First job as a mechanic

davis224
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davis224 5/2/2013 5:22pm
5/2/2013 5:22pm
I worked at a dealer for 4 years, some good advice in here. If you are clean, organized, and professional, they will love you even if you are very slow at first (which will be likely, but you will soon pick up speed with more time), if you can when you have downtime, shadow an experienced tech, the best education you will get. Don't be scared of using a manual. If you plan on spending a lot of time in this profession, knowing WHY things break/work/act the way they do is invaluable and makes you very hard to replace, shadowing an experienced tech and asking questions will help with this very much. And have good attention to detail and do your own quality control!
lostboy819 5/2/2013 5:26pm
5/2/2013 5:26pm
lostboy819 wrote:
Use the ten tool method, it will keep you more organized and neat. What the ten tool method is that you never have more than ten...
Use the ten tool method, it will keep you more organized and neat. What the ten tool method is that you never have more than ten tools out of the box at one time, when you get more than ten, clean off and put away the extra tools. It will keep you from digging around the bench or lift and you don't need to dig through piles of dirty tools to find one you were just using. Also line up parts in order as you take them off and never put something on finger tight thinking you will tighten it later.
newmann wrote:
I should print this out and try it myself....Woohoo My tools are scattered and cart overfloweth.
CamP wrote:
My bench looks like a small explosion took place.
At one time I was working on my snowmobile and I bet I had more tools out of the box then in it. I had them on the bench or the cart on the lift and all over the sled and of course I couldnt find anything and the sad part is I bet I have 5 of every size socket and wrench and I still could not find on e in all the piles. Blush
MR. X
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MR. X 5/2/2013 5:43pm
5/2/2013 5:43pm
newmann wrote:
I should print this out and try it myself....Woohoo My tools are scattered and cart overfloweth.
CamP wrote:
My bench looks like a small explosion took place.
lostboy819 wrote:
At one time I was working on my snowmobile and I bet I had more tools out of the box then in it. I had them...
At one time I was working on my snowmobile and I bet I had more tools out of the box then in it. I had them on the bench or the cart on the lift and all over the sled and of course I couldnt find anything and the sad part is I bet I have 5 of every size socket and wrench and I still could not find on e in all the piles. Blush
Arctic cat ?
motofab36
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motofab36 5/2/2013 6:01pm
5/2/2013 6:01pm
I've had my shop open for nearly 10 years and although I've spent a lot on specialty tools over the years, I still get by just fine with cheaper basic tools like sockets wrenches and ratchets like craftsman, Stanley, harbor freight, etc. However one thing I recommend spending extra on is good screwdrivers, there is a big difference in how a good quality screwdriver fits and bites a screw over a cheapy. I prefer Cornwell but snap on, Marco, etc are good too. I'd say at least get a good #2 and #3 Phillips.

The Shop

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lumpy790
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lumpy790 5/2/2013 6:07pm
5/2/2013 6:07pm
davis224 wrote:
I worked at a dealer for 4 years, some good advice in here. If you are clean, organized, and professional, they will love you even if...
I worked at a dealer for 4 years, some good advice in here. If you are clean, organized, and professional, they will love you even if you are very slow at first (which will be likely, but you will soon pick up speed with more time), if you can when you have downtime, shadow an experienced tech, the best education you will get. Don't be scared of using a manual. If you plan on spending a lot of time in this profession, knowing WHY things break/work/act the way they do is invaluable and makes you very hard to replace, shadowing an experienced tech and asking questions will help with this very much. And have good attention to detail and do your own quality control!
"And have good attention to detail and do your own quality control!"

probably the best advise given so far!

