Harley Davidson Mechanic Training

Harley Davidson mechanic training is essential to securing a career in the American motorcycle industry. The motorbike market in North America continues to grow. The market share held by Harley Davidson is as strong today as it has ever been. According to Harley-Davidson.com, HD “dealerships are in a growth mode”. Along with the increasing demand for American made iron, is the need for skilled technicians capable of servicing, troubleshooting, and repairing the ever-popular machine.

Technician Job Requirements

Harley motorcycle technicians posses a high degree of mechanical and electrical aptitude related to small engines, and the unique, large-bore, high-torque, V-twin engines synonymous with the Harley Davidson brand.

High school graduates are preferred, along with the completion of a formal education program with emphasis on core motorcycle mechanics. Experience with motorcycle engine repair and service, along with a command for reading, writing, and comprehension of, technical documentation, can exempt a candidate from requiring a high school diploma.

Technician Job Duties

Harley Davidson mechanics generally perform routine service, motorcycle component replacement, complete engine overhauls, and everything in between. Knowledge of the various sizes, performance characteristics, and models of HD motorcycles is a necessity for an accomplished mechanic.

Positions available through dealerships include:

• service staff
• service technicians and technical experts
• master service technicians and technology
• shop supervisors and other leadership positions

Each of the positions demands the same basic skills. Additional training and experience provided by Harley Davidson offers professional development for advance opportunities to the higher-level positions.

Technical Training

Harley Davidson has partnerships with four colleges for delivering the curriculum tailored to future HD technicians. Two of the colleges are located in Kansas, Pittsburgh State University, and Fort Scott Community College. Lake Washington Tech in Washington State offers a Harley Davidson specific program, as well as Central Carolina Community College in North Carolina.

Each of the four colleges offers a path for attaining an Associates of Applied Science in Motorcycle Service Technology. Hands-on experience and theory prepare students with the skills and education necessary for a successful Harley Davidson career.

Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, or MMI, is directly aligned with Harley Davidson University. The schools offer locations in Orlando and Phoenix. The MMI course takes between 48 and 60 weeks to complete, according to the uti.edu website. Upon graduation from the course on core motorcycle technology, the student is prepared for an entry level position at any HD dealership.

Job Outlook

The demand for trained motorcycle technicians is strong, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The growth rate for motorcycle mechanics is forecast to grow between 7 and 9 percent over the next ten years.

Motorcycle registrations as a whole continue to climb at a steady rate. As mentioned before, Harley Davidson commands a large market share within this growth. As the amount of motorcycles on the road increases, the need for skilled technicians to service and repair the bikes also expands.

Graduate technicians have the potential to earn as much as $50,000 per year. This segment of the small engine service sector ranks among the top 10 percent in earnings. Completion of a Harley Davidson Mechanic Training program is a terrific way to accelerate a career in the motorcycle service industry.