Motorbike is a popular vehicle for daily use since its beginning in the automobile industry. There are many reasons to choose a motorcycle- as well as giving you the freedom to move on the road quickly, it is cheaper than owning a car. With a motorbike, you can drive anywhere from on-road to off-road. That’s why motorcycles are so popular across the world. The increasing trend of motorcycle mechanic duties has made this industry highly potential for career choice. Learn the core things of this job.
In the UK, there were more than 1.2 million licensed motorbikes in 2018, and the number is increasing every year. Like any other vehicle, motorbikes also require regular maintenance to keep it in a tiptop condition. Though the users themselves handle most of their bikes’ daily maintenance tasks, they sometimes need more than that. For example, changing the spark plug, overhauling the engine, dismantle and reassembling the parts, etc., and they can’t do it on their own. So, what they do then?
Yes, you got it right. They seek a professional motorbike mechanic who is an expert in this field and can take charge to repair their motorbikes. So, the demand for motorbike mechanics is as big as the motorbike market is. Since the users of bikes are increasing rapidly, motorbike mechanic jobs are now becoming more available than before. This made this job a lucrative one in recent days. So, don’t you think you can start your career as a motorbike mechanic?
If so, then you should know the details of motorbike mechanic jobs such as the duties and responsibilities, salary info, required skills and abilities for this job, etc. Now, let’s move forward to know things.
Table of Contents
Who is a motorbike mechanic?
A motorbike mechanic is a small engine mechanic who is expert in maintaining and repairing two and three-wheeled vehicles, such as motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds. Motorbikes need maintenance like any other motor vehicles. Not only this but also the engine requires overhauling after a certain distance is driven. Besides, other minor repairings are common for motorbikes. And, for all of these, people rely on motorbike mechanics who are experts to do these jobs.
Prospects and Potentials of motorbike mechanic jobs
Usually, motorbike mechanics work in motorcycle shops or under dealers. Some other work in various government and non-government organization as fulltime mechanics. As I mentioned before that motorbike mechanic job is a lucrative job in the UK, it is clear that a motorbike mechanic earns a handsome wage. Though the motorbike market is observing a decreasing trend in this pandemic situation, it will recover soon once the situation improves as the market was on an increasing trend immediately before the pandemic. Moreover, people may tend to buy more motorbikes to avoid public transport to maintain social distancing.
However, the users of motorbikes are increasing daily. And, an increase in the total number of running motorbikes means there will be more motorbikes requiring repair and maintenance. So, the demand for motorbike mechanics will rise. This is the main strength of motorbike mechanic jobs. There will be the demand for a motorbike mechanic as long as motorbikes are running on the road.
So, now you might be wondering about how much a motorbike mechanic can earn. In the UK, the average salary of a motorbike mechanic is £20,054, and the average hourly rate is £9.04. However, the salary depends on the experience and expertise of the mechanic. In the entry-level, a motorbike mechanic can earn £15000, and with growing experience, he could be earning up to £23,000. Apart from this, you can start your own repair shop when you have enough experience, and your earning will be more in then.
Duties of a motorbike mechanic
You’ve learned about the prospects of motorbike mechanic jobs. Now you may be interested to know what a motorbike mechanic does for which he is paid off this much.
In general, a motorbike mechanic’s main duty is to inspect, repair and maintain motorcycle engines and the whole body as well. To give a concise idea, the major duties and responsibilities of a motorbike mechanics are listed below:
Bike Maintenance Course
This Course is designed to give you the practical skills you need to keep your bike out of trouble – and know when to call in the professionals!
Bike Maintenance Course
This Course is designed to give you the practical skills you need to keep your bike out of trouble – and know when to call in the professionals!
- Diagnosing defects and what’s wrong with the motorbike.
- Dismantle and disassemble the engine and the frame to repair or replace the defective parts such as spark plugs, ignition points, carburettors, etc.
- Overhauling the engine and cleaning the fuel tank as well as the plugs.
- Repairing and changing the brakes, chain and wheels.
- Scrapping off Carbons from the cylinder and replacing defective valves, pistons, cylinders and rings.
- Fixing the dents and bends in the frame, adjusting with other parts, and reassemble the whole motorcycle.
- Conducting a test run after repairing a motorcycle and fix the errors.
- Keeping follow-ups and providing after maintenance supports to the clients if they need.
