i just got my first job as a Motorcycle Technician Apprentice i haven't started yet, but tomorrow i bring my tools into the shop. its very nerve racking and i dont know what to expect but i am very mechanically incline and have spent a great deal of my life repairing my own bikes because im poor and cant afford anything nice other than marketplace finds or back yard junk but i have never done this type of work in a professional manor. my biggest fear is rate pay systems as a new tech i will be slow and i hope that my learning period doesn't destroy my life financially before i can become decent at it causing me to leave not because i want to but because i must provide for my family and they are my highest priority
I can definitely relate to how you feel man! I remember my first day being apprentice and my first day at my next dealership, it was overwhelming high nerves to say the least. But the great thing about being nervous, that it too will pass over!! Being nervous is a sign that you care and want to make a good impression, so this is good. Trust me, every single tech started off at a slower rate, going slow and making fewer mistakes gets you so much further than trying to beat job times and making more mistakes, hence, having to do the job twice. Tech pay / apprentice pay can be a nuisance, especially if you are on a flat rate or even hybrid pay plan but don’t let that discourage you. The initial learning curve doesn’t last forever. Congratulations on the new job position, if they gave it to you, then they must have seen something worthy in you. Biggest thing is don’t let your speed in the beginning get to you, everyone has been through working at a slower pace to let information sink in. Once again, congrats on the apprenticeship man! 🤗🤗🤗
UPDATE I got hourly for first 2 week then went to flat rate. I'm doing well still alot to learn but for the most part I dont need much help with much. I have learned that people don't care about their bikes as much as I thought , and derby covers gaskets are annoying it's like no matter what you do they leak and alway leak after appearing like you fixed it for hours next thing you know there's a puddle under the bike
@@tacticalbacon8064 that's awesome to hear man!!! yeah, some folks just don't take care about their bikes at all, very few are very anal about their bikes. regarding the leaks on gaskets, I'll say from experience, over tightening can cause leaks, whether it be drain plug or derby cover screws. If I recall correctly, its worthy checking manual but the torque spec is 97 in lbs for derby cover screws on the touring bikes and a bit less for the small ones on the softtails. it doesnt take much to over tighten it. I used torque wrench on EVERYTHING at first, until I learned some "muscle memory". one more thing I'll add while I'm here, brake cleaner the oil filter area after servicing, yeah wash bay guys might wash the bike but they can easily miss the oil build up under the oil filter area from changing it, and it can causing folks/customers to think there's a leak when there isn't. But man, it's so good to hear from you!! It really made my day to get an update!! I hope flat rate has been treating you good, you must be doing something good if they put you on it so soon :) :)
I work with IT, but I swear if I could start just with the minimum necessary for a living doing motorcycle repair that would be a no brainer to me, I can't stand continue wasting my life for money
I will say, if youre serious about it, go for it. I left my job as a high performance tennis coach making much more than harley ever paid me, I had a coworker who used to be an aircraft mechanic and took a big pay cut to work do repair work on bikes. Anything is possible if there is a will to make it happen. I don't regret it, granted, I quit being mechanic after a few years but that's purely due to wanting to do something new again. But the knowledge won't leave you that you gain on the field. You only live once man :)
I’ve been to a trade school years ago but ended up in another line of work for the last 30 years. I do most of my own work on my bike and truck and yes I got the service manuals and use them whenever I do work on any bike. I’ve been kicking the idea around of working in the trade again. 100% spot on about taking your time at first saves you a ton of headaches.
I really appreciate this video I’m getting out of the army soon and this is exactly the kind of work I want to do when I’m out but with no motorcycle technician experience I was unsure of the process to get into the industry so this definitely helped me out thank you
hey thats awesome!! I am glad to have been of help! it's 100% possible so I wish you the best of luck in your next pursuit of becoming a motorcycle mechanic. :)
Very inspirational video, I am nearing retirement but have adopted 3 young children whom one is autistic, another has trauma. I am very concerned about their future survival skills. I work with them on mechanical and other skills so that they will have basic life skills to earn a living when they become adults
My Ex had her 1995 XLH 1200 Canadian Edition, and she learned to turn her own (my wrenches, she let me keep them ha ha) wrenches using a shop manual. Not bad for a zoo keeper. I grew up on farm, I know nothing about riding or mechanics, but we repaired everything on farm: welding, fabricating, wrenching and I learned to hang on and not fall off with Dad's drunken driving ...
