How To Become A Harley Davidson Motorcycle Service Technician

If you love Harley Davidson motorcycles and enjoy working with your hands, you can earn a good living as a motorcycle service technician. There are several trade schools across the U.S. that specialize in Harley Davidson motorcycle service and repair. These programs take between 12 and 18 months to complete. Some classes can even be attended online.

One of the most recognized motorcycle service technician programs is offered at WyoTech (wyotech.com). Students are given the option to choose the motorcycle manufacturer of their choice to learn to diagnose, service and repair Harleys or other motorcycles. Wyotech offers motorcycle service and repair classes in Daytona Beach, Florida and Fremont, California.

Another option is a class at the Baran Institute of Technology (baraninstitute.com). You’ll receive hands-on training with various brands of motorcycles. As a Baran Institute student, you’ll get up close and personal with the intricacies of motorcycle service and repair. From the engine to the exhaust system, and clutches to electrical systems, this 75.5 quarter credit hour program is designed to prepare you to enter the world of motorcycle service and repair. Class size is limited to 20 students and the program can be completed within one year.

Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (uticorp.com) offers a unique program especially for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. MMI’s Motorcycle Technician program addresses the basics of motorcycle repair and service on a full range of motorcycles. Students not only learn in a classroom environment but also through hands-on training. After completion of the prerequisite training, students choose 12 weeks or more of elective course training.

Harley Davidson course electives at MMI include:

– Harley Davidson Early Model Technology – focuses on repair and restoration of motorcycles dating back to 1936.

– Harley Davidson Late Model Technology – Training to become an entry level Harley-Davidson motorcycle technician.

– Screamin’ Eagle – Focuses on the Screamin’ Eagle performance motorcycle.

– V-Rod Motorcyle – Focuses on the award-winning VRSCA (V-Rod) motorcycle.

– Buell – Focuses on design, technology and engineering of Buell motorcycles.

Motorcycle Mechanics Institute offers the only certificate course in the nation that’s officially sponsored by the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Classes are offered in Orlando, Florida.

Another great option to become a Harley Davidson Motorcycles Service Technician is the Penn Foster Career School (pennfoster.edu). The institute offers online learning classes and classes through print publications. Students have access to instructors and a toll-free instructional support hotline. If necessary, Penn Foster can help potential students earn their GED. Motorcycle technician training can be completed in nine months and financial assistance is available.

Professional Career Development Institute is a nationally accredited correspondence school founded in 1987. PCDI does not require any educational prerequisites to get started as a motorcycle service and repair technician. Students learn about each part, each system and how the entire motorcycle works. Courses can be completed in a matter of months. Upon completion of training, graduates receive a nationally accredited diploma.

Harley Davidson is and always will be a legend when it comes to motorcycles. Over the course of the next decade, more and more people will be riding a Harley so the need for service technicians will increase.

Regardless of your choice of learning institution, becoming a certified Harley Davidson motorcycle repair and service technician can provide you with an exciting and rewarding career.

Benefits Of A Used Harley-davidson Motorcycle

Harley-Davidson motorcycles have been a beloved brand of motorcycles for many years. Thousands of people enjoy riding their Harleys on the open road with nothing but the sound of the wind blowing past their helmet and the roar of the engine rumbling beneath them. Since Harley-Davidson motorcycles are such a popular and high-quality brand of motorcycle, many people search for Harleys when shopping for a motorcycle. Though buying a brand new Harley may seem appealing, there are many benefits to buying a used Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

First, used Harleys tend to be a lot cheaper than brand new Harleys. Buying brand new vehicles over used vehicles almost always means getting what you want for a cheaper price. You can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars buying a used Harley instead of a brand new one.

You may think that this would also mean sacrificing quality to save that money, but this is not always the case. Many people who buy Harleys tend to take very good care of them. Harley-Davidson motorcycles are icons in the motorcycling community. Most people who own them take great pride in caring for their motorcycle, which will show when they try to resell it. However, many private sellers will have decent or even low prices with room for negotiation in order to sell it faster. Dealerships also lower their prices sometimes in order to move their products faster, but they tend to not have nearly as much room for negotiation nor do they tend to lower their prices very much on their own.

