oilfieldtrash
Zone Head
Kawasaki enthusiast
Posts: 506
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posted March 07, 2010 05:18 AM
Tell me if this is a dumb idea?
I'm a noob when it comes to working on motorcycles. I have a full time job and this isn't about making money. I really want to learn how to do my own work so this is my idea.
I'm thinking of going up to some local small bike shops and asking them if they need help. I'm sure they will say no but then I tell them I'll work for free just they have to teach me along the way. I could just come in and learn tire changes, chains, move stuff, pick up and slowly I progress and start doing other stuff. Is this a crazy idea? Should I just see about taking some mechanic courses in a community college? What's the best way to do this?
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'09 zx6r lime green bone stock
'07 white S.E. ZX-14 sold
  
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LeonidasZX14
Pro
Posts: 1277
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posted March 07, 2010 05:23 AM
Most smart shops will not allow you in the back because if you get hurt they are screwed. Most shops have posted signs stating no customers beyond this point. You are basically a customer. Insurance is not cheap for small business owners but I like the enthusiasm.
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09' ZX14
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masszx14
Pro
A mind beside itself!
Posts: 1806
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posted March 07, 2010 05:58 AM
Do you have friends that work on their own bikes?
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universal@mind
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AcadianaZX
Advertiser
Posts: 530
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posted March 07, 2010 06:01 AM
I did this one a long time ago when they were education direct. Actually got a MC Tech Certificate. Been doing my own work ever since. http://www.pennfoster.edu/motorcycle/index.html it will have optional apprentice programs for hand on also.
Good Luck
James
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eklipse636
Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046
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posted March 07, 2010 06:51 AM
That's not a good idea. They won't let you do it because they don't want to teach you at their expense. Plus, if you mess something up they have to pay.
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Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32
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blackmamba
Expert Class
Posts: 146
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posted March 07, 2010 07:03 AM
Just take classes at local CC. At least you'll see a some hot girls walking around...
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www.packleader.org
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kawasakijockey
Pro
Posts: 1876
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posted March 07, 2010 07:09 AM
Bad idea. They will see you as somebody in their way. More than likely you would be the shop bitch fetching lunches if you did find a shop to let you hang out there.
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Get on the shortbus boys 'cause its time to get schooled.
2007 ZX-14
1.38 60ft
9.03 @ 149mph
8.95 @153 small shot n2o
8.68 @160mph 5lbs boost
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oilfieldtrash
Zone Head
Kawasaki enthusiast
Posts: 506
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posted March 07, 2010 07:20 AM
Alright guys. Looks like I'm not going that route. I'm not gonna be the shop gimp. What do you guys think of something like MMI school? How much does a motorcycle tech make?
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'09 zx6r lime green bone stock
'07 white S.E. ZX-14 sold
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blackmamba
Expert Class
Posts: 146
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posted March 07, 2010 07:28 AM
motorcycle techs can make 20-30 an hour or more. Depends on the shop. I think HD mechanics make 40 an hour and my 9 year old could work on those motors. LOL!
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www.packleader.org
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CraigChrist
Pro
BAWLS
Posts: 1043
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posted March 07, 2010 08:21 AM
not in todays economy they don't... most of the guys that i am friends with that work at shops are making in the 15-20 dollar range (which isn't exactly bad pay, but not anywhere near what you're thinking).
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60ft-------1.42
1/8th------5.97
mph-------119
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JDC
Zone Head
Posts: 570
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posted March 07, 2010 08:50 AM
quote:
I'm a noob when it comes to working on motorcycles. I have a full time job and this isn't about making money. I really want to learn how to do my own work so this is my idea.
I'm thinking of going up to some local small bike shops and asking them if they need help. I'm sure they will say no but then I tell them I'll work for free just they have to teach me along the way. I could just come in and learn tire changes, chains, move stuff, pick up and slowly I progress and start doing other stuff. Is this a crazy idea? Should I just see about taking some mechanic courses in a community college? What's the best way to do this?
I like your idea and dedication to your goal of learning, and hope you find someone who will mentor you.
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eklipse636
Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046
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posted March 07, 2010 09:19 AM
quote:
quote:
I'm a noob when it comes to working on motorcycles. I have a full time job and this isn't about making money. I really want to learn how to do my own work so this is my idea.
I'm thinking of going up to some local small bike shops and asking them if they need help. I'm sure they will say no but then I tell them I'll work for free just they have to teach me along the way. I could just come in and learn tire changes, chains, move stuff, pick up and slowly I progress and start doing other stuff. Is this a crazy idea? Should I just see about taking some mechanic courses in a community college? What's the best way to do this?
I like your idea and dedication to your goal of learning, and hope you find someone who will mentor you.
+1 on the dedication, but don't take it the wrong way, but if you don't know squat about bikes, in today's economy your not going to get a job as a mechanic. There are too many people out there that are experienced with bikes that can't get jobs. It wouldn't hurt to take the mmi classes just to get yourself more comfortable working on your own. I think they are well worth their money.
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Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32
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SixSixoh6
Zone Head
Posts: 660
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posted March 07, 2010 09:29 AM
just do what i did...unless youre not mechanically inclined...if you know how to work on cars, you can pretty much just transfer that knowledge to most if not all systems of the bike. to some may see it as comparing apples to oranges, but i look at them as almost the same. with two less wheels of course. when i got my first bike i didnt know shit about bikes....but as the years went on..it all made sense to apply the same knowledge. take your time. the knowledge will come.
plus you can learn ALOT from forums and the internet alone. right guys???