When you are done ..... finger check bolts to make sure there are no come backs from a loose bolt.
lumpy790
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lumpy790 5/2/2013 6:08pm
5/2/2013 6:08pm
motofab36 wrote:
I've had my shop open for nearly 10 years and although I've spent a lot on specialty tools over the years, I still get by just...
I've had my shop open for nearly 10 years and although I've spent a lot on specialty tools over the years, I still get by just fine with cheaper basic tools like sockets wrenches and ratchets like craftsman, Stanley, harbor freight, etc. However one thing I recommend spending extra on is good screwdrivers, there is a big difference in how a good quality screwdriver fits and bites a screw over a cheapy. I prefer Cornwell but snap on, Marco, etc are good too. I'd say at least get a good #2 and #3 Phillips.
Snap On ratcheting screw driver is one of my most favorite tools.
stackman17
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stackman17 5/2/2013 6:43pm
5/2/2013 6:43pm
Is this the original seven11? The Ironman. If so, I still have a pair of AStar Tech 7 boots that I bought from you at Swan Pro Challenge in 06-07. Good luck to you.
41NDT
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41NDT 5/2/2013 7:42pm
5/2/2013 7:42pm
Don't be afraid to ask questions even on here you will get a correct answer. A stupid ? is better than a stupid result.
How good are you with grips and graphics?
Keep good notes as you will be surprised what you might need to go back to.
Always i repeat always have a good stash of porn
thephoenix 5/2/2013 8:23pm
5/2/2013 8:23pm
mynewcr250 wrote:
if working at a bike dealer is anything like working at a car dealer, my advice is get out while you still can
It's just like pro MX...only the top miniscule % of the field make a decent living. The rest are just grunts and cannon fodder.

Pretty much that way in the entire auto industry.


I consider myself lucky to make a decent living in the car industry, I left the bike shops because they paid shit.
BAMX
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BAMX 5/2/2013 9:28pm
5/2/2013 9:28pm
motofab36 wrote:
I've had my shop open for nearly 10 years and although I've spent a lot on specialty tools over the years, I still get by just...
I've had my shop open for nearly 10 years and although I've spent a lot on specialty tools over the years, I still get by just fine with cheaper basic tools like sockets wrenches and ratchets like craftsman, Stanley, harbor freight, etc. However one thing I recommend spending extra on is good screwdrivers, there is a big difference in how a good quality screwdriver fits and bites a screw over a cheapy. I prefer Cornwell but snap on, Marco, etc are good too. I'd say at least get a good #2 and #3 Phillips.
lumpy790 wrote:
Snap On ratcheting screw driver is one of my most favorite tools.
I would totally agree and add that having a nice fine tooth ratchet is nice. Cheap ratchets just suck.
JB 19
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JB 19 5/2/2013 9:57pm
5/2/2013 9:57pm
If there are any old guys working in the shop they can sometimes be grumpy, but the old timers usually know the "tricks."
They usually soften up if you show interest......
1
overthebars39 5/2/2013 10:11pm
5/2/2013 10:11pm Edited Date/Time 5/2/2013 10:13pm
mjskier wrote:
And they include a bottle opener. There was one in my 300 xc-w kit, and there is one on my 990 SMT!
Save the bottle opener for your cilinder headbolts. Wink

To the OP, don't think it's gonna be a 9-5 thing. Work your ass off, learn as mutch and as fast as u can, and start on your own. Smile Don't be stubborn and take any advice you can for real and usefull information, never ever get arrogant and think you know it all. that's when your knowledge and skill bites you in the ass. There is always room to learn more, ALWAYS.
overthebars39 5/2/2013 10:18pm
5/2/2013 10:18pm
Highsider wrote:
30 years ago I hired a kid with basic bike wrenching skills. When he attacked a new task, he took the shop manual and a pack...
30 years ago I hired a kid with basic bike wrenching skills.
When he attacked a new task, he took the shop manual and a pack of smokes into the crapper until he understood it.
i used to take manuals with me and study them at home after my work. :p
overthebars39 5/2/2013 10:21pm
5/2/2013 10:21pm
seven11 wrote:
Thanks everybody, I am compiling my tool box today. I got the call this morning and I start saturday. Some great advice on here, I really...
Thanks everybody, I am compiling my tool box today. I got the call this morning and I start saturday. Some great advice on here, I really appreciate it. They work on all bike brands but mainly KTM and husky. They just got the ok to start selling KTM street bikes. Thanks again
Have fun with the new 1190's Smile
Bill_Carroll
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Bill_Carroll 5/2/2013 10:36pm
5/2/2013 10:36pm
I don't know why anybody would take on a job that they are not comfortable with. How do i know your not comfortable?, your asking as public forum for advice in a new job. Why not go to a reputable school as MMI or equal? then take on that job with confidence? Then come back here and give idiots like me advice on the Stage 2 cams for the 2013 450 CRF?

