Motorcycle Mechanics

Career Description: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.

Industry: Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

Other Job Titles for Motorcycle Mechanics:

• Realistic: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Investigative: Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
• Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
• Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
• Enterprising: Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
• Conventional: Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
• First Interest High-Point: Primary-Rank Descriptiveness
• Second Interest High-Point: Secondary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness
• Third Interest High-Point: Tertiary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness

• Repair and adjust motorcycle subassemblies, such as forks, transmissions, brakes, and drive chains, according to specifications.
• Replace defective parts, using hand tools, arbor presses, flexible power presses, or power tools.
• Connect test panels to engines and measure generator output, ignition timing, and other engine performance indicators.
• Listen to engines, examine vehicle frames, or confer with customers to determine nature and extent of malfunction or damage.
• Reassemble and test subassembly units.
• Dismantle engines and repair or replace defective parts, such as magnetos, carburetors, and generators.
• Remove cylinder heads and grind valves to scrape off carbon and replace defective valves, pistons, cylinders, and rings, using hand and power tools.
• Repair or replace other parts, such as headlights, horns, handlebar controls, gasoline and oil tanks, starters, and mufflers.
• Disassemble subassembly units and examine condition, movement, or alignment of parts, visually or using gauges.
• Hammer out dents and bends in frames, weld tears and breaks; then reassemble frames and reinstall engines.
• Repair or rework parts, using machine tools such as lathes, mills, drills, and grinders.
• Adjust generators and replace faulty wiring, using hand tools and soldering irons.
• Weld or solder broken parts and structural members, using electric or gas welders and soldering tools.
• Clean parts by spraying them with grease solvent or immersing them in tanks of solvent.
• Adjust, maintain, and repair or replace subassemblies, such as transmissions and crawler heads, using hand tools, jacks, and cranes.
• Adjust and maintain industrial machinery, using control and regulating devices.
• Fabricate needed parts or items from sheet metal.
• Direct workers who are assembling or disassembling equipment or cleaning parts.
• Install robot and modify its program, using teach pendant.
• Operate engine lathe to grind, file, and turn machine parts to dimensional specifications.
• Lubricate door closer oil chambers and pack spindles with leather washers.
• Install dock seals, bumpers, and shelters.
• Fabricate replacements for worn or broken parts, using welders, lathes, drill presses, and shaping and milling machines.
• Clean door closer parts, using caustic soda, rotary brushes, and grinding wheels.
• Cover treadles with carpeting or other floor covering materials and test systems by operating treadles.
• Light and adjust pilot lights on gas stoves, and examine valves and burners for gas leakage and specified flame.
• Test and examine gas pipelines and equipment to locate leaks and faulty connections, and to determine the pressure and flow of gas.
• Measure, cut, and thread pipe, and connect it to feeder lines and equipment or appliances, using rules and hand tools.
• Take measurements to determine if appliances will fit in installation locations; perform minor carpentry work when necessary to ensure proper installation.
• Hang steel supports from beams or joists to hold hoses, vents, and gas pipes in place.
• Disassemble and reinstall existing kitchen cabinets, or assemble and install prefabricated kitchen cabinets and trim in conjunction with appliance installation.
• Inspect batteries for structural defects such as dented cans, damaged carbon rods and terminals, and defective seals.
• Steam-clean polishing and buffing wheels to remove abrasives and bonding materials, and spray, brush, or recoat surfaces as necessary.
• Test battery charges, and replace or recharge batteries as necessary.
• Repair and operate battery-charging equipment.
• Add water or acid to battery cell solutions to obtain specified concentrations.
• Sharpen tools such as saws, picks, shovels, screwdrivers, and scoops, either manually or by using bench grinders and emery wheels.
• Seal joints with putty, mortar, and asbestos, using putty extruders and knives.
• Hammer out dents and twists in tools and equipment.

