Posts
337
Joined
4/30/2008
Location
Peoria, AZ
US
Edited Date/Time
5/3/2013 10:59pm
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!
if you don't know something ask, the only dumb question is a question not asked.
Don't let the dickwads get you down either.
You do all that and have half a brain you can't lose.
One more thing try not to take any personal time unless very necessary the 1st 90 days.
The Shop
I'd agree with 500guy.
If you are spending coin on Snap on wrenches and sockets, look for their flank drive sets. I like mine. Matco 1/4 inch drive ratchets spend a lot of time in the drawer waiting for the tool guy to have a rebuild kit. I like fine tooth ratchets...
Absolutely love these and you can find complete sets cheap at Sears. I bought a huge set of Metric and standards after Christmas for under $80.00. I have abused the ever loving shit out of them and never broken one. Even bent a 10mm one (damn near 45%!) using a cheater pipe and it still worked fine until it disappeared several years later. I have the flat ones without the reversible lever, just flip them over to go the other way. Less stuff to break, I like that.
But those more expensive ones with clicks are easier to work with though, only issue is that I often forget to turn it to zero when I leave the garage with mich stretch the spring in the long run...
Setting bolts at the proper torque is very important on motorcycles. Not only does it keep the bolt in place, if you over torque a bolt you can damage it and also it will make the motorcycle handle poorly- especially if you over torque the front end.
If someone tells you that you can "feel" the proper torque and skip the torque wrench- just know that experienced factory mechanics constantly use this tool without exception.
I use a trick that comes straight from the assembly line: After I set a bolt with the proper torque, I use a white paint pen and make a paint mark in the center of the bolt. This shows me which bolts need to be torqued. It really helps when you are building an entire bike because there are a lot of fasteners.
You will forget to tighten things from time to time- we all do. But this will help reduce the chances.
job security and the potential to get paid for more hours than you actually put in are the only real benefits IMO.
are motocycle tech's paid flat rate?
But, if you use your phone for that please resist the urge to "check for messages" every 10 minutes.
What the heck is with people that can't stash their phone for a couple hours and focus on work?
When he attacked a new task, he took the shop manual and a pack of smokes into the crapper until he understood it.
Pit Row
come in early and leave late.
Be a sponge .... willing to learn from other techs advise.
As for tools.....sears wrenches, 6 point socktet sets and screw drivers will get you going. Ait tools will help you work faster and faster (flat rate) is how you will start making a living spinning wrenches..Learn how to remove broken bolts.
Dont go crazy on the tool trucks.
Also don't use an impact on anything lol. As far as tools I have built shit tons of bikes with a tool box full of Harbor Freight tools lol true story.
Get a decent tool box for the tools you already own, say a 6 draw (3 big and 3 smaller across on top of those), and fill it with the tools you already own. I started out with a steel container my uncle gave me that used to house a pump. You will have to purchase a few extras once your going but this size box will still be transportable to take home to work on your own bikes and for the other cashies you'll have to do on weekends to make ends meet, and for going racing.
And when you start, ask your employer if after the probationary period, and everybodies happy, about the possiblity they buy a full toolbox for you which you leave at work, and pay off each week and own after it's payed off. That way you have your good box at work with all the sweet time saving tools in a good roll cab box set up with multiple draws to wheel around, and a box at home when ever you need it.
Your also going to have to learn how to make a few "special tools" for certain jobs that are either too expensive for the amount of times you'll use them or cant be bought from the manufacturer for what ever reason. With Jap stuff anyway.
What Jay, Newman and others have said!
By the way ... there is this guy most of you know as "Bones" (Pro Circuit), he moved from Tucson to SoCal in the early 80's to be a welder and racer. Hung out at a shop called Anaheim Husky on the weekends (JB liked to race the Husky 125 back in the day). He started pushing a broom around for Mitch back then and now look where his is today!
Bottom line... you never know what doors will open up with your new job!
Good luck and have fun!
JG.
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