A motorcycle technician diagnoses faults, repairs, replaces parts and does routine services on motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds and all terrain vehicles (ATVs).
advising customers of necessary repairs and giving an estimate of cost and time
reading and following manuals, worksheets, technical drawings or CD-ROMs
using hand and power tools such as wrenches, drills and welding equipment
using computerised diagnostic equipment.
You may be able to specialise in a particular make of motorcycle.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
where you work
the size of the company or organisation you work for
the demand for the job.
Starting salaries may be based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW). The apprentice rate, for those aged under 19 or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship, is £6.40 an hour (1 April 2024). Salaries for newly qualified motorcycle technicians tend to be around £18,000 a year, rising with experience from around £22,000 to over £30,000 a year.
Conditions
You will work in garages, workshops or depots, which may be cold and draughty in winter and hot in summer.
You might have to go out in all weathers to go to breakdowns.
Conditions may be cramped and uncomfortable when you are doing repairs.
You will work with oil and grease and may use barrier cream to protect your hands.
You will have to lift heavy parts, perhaps by yourself or by using lifting equipment.
There may be opportunities for overtime and you might have to work shifts or be on call at times.
able to communicate well, particularly with customers
patient in finding and fixing faults
able to work to deadlines
responsible
safety conscious
able to work reliably without supervision
able to work accurately, paying attention to detail.
You need to have:
an interest in motorcycles and similar vehicles
good concentration
practical skills.
Training
Training for a Modern Apprenticeship usually lasts three years. You would attend college or a training centre on a day or block release basis.
You would complete Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair at SCQF Level 7.
You might attend college full time but go to an employer for work placements.
You may work towards the IMI Motorcycle Accreditation. This involves sitting practical exams and completing online knowledge tests. There are three levels of job roles within IMI Accreditation Motorcycle: Service Maintenance Technician, Diagnostic Technician and Master Technician.
Getting On
With further training you can qualify as a MOT tester. You need to be sponsored by a vehicle testing station, have gained four years' experience as a qualified mechanic and have no record of unspent convictions for criminal offences.
In larger companies, with experience, you could become a supervisor or manager.
You might move on to become a trainer or instructor.
You could become self-employed.
More Information
Some motorcycle mechanics or technicians specialise in work with racing bikes – ranging from trail bikes and dirt bikes to speedway and Grand Prix racing bikes.
For more information please see organisations listed below:
2024