Emerging Tasks

• Service tires by mounting, balancing, changing, and checking tire condition and pressure.
• Research, order, and maintain parts inventory for services and repairs.
• Troubleshoot problem equipment, electrical components, hydraulics, and other mechanical systems.
• Weld, repair, and fabricate various equipment and machinery.
• Unlock cars and other vehicles.
• Order bicycle parts.
• Sell bicycles and accessories.

• Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Interacting With Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Performing General Physical Activities: Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment: Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Staffing Organizational Units: Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Detailed Work Activities

• adhere to safety procedures
• adjust or set mechanical controls or components
• align or adjust clearances of mechanical components or parts
• align or adjust clearances of vehicle body parts or components
• assemble, dismantle, or reassemble equipment or machinery
• conduct tests to locate mechanical system malfunction
• determine installation, service, or repair needed
• diagnose malfunctioning vehicle systems
• diagnose mechanical problems in machinery or equipment
• estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
• fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
• follow safe waste disposal procedures
• follow vehicle repair procedures
• identify properties of metals for repair or fabrication activities
• inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed
• maintain repair records
• maintain welding machines or equipment
• move or fit heavy objects
• observe or listen to machinery or equipment operation to detect malfunctions
• obtain information from clients, customers, or patients
• operate vehicle engine electrical system test equipment
• overhaul vehicle major operating units, such as engines or transmissions
• perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
• read schematics
• read specifications
• read technical drawings
• read vehicle manufacturer's specifications
• read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
• repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
• repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
• repair vehicle body parts
• service vehicle with water, fuel, or oil
• set up and operate variety of machine tools
• solder vehicle components
• test mechanical products or equipment
• test operate vehicles before or after repair
• understand service or repair manuals
• understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
• use 2-cycle engine technology
• use acetylene welding/cutting torch
• use arc welding equipment
• use auto or vehicular body repair equipment
• use combination welding procedures
• use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
• use electronic calibration devices
• use engine diagnostic equipment
• use hand or power tools
• use knowledge of metric system
• use knowledge of welding filler rod types
• use machine tools in installation, maintenance, or repair
• use oral or written communication techniques
• use pneumatic tools
• use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
• use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
• weld together metal parts, components, or structures
• write vehicle damage repair estimates
• use hand or power tools
• use knowledge of metric system
• use knowledge of welding filler rod types
• use machine tools in installation, maintenance, or repair
• use measuring devices in repairing industrial or heavy equipment
• use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
• use soldering equipment
• use vehicle repair tools or safety equipment
• use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
• weld together metal parts, components, or structures
• use high voltage apparatus
• use knowledge of metric system
• use knowledge of welding filler rod types
• use machine tools in installation, maintenance, or repair
• use measuring devices in repairing industrial or heavy equipment
• use pipe fitting equipment
• use pneumatic tools
• use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
• use pressure gauges
• use robotics systems technology
• use soldering equipment
• verify levelness or verticality, using level or plumb bob
• weld together metal parts, components, or structures
• work as a team member
• use building materials for routine building maintenance
• use combination welding procedures
• use control or regulating devices to adjust or maintain industrial machinery
• use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
• use hand or power tools
• use hand or power woodworking tools
• use high voltage apparatus
• use knowledge of metric system
• use knowledge of ventilation systems
• use knowledge of welding filler rod types
• use machine tools in installation, maintenance, or repair
• use measuring devices in repairing industrial or heavy equipment
• use pipe fitting equipment
• use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
• use precision tools in electronics repair
• use pressure gauges
• use soldering equipment
• use tube bending equipment
• use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
• verify levelness or verticality, using level or plumb bob
• weld together metal parts, components, or structures

Overall Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include funeral directors, electricians, forest and conservation technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.

• Average hourly wage (2007) -$14.57
• Average annual wage (2007) - $30,300.00

• Projected growth (2006-2016): 12.48%
• Projected need (2006-2016): 2,648
• Employment (2006): 21,211

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