How is the workplace of a motorbike mechanic?
Usually, motorbike mechanics work in a repairing shop which is well ventilated and well lighted. Also, the workplace is equipped with the necessary tools and machines to conduct the repairing and maintenance tasks. Unlike other heavy automobile repairing shops, motorbike repairing shops posses less risk of accidents and injuries. However, the workplace often gets noisy due to the types of work a motorbike mechanic does. And, it may cause irritation to your ears if you’re sensitive to noise.
Though most of the time, a motorbike mechanic works in the shop, sometimes he may go out for on-site repairing in the client’s place. And, this is not an uncommon scenario in motorbike mechanic jobs.
What skills are required to become a motorbike mechanic?
The sole duty of a motorbike mechanic is servicing and repairing motorcycles and other small engine vehicles. Like any other jobs, motorbike mechanic jobs also require some specific skills. So, here is the checklist of the necessary skills:
- Mechanical knowledge: A motorbike mechanic must have a good grasp of the motorcycle engine, such as the different parts of the engine how they work, etc. Without having a strong mechanical knowledge, you can’t be a good motorbike mechanic.
-
Troubleshooting: A motorbike mechanic should have the ability to understand the causes of errors and decide what to do to fix them.
-
Repairing: As a motorbike mechanic, you have to gain the necessary repairing skills that are required for your job roles, such as how to repair engines and frames, dismantle and reassemble the parts, etc.
- Critical thinking: You should have the ability to apply logic and reasoning to analyze the alternatives and make the right decision while putting your hands on a motorcycle to repair it.
- Operation and Control: The ability to monitor and control the operation and ensuring the machine is running properly.
- Equipment Maintenance: Maintaining the tools and equipment in a sound condition to increase their longevity and usability.
- Active listening: A motorbike mechanic should an active listener. Because he has to understand the problem well from the client. That’s why you should give attention to your customer’s speech and take adequate time without losing patience to understand well what they want to say.
How to get into a motorbike mechanic job
You’ve been informed the core things about motorbike mechanic jobs. Now, you might be wondering to know how to get into a motorbike mechanic job. So, here are the steps to becoming a motorbike mechanic.
Get training
The first and foremost thing to get into a job is obtaining the necessary knowledge and skills through training and get certified. The same thing is also true for motorbike mechanic jobs. So, you have to take training to develop practical knowledge in this field and get your certification. You can have the training from a technical school or community college. However, there is an option to get online training. There are a number of online training providers offering quality training.
Usually, these training courses focus on technical and mechanical knowledge of repairing small engines, critical thinking, customer handling, communication, etc. So, get the training which seems convenient to you and develop the necessary skills.
Bike Maintenance Course
This Course is designed to give you the practical skills you need to keep your bike out of trouble – and know when to call in the professionals!
Bike Maintenance Course
This Course is designed to give you the practical skills you need to keep your bike out of trouble – and know when to call in the professionals!
Gain experience
After completing a training program, the next step is to gain practical experience in motorcycle repairing. It is essential to understand the things in a real-life context. You can gain experience through an apprenticeship or internship. However, you don’t need to be tensed about where you can get the experience. You can have the opportunity in your next-door repairing shop. There you’ll be working under an expert and gain the necessary practical experience. Besides, you can apply for an apprenticeship through the National Apprenticeship Service if you’re a resident of England.
Related: 7 Steps to Become a Great Car Mechanic: A Beginner’s Guide
Find Employment as a Motorbike Mechanic
After finishing your apprenticeship, you should look for employment. Sometimes, the apprentice provider also gives assistance for job placement at the end of the program. Employers seek skilled and experienced motorbike mechanics who have excellent technical skills as well as strong customer dealing capability. Usually, motorbike mechanics find jobs in repairing shops and dealerships. Also, you can start your own repairing service. But it would be better to work a few years in established repairing shops to develop competencies before starting your own shop.
Now you’re fully caught up. We’ve tried to give you an insight into the motorbike mechanic career. We hope that you’ll find this helpful in making your career choice. If you want to make your career in this field and obtain the necessary qualification for motorbike mechanic jobs, you can consider taking online training from John Academy. In this comprehensive online course, you’ll learn the things from experts and develop necessary skills to become job-ready.
So what are you waiting for? Take this course now.
Further Reading
