The main duties of a motorcycle mechanic are to repair and maintain motorcycles for their customers and customising bikes for the owners, if required. It is important in a job such as a motorcycle mechanic that you have a genuine interest in the field as the training process can be very long. There are many different roads you can follow when you have the correct qualifications and experience that there is to be gained through out the training in becoming a motor engineer of any kind. You can either work your way up through the different ranks of a cooperation promotional ladder or like many others set up your own business in the sector.
As well as the obvious tasks you must perform like maintaining and repairing motorcycles you will be trained in the maintaining of other small motor products such as snow mobiles, power boats and outdoor motor equipment like lawnmowers. This is due to the ever increasing technology within small engine products it is causing more call for small motor technicians to maintain and repair them.

When starting out in the business you usually go through different levels of training taking you up to a level 3 NVQ in Vehicle Maintenance and repair or a qualification of a similar level and subject. If you start at a fairly young age, under 19, you can study whilst on an apprenticeship at a garage that will sponsor you through out your studying. As well as this you will require a selection of qualifications depending on what department you want to specialise in whether that is paint work, body work or engineering and repairs. There is also a further level 4 NVQ for the more experienced motorcycle engineer if you wish to further your career.

The work load/hours can vary from garage to garage, and of course if it's your own business you decide, most garages have standard working hours that are around 40hrs a week. The wage of a motorcycle engineer is also something that varies although your wage in the profession is usually determined by the qualifications and previous experience you have in the sector, usually the basic is around £11,000 when first starting when you are fully qualified you can earn any where up to £20,000 or more.
However, as well as working in garages there are motorcycle repair companies that provide a break down service this meaning there are motorcycle engineers that work in a situation where they go to the customer and repair the vehicle while the customer waits, or if the damage is too severe they tow the persons bike to a nearby garage.

When going in to the profession it is important for you to decide before which sector of the industry you want to focus on. As there are so many courses to choose from these days it is advised you speak to a careers advisor who would be able to help you decide which route would be the best for you to follow, and then advise you on the right courses and quickest way for you to get where you want to be.