Careers in bikes

Just got laid off from my job in computers (happy easter to me). Searching for working and still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up (I'm 27). Since I picked up my XJ, my best times have been the days when I really got to tear into her and got something accomplished. It's a very different kind of satisfaction than data recovery, lemme tell you. So, I've been taking a cautious glance at a complete career change and maybe doing something like try to become a bike technician. I was just wondering what anyone out there with experience can tell me about it. Is it satisfying or frustrating? Is there money enough to survive in it? I live in the second highest cost of living area in the states, which has always put the hurt on my income. I would think that there would be more opportunities as bikes seem to be more and more popular out there. Let me know what y'all think or have experienced.

 

Hooo boy do I hear where you're coming from. Also in computers, although I'm still working (if you call being helpdesk & break/fix working), my job is... well.... less than secure.

I've given thought the exact way you have/are. Can't say to the market for "motorcycle technicians" down there (what ever happened to the term Mechanic?) -- but up here in Canada it's not a very well paid career. Many horror storys of stress, pressure, and monotony.

Just wish there was a tech school closer to me -- the only two in Canada are in Richmond BC (suburb of Vancouver), and the top-end school is in Fairview, Alberta -- go ahead, do a google maps search for it. Yeah - fun looking isn't it?

I've thought about getting certified, then just starting a side business on my own

 

i got "laid off" and started my own computer business.

but then again, i also have a career in mechanics fixing cars.

So maybe i'm not the person to be talking to. idk.

goto school. Most places wont' look at you unless you have "experience".

otherwise, just goto places, be-friend them, and try to get a job. That one job will allow you to get other jobs and continue your growth in whatever field you have.

 

Here in Michigan it's hard to do as a side business. Heavily regulated by the state, have to meet the same requirements of an automobile facility.

- Certified technicians
- Licensed facility (must be zoned properly, which pretty much rules out your garage in most cases).

Then some other stuff to think about:

- Some guy plows into the garbage truck at 200 km/h on a bike you worked on. Widow claims you are liable because if you'd done the brakes properly he could have stopped. LIABILITY INSURANCE.

- Incorporate in case she wins more than the insurance so she can't clean you out personally.

Then you have the whole environmental thing.....

There is a Motorcycle Service Technician program in Ann Arbor, MI. Less of a commute than the others you listed

 

Good points, MiCarl. Not to mention the cast of tools to work on bikes.

 

I assumed he already has the tools.

 

if you enjoy restoring old bikes, you can try getting old bikes and restoring them and sell them. Or offer people your services to restore their old bike. I considered this once, but i just dont have the space to do it in.

 

'course I can't presume to say what's best for anyone, but some misc. comments:

Paying motorcycle jobs are mainly either racing, selling, or fixing. Since there are only a handful of racers earning real bucks, I can't recommend that. And dealer sales is still just selling; bored the hell outta me.

Fixing is either mechanics (using real wrenches on real bikes, which these days often means older bikes), or the "technician" thing, which involves much more electronics than in the past. My brother-in-law is a Certified Master Technician, but still doesn't make much - 75% of the high shop rates go to the dealership.

You could start with sideline repair, which can be fun and mean some extra money but the warning about "Garage Liability" insurance is damn good advice.

Stray thoughts, though... Specialties can pay off, if you work hard at it. One guy I know repairs/rebuilds seats for old bikes (and I'm talking 1940s, etc) and does fine with that. Another (claims he) makes big bucks repairing/fabricating MC body parts (fiberglass panels, etc.) because when somebody drops his crotchrocket new parts cost a fortune and insurance companies bring him lots of biz since repairing is a lot cheaper.

Speaking of oddball ideas... For you computer guys. I too am in Internet/telecom networks and you're right: many technician fields are getting crowded or else going overseas. But if you can stand programming, the new area of content management software (like Drupal) is totally hot. Can NOT find enough people to do the work. If that might appeal, check it out online (it's so new skills are self-taught) and there should be good work for quite a while.

[BTW, on this I halfway know what I'm talking about (for a change)... Consumer Advisor to the US FCC]