Tips For Finding A Good Motorcycle Mechanic

A good motorcycle mechanic is a treasure, but like most treasures, they’re hard to find. With the time, training, and inclination, you may learn enough to do all your own work. In the meantime, here are the things that you should look for.

EXPERIENCE Your buddy who "knows a lot about bikes" may only know slightly more than you do. And if you know nothing, then he knows next to nothing. You can do better than that.

TRAINING Some people are naturally gifted. But it's safer to trust someone who's graduated from a certified training program, or who has extensive experience working in shops or for race teams.

PROFESSIONALISM He says he'll work for beer? Pass. A real mechanic is a professional. He offers a guarantee, keeps accurate records, and doesn't try to do stuff he's not trained to do.

PERSONALITY I've known plenty of great bike mechanics who related better to machines than to people. The smarter mechanics hire someone with a more sociable personality to work the front office while they stay in the back. And remember: He's your mechanic first, not your friend.