Posts
1031
Joined
2/17/2008
Location
Oceanside, CA
US
Edited Date/Time
1/27/2012 3:47am
Im trying to find any info on how much these guys make. im currently attending a Junior College and Im at the point in my life were Im thinking about what i wanna do for the rest of my life. I LOVE being around bikes and racing. i know the basics about bikes and how to do some of the minor stuff. but i want to find about how much these guys make. i know that the privateer mech. doesn't make as much as a Factory mech. But i would like to know an average or something. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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S
He's right. MMI thats the way to go.
It's all who you know it the business.
Having a top ten rider is the only way to make any money. Other than that plan on being broke.
Open your own shop. Make what you want.
Do you want to know how to fix leaks on harleys too?
Go to your local dealer and tell them you are interested in being a mechanic.
If they are convinced you are sincere they will train you via the tech schools that each OEM offers.
Pit Row
After the $10-20 k you spend there you will have to rough it for a few more years as a trained, yet inexperienced tech, it's a semi long road, but I've seen quite a few people make it that way.
But I hear the "ManFriend" is the gig to have now...
I lost money when I did it. Chris was right to you just don't get a job you have to know someonne and then get lucky to have a top rider or team to make any money.
I was two years out of high school and came to that fork in the road with a choice to either go on to college, or continue in a trade. Could have been moto related if I wanted. I chose to make some sacrifices and go on to college/professional school.....lots of delayed gratification when you're in school for 8 years, not making money. In my case, it paid off with respect to having the resources to participate in a very expensive sport/hobby.
Maybe you should give more consideration to finishing that education and then taking advantage of your increased earning capacity to make moto your avocation, instead of vocation? Just a suggestion from an old guy that's been around the block a few times.
Also, don't forget that EVERY job becomes somewhat routine after a time, and if the stress is too high can burn you out. Doesn't matter how fun it is at the outset.
Like I said, find a local pro and get started that way. If they go to Nationals then meet as many people as you can and get your name out there. It is a very tight knit community and they hire from the inner circle 99% of the time.
Good luck!
It only pays pretty well for the few riders who make a good living at it. A thankless job at times; many times.
I would take Drmarkers advice from my own experiences; could've used his sage advice when I started. This stuff ain't a cakewalk.
Not only maintaining race bikes, but practice bikes, constantly working on motors, suspensions, testing all sorts of settings and at times butting head with the rider if he's not happy. You're are the troubleshooter; can't make any mistakes that cost a DNF and good finish.
It's not a glamorous job. Don't see many on TV during the telecasts. Many good people in the sport though.
I'd look for a career in something that will pay you very well without all the aggrevation and work on motorcycles on the side if you still wish. Side work makes good money. On top of a well paying career, you'd be in touch, making a name and riding still.
Try to be on a team, your riding days are basically over for the most part. Very little time to do that.
Or just ride, get an education and keep riding. Some JCs have motorcycle mechanics certificated courses that dealers are looking for. MMI costs however much you want to learn, while a JC teaches the same theories, have dynos and take like 2 yrs to finish and costs waaaay less. Sac City College has one that the teachers work for the CHP academy, some are service managers of local dealerships, so the weath of knowledge is there.
Know a few that went to work for dealers and one became as high as a Pro Circuit rider mechanic. One that use to sponsor Magoo in his early years worked at a dealer and had gotten ready to quit to work at the dealer and work for Kawasaki on the GPs prior to Magoos career ending injury in believe '86. He wound up quitting m/c's altogether and has been doing tile work. Tough sport and business, especially since a lot of competition for those factory/satellite team mechanic spots and the whole sport does not have the money in it like other motorsports.
I wish you much success in whatever you choose to do. You just might be the exception and become a top race mechanic. Good luck in whatever you choose to do.
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