3 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Became a Motorcycle Mechanic 

Thank you this helps. I recently got into riding and being a broke bitch got an older bike. Enjoying working on all the little things she needs and imagining doing any of it for money sounds pretty great to me but as I have no real knowledge besides hours of youtube videos I haven't been able to imagine any shop hiring me(especially because im a girl). Knowing they start you off just cleaning and doing the little things helps.

Graduated 🎓 Motorcycle Mechanics Institute Late/Early Model Harley Davidson, Hondatech24 Graduated 🎓 Universal Technical Institute Automotive Technology 2 If you want something bad enough like this guy you have to have the decatuon Nice hearing about your accomplishments I chose to go to school I have about 90% of the PHDs done great accomplishments are measured by your drive

Thanks for the motivation I never even road a bike but I'm gonna buy on cheap and start there

So, did you go to the school?

​@@nickyb7612do it, and imagine yourself being hired, and so on, go forth 🍻, 💎🏁🦅

My neighbor retired early as a mechanic at a saab/porsche dealership. Must have been okay pay

Dealing with cheap ass people is so annoying, I absolutely avoid it at all costs

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Some fine advice

Joe ConnectALL Amen!!

As a 17 year professional mechanic and motorcycle enthusiasts I totally agree

Never work for free

This still makes me laugh! so true

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At school I Graduated Motorcycle Mechanics Institute Late/Early Model Harley Davidson, Hondatech24 Graduated 🎓 Universal Technical Institute Automotive Technology 2 Money talks BS walks nothing is for Free At that the first thing they teach is tire changing and cleaning bikes cause any shop you go to expects you to know how to change a tire I chose school cause I wanted the certs from Harley Davidson that's just me But anything you do to learn from any where and everybody knowledge is power work in shops go to school learn from the old man with a Grey beard your knowledge is your power so why not profit off your knowledge and experience.

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Thanks!

Thanks!

Mind i ask what your marketing strategies were?

@@jimscycleandautotn8508 In what regard?

When you first started out. Getting your name out there etc

Thank you! I will be adding new videos again.

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All the best! and we never really stop learning!

Thanks! If we don’t do what we can, we never learn, right!? I mean once you start looking and thinking, guys like us can usually figure it out… how else are we gonna make it in todays world!!? old shovels need love tools and time for sure!

did you check out my latest video about archetypes of mechanics!? Aliens from Another Planet - AKA Mechanics ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-lTfb4jdYvsk.html

Thank you. It's my pleasure

For sure!

Man you ain't kidding

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There are definitely highs and lows that come with anything that you love doing and I did burn out at one point and it took a little bit for that to come back

@@CrackerJackMechanic Very true.Btw how many years of expérience has taken you to be confident to work on most bikes out there.

Did you learn a lot there?

@@Mattschindig of course. You will learn everything from simple maintenance to diagnostic work and completely tearing down and rebuilding engines and testing them. You will also learn some performance classes as far as dyno tuning and learning about different valve spring rates to build more power. Also there is a class that teaches you machining and cutting valve seats. There's a lot to offer at the school I just hope it operates smoother now then it did when I was there.

@@slimer240 I started in December 19, but left early because I got really sick. Not the virus, but the virus pandemic happened right when I started getting better. Still in Orlando and actually planned on going back home friday, but I keep feeling like I want to go back and graduate because I do love working on my bike and want to understand everything. Honestly not sure, but I was just going to go back home and enroll for Auto courses or look into getting my CDL because I have a bad leg from a previous accident. I don't really have the mindset of trying to make this a career, but more personal knowledge. Just not sure what to do.

@@Mattschindig no I completely understand, when I went there it was a lot of on and off for me too but that was because I had to take time off from classes to work more. If you run into John Gutherman from the main building tell him Matt Borges said hi but he knows me as "the comeback kid" because no matter what obstacles got in my way i still always found a way to finish my courses. Then again I did take Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Suzuki. Now in my opinion you definitely dont need all four metrics because it is very rare you'll find a dealer that carries all four but i kind of wished I had taken the harley program as well. But that's because I'm about to start building one off bikes hopefully by next year. But I definitely get it, I was burnt out from working on bikes and atvs and watercraft when I graduated but then again I was a full time automotive mechanic while in school too and then I had my first kid and started truck driving to buy a house. Now that was 7 years ago that I started driving and I bought my house 6 years ago. But you never know you may like driving but in my case case I hate it because I'm always a gotta stay busy type of guy and I'm a gear head through and through so I'd rather be making less doing something I love then driving a truck.

