How to Become a Motorcycle Mechanic in New Jersey

The state of New Jersey is home to all different kinds of motorcycle clubs. New Jersey is the most densely populated state, as many areas contain large numbers of people. That has translated to more than 151,000 motorcycle owners within the Garden State. There is a universal helmet law that covers all riders within the state. The motorcycle culture across the country is changing and that change is reflected in the diversity of motorcycle clubs, which is evident in New Jersey. There are a number of female motorcycle clubs on the rise in New Jersey and that trend is branching out. The latest innovations and trends in the motorcycle world are often seen at their earliest in the state of New Jersey. It remains a hot spot for the latest in motorcycle culture.

The state of New Jersey has a lot of technical schools at the high school level for students looking to become motorcycle mechanics. There are also adult programs available and apprenticeship programs as well. The best way to become a professional motorcycle mechanic in New Jersey is to follow these five steps.

1. Select a Form of Motorcycle Mechanic Education
2. Gain Admission to a Motorcycle Mechanic Program
3. Finish Motorcycle Mechanic Training
4. Acquire Work Experience
5. Gain Industry Certifications

More than 80% of motorcycle mechanics have received some type of formal training within a training program. This provides a foundation of knowledge in motorcycle theory and will ease the transition into the field of motorcycle repair.

A motorcycle mechanic education serves as the pathway towards becoming a professional motorcycle mechanic in the state of New Jersey. Educational programs are designed to teach students the fundamentals of motorcycle theory, while also combining the principles of motorcycle repair. This is done through traditional classroom learning as well as practical instruction that involves actual motorcycle repair.

It is important for students to gain both components so that they will have the capability of diagnosing and repairing small engine problems on motorcycles of all makes and models. The time length of a motorcycle mechanic education program differs according to each individual institution. Curriculums are designed by the directors of each motorcycle mechanic program. Here is a look at some of the motorcycle mechanic educational options available to residents of New Jersey.

• Passaic County Technical Institute
  There is a small engine repair distinction offered at Passaic County Tech, which introduces students to small engine mechanics.
  Adult Education Division
  45 Reinhardt Road
  Wayne, NJ 07470
  Phone: 973-389-4101

• Burlington County Institute of Technology
  There are small engine repair courses offered at BCIT and the availability changes on an annual basis as part of its Adult Education Program.
  695 Woodlane Road
  Westampton, NJ 08060
  Phone: (609) 267-4226 ext. 8231

The admissions process to a motorcycle mechanic education program is not a universal one, but is individualized to each specific school. The most common criteria for applying to a motorcycle mechanic education program is a minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalency. Some programs will require placement tests to be taken while others may ask for standardized test scores. Some programs offer financial aid options and that is addressed in the admissions process. Finding out more about a program admissions policy requires making direct contact with that institution. There also some motorcycle repair businesses that offer apprenticeships.

Work experience for a New Jersey motorcycle mechanic is essential for advancement through this profession. Work experience serves as a means of bolstering knowledge in the area motorcycle repair. This includes the ability to diagnose engine issues, dismantle engines and provide custom installations. Work experience is also essential for new motorcycle mechanics who have just completed an educational training program. On-the-job learning is quite different from classroom instruction. Therefore, work experience is a way of introducing beginner motorcycle mechanics to this line of work. Work experience may also be used to build a motorcycle mechanic’s resume. When applying for a new position, common interview questions tend to focus on prior experience. That will often determine who winds up being a prime candidate for an open motorcycle mechanic position. Work experience for motorcycle mechanics in the state of New Jersey is available at many locations, including the following repair shops:

• DHY Motorsports Service
  1300 Clements Bridge Rd
  Deptford Township, NJ 08096
  Phone: (856) 848-8500

• Motorcycle Center
  280 NJ-18
  East Brunswick, NJ 08816
  Phone: (732) 257-8821

• Cycle Gear
  2052 Lincoln Hwy
  Edison, NJ 08817
  Phone: (732) 248-7737

• Island Cycle Customs
  307 N Railroad Ave
  Rio Grande, NJ 08242
  Phone: (609) 435-5422

• Johnny Cycle
  18 Ropes Pl
  Newark, NJ 07107
  Phone: (973) 485-1261

Motorcycle manufacturer specific training is considered to be an asset in this profession. This kind of specific training teaches motorcycle mechanics the finer details of service and repair of one line of motorcycles. Training of this kind is not available in every state, which is one more reason it is such a highly-acclaimed skill for motorcycle mechanics to possess. It can be used to obtain a position at a motorcycle service center that works on one line of motorcycles. However, it is also a credential that can be used to enhance a motorcycle mechanic’s overall standing. Here is the list of the manufacturers that provide specific training programs for motorcycle mechanics.

• Harley Davidson
• Kawasaki
• Honda
• Yamaha
• BMW
• Suzuki

Motorcycle mechanic salaries in the state of New Jersey have remained consistent for quite some time. There's the potential to earn more in New Jersey than in many other states. However, much of the earning potential depends on an individual's qualifications. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has gathered data for motorcycle mechanic salaries from around the country. Those salaries are broken down on a statewide basis and here is a look at the New Jersey pay rates by location within the state.

• State of New Jersey
  Top 10% Salary: $61,830 ($29.73 per hr)
  Median Salary: $42,250 ($20.31 per hr)

• Newark Area/North Jersey
  Top 10% Salary: $63,050 ($30.31 per hr)
  Median Salary: $49,460 ($23.78 per hr)

• Camden Area/South Jersey
  Top 10% Salary: $50,520 ($24.29 per hr)
  Median Salary: $36,640 ($17.62 per hr)

Employment trends in New Jersey continue to hold steady for motorcycle mechanics. The industry continues to introduce new motorcycle mechanics every year as represented by the increase in job growth. For the 10-year span ending in 2024, New Jersey will have seen an overall job growth of 9 percent for motorcycle mechanics. Such statistics show a lot of promise for those looking to become a motorcycle mechanic in New Jersey. The amount of job openings for new motorcycle mechanics is also on the rise and that coincides with the trend of more temperate weather throughout the year in New Jersey. Each year, there are more days to ride, which means more business for motorcycle repair shops.

Motorcycle mechanic certifications are not available from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). When seeking out a certification, motorcycle mechanics do not need to look into any of the specifics regarding the ASE. The organization that motorcycle mechanics need to become familiar with is the EETC (Equipment & Engine Training Council). This organization provides certifications that include two, three, and four-stroke engine specialties.

The EETC has been in existence for quite some time and is recognized as an industry standard when it comes to small engine repair. Motorcycle mechanics wishing to earn one of these distinctions must take a certification test that totals 150 questions. A score of 70% or better is needed for the awarding of a certification. These certifications are good for five years after a test date. Once a certification passes through that five-year period, a recertification test can be taken to allow a motorcycle mechanic to remain in good standing.

EETC certifications are important to motorcycle mechanics because there are no other certifications in this field. Motorcycle mechanics can use an EETC certification to showcase their abilities to potential employers. This is a way for motorcycle repair shop owners to identify individuals who have achieved a knowledge level that is considered to be the industry standard. State certifications do not exist for motorcycle mechanics, nor do state licenses. Since distinctions of that nature are rather limited, earning an EETC certification can be an important part of a motorcycle mechanic's resume and development.