A lot of info, very interesting. I'm old and retired,, but enjoyed your video. I do my own wrenching, I came up in the shovelhead days, when you rode one day, and wrenched the next, I still have my '66 FLH. Not much wrenching on my M8, just the periodic maintenance.
I can tell you I started like you riding motorcycles actually my first bike was a Harley Bagger and that was back in 1992 when EVO's were king. I started my journey at an independent shop which specialized in Harley's of course, and under the tutelage of Donny Bitman I learned to build both engines and transmissions when things were simple no computers.
this was really informative about something I've kind of always wanted to do. also I love the line "don't be scared to get another cup of tea". I've always had problems with that
as cliche as the phrase is, 'you only live once', but it's the truth and if there's something that is tugging your heart for you to try, why not? The risk we take in life, make our lives more interesting at the "end of the day"
In my field when I taught new people I always stressed fast is slow. Do it right the first time. Making mistakes is how you learn in my opinion. My other advice was ask questions. Now we have different backgrounds but the concept is the same.
You should, its a job that brings a rewarding feeling, plus you're around bikes all day, so even on "low days", at least you're working with motorcycles. :) Wishing you the best of luck on that!!
Absolutely loving your content. Thank you for sharing your story! I am also trying to make a pretty significant career change into the motorcycle (Harley Davidson specifically) industry. This was very insightful, and helpful information.
anything is possible if you have the will for it to be, so believe in yourself that you can do it. Motorcycle industry is seriously lacking in mechanics who are passionate about their work. I'm happy to hear you're enjoying my videos, thanks for the support :) :)
I love the contradiction, Motorcycle Technician is now anybody who knows which end of a spanner (Wrench) you hold !! Don't bother getting Qualified, Your good to go as is lol
I find it hard to believe that anyone can become a competent mechanic if they have not up until now had a life of mechanical curiosity, working on bicycles & lawnmowers, the cars, starting as a kid. You can become a parts changer, a good one and not a butcher, depends entirely on you and especially who you're working for. Good Luck.
I disagree whole-heartly but I see why you might think that. The length of time in interest I had in motorcycles doesn't give or take away to my ability to learn and my interest AND willingness to learn. I started riding, fell in love with it and wanted to full absorb myself into my new interest, because I had the willingness to learn, I was able to go far in my career and become a certified advanced technician and the be the go-to person for electrical issues. It all depends on the persons willingness to learn and to be taught and to understand. For me, I understood and grasp the concept of mechanics and electronics very fast and easily, others it takes more time. But to be a good mechanic, doesn't mean you had to start the interest as a kid, it's not my fault nobody showed me motorcycles until I was in my early 20s. Just saying. But thanks for checking out my video :) :)
I was at my Harley dealer for about two years asked about apprenticeship and they said California does not have it, I took it upon myself to pay for school and now I’m at MMI getting shit done. Currently working for sister dealership at least they were able to get me a job out here in AZ.
that sucks Cali doesn't do that. I visited the MMI in phoenix when I took my harley classes that the dealership send you to, it was a decent campus. That's good to hear they got you a job landed in a sister dealer though! best of luck in the field man!!
Much appreciate you sharing all that. Pretty awesome stuff :). What the avg pay for a HD master tech? And do you get paid more for complicated or involved work orders vs lesser ones? Thanks in advance.
Honestly, how many people can you say feel that they HATE Harley? I can definitely say I HATE some brands, moto and otherwise. My dad always loved them and he had never even ridden one! Just the sound! If he had experience riding one, his opinion of them might have changed, but not the sound. He would still love the sound. (mostly 80s and 90s models, I don't know how the sound has changed since then) In fact, anyone want to give me a good example?
@@netphish99 I know of mechanics and old riders that hate Harleys because they are costly to upkeep compared to a Honda or a Yamaha, for naming a couple of examples. This also has to do that here in México Harleys are way more expensive than in the US
IMO it depends on what engine generation you're talking about and for what exactly you want out of it, it is definitely one of the best. But yes there are many brands, and other types of bikes that can compete or even beat HD, like the Honda VTX!
Man does anyone in the Nashville Tennessee area know of any motorcycle dealership jobs that would be willing to hire me like this lady so I can work my way up
no, not really. Tongue and cheek jokes might happen but that's the most of it. When I first started I had a Honda CBR 1000, the jokes were light hearted, when I finally got a Harley, they cheered and said "now I am a real Harley mechanic" but it was all in light humor. I've met quite a few Harley techs who had non Harley bikes. Most important is just being a tech who cares about their quality of work, everything else is not as important.
