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motorcycle mechanic training

Posted: Mon Nov 27, 2006 6:05 pm
by duc8ti
hey everybody, anyone here have any comments on MMI in AZ. thinking about going to school there for training,just hope im not wasting my money. Is there good money to be made working for a delaer?
thanks all

Posted: Mon Nov 27, 2006 6:32 pm
by hot_shoe_cv
I have heard good things about the school and have not heard anything negative, altho like any thing else there has to be someone who isn't happy . I would think that if you inquired, they would be able to furnish a list of graduates & contact info so you could better form an opinion.

Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2006 1:26 am
by paul246
Don't have any personal experience with MMI. However, you may wish to read through this fella's site, lots of interesting stuff. He also addresses a career in this field in chapter 8.
http://www.dansmc.com/mc_repaircourse.htm

Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2006 1:55 am
by sharpmagna
If it is like a car mechanic pay scale, you'll make some good money if you're a good mechanic. If the work order says it will take 4 hours to do a job and you finish it in 2, the dealership still charges for 4 hours. A good tech can make a lot of money on that type of system.

Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2006 3:56 am
by Sev
That's flat rate, and you probably won't be doing that for the first 4 years until then it's hourly wages at whatever the local economy will support. As for MMI, I've heard nothing bad about it, but you're looking at paying upwards of $20000 a year just for the classes, this doesn't include books, food, rent, or supplies. YIKES!

I'm taking the Canadian equivalent, and while I have yet to actually get into the industry, I'm really enjoying it. Something to think about is that every job you do from a tire change to an engine rebuild needs to be perfect. If a bead goes on a car tire then he gets a flat and has to pull over. If a bead goes on a bike you might have just killed your customer.

Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2006 8:49 am
by Rydr
Sevulturus wrote:That's flat rate, and you probably won't be doing that for the first 4 years until then it's hourly wages at whatever the local economy will support. As for MMI, I've heard nothing bad about it, but you're looking at paying upwards of $20000 a year just for the classes, this doesn't include books, food, rent, or supplies. YIKES!

I'm taking the Canadian equivalent, and while I have yet to actually get into the industry, I'm really enjoying it. Something to think about is that every job you do from a tire change to an engine rebuild needs to be perfect. If a bead goes on a car tire then he gets a flat and has to pull over. If a bead goes on a bike you might have just killed your customer.
I used to work in motorcycle shop back before there were the training courses when it was more of an apprenticeship without a certificate. I moved on to take aircraft maintenance courses and eventually got my Aircraft Maintenance Engineers license (Aircraft Mechanic). I've made good money money over the years in that field but my love has always been motorcycles. As far as aircraft mechanics go the work is very exacting, as they say you can't just pull over up there. So much for the rambling. What I really wanted to say was if you think it is a career that want and will be happy with then spend what you need to get into it.

Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2006 1:47 pm
by CORSCO
I went to MMI in AZ. E-mail me if you have any questions. If you are serious about starting this career, then do it. I am in my 12th year.

Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2006 1:09 pm
by MotoF150
Motorcycle and ATV mechaincs know nothing! I found the problem of a friends new atv when no factory trained and certified mechanic could figure it out, the problem was one 6 pin plug connector was wired wrong from the factory, two wires were switched inside the female connector, it was easy to figure out by the color code.

Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2006 1:59 pm
by Sev
Says the guy who takes the chain off his shaft drive bike to store in engine oil over the winter.

MMI Bought Out

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 3:38 am
by snwflk303
I believe MMI was bought out by Wyotech (could be wrong). anyway they are building a huge new school in Daytona right behind the Destination Daytona Harley store and the Arlen Ness show room.