Any who, good luck and keep your tools clean........when you get them.
1
Bill_Carroll
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Bill_Carroll 5/2/2013 10:39pm
5/2/2013 10:39pm
JB 19 wrote:
If there are any old guys working in the shop they can sometimes be grumpy, but the old timers usually know the "tricks." They usually soften...
If there are any old guys working in the shop they can sometimes be grumpy, but the old timers usually know the "tricks."
They usually soften up if you show interest......
Or show them pics of your Naked girl-Friend
HRD-Motosports 5/2/2013 10:51pm
5/2/2013 10:51pm
Couple things a lot as head tech at my place, along with just about everything mentions above.

Keep plenty or writing utensils, pens, markers and pencils, you never know what your going to need to write on.

I also keep a couple stacks of sticky pads as well as a note pad in my top drawer, I use this stuff almost as much as I use my actual tools.


Another thing that the shop may or may not provide, grab a mini bucket of the heavy duty hand cleaning wipes, The good ones at home depot or McMaster Carr, not those girly Lysol ones, They work wonders and are great to have for intermittent hand cleanings and wiping tools and bench tops off.

Best of Luck to you.

Pit Row

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BobbyM
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BobbyM 5/2/2013 11:09pm
5/2/2013 11:09pm
seven11 wrote:
I recently got offered a position as a tech for a ktm dealership. I've never worked in a shop before, but have plenty of experience in...
I recently got offered a position as a tech for a ktm dealership. I've never worked in a shop before, but have plenty of experience in the garage. Any tips for an aspiring mechanic? They said I will need my own set of tools for breaking down/ rebuilding bikes. I really want to do a good job and learn as much as I can. Any input would be appreciated!
how and who gave you this job? i mean how did/do they know you are qualified?
lostboy819 5/2/2013 11:14pm
5/2/2013 11:14pm
seven11 wrote:
I recently got offered a position as a tech for a ktm dealership. I've never worked in a shop before, but have plenty of experience in...
I recently got offered a position as a tech for a ktm dealership. I've never worked in a shop before, but have plenty of experience in the garage. Any tips for an aspiring mechanic? They said I will need my own set of tools for breaking down/ rebuilding bikes. I really want to do a good job and learn as much as I can. Any input would be appreciated!
BobbyM wrote:
how and who gave you this job? i mean how did/do they know you are qualified?
It is more than likely doing setup and basics. Don't think he would get hired on a a full on tech......at least I hope not.
lostboy819 5/2/2013 11:16pm
5/2/2013 11:16pm
Bill_Carroll wrote:
I don't know why anybody would take on a job that they are not comfortable with. How do i know your not comfortable?, your asking as...
I don't know why anybody would take on a job that they are not comfortable with. How do i know your not comfortable?, your asking as public forum for advice in a new job. Why not go to a reputable school as MMI or equal? then take on that job with confidence? Then come back here and give idiots like me advice on the Stage 2 cams for the 2013 450 CRF?

Any who, good luck and keep your tools clean........when you get them.
Don't even get started with the MMI Bullshit. 25K down the drain and he might be able to change a tire and spark plugs.
1
mototrader
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mototrader 5/2/2013 11:16pm
5/2/2013 11:16pm
being a auto/MC mechanic looks like a garbage ass job, actually, it is a garbage ass career but all the smart mechanics i know either moved onto diesel (it actually pays good) or got into industrial maintenance working in factories and whatnot.
motofab36
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motofab36 5/3/2013 5:23am
5/3/2013 5:23am
lostboy819 wrote:
Don't even get started with the MMI Bullshit. 25K down the drain and he might be able to change a tire and spark plugs.
Yep, I talked to a yet another guy just last night who went to mmi and said it was a joke and a waste of money.
newmann
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newmann 5/3/2013 6:44am
5/3/2013 6:44am
There are enough MMI / Tech school horror stories on here with a simple search, no need to bring them up in this thread.