Second, many people buy Harleys to customize them for their own personalities and styles. There is a vast array of add-ons and customizations that motorcycle lovers add to their Harleys to make them unique and stylish. Some of these add-ons can cost thousands of dollars and they can be a great benefit to you both on the road and if you should ever choose to sell the motorcycle in the future.

More customization means more added to the price, but it is most likely much less than what you’d pay if you bought a brand new Harley and did all of that customization by yourself.

Third, Harleys tend to hold their value throughout the years. Any vehicle depreciates in value once it has been driven off the lot, but Harleys are beloved brands that tend to hold their values steady even after changing hands numerous times. As long as they are being cared for properly, depreciation isn’t a big issue with Harleys.

Fourth, you have the chance to see and buy a rare or discontinued Harley. There are quite a few models of Harley-Davidson motorcycles that have been discontinued and some that are incredibly rare. Looking for used Harley-Davidson motorcycles gives you a chance to find, ride and own a motorcycle that not many people have had the chance to ride on before, own or even see. You may even get lucky and buy a Harley that is very rare and worth more than you paid for it.

Fifth, buying used Harleys gives you a wider range of selection than buying a new Harley would. Dealerships tend to showcase the newer models and not the older models. This leaves you somewhat stuck with just looking at newer models and any models a dealer may want to push out the door. Searching through used Harley ads gives you a much wider selection of choices in terms of model, color, style and more.

Sixth, buying a used Harley gives you a chance to get personal opinions on how well the motorcycle runs. Some sellers may embellish on their motorcycles to make a sale, but most people are very honest about their experiences with the motorcycle. You can get an idea of how well it runs and how well the owner has taken care of it after some conversation.

You may believe a new motorcycle has no problems right out of the lot, but this is not true. Many people buy new motorcycles and vehicles only to find an issue or factory defect that the dealership never noticed before. Previous owners usually know all of the current and potential problems with their motorcycles before they try to sell them.

Finally, buying a used Harley-Davidson motorcycle saves you from the frustration and risks of buying from a dealership. Many vehicle dealerships in general, not just Harley-Davidson, tend to try and nudge their customers into buying certain things they don’t need like add-ons, options or insurance. They also may try to sneak additional fees into your payment. In addition, buying a new car from a dealership has quite a lot of paperwork and financial issues to discuss and work through.

Buying a used Harley from a private seller requires little trouble or paperwork. All you need to pay for when buying a used Harley is the new registration, a new tag and, of course, the title to the motorcycle. There’s no need to jump through any hoops or get pressured into buying any additional features. Just be sure to check the NADA motorcycle value before you buy.

Whether you are a motorcycle enthusiast, a collector or just someone looking to start off in the motorcycle world, a used Harley Davidson can be just the right motorcycle for you.

Little Known Motorcycle Winter Storage Tidbits

Come spring, do you want to slash a substantial percentage on your motorcycle maintenance budget? Every motorcycle owner should prepare his bike for winter, a season of inactivity. As we all know, can cause motorcycles a lot of maintenance issues if it is not thoroughly prepared for winter storage. Batteries for example, when not in use for a considerable time and leave it where it can freeze will cause the case to crack. Acid will come out of it and may spill on the bike. Just a drop of acid gets on the chain and will render it useless.

Wipe any grunge off the terminals of the battery and battery box. Spray on protectants to the connecting hardware and on the batterys terminals. Keep your battery plug into a charger like Battery Tender. If a Battery Tender is not yet on your budget, incrementally charge the battery overnight every other week. If your battery is the kind where it requires fluid to be added, fill it up to the brim before storing. If your battery just goes blah during winter time, a Harley Davidson maintenance-free battery is one favorable replacement if you can find one that is compatible with your model motorcycle.

These days a lot of gasoline they are peddling at the pumps contain ethanol. Ethanol absorbs water from the atmosphere. If you ride your motorcycle regularly during summer, a few tanks of gasoline burn and its accompanying by-product which is water will go straight out to the exhaust.

But when it is winter and the bike is inactive, the water just settles in the tank and fuel system. That results in all kinds of maintenance problems. The fuel and water will mix,creating gum-like deposits in the fuel nozzles and carburetor. Although adding a few drops of gas preservative or fuel stabilizer (Stabile and Sea Foam) into the tank before each fill up, might prevent gas tank corrosion.

Changing oil and filter at proper interval during cold months will prevent unwelcome by-products we call gunk from mixing into the oil. In warmer season the gunk just burns off when the engine starts to warm up.

