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A motorcycle mechanic apprenticeship involves the assembly, maintenance, restoration and repair of motorcycles and other vehicles weighing lesser than 450kg. The apprenticeship program generally involves a combination of practical experience and theory in analysing motorcycle problems. With a motorcycle mechanic apprenticeship, you will gain the basic skills needed to be able to handle any type of motorcycle.

Qualities of a Motorcycle Mechanic Apprentice

• Skilled hands
• Good memory to be able to put pieces back together after dismantling the vehicle
• Good physical condition to be able to lift heavy vehicle parts
• Mechanical aptitude
• Good people skills
• Imaginative problem solver

Motorcycle Mechanic Apprenticeship Duties

• A motorcycle mechanic apprentice is constantly under the supervision and guidance of a qualified motorcycle mechanic. Daily work generally involves the following duties, functions and activities:
• Selecting, inspecting, using and maintaining different hand tools, power tools, shop equipment, testing equipment and measuring tools.
• The selection, installation and removal of tubing, fasteners, piping, connectors, electrical wiring, hoses, couplings and fittings.
• Selecting, installing, inspecting, adjusting and removing bushings and seals, bearings, sprockets, chains, pulleys, sheaves and belts.
• Choosing the appropriate plastic metals, plastics, adhesives, fuels, sealants, lubricants and coolants for specific applications.
• Inspecting and monitoring the performance of machinery and shop equipment.
• Assembling, igniting, testing and adjusting equipment for oxyacetylene heating and cutting.
• Assembling new motorcycles based on the client’s specifications.
• The inspection, replacement and servicing of wheels along with its components.
• Inspecting, changing and servicing tires.
• Inspecting, testing and repairing components of electric starter circuits, engine fuel systems, air induction systems, engine lubrication systems, cooling/filter/screening systems and liquid cooling systems.
• Inspecting, adjusting, repairing and replacing clutch components, kick-start system components, primary drives (cush drives, hyvo chains, simplex and duplex), final drive components (chains, universal joints, belts, and shaft drives), and frames/suspension components (forks, shock-absorber units and swing arms).
• The inspection, replacement and testing of storage batteries.
• Testing, adjusting, rebuilding and replacing electrical charging system components.
• Adjusting, overhauling, testing and replacing safety, warning and lighting electrical system components.
• Inspecting, rebuilding, cleaning, dismantling and reassembling different cylinder block assembly types.
• Installing, testing and adjusting side-car components.