You can't be a motorcycle mechanic without education and experience. You require a 4 year apprenticeship and also college. You can't just start doing it. You need to be licensed.
- on the job experience and being an apprentice is experience. That's how I started and worked my way up through time, experience, and passing class through HDU. There is no law regarding how long one must be apprentice for. Some learn faster than others, and some pick up on skills faster than others, so the pace of how long till they move up can vary. So one can 100% just start doing it, if the will for it is there. I have known many techs who took the same route as me. Some even stayed in the field to become certified master techs. Thanks for checking out the video though 😁😁
@InsightMoto I would disagree. When starting from the bottom, rather than going to a mechanic trade school, they arn't giving you motors to build right away. You learn on the job as you grow in the skillset and as you grow, then they give you more complex things to work on. I don't see anything wrong with starting as a porter or something as such if you want to be mechanic, many mechanics I know started off that way.
hell no, its my way: drinking smoking riding and jumping. I'm not stupid, I never stood on my seat or anything crazy, but I have lane split two lane highways at 100mph riding the yellow line as I found leading the charge is safer than weaving. Bill, my local HD tech, driving his hotrod 1969 Chevelle, could not keep up with me in traffic as I was weaving 5 lanes wide, 70 mph thru 30 mph traffic and I am sure his car was way faster than my Sportster. Nothing is faster than a car just because.
![My Journey Moving Up The Ladder To Advanced Mechanic [ Detailed Storytime ]](/img/n.gif)
Get a shovelhead. You'll become a mechanic whether you want to or not. 😂
i just got my first job as a Motorcycle Technician Apprentice i haven't started yet, but tomorrow i bring my tools into the shop. its very nerve racking and i dont know what to expect but i am very mechanically incline and have spent a great deal of my life repairing my own bikes because im poor and cant afford anything nice other than marketplace finds or back yard junk but i have never done this type of work in a professional manor.
my biggest fear is rate pay systems as a new tech i will be slow and i hope that my learning period doesn't destroy my life financially before i can become decent at it causing me to leave not because i want to but because i must provide for my family and they are my highest priority
I can definitely relate to how you feel man! I remember my first day being apprentice and my first day at my next dealership, it was overwhelming high nerves to say the least. But the great thing about being nervous, that it too will pass over!! Being nervous is a sign that you care and want to make a good impression, so this is good. Trust me, every single tech started off at a slower rate, going slow and making fewer mistakes gets you so much further than trying to beat job times and making more mistakes, hence, having to do the job twice.
Tech pay / apprentice pay can be a nuisance, especially if you are on a flat rate or even hybrid pay plan but don’t let that discourage you. The initial learning curve doesn’t last forever. Congratulations on the new job position, if they gave it to you, then they must have seen something worthy in you. Biggest thing is don’t let your speed in the beginning get to you, everyone has been through working at a slower pace to let information sink in. Once again, congrats on the apprenticeship man! 🤗🤗🤗
they should put you hourly for first 30 too 60 days too ease you in.
@@robertcustar9655 100% agree
UPDATE I got hourly for first 2 week then went to flat rate. I'm doing well still alot to learn but for the most part I dont need much help with much. I have learned that people don't care about their bikes as much as I thought , and derby covers gaskets are annoying it's like no matter what you do they leak and alway leak after appearing like you fixed it for hours next thing you know there's a puddle under the bike
@@tacticalbacon8064 that's awesome to hear man!!! yeah, some folks just don't take care about their bikes at all, very few are very anal about their bikes.
regarding the leaks on gaskets, I'll say from experience, over tightening can cause leaks, whether it be drain plug or derby cover screws. If I recall correctly, its worthy checking manual but the torque spec is 97 in lbs for derby cover screws on the touring bikes and a bit less for the small ones on the softtails. it doesnt take much to over tighten it. I used torque wrench on EVERYTHING at first, until I learned some "muscle memory". one more thing I'll add while I'm here, brake cleaner the oil filter area after servicing, yeah wash bay guys might wash the bike but they can easily miss the oil build up under the oil filter area from changing it, and it can causing folks/customers to think there's a leak when there isn't.
But man, it's so good to hear from you!! It really made my day to get an update!! I hope flat rate has been treating you good, you must be doing something good if they put you on it so soon :) :)
I've done the ziplock bag thing when working on my bikes.
