Motorcycle technician

Motorcycle technicians service and repair motorcycles. This can range from small commuter bikes to high performance world superbike replicas.

Also known as:

• Bike mechanic
• Motorcycle mechanic

Work activities

The type of work done by motorcycle technicians depends on the size of the organisation they work for. In a large dealership, they may spend all their time in a workshop or garage. In a small, specialised shop, they could spend some of their time selling bikes and accessories and answering customers’ queries. During a bike service, motorcycle technicians follow a set routine, checking to see if parts such as spark plugs and filters are worn or damaged, and replacing them if necessary. They might also fit new tyres. When a customer reports a fault, mechanics/technicians use their fault-finding skills to find out what is wrong and decide on the best way to fix it. They may have to strip down and re-build part of the bike or its engine; they do this using hand and power tools, such as wrenches, drills and welding equipment. If a part is broken, they repair or replace it. Motorcycle technicians may also customise motorcycles to match customers’ requirements, deal with roadside recovery and repair, or do MOT tests.

Personal qualities and skills

As a motorcycle technician, you need:

• Strong technical and problem-solving skills.
• An interest in electronics, electrics and information technology.
• Practical skills.
• Good interpretation skills to understand technical information.
• Good number skills to deal with measurements and estimating the cost of repairs.
• To be willing to keep up to date with advances in technology.
• To be logical and patient in tracing faults.
• To have effective organisational skills to prioritise your workload.
• Strong communication skills.
• To work well on your own and in a team.
• To be able to ask customers the right questions to find out about vehicle faults.
• The ability to explain faults and repairs clearly to customers.
• To cope with bending, lifting and stretching.
• Nimble fingers to handle small parts and hand tools.
• The following future skills shortages have been identified:
• Technical and practical.
• Customer handling.
• Management.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Motorcycle technicians earn in the range of £18,000 and £30,000.

Motorcycle technicians usually work a 38-40-hour week, Monday to Friday. Overtime, including Saturdays, may be available.

Employers include motorcycle dealerships and workshops throughout the country. Most employers are small businesses and may specialise in certain types of motorcycle.

Self-employment opportunities occur for skilled motorcycle technicians to start their own sales/repair business.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, trade industry publications, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Vacancies can also be found through specialist engineering recruitment agencies, internet job boards and the websites of professional engineering bodies and motoring organisations.

Entry routes and training 

You usually enter this career by applying for a trainee post with an employer. A great way to start is a level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship in the role of motorcycle technician. Some people study full-time at college before entering employment, for example, for an Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualification in Vehicle Technology or an Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) level 3 qualification in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (Motorcycle).

Training takes place either in the workplace, with day- or block-release to a further education college, or a manufacturer’s centre of excellence. Training leads to qualifications such as vehicle maintenance and repair (motorcycle) at levels 2 and 3.

You could join the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) programme, which tests the skills and knowledge of technicians working across the motor industry.

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through an advanced apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Skills gained as a garage assistant or tyre/exhaust fitter are useful for people wanting to go into this job.

Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualifications are available on a full- or part-time basis, with college attendance (while in employment) on a day- or block-release basis. Most colleges will consider applications from older candidates who don’t have the usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges.

Related careers

• Maintenance technician
• Roadside technician
• Tyre fitter
• Vehicle technician