Others have mentioned to pay attention to the older experienced techs. I suggest the same. I also suggest that if they say something that you may not agree with, do not spout off back to them and tell them so. Just soak it all in and apply what you think was good advice. I had a young man here who would tell the older guys that they were wrong and then would go screw something up doing it his way. Didn't take long before none of them would offer him any help or advice. He literally screwed himself out of a job. The old guys may not always be 100% right, but they get the job done efficiently and without comebacks. There are often times more than one way to complete a task. Listen and learn, you'll be in the real world. If everyone who went to MMI had a couple years of bike shop experience under their belts prior, MMI grads would be in high demand.
1
lumpy790
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lumpy790 5/3/2013 6:53am
5/3/2013 6:53am
mynewcr250 wrote:
if working at a bike dealer is anything like working at a car dealer, my advice is get out while you still can
thephoenix wrote:
It's just like pro MX...only the top miniscule % of the field make a decent living. The rest are just grunts and cannon fodder. Pretty much...
It's just like pro MX...only the top miniscule % of the field make a decent living. The rest are just grunts and cannon fodder.

Pretty much that way in the entire auto industry.


I consider myself lucky to make a decent living in the car industry, I left the bike shops because they paid shit.
any decent tech working flat rate can easily make $50k+ a year. My best year I hit $99k You must go flat rate to make any $$$

You will probably start hourly but keep track of how many hours you are billing and compare to how many hours you are on the job. When you can consistently beat the clock go flat rate.

Remember to save during the good time of the year so you have something to fall back on when its comes to a screeching halt during the winter months.
Bill_Carroll
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Bill_Carroll 5/3/2013 2:35pm
5/3/2013 2:35pm
So what do all the mechanics here think of the new Stage ll Cams for the 2013 CRF 450? or just not enough time to tell as of now?
seven11
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seven11 5/3/2013 9:12pm
5/3/2013 9:12pm Edited Date/Time 5/3/2013 9:17pm
Haha always a couple trolls in there. Anyways my position is a "lot tech" and involves a lot of work that doesn't involve anything mechanical, like sweeping, mopping, detailing vehicles etc. I am getting trained soon on putting together bikes and basic maintenance. I am new working in this field but have raced my whole life. A lot of advice on here I already had covered, but there is also plenty of things I wouldn't have thought to do and might have saved some mistakes. Thanks guys for your insight it is very much appreciated. 711
seven11
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seven11 5/3/2013 9:15pm
5/3/2013 9:15pm
Bill_Carroll wrote:
I don't know why anybody would take on a job that they are not comfortable with. How do i know your not comfortable?, your asking as...
I don't know why anybody would take on a job that they are not comfortable with. How do i know your not comfortable?, your asking as public forum for advice in a new job. Why not go to a reputable school as MMI or equal? then take on that job with confidence? Then come back here and give idiots like me advice on the Stage 2 cams for the 2013 450 CRF?

Any who, good luck and keep your tools clean........when you get them.
I was a paramedic at 19 and was scared shitless. I also learned a lot about life in those years. Is anyone really "comfortable" entering a new field? Comfortable=boring
lostboy819 5/3/2013 10:17pm
5/3/2013 10:17pm Edited Date/Time 5/3/2013 10:17pm
seven11 wrote:
Haha always a couple trolls in there. Anyways my position is a "lot tech" and involves a lot of work that doesn't involve anything mechanical, like...
Haha always a couple trolls in there. Anyways my position is a "lot tech" and involves a lot of work that doesn't involve anything mechanical, like sweeping, mopping, detailing vehicles etc. I am getting trained soon on putting together bikes and basic maintenance. I am new working in this field but have raced my whole life. A lot of advice on here I already had covered, but there is also plenty of things I wouldn't have thought to do and might have saved some mistakes. Thanks guys for your insight it is very much appreciated. 711
Nothing wrong with doing setup, that is where most of us started and I loved doing it. You get to be the first to see the new bikes, everything is new and NOT dirty, nasty or greasy and no stripped bolts or need to figure out what joe customer did to screw his bike up that hes not telling you about. You will do just fine.
lumpy790
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lumpy790 5/3/2013 10:25pm
5/3/2013 10:25pm
remember this ..... a good mechanic can work on anything. Look at it and understand what forces make it work and the rest will come.

as a newby Try and get the shop to send you to the OEM classes. They need to send someone or more than one so convince them that educating you will be worth it.

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