I work with IT, but I swear if I could start just with the minimum necessary for a living doing motorcycle repair that would be a no brainer to me, I can't stand continue wasting my life for money
I will say, if youre serious about it, go for it. I left my job as a high performance tennis coach making much more than harley ever paid me, I had a coworker who used to be an aircraft mechanic and took a big pay cut to work do repair work on bikes. Anything is possible if there is a will to make it happen. I don't regret it, granted, I quit being mechanic after a few years but that's purely due to wanting to do something new again. But the knowledge won't leave you that you gain on the field. You only live once man :)
I’ve been to a trade school years ago but ended up in another line of work for the last 30 years. I do most of my own work on my bike and truck and yes I got the service manuals and use them whenever I do work on any bike. I’ve been kicking the idea around of working in the trade again. 100% spot on about taking your time at first saves you a ton of headaches.
Qualified as a general mechanic i 1998. I work on my bikes, and Im professionally active in other role . Money saved and work done up to standart
I really appreciate this video I’m getting out of the army soon and this is exactly the kind of work I want to do when I’m out but with no motorcycle technician experience I was unsure of the process to get into the industry so this definitely helped me out thank you
hey thats awesome!! I am glad to have been of help! it's 100% possible so I wish you the best of luck in your next pursuit of becoming a motorcycle mechanic. :)
Very inspirational video, I am nearing retirement but have adopted 3 young children whom one is autistic, another has trauma. I am very concerned about their future survival skills. I work with them on mechanical and other skills so that they will have basic life skills to earn a living when they become adults
My Ex had her 1995 XLH 1200 Canadian Edition, and she learned to turn her own (my wrenches, she let me keep them ha ha) wrenches using a shop manual. Not bad for a zoo keeper.
I grew up on farm, I know nothing about riding or mechanics, but we repaired everything on farm: welding, fabricating, wrenching and I learned to hang on and not fall off with Dad's drunken driving ...
we learn as we go :)
A lot of info, very interesting. I'm old and retired,, but enjoyed your video. I do my own wrenching, I came up in the shovelhead days, when you rode one day, and wrenched the next, I still have my '66 FLH. Not much wrenching on my M8, just the periodic maintenance.
Thank you so much, I'm glad you liked the video!! One day I'll have a shovelhead of my own just so I can say I worked on one :)
I can tell you I started like you riding motorcycles actually my first bike was a Harley Bagger and that was back in 1992 when EVO's were king. I started my journey at an independent shop which specialized in Harley's of course, and under the tutelage of Donny Bitman I learned to build both engines and transmissions when things were simple no computers.
this was really informative about something I've kind of always wanted to do.
also I love the line "don't be scared to get another cup of tea". I've always had problems with that
as cliche as the phrase is, 'you only live once', but it's the truth and if there's something that is tugging your heart for you to try, why not? The risk we take in life, make our lives more interesting at the "end of the day"
In my field when I taught new people I always stressed fast is slow. Do it right the first time. Making mistakes is how you learn in my opinion. My other advice was ask questions. Now we have different backgrounds but the concept is the same.
I like that there is a positive message in this video in less than 30 seconds from the beginning. 0:28 Keep up the good work!
Thank you for that 😊😊
Great video! Looking into making the career change myself
You should, its a job that brings a rewarding feeling, plus you're around bikes all day, so even on "low days", at least you're working with motorcycles. :) Wishing you the best of luck on that!!
Absolutely loving your content. Thank you for sharing your story! I am also trying to make a pretty significant career change into the motorcycle (Harley Davidson specifically) industry. This was very insightful, and helpful information.
anything is possible if you have the will for it to be, so believe in yourself that you can do it. Motorcycle industry is seriously lacking in mechanics who are passionate about their work.
I'm happy to hear you're enjoying my videos, thanks for the support :) :)
“Frahgeelaaaa. Sounds Italian”
I love the contradiction, Motorcycle Technician is now anybody who knows which end of a spanner (Wrench) you hold !! Don't bother getting Qualified, Your good to go as is lol
I find it hard to believe that anyone can become a competent mechanic if they have not up until now had a life of mechanical curiosity, working on bicycles & lawnmowers, the cars, starting as a kid. You can become a parts changer, a good one and not a butcher, depends entirely on you and especially who you're working for. Good Luck.
I disagree whole-heartly but I see why you might think that. The length of time in interest I had in motorcycles doesn't give or take away to my ability to learn and my interest AND willingness to learn. I started riding, fell in love with it and wanted to full absorb myself into my new interest, because I had the willingness to learn, I was able to go far in my career and become a certified advanced technician and the be the go-to person for electrical issues.