But during winter, ambient frigid temperature wont help the engine to warm up enough to evaporate the gunk. So drain the the old oil and filter,replace it with new oil. Ride your bike around the block to be sure fresh oil has diluted the nasty by-product. Slosh it around and coat everything inside the tank.

Tires are also another thing to consider. Traction during winter is dodgy. So check tire pressure and tread depth. Use a reliable tire gauge. At least fifty percent of the tread left is minimum, before venturing out on a slimy slurry winter roads. Inflate tires at suggested maximum pressure.

To avoid developing flat spots on tires, get your motorcycle blocked up off its wheels by using a work stand. Roll the motorcycle or rotate the tires every other wheel if you cant get them off the floor. Store tires away from compressor,washing machines, freezer etc. away from all source of ozone.

If the brake fluid changes from its amber color to a darker hue, it means the brake fluid has absorbed that much water. It should be also be replaced. Same with hydraulically operated clutches wherein accumulated fluid impairs clutch dis-engagement particularly when engine is hot. Before storing the bike or right before riding it again, either way, old brake fluid should be replaced.

If a weekly rub-a dub on your motorcycle is not convenient, hit the do-it-yourself car wash. After that, make sure your motorcycle is thoroughly dry by taking a long fast ride. An effective way to get all the nooks and crannies dry out.

Apply wax to painted parts and chrome polish the chrome components. Replace the lubricants of cables,chain,control lever,drive shaft,locks,linkages,saddle hinges etc. Move it in a circular motion as you apply the lube just to get it into mechanism. Buy a variety of lubricants like WD40,LPS3 or S100 corrosion protectant, Maximas chain wax and other smaller components can be lube with with vaseline. Exhaust pipes could be sprayed with WD40. Keep the lubes away from tires,grips and foot pegs.

Dirt, dust,road salt absorb moisture and are corrosive. It will eventually damage paint and metal. So to forestall rust, corrosion and aesthetic damage to your motorcycle, bucket wash and wipe clean your bike regularly.

So in conclusion, any moisture, water,gunk,contaminants or whatever you may want to describe the corrosive compounds that can invade your carburetor, fuel tanks,exhaust pipes, fuel nozzles etc. will send many motorcycle owners to their mechanics every spring and the repair costs is often quite enormous. So thoroughly prepare your motorcycle for long months of inactivity so that when riding season starts again, you wont need to have your bike checked by your mechanic.

Crash Bars A Wise Investment for Your New Motorcycle

A question often asked is “what’s the first accessory I should buy for my motorcycle?” A good set of crash bars or highway bars, as some call them, is a great place to start. The crash bars are designed to protect your motorcycle in low speed (under 15mph) tip overs.

I have witnessed instances where crash or highway bars have limited damage to the motorcycle and the rider at speeds up to 30 MPH when the rider low sided from over-braking the rear brake and then slid along the ground. Crash bars can keep the bike from laying flat on its side on top of the rider’s leg in that type of incident. These bars will also keep the rider from getting trapped under the motorcycle in a parking lot tip-over and make it a lot easier to pick your bike up in that type of event.

Keep in mind that every manufacturer of these bars includes a disclaimer that states they are not designed to protect the rider and should not be relied upon for that purpose, in other words, the usual lawyer stuff. The reason for these disclaimers is partly due to a lawsuit filed some years ago when someone slammed into a bus at 70 MPH and then suffered severe injuries, even though his motorcycle was equipped with crash bars. The lawyer may have argued that a reasonable person should conclude that crash bars should prevent crashes and injury to the rider. In any case, they won’t prevent crashes, but you that you are much better off with them than without them. Generally, the wider the bar, the more they protect the bike in a low speed tip-over and if you can get the rear crash bars as well as fronts, that is even better.

The crash bars made by Harley Davidson that come standard on the Road King as well as the Standard bars on the Kawasaki Nomad are among the best around. Both of these models can be dropped at parking lot speeds all day long with no damage to the bike. This fact will come in handy when practicing your low speed maneuvers and should help take away your fear of taking an MSF Experienced Rider course or a Rider Skills Improvement Course. If you wrap some heater hose and duct tape around the bottom of the bars you do not even have to worry about scratches.

Along with Kawasaki and Harley Davidson, there are many after-market companies manufacturing highway and crash bars for just about all cruisers.

