| Author | Message | ||
     Mbohmann |
Just saw a comment in a thread about dealerships having a hard time finding qualified mechanics. I've thought about getting into wrenching on bikes as a "retirement" job. Usually a "shortage" of any type of skilled labor can be attributed to wages that are too low for the skills required. So what do Harley/Buell mechanics get paid? I've wrenched on cars, trucks and buses. I've rebuilt gas and diesel engines, along with manual and automatic transmissions. How hard could it be to transition to bikes? | ||
| Rageonthedl |
at our shop we have 4 guys who have been fixing stuff from the day they were born. and my self had always been fixing stuff but i went to MMI right after High School, i started at the shop when i was 20 (now 21) I have Buell, V-Rod, H-D, Honda and DynoJet traing. not bad for a 21 year old punk lol, put as for pay its not that bad, im not gonna be making 1,000,000 but i make a nice living | ||
| Wedge |
most of the mechanics I work with/know around here make far less than that. I make more as an E-5 in the navy than 3/4s of them in this area. However if you get in on a good dealership with commision, and can work quickly its easier to make money. Good luck, and I turn wrench's as a side job at a bike shop, I usually make about 12 an hour under the table, with no true motorcycle schooling, just general aptitude/ojt | ||
| Eexb |
I've thought about getting into wrenching on bikes as a "retirement" job. Our local dealers (3), won't even discuss hiring you as a mechanic unless you've been to MMI, and if they hire you, then you're an "apprentice" until you've been through HD's own training. "Walk-ins" don't get very far here (Omaha, NE). EE | ||
| Pbxorcist |
Most entry level mechanics (including those that have gone to MMI) Make between $10-15 an hour depending on where you are. I would also not recommend starting that profession if you want to fix buells. You will be lucky to see one a week to get to work on, in most places. | ||
| Buellin_ri |
Do bike techs work flat rate or hourly. I work flat rate at a car dealer and the pay can be pretty good, as long as you have some speed and can work quickly. I am an E-4 in the air force (nat'l gaurd) and I make more swinging wrenches than smoking bad guys. | ||
| Chellem |
The wages for a tech varies, usually greatly, by not only experience, proficiency and education, but also by area. The difference between wages in the Northeast and say, the midwest, are incredibly vast. A lot of shops will start you as a "helper" or "assistant" with very little experience, but also at the low end of the wage pool. You have to pay your dues, but they'll train you, let you do some small service-type jobs, and if you can hold your own, may invest in your training with H-D or Buell. There's a good reason why a lot of dealerships won't hire people unless they can prove some certification - liability! Inexperienced or untrained techs could potentially cause customers bikes to fail unexpectedly, i.e., crash. The liability is huge. Also, as a customer, would you want the certified experienced tech, or the tech who walked in off the street yesterday? | ||
| Izzinya |
here in bellevue washington i make 25 an hour flat rate can be a double edge sword though i probabily wouldnt make it through the winter (with all my toys) if not for my loveing wife you can make a killing doing services and basic crap but "diagnose and advise" WELL you know the drill... if it takes me 4 hours to diagnose and the "BOOK" says it should take 1 i get paid for 1 hr so there is good and bad .... but "we" get paid better than most | ||
| Smokedaddy |
I'd love to see someone post some numver. I've been wondering about this for years. Instead of hourly wage or flat rates, lets make it easy, how about posting an annual gross wage for a certified tech (not a apprentice, bike washer, sweeper or paper pusher) rather a mechanic. Also, how much does it cost to attend MMI and what interest rate do they charge for their program. -SD: | ||
| Pammy |
Tech's (good techs) down here probably make about 40 to 50k. MMI is probably between 12 and 15k. | ||
| Rageonthedl |
between 12 and 15k? hahaha i wish, try 20k for H-D Buell V-Rod and Honda | ||
| Norrisperformance |
A friend opening a performance shop here in Clayton NC Will pay, for a good twin tech, $15 an hour plus $5 for every hour billed. Maybe more for the right person. Will be a very nice place to work, I think. | ||
| Rageonthedl |
HHmmmm, Thats not that bad pay wise, but how about insurance, and vacation days? But i bet i sould find a shop that would love to pay me fat cash...i know how to do Race Tuners, Race Fuelers (same as a DFO, kinda same as TFi)Power Comander, Motor Work (big bore, cams, valve jobs, ect)Services, I am an Expert PHD tech just need more time in the shop to move up i already have all my PHD tapes done....but as soon as i leave H-D noting stays with me | ||
| Norrisperformance |
For info call Todd Clagett 70389889906 He will be installing a Dynojet 250 also. |