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2006 ZX-14: Murdered out, in the dirt, extended, sprayed, air shifted, geared--GONE
2009 ZX-14 SE--has two wheels and an engine
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Ozonkiller
Expert Class
Posts: 350
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posted March 07, 2010 06:11 PM
Fill out your profile and maybe you'll find someone in your area to hang with in their garage.
My wife refers to my garage as "Day School" on weekends
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TooHype
Expert Class
Go Hard or Go Home !!
Posts: 427
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posted March 07, 2010 09:04 PM
quote:
plus you can learn ALOT from forums and the internet alone. right guys???
+1
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Go Hard or Go Home !!....2007 Diablo Black ZX-14, BMC Race Filter, Brock's Alien Head, Brock's Radial Mount Strap, PClll with Custom Map, Flies removed, Muzzy fan, Muzzy lowering links, Muzzy Fender Eliminator, 16/41, Speedohealer, Stretched 6", Lowered 3" IN GOD I TRUST !......If You’re a Hater….KILLYASELF !!
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KZScott
Needs a life
high on speed
Posts: 7235
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posted March 07, 2010 09:07 PM
ask questions and just start trying stuff, that how i got started
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01 ZX-12R 8.84 @ 156.3 no bars, DOT tires. Pump Gas, NA.... turbo 8.47 @ 164.
00 ZX-12R 8.62 @ 165.2 no bars, slicks, Pump Gas, 55 shot.... turbo 8.32 @173
00 ZX-12R Fastest NA Kawasaki in the world 1: 222.046 1.5: 226.390 Loring AFB
00 ZX-12R street turbo 1: 227.9 1.5: 234.1 Loring AFB
00 ZX-12R LSR turbo 1: 263.1 1.5: 266.5 Loring AFB Worlds fastest ZX-12R
CMG Racing RCC Turbos
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted March 08, 2010 12:20 AM
quote:
Alright guys. Looks like I'm not going that route.
I'm not gonna be the shop gimp. What do you guys think of something
like MMI school? How much does a motorcycle tech make?
Well I run my own MC shop and I charge $40 an hour. I don't know what a shop would pay its mechanics an hour.
But if you go to MMI you'll have all the skills you need to go in busness for yourself.
You'll need tools though. Too bad you're not in socal. I teach customers all the time or let them watch at their own risk.
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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Hellmutt
Needs a job
Posts: 2013
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posted March 08, 2010 08:29 AM
Well I run my own MC shop and I charge $40 an hour. I don't know what a shop would pay its mechanics an hour.
But if you go to MMI you'll have all the skills you need to go in busness for yourself.
You'll need tools though. Too bad you're not in socal. I teach customers all the time or let them watch at their own risk.
You got a website up for it? If so, link please
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British flying couch with endtables and an orange thumper
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Learning2race
Expert Class
Posts: 138
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posted March 08, 2010 11:23 AM
Don't give up on this idea - I'm doing it right now!
The key is to develop a strong relationship with the shop you want to persue this with ( buy their parts/accessories, stop in to say "hi")
I currently have the motor apart on their bench. I use my own tools and have my own manual - the mechanics look over my work as I go and answer my questions when I'm stuck.
The shop may not be billing me labour hours but they do make money on the parts I order. They also benefit from the word-of-mouth advertising I do for them ( mind you I don't announce this arrangement so as to not ruin the opportunity they have graciously provided to me) This may be rare, but it's worth pursuing.
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NINJA12
Needs a job
Posts: 3310
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posted March 09, 2010 11:28 AM
There are small shops that will allow this, but the relationship you establish will decide if they let you in the back with their tools, parts, supplies, and other customers bikes. They have much more to loose than a few bucks an hour for a qualified mechanic. If you know someone that works there it could help open that door.
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SLVR_BLT
Zone Head
Chicken Strips!
Posts: 589
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posted March 09, 2010 12:08 PM
I have a couple of friends in the bike shop business and they make $23/hr and hes been there 6 years. He started off as new hire making $14/hr back in 2004. Motorcycle mechanical is easy peasy to me compared to some of today's modern techy cars. Only time i ever had to go to a shop is to buy parts or change a tire (as a loose mount) ever since the first time they over tighten my chain on the first bike i never went back to a shop again for work.
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2006 Kawasaki ZX14, Muzzy Full Titanium Exhaust w/ Carbon Can, PCIII, BMC Street Filter
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted March 09, 2010 01:53 PM
quote:
Well I run my own MC shop and I charge $40 an hour. I don't know what a shop would pay its mechanics an hour.
But if you go to MMI you'll have all the skills you need to go in busness for yourself.
You'll need tools though. Too bad you're not in socal. I teach customers all the time or let them watch at their own risk.
You got a website up for it? If so, link please
http://www.fixitccr.com/ it's a work in progress but you asked for it lol 
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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dubious
Needs a life
Needs more time to ride!
Posts: 8442
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posted March 09, 2010 03:07 PM
try the local dragstrip, you might make friends that wrench
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natural selection.....
destiny will overcome intervention.
Some are not worthy of the effort.
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