Motorcycle Mechanic Certification
Motorcycle Mechanic Certification
I have the opportunity to work towards a second career and I would like to learn how to repair motorcycles. I'm looking at dealership/shop jobs that will get me broader experience but what I'm missing is formal technician training. MMI seems to be the only school offering a program and they're campuses are in AZ & FL. I can't make either of those locations work, so I'm trying to find other options. I was hoping someone here might have advice for how to get formal training. The jobs I see posted for HD technician jobs indicate you need an MMI or "similar" certification.
Where does one go if one wants to learn how to repair motorcycles if they don't know a crusty old Yoda-type who will learn them?
Where does one go if one wants to learn how to repair motorcycles if they don't know a crusty old Yoda-type who will learn them?
Popular Reply
Oct 10, 2023, 06:13 PM
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.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,197
From: Oxford, Nc
Universal Technical seems to be associated with MMI and has 3 locations in CA. if that helps.
https://www.uti.edu/locations
https://www.uti.edu/locations
UTI, MMI & MIAT Technical School Location14 Core Programs. 16 Campus Locations.
From Automotive and Diesel, Collision Repair, Motorcycle and Marine, and Welding, all the way to Aviation, Wind energy, Industrial Maintenance, HVACR, and CNC Machining, our 16 campuses across the country deliver the hands-on experience needed to succeed as a technician in the field. Use the form below to choose your career goals and see which of our campuses fit your needs.
Universal Technical seems to be associated with MMI and has 3 locations in CA. if that helps.
https://www.uti.edu/locations
https://www.uti.edu/locations
UTI, MMI & MIAT Technical School Location14 Core Programs. 16 Campus Locations.
From Automotive and Diesel, Collision Repair, Motorcycle and Marine, and Welding, all the way to Aviation, Wind energy, Industrial Maintenance, HVACR, and CNC Machining, our 16 campuses across the country deliver the hands-on experience needed to succeed as a technician in the field. Use the form below to choose your career goals and see which of our campuses fit your needs.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 2,261
From: Ft. Wayne IN
One of the young techs (a friend of mine) at my local HD dealer was complaining about his pay last week. He went to MMI in Florida in 2021 and says he makes about the same wages as a McDonald's burger flipper. My understanding is that better pay comes with advancement to higher levels which requires completion of additional training at HD in Milwaukee. The dealer has to sponsor the tech to attend such advance training from "Staff" to "Advanced Technician" to "Expert Technician" to "Master Technician". Getting MMI Training is a first step in the process and it's probable that this takes years to accomplish after excellent performance as it progresses.
Harley-DavidsonŽ Dealership Maintenance and Repair: Masters of their Craft | Harley-DavidsonŽ Insurance
Harley-DavidsonŽ Dealership Maintenance and Repair: Masters of their Craft | Harley-DavidsonŽ Insurance
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 4,680
Likes: 3,971
From: Near Yosemite
My closest dealer charges $170/hr............. not 100% sure about what the Tech's make, but they have to hate looking at the "Hourly Rate" sign all day as they work for whatever it is they make. I tip them or bring pizza/doughnuts when I can. Still not enough in my eyes. Especially after our Gov. Douche-som just required burger flippers to be paid $20/hr here in CA. 
If HD doesn't get their pay levels for techs in line with the rest of the world, they'll be hemorrhaging customers left and right due to poor service performance!
If HD doesn't get their pay levels for techs in line with the rest of the world, they'll be hemorrhaging customers left and right due to poor service performance!
Trending Topics
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,922
Likes: 589
From: Running with the gators
Who can even afford these new bike prices to even pay a mechanic 20 bucks an hour?
went to a local dealership here in central Florida yesterday. Taxes, dealer fees, and Harley surcharges added up to almost what my 2008 Sportster cost new.
went to a local dealership here in central Florida yesterday. Taxes, dealer fees, and Harley surcharges added up to almost what my 2008 Sportster cost new.
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: Sep 2017
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 1,219
From: Dubuque, IA
My closest dealer charges $170/hr............. not 100% sure about what the Tech's make, but they have to hate looking at the "Hourly Rate" sign all day as they work for whatever it is they make. I tip them or bring pizza/doughnuts when I can. Still not enough in my eyes. Especially after our Gov. Douche-som just required burger flippers to be paid $20/hr here in CA.
If HD doesn't get their pay levels for techs in line with the rest of the world, they'll be hemorrhaging customers left and right due to poor service performance!
If HD doesn't get their pay levels for techs in line with the rest of the world, they'll be hemorrhaging customers left and right due to poor service performance!