Motorcycle Repair Technician Schools

Whether you're a motorcycle enthusiast, or you prefer a career that allows you to work on motorcycles every day, a motorcycle repair school is a good place to learn the specialized skills required to service and repair these two-wheeled vehicles. These institutions will provide hands-on experience for those familiar with motorcycle repair, and those who have never even touched a tool in their life. Here is an informative guide that will explain the basics of motorcycle repair schools and what to expect from them.

Motorcycle Repair School Options

Those interested in becoming a motorcycle repair technician have two choices for motorcycle repair schools:

• Trade Schools: A motorcycle trade school (also referred to as a vocational school or workforce college) may specialize in motorcycles, or all forms of vehicles, from marine vehicles to all-terrain vehicles. Motorcycle trade schools feature accelerated programs that will allow students to complete the school's curriculum in a much shorter time frame than a community college. Trade schools offer both certification and associate degrees.
• Community Colleges: Many community colleges offer courses and programs in motorcycle repair. Depending on the institution, aspiring motorcycle repair technicians can obtain a diploma, certification or an associate degree geared towards the motorcycle field. Community colleges are less costly than motorcycle trade schools, but have lengthier curriculums that can last up to two years.

Tuition Costs

A major factor that will affect your decision of whether you wish to attend a trade school or community college will be the tuition costs. Students attending major, accredited motorcycle trade schools can expect to spend anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 in tuition fees. Costs vary depending on the trade school selected and what program you decide to enroll in. Some trade schools offer additional programs after completion of the general curriculum that train students on specific motorcycles and manufacturers.

If you cannot afford the tuition costs of a trade school, you can opt for a college community program that typically costs around $5,000 in tuition. Tuition costs may vary depending on the motorcycle repair program selected. Since tuition fees are based off of semesters taken at the college, certification programs tend to be more affordable than an associate degree program since less course units and semesters are required.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum in motorcycle repair for both trade schools and community college programs tend to be very similar. Both types of education facilities offer certification or an associate degree. Certificate programs require less course work than an associate degree program, which typically include extra classes that teach other service and repair skills.

A certificate program in motorcycle repair should include course work on:

• Brake systems
• Motorcycle suspension
• Electrical systems
• Fuel systems
• Two-stroke and four-stroke engines
• Basic service and maintenance

Associate degree programs include advanced course work outside of the scope of basic motorcycle repair skills.

Aside from work in the classroom, motorcycle repair school students can expect a hands-on learning experience with various motorcycles, engines and factory equipment. Manufacturers, dealerships and distributors tend to donate tools, parts, engines and even full motorcycles to both community colleges and trade schools to help train incoming motorcycle repair technicians.

Trade Schools Versus Community College Programs

When deciding between a trade school and a community college program, many factors come in to play:

• Location: The location of the desired motorcycle repair school will help you determine whether you want to attend a trade school or community college. Some trade schools with motorcycle programs are available in limited parts of the country. Community colleges offering motorcycle repair programs are more abundant and a can be found in many different locations.
• Tuition: As explained earlier, the tuition costs tend to be much higher at trade schools than programs offered at a community college. Keep in mind, financial aid is available for both types of motorcycle repair schools, and these institutions have counselors who are available to help you plan for tuition costs.
• Schedule: Trade schools tend to offer accelerated programs where course work can be completed in less time than it would take at a community college. Incoming students should gather as much information as possible on class schedules for the trade schools and community colleges they are interested in. Some institutions provide programs catered towards working professionals by offering distance learning classes online and night classes.
• Curriculum: While general concepts in motorcycle service and repair are similar between trade schools and community colleges, partnerships with major motorcycle manufacturers may vary. Most trade schools will offer programs designed specifically for service and repair on various motorcycle manufacturers after the general course work is completed. For example, a trade school student can enroll in a program specifically designed for Kawasaki motorcycles. The type of motorcycles you wish to work on will help you determine what institution is right for you.
• Job placement: Many trade schools offer job placement services to help students from their institutions obtain employment immediately after graduation. While employment isn't guaranteed, many trade schools boast a high rate of employment for graduates from their programs.

Employment Opportunities and Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average salary for motorcycle mechanics is around $34,000 per year at $16 an hour. Industries that require trained and certified motorcycle mechanics include:

• Motorcycle dealerships
• Major repair shops and chains
• Motorcycle supply merchants
• Manufacturers
• Performance shops
• Specialty shops
• Distributors

Possible positions for those who complete a motorcycle repair program include:

• Service Technician
• Service Technician Expert
• Master Service Technician
• Service Writer
• Foreman
• Master of Service Technology
• Service Staff
• Service Manager