Best of luck with your own shop! It can be rewarding to own your own operations. ✌🏼

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Keep it up! 👍🏻

Thanks! I appreciate your support.

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Thanks for your question! Like any job, it does depend on where you work. Motorcycle shops are no exception, so it really depends on where you work. With the benefit of age on your side, you are likely well aware of that. The truth usually comes down to making enough money. If IT is something you enjoy, working on bikes as a hobby could be a path to go. Have you seen my video series on how to become a motorcycle Mechanic?

@@CrackerJackMechanic This was the first video of yours I've watched on the subject, but I will watch the rest now. I live in the Orlando area so MMI is about 25 minutes from me, but it's damn expensive. I'm currently working with vocational rehab through the VA system but they tend to only approve programs based on the industry/fields career growth outlook. After researching, the growth is at 0% to negative growth, depending on what government site you read. I was hoping that there was the possibility of apprenticeship style learning. Sure, IT pays, but most want you to have a bachelor's degree and years of experience. There's also the danger of having your job outsourced overseas, and let's be honest, computers are damn boring.

Thank you for sharing your comments, this is cool! some of my best and favourite tools I had to make myself. sounds like a great place to learn.

😆 yeah i quit ten years now

Thanks!

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I am glad you found it useful! Thanks

Thank you!

Another tip... do not worry about memorize specs!!! This information is available from service manuals, and you will always double check them anyways, if you are like me! Lol.. Make sure you double check all drain plugs after oil changes. I have additional information from experience dealing with inexperience. I am now offering an online course of information and theory for motorcycles to help people interested in learning more about motorcycles and those wishing to pursue a career in motorcycle mechanics. If interested email me at crackerjackmechanic@yahoo.ca

@@CrackerJackMechanic that means a lot man thank you so much! I will definitely email you!

Yes, I still do a lot... but don't really mind, they are the bread and butter especially on newer bikes!

Make yourself a wheel clamp stand or buy one... make or buy a bull bar.... Five minutes from tire off to tire on..., Its like printing money... Thirty or more dollars a pop... thats good money!

Just like being a private,have to earn your respect at least it's only changing tires lol

MMI is a rip off. Don’t waste your GI bill on it.

Yes! You are so right about the tools! That alone is my biggest reason why I don't want to do work outside of the shop. It's part of the comfort of owning lots of good tools and some of the ones we make ourselves are the best! Nothing worse than needed a specific tool, and it's in my toolbox at work! (I use this excuse to get out of home repair as well) 😎👍🏻

Great idea!

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I’m glad you are able to use my videos! Thank you

You got it!

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tires are straightforward easy money

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Thank you!

sorry i’m just seeing your message. i am doing a tools video series, i believe i cover this there. so on the meantime, there are a number of tools you can purchase of better value depending on the actual amount of time you need to use them. Also, cheap tools can be replaced by higher quality ones as necessary. i use a combination of makers for my tools, but honestly I’ve always found snap-on to be a good way to go, for me. (i am not endorsed by snap-on) 😆

I've been a motorcycle mechanic for most of my adult life. I started in my late teens casually and evolved from there. I had to be a motorcycle mechanic, it's all I wanted to do. I do have a series of videos on my channel on how to become a motorcycle Mechanic. They are some of my first videos, they contain some information on how you may approach entering into this line of work. Don't let age be a factor in your decisions, it's about creating a future you want!

Thanks for you comment! Changing tire isn’t so bad!

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I went there, it's a great way to learn!

Great post. Thanks

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I did some today! Lol

Hey! Your call was question is a good one. I would like to take some time to unpack it and answer the questions. I can give you some ideas of what you might expect. I will try and post a video reply for you by the weekend or on the weekend

probably a few more but those ones are the “highlights”! are you just starting out? maybe you have a couple as well! keep the conversation going! 😆👍🏼

Newby, trying to focus on American V-Twin, but the Italian jobs keep coming and don't get me started on the Bavarian land yacht

😆 keep up the good work

😎 look at my other videos. My first video outlines How to become a Motorcycle Mechanic. The internet is useful. Also there are textbooks available.

I don’t have an answer as to where you can get the scan tool. But my experience is that it isn’t always necessary… new machines with warranty usually go back to the dealership for whatever and they have the scan tools. Once the machine is out of warranty the owners go to an aftermarket mechanic (us) for work, and by then many of the issues are known and common, so diag information is on the forums (which I know are not the best, but here we are just looking quickly) which can get us where we need to go. I think Snap On has something. Lots of people make them for Harley. I worked without for many years and now work where I have access. I’m at a dealership job for Honda and Arctic Cat

it’s not that high paying after twenty five years. Other trades seem to have better pay grade. motorcycles tend to get lumped in with powersports at the OEM dealership. this is something i can expand on, so just ask any questions you have

I do have a few videos on how-to become a motorcycle mechanic. If you have questions please let me know

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I make my own scissor lifts... using small car jacks from wrecking yard. I will make a video early next week

@@CrackerJackMechanic sounds good

Check out my earlier videos on how to become a motorcycle Mechanic!

