Motorcycle Parts and Accessories Education and Training

Get the best training to use and repair motorcycle gear
By B. Lumadue There's a wide range of suppliers and types of motorcycle parts and accessories. Education and training in motorcycle repair is a necessary step to finding out what parts you need and how to use them - whether you're a mechanic, shop owner or enthusiast.

For the shop owner, specialized motorcycle repair service can add a competitive edge. For those seeking a career in motorcycle repair, motorcycle parts suppliers and manufacturers offer top wages and prefer specialized training. Training provides a knowledge of technical specifications for valves, bearings and other parts. Whatever the reason, to get the right training in motorcycle parts and repair:

1. Find manuals to help you identify and use motorcycle accessories and parts.

2. Choose online or classroom training to sharpen your motorcycle repair skills.

3. Get specialty training from manufacturers to become more competitive.

Use a manual to identify motorcycle supplies and perform repairs

For quick repairs and parts identification, a manual may be all you need. Some manuals are provided free, but most are available for a fee.
Try:  Check with the manufacturer first to see if you can get a replacement manual. If this is not an option, there are many websites that offer manuals to download. Some of the ones to check out include Dan's Motorcycle Repair and RepairManual, which lists manuals for many manufacturers.

Find trade schools that offer motorcycle part and repair training

There are several paths to a career in motorcycle repair. Training is available at colleges and tech schools. Online training is an option at some schools. Motorcycle repair may be a specific program or a component of an overall automotive training program.
Try:  Online Degrees by Directory of Schools lists schools that offer distance learning programs. Beelineweb lists training schools throughout the United States. Penn Foster is one school that offers accredited home study courses.

Get specialized training from a motorcycle parts manufacturer

Some schools offer overall motorcycle training. Others cover general groups, like Asian manufactured motorcycles. For specialized training, look for programs endorsed or approved by the manufacturer. These programs include Kawasaki K-Tech,a program endorsed by Kawasaki; the Factory Authorized Suzuki Training (FAST), approved by the American Suzuki Motor Corp., and Honda official training, called HonTech. These programs are usually offered as electives as part of an overall course, where students work with the latest models and technology.
Try:  WyoTech offers Harley-Davidson concentration that emphasizes the disassembly, inspection and assembly of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Schools like the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute offer specialty training electives including Kawasaki K-Tech, the FAST elective, and the HonTech elective.

• When you order parts, check with your motorcycle parts supplier to see if training is available. The supplier may offer short overviews and refresher courses.