harley mechanic

[mark123]

I am looking for an unbiased answer. I am looking to go to mmi for late and early model Harleys. I was wondering, how much work is there for Harley mechanics? What is the pay like for one to. I am not asking personally, but average. Don't flame me for asking your pay. Thanks for any input, I am at a confusing time in my life right now. Thank you again.

[mark123]

Is there a better place to post this question? Thanks

[The_AirHawk]

Not really - while there's likely a disproportionately-large percentage of Wrenches that are members of the MO Forum; I believe the closest we have to a "Pro" Moto-Mechanic is MOKE - but he was Inside Sales for years, tho I don't think he ever spun a T-handle for a livin'.

[pushrod]

+1.

Likewise, I'm not aware of any 'pro' mechanics that frequent (or post) here.

You'd be better served on a Harley-centric site. Start with the three listed at the bottom/left of this page.

Good luck!

[mark123]

Thanks for the help

[ranchwrench]

Ok, you want a no-bs opinion? MMI and the other schools blow a lot of wind up your skirt, and promise you the moon, but they've been doing that for so long that the market is saturated with tech school m/c graduates.

We hired an MMI guy one time and he barely knew which end of the wrench to use. Lots of book learning, not a lot of practical knowledge. (like diagnosis, fault causes, and electrical troubleshooting was weak) This guy knew PART NUMBERS for crying out loud!

But he had a lot of comebacks and we had to let him go. That was another thing...that attitude where nobody wanted to help him, because he already knew it all!....lol

There's gotta be an easier field to start in, when you're going to school to learn it anyway. You'll be lucky to make $10/hr. coming out, and it won't go up fast from there.

Good luck.

Btw, don't just study Harley! Get a Jap bike education too, if you're going to do it! That freakin' mMi course is just the ultimate HD accessory and the Jap bikes take a lot more knowledge to wrench than a old big twin. Wait until you try to do a shim-under valve adjustment on a variable cam timing Honda, using your Hardly edumacation! .....lol

[Kenneth_Moore]

Most of the dealers here have reduced staff or closed shops. It's a very tough time to break into the biz. You'll be competing with experienced guys with a track record.

MMI is in business to sell their classes. Think "car salesman" when they tell you about post-grad jobs. They guarantee nothing. If you're willing to relocate, you might have a shot.

Entry-level mechanics here make a bit more than minimum. Maybe $8 to $10/hour.