for motorcycles, this might be the right career path for you.

This post has provided in-dept information on the motorcycle mechanic job description, to help you learn all that they do.

It is also useful to recruiters/employers in making a detailed and effective job description for the motorcycle mechanic role.