ghostman
Expert Class
Posts: 456
|
posted January 10, 2008 05:46 PM
Mechanic School?
Anybody know of any Bike Mechanic Schools in Virginia?
Not having much success online.
Hope you fellas can help me out.
____________
I'm There Whether You See Me Or Not.
  
|
NinjaNick
Needs a job
'08 ZX14 (Blue)
Posts: 4558
|
posted January 10, 2008 06:03 PM
Best respected ones there is, is in FL and AZ. MMI (Motorcycle Mechanic Institute).
There isn't much other out there really; at least not in VA.
|
ghostman
Expert Class
Posts: 456
|
posted January 10, 2008 06:17 PM
. . . . . . . . . . .WELL THAT SUCKS!!!!!!
____________
I'm There Whether You See Me Or Not.
|
NinjaNick
Needs a job
'08 ZX14 (Blue)
Posts: 4558
|
posted January 10, 2008 07:41 PM
Haha...trust me, I've tried before. Not for a career, but to know everything there is and run my own little shop in my garage.
|
b03818
Expert Class
Posts: 148
|
posted January 10, 2008 08:50 PM
I don't think they pay very much when working for the shops. You make your real money on side jobs or just opening your own shop. I checked out MMI back in 97 and they had a 1 year waiting list back then. The counsler told me that it usaually runs around 16k and higher and that you must take two different dealer courses Kaw/Zuk, Honda/Yam, Harley/Kaw and so on. Your choice of course. I met a kid that went through MMI and he said his total bill was in the 25k ballpark. He was a salesman at the Chandler Ridenow shop. You can make it work for you but I don't think it will happen working in a dealership.
____________
I'll have some cole slaw with that beef.
|
kawabunga
Expert Class
Cogswell Cogs Installed
Posts: 284
|
posted January 11, 2008 01:38 AM
 Edited By: kawabunga on 11 Jan 2008 02:01
If you decide to go to school understand that when you come out you will be an entry level C tech at a dealership. Dealerships have a pay formula you need to understand. 2 things...EFFICIENCY = On the clock hours compared to billed labor hours, 40 hours clocked and 40 hours billed = 100% efficiency. PROFICIENCY = Whatever hours billed with no comebacks = 100% proficient. You can be 100% efficient and 50% proficient. A level techs are 100% or better in both catagories. All techs nowadays are paid a guaranteed hourly wage against a higher billed hourly wage. example : You are guaranteed 10.00 per hour on the clock @ 40 hours a week = 400.00 guaranteed against 15.00 an hour billed @ 100% efficient = 600.00. You would be paid the higher amount, not both. you cannot expect to be 100% in both catagories right out of school. This comes with many years of experience. Expect to elevated to B level tech after 2-5 years depending on how you apply yourself and your dedication to being in this business and being the best at what you do. A level tech status is achieved in 5 - 10 years on average. then there is MASTER tech....you're home free now, dealers pay TOP dollar . A master tech will earn 50k - 75k a year. The schools paint a pretty picture to get your money, but in reality this is not instant money, race teams, glory etc...it's a commitment to wanting this for long term. I have seen many new techs come and go because they couldn't make the grade because they were delusional about the business. I have been a tech in dealerships for 34 years, a master tech for the past 20. I got into it before there was an AMI or MMI and very few factory schools and through the years been factory trained with all jap manufacturers, Ducati, Triumph, HD, BMW, KTM and Husky. If you're gonna do it, understand the game and make the commitment or you will be very disappointed and in debt as well. Go after your dreams but be realistic and understand before jumping into them.
|
obba
Expert Class
Posts: 455
|
posted January 11, 2008 02:03 AM
Well, Fxxk Kawabunga!
Big reply, but you said it all.
So grats to you. Obviously, you have 'been there and done that'. Or know someone,,,
I agree with what you said: Balanced and well put.
I doubt Ghostmans post is for himself, but if he trying to help a mate then this is about the best piece of advice he could get - even if it is for himself.
Kawabunga, you should PM him and have a chat to him. Pretty sure most posters here will help out as well...
|
|
|
HOME
NEW TOPIC