It all depends on the persons willingness to learn and to be taught and to understand. For me, I understood and grasp the concept of mechanics and electronics very fast and easily, others it takes more time. But to be a good mechanic, doesn't mean you had to start the interest as a kid, it's not my fault nobody showed me motorcycles until I was in my early 20s.
Just saying. But thanks for checking out my video :) :)
Nice lamp... grampa Dave Arizona... 650versys... super well done videos... thanks
Great Video. Thank You.
I was at my Harley dealer for about two years asked about apprenticeship and they said California does not have it, I took it upon myself to pay for school and now I’m at MMI getting shit done. Currently working for sister dealership at least they were able to get me a job out here in AZ.
that sucks Cali doesn't do that. I visited the MMI in phoenix when I took my harley classes that the dealership send you to, it was a decent campus. That's good to hear they got you a job landed in a sister dealer though! best of luck in the field man!!
RTFM: Read the Fine Manual!
This advice goes towards any career choice.
Much appreciate you sharing all that. Pretty awesome stuff :). What the avg pay for a HD master tech? And do you get paid more for complicated or involved work orders vs lesser ones? Thanks in advance.
I just wanna work on sportster evos
Harley Davidson the best? I would question that statement!
Honestly, how many people can you say feel that they HATE Harley? I can definitely say I HATE some brands, moto and otherwise. My dad always loved them and he had never even ridden one! Just the sound! If he had experience riding one, his opinion of them might have changed, but not the sound. He would still love the sound. (mostly 80s and 90s models, I don't know how the sound has changed since then) In fact, anyone want to give me a good example?
@@netphish99 I know of mechanics and old riders that hate Harleys because they are costly to upkeep compared to a Honda or a Yamaha, for naming a couple of examples. This also has to do that here in México Harleys are way more expensive than in the US
I mean if you want to learn to work on bikes, Harley is the way to go...
IMO it depends on what engine generation you're talking about and for what exactly you want out of it, it is definitely one of the best. But yes there are many brands, and other types of bikes that can compete or even beat HD, like the Honda VTX!
Man does anyone in the Nashville Tennessee area know of any motorcycle dealership jobs that would be willing to hire me like this lady so I can work my way up
If i want to work for Harley Davidson would i need a Harley Davidson bike or can i have any kind of bike? I ask due to etiquette
no, not really. Tongue and cheek jokes might happen but that's the most of it. When I first started I had a Honda CBR 1000, the jokes were light hearted, when I finally got a Harley, they cheered and said "now I am a real Harley mechanic" but it was all in light humor. I've met quite a few Harley techs who had non Harley bikes. Most important is just being a tech who cares about their quality of work, everything else is not as important.
You can't be a motorcycle mechanic without education and experience. You require a 4 year apprenticeship and also college. You can't just start doing it. You need to be licensed.
- on the job experience and being an apprentice is experience. That's how I started and worked my way up through time, experience, and passing class through HDU. There is no law regarding how long one must be apprentice for. Some learn faster than others, and some pick up on skills faster than others, so the pace of how long till they move up can vary. So one can 100% just start doing it, if the will for it is there. I have known many techs who took the same route as me. Some even stayed in the field to become certified master techs.
Thanks for checking out the video though 😁😁
@@MotoDasha Must be an an American thing :) In Australia you need a proper trades license just like an electrician or a plumber
@@fyreblade1262well yea because Australia is a communist shit hole
Your way is a sure way to get killed with any motorcycle...
Don’t be an idiot.
@InsightMoto I would disagree. When starting from the bottom, rather than going to a mechanic trade school, they arn't giving you motors to build right away. You learn on the job as you grow in the skillset and as you grow, then they give you more complex things to work on. I don't see anything wrong with starting as a porter or something as such if you want to be mechanic, many mechanics I know started off that way.
hell no, its my way: drinking smoking riding and jumping. I'm not stupid, I never stood on my seat or anything crazy, but I have lane split two lane highways at 100mph riding the yellow line as I found leading the charge is safer than weaving. Bill, my local HD tech, driving his hotrod 1969 Chevelle, could not keep up with me in traffic as I was weaving 5 lanes wide, 70 mph thru 30 mph traffic and I am sure his car was way faster than my Sportster. Nothing is faster than a car just because.
Harley is junk