Once you bolt a set of crash bars on your bike it is a good idea to gently lay the motorcycle over onto the bars and check how well they will protect your bike. Have someone there to help you with this test in case you have trouble lifting the bike up by yourself.

Keep your head and eyes up, and look where you want to go, the motorcycle will follow.

Benefits Of A Used Harley-davidson Motorcycle – Copy

Harley-Davidson motorcycles have been a beloved brand of motorcycles for many years. Thousands of people enjoy riding their Harleys on the open road with nothing but the sound of the wind blowing past their helmet and the roar of the engine rumbling beneath them. Since Harley-Davidson motorcycles are such a popular and high-quality brand of motorcycle, many people search for Harleys when shopping for a motorcycle. Though buying a brand new Harley may seem appealing, there are many benefits to buying a used Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

First, used Harleys tend to be a lot cheaper than brand new Harleys. Buying brand new vehicles over used vehicles almost always means getting what you want for a cheaper price. You can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars buying a used Harley instead of a brand new one.

You may think that this would also mean sacrificing quality to save that money, but this is not always the case. Many people who buy Harleys tend to take very good care of them. Harley-Davidson motorcycles are icons in the motorcycling community. Most people who own them take great pride in caring for their motorcycle, which will show when they try to resell it. However, many private sellers will have decent or even low prices with room for negotiation in order to sell it faster. Dealerships also lower their prices sometimes in order to move their products faster, but they tend to not have nearly as much room for negotiation nor do they tend to lower their prices very much on their own.

Second, many people buy Harleys to customize them for their own personalities and styles. There is a vast array of add-ons and customizations that motorcycle lovers add to their Harleys to make them unique and stylish. Some of these add-ons can cost thousands of dollars and they can be a great benefit to you both on the road and if you should ever choose to sell the motorcycle in the future.

More customization means more added to the price, but it is most likely much less than what you’d pay if you bought a brand new Harley and did all of that customization by yourself.

Third, Harleys tend to hold their value throughout the years. Any vehicle depreciates in value once it has been driven off the lot, but Harleys are beloved brands that tend to hold their values steady even after changing hands numerous times. As long as they are being cared for properly, depreciation isn’t a big issue with Harleys.

Fourth, you have the chance to see and buy a rare or discontinued Harley. There are quite a few models of Harley-Davidson motorcycles that have been discontinued and some that are incredibly rare. Looking for used Harley-Davidson motorcycles gives you a chance to find, ride and own a motorcycle that not many people have had the chance to ride on before, own or even see. You may even get lucky and buy a Harley that is very rare and worth more than you paid for it.

Fifth, buying used Harleys gives you a wider range of selection than buying a new Harley would. Dealerships tend to showcase the newer models and not the older models. This leaves you somewhat stuck with just looking at newer models and any models a dealer may want to push out the door. Searching through used Harley ads gives you a much wider selection of choices in terms of model, color, style and more.

Sixth, buying a used Harley gives you a chance to get personal opinions on how well the motorcycle runs. Some sellers may embellish on their motorcycles to make a sale, but most people are very honest about their experiences with the motorcycle. You can get an idea of how well it runs and how well the owner has taken care of it after some conversation.

You may believe a new motorcycle has no problems right out of the lot, but this is not true. Many people buy new motorcycles and vehicles only to find an issue or factory defect that the dealership never noticed before. Previous owners usually know all of the current and potential problems with their motorcycles before they try to sell them.

Finally, buying a used Harley-Davidson motorcycle saves you from the frustration and risks of buying from a dealership. Many vehicle dealerships in general, not just Harley-Davidson, tend to try and nudge their customers into buying certain things they don’t need like add-ons, options or insurance. They also may try to sneak additional fees into your payment. In addition, buying a new car from a dealership has quite a lot of paperwork and financial issues to discuss and work through.

Buying a used Harley from a private seller requires little trouble or paperwork. All you need to pay for when buying a used Harley is the new registration, a new tag and, of course, the title to the motorcycle. There’s no need to jump through any hoops or get pressured into buying any additional features. Just be sure to check the NADA motorcycle value before you buy.

Whether you are a motorcycle enthusiast, a collector or just someone looking to start off in the motorcycle world, a used Harley Davidson can be just the right motorcycle for you.