Motorcycle Mechanic Certification
Good feedback all around, much appreciated! From what I have been able to gather, the reviews on MMI are a bit mixed. The feedback from former students ranges from "$20k to make $20 an hour", to "$20k but the best building block towards a CAREER as an HD technician etc.". I'm not going to MMI, so it's off the table for me. The emerging consensus I'm finding from my digging is to look for a solid program at a local community or 2 year college. I'm in San Diego and have found most automotive certifications at local schools however I did find one motorcycle program at a trade-technical college in Los Angeles. I found one certificate program locally for Automotive/Motorcycle Maintenance & Light Repair, which I'm looking into as well.
Re: the economics of this career path, I'm not worried about the money I would earn as a mechanic. I'm more interested in learning something that will keep me employed as long as I want to work and that no one can take away from me. I understand it's a slog and I'm thinking long term.
Re: the economics of this career path, I'm not worried about the money I would earn as a mechanic. I'm more interested in learning something that will keep me employed as long as I want to work and that no one can take away from me. I understand it's a slog and I'm thinking long term.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,582
From: Wisconsin, USA
A good mechanic can get training and experience at a dealer. If he enjoys the work and wants job security, hes set.
if he takes some business courses and opens his own independent shop, he can make more money, but its a little riskier. $20k is less than one years tuition at a lot of colleges.
if he takes some business courses and opens his own independent shop, he can make more money, but its a little riskier. $20k is less than one years tuition at a lot of colleges.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,434
Likes: 3,715
From: backwoods
anecdotal evidence from reading forums,less. People are wrenching.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 4,798
Likes: 5,889
From: Knoxville
No one makes a lot of money starting out in life. Why folks dont understand that is what ails many.
I have spent some 50 years working to have what I have and many others on here as well, to think one starts off at what we have accomplished is beyond laughable, its crazy talk.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,010
Likes: 6,907
From: NC
One has to start somewhere, and its a good path.
No one makes a lot of money starting out in life. Why folks dont understand that is what ails many.
I have spent some 50 years working to have what I have and many others on here as well, to think one starts off at what we have accomplished is beyond laughable, its crazy talk.
No one makes a lot of money starting out in life. Why folks dont understand that is what ails many.
I have spent some 50 years working to have what I have and many others on here as well, to think one starts off at what we have accomplished is beyond laughable, its crazy talk.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,000
Likes: 11,441
Dealers don't give a **** about service. That is one of the reasons they want CEO to cut so many dealerships. leaves you with no options. Then the dealers that are left raise rates and cut people..
I am lucky to have great INDY shop 13 miles away.
Use to be all in for HD. Now all aftermarket and no dealerships.
I am lucky to have great INDY shop 13 miles away.
Use to be all in for HD. Now all aftermarket and no dealerships.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 1,219
From: Dubuque, IA
One has to start somewhere, and its a good path.
No one makes a lot of money starting out in life. Why folks dont understand that is what ails many.
I have spent some 50 years working to have what I have and many others on here as well, to think one starts off at what we have accomplished is beyond laughable, its crazy talk.
No one makes a lot of money starting out in life. Why folks dont understand that is what ails many.
I have spent some 50 years working to have what I have and many others on here as well, to think one starts off at what we have accomplished is beyond laughable, its crazy talk.
How much per hour does a dealership charge for his work?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 4,798
Likes: 5,889
From: Knoxville
Now you want it all now
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,582
From: Wisconsin, USA
One has to start somewhere, and its a good path.
No one makes a lot of money starting out in life. Why folks dont understand that is what ails many.
I have spent some 50 years working to have what I have and many others on here as well, to think one starts off at what we have accomplished is beyond laughable, its crazy talk.
No one makes a lot of money starting out in life. Why folks dont understand that is what ails many.
I have spent some 50 years working to have what I have and many others on here as well, to think one starts off at what we have accomplished is beyond laughable, its crazy talk.
