If you own a motorbike, and you've had it for years, chances are that you've invested a lot of time and love into it, from changing tyre tubes to filling up fluids and even polishing those pretty chrome bits.
You love finding out how each part works to run your machine smoother, better, more efficiently so that it lasts you a life time.
So if you're already into taking things apart and then putting them back together, why not make all that tinkering into a career? Or, if you're already making a living fixing engines and gear, why not professionalise your repair work?
Motorcycle repairs aren't just about being an expert in mechanical and electronic workings of your machine, they're also about being patient and methodical.
But it's not all about the money – like every job, being a bike mechanic has its ups and downs:
Pros
Count on dealing with all kinds of motorbikes… plenty of Modenas and Honda Cubs, the occasional Triumph but also upscale higher end rides like Bugatis and of course the Harleys. If you love motorbikes, they'll love you back and you could be in for the time of your life.
You'll get to ride all manners of bikes. Hey, if you're repairing it, you're going to have to test ride them too, right?
Job satisfaction! You know that smile when an owner brings in his crippled ride and takes it back all working, purring and roaring like new? A good mechanic will make friends for life from his the inside of his garage than anywhere else.
Cons
Make no mistake, bike repairs is a dirty, dirty job and can be physically demanding. Those superbikes and big bikes can be quite heavy and you'll definitely need some helping hands especially if you're working out of a home garage.
There is so much to learn… you can't just sit on your tools and knowledge and expect to be able to fix everything. Modern bikes especially are getting more and more complex, particularly with electronic systems. You have to be prepared to keep updating your skills and tools so people keep coming back to you.
So if you aren’t put off by mechanical or electronic diagrams and you don't mind ending the day smeared in grime and motor oil, consider a career as a bike repair mechanic. You probably won’t regret it.