Without googling... VP fuel. I would start at 104 try it... then get some 100 and see if it makes any noticeable difference

He has an accent? P.S. I am Canadian

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I’ve used both. I favour using weights in most cases. There is utility in using balance beads for custom rims. I am a fan of CounterAct beads for motorcycles

Check out my video series on how to become a motorcycle Mechanic

Thanks! I have a few more things I wish I knew to add, but just kept it to 3 for this video! Lol

@@CrackerJackMechanic please add more😊. . Considering this career. I feel out of love with my current career. Sad but true. I need change asap.

Tools videos coming soon!

I have a videos series that outlines how to get started! subscribe and checkout my other videos. The first video I made was “how to become a motorcycle mechanic’l

Right!? lol still true to this day

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Definitely one reason!

@@CrackerJackMechanic same here lol

Heyyyyyy

it’s crazy what mechanics have to spend to make a living! i usually had more tools than most shops i worked for!

thanks!

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In my area of Ontario Canada it is hourly.

No it's not likely of much use, unless you want to know how to fix lawnmowers

Not at all. Are you bilingual?

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Great questions! Where are you located, just approximately?

CrackerJack Mechanic I’m located in California, I just bought my first bike and motorcycling has been an interest for me for a long time before ever buying my first bike. Whether it be mechanics, gear or technique. Anything bike related I’m interested in.

@Justin Slawter awesome! I am now offering an online course of information and theory for motorcycles to help people interested in learning more about motorcycles and those wishing to pursue a career in motorcycle mechanics. If interested email me at crackerjackmechanic@yahoo.ca

I am now offering an online course of information and theory for motorcycles to help people interested in learning more about motorcycles and those wishing to pursue a career in motorcycle mechanics. If interested email me at crackerjackmechanic@yahoo.ca

@@CrackerJackMechanic Whats the price for course?

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I’m working on a video series for my tools. I estimated it a few different times and don’t have solid numbers… I started this collection over 30 years ago when things cost less and lasted longer!! Lol Watch for my toolbox series!

Harley Davidson Silent Vlogger I would give you a bottle of Jack instead.

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This is a good question and I get asked it often. I have said I will make a video about my tools. It would make sense to do an origin story for myself as my tools have often reflected what period or country of motorcycles I seemed to be working on at the time. I could do a chronological bio/toolgraphy 😂👍🏼

As of this reply I am moving all of my toolboxes with tools across Canada

I am not aware of any decent programs at this time, where are you located?

@@CrackerJackMechanic I'm in Maryland,I find foster and Stratford University on line.but the thing is I don't have motorcycle licence if I have to do road test maybe that is the least. I'm car mechanic for 15 .but also like bikes!

if you are looking to learn, maybe look at buying an older used motorcycle you can fix-up. It will help you get used to the type of work you are interested in.

@@CrackerJackMechanic cool! Thanks so much also w your videos I can learn lot!

Glad to hear this! thanks

I do have a video on how to become a motorcycle mechanic part one that may be useful

Thank you for following!

They are, I like using the title mechanic. It seems technician is the newer way to say mechanic

CrackerJack Mechanic okay thank you sm! Yes technician sounds fancier too haha

Ontario Canada! 👍🏻

Yeah! I stopped drinking 6 years ago!

All the best then!

Great question! Let me do a video to expand on the topic tools! I will try and get something done for the weekend

Not usually

part of the starter kit

Tim He was one of our students many years ago he has come a very very long way since then

@@northernlightwolf haven't we all ,I wouldn't change much I still love doing this crazy job(life)

Working in London Ontario these days

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I've been licensed as a motorcycle Mechanic in Canada for 20 years. I did an eight month program for Motorcycle mechanics in Alberta before that and have been working on motorcycles since I was in high school.

@@CrackerJackMechanic thank you

Keep on learning more everyday!

i’m bike mechanic as well

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Gotsta get paid! Fo sho

I have never made a cent fixing old bikes to sell. I’ve done better selling the parts. And todays modern motorcycles are way more sophisticated and easier to ride and enjoy 😊 thanks for your comment

@@CrackerJackMechanic I can sell ice to the Eskimos