How Long Does A Typical Motorcycle Repair Take

Ever dreamed of opening your ain motorcycle repair shop? If you have a passion for the industry and are eager to share it with others, this could be the perfect career path.

As with whatever business, starting a motorcycle store of your own takes time, delivery and determination to become things off the ground. Success requires a strategic plan, and it can be helpful to learn from those who have paved the road before you.

MMI grad Jim Drew is a perfect instance of someone who's created their own path in the motorcycle industry. Subsequently graduating from Motorcycle Mechanics Found in 2011, Jim opened up a shop of his own called Hingham Bicycle, which he still runs today.

Continue reading to larn all about Jim's story, as well as his tips for aspiring motorcycle techs and store owners.

Go to Know Jim Drew

Jim'due south passion for motorcycles started when he was very immature. He grew up riding clay bikes effectually his house and spending time with his dad and his friends, who were as well motorbike enthusiasts. As soon as Jim got his permit, he began riding on the street and has been riding always since.

While Jim had e'er loved motorcycles, he didn't pursue it as his career in the first. He spent time working on vehicles and equipment for various industries, including construction and holding management.

In 2009, however, Jim decided information technology was fourth dimension for a career change. He wanted to pause into the motorbike manufacture, and knew he needed formal preparation if he wanted to turn it into his total-time career.

Having spent time around the motorcycle scene, Jim was familiar with Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and knew several people who had attended the school. He started researching different schools and eventually decided that MMI was the correct place for him.

"What drew me to MMI was the fact that the programs had manufacturer backing," he shares.

Jim didn't know exactly where he wanted to take his career at the time, but he decided that condign a factory-trained technician would be the best option for him, equally it could open the door to a career at a dealership or give him the credibility he needed to open his own shop afterward down the road.

Training for the Motorcycle Manufacture

In the fall of 2009, Jim packed his bags and headed to Florida to outset his training at MMI Orlando!

His prior experience was mostly in working on Harley-Davidson bikes, but MMI gave him the opportunity to connect with people from all kinds of backgrounds. "I fabricated a lot of smashing connections that I yet go along in touch with today," he says.

Co-ordinate to Jim, the relationships he formed while at MMI are ane of his near valuable takeaways. If he ever comes across something he'due south unfamiliar with, he has people he can phone call on who volition betoken him in the right management. "Y'all can't put a price tag on that," he shares.

As far every bit his training goes, Jim loved spending time in the classroom and lab. According to him, the classrooms were laid out nicely, the bikes were in good status and in that location were plenty of tools to become effectually for all of the students. His but complaint was that he wishes the days were longer!

Jim besides enjoyed learning from his instructors. "The staff was extremely knowledgeable and willing to help you with what y'all were doing in form or that projection you had going on at home," he says.

From MMI Pupil to Shop Owner

After graduating from MMI in 2011, Jim headed back home to Massachusetts and immediately began working on the layout and build of his showtime shop. He graduated in September, and in November, Hingham Cycle was born!¹

successful motorcycle shop interior

"It was all a learning process in the start," he shares. Jim had to larn how to adjust his shop in a style that optimized efficiency as well every bit all of the things that come with being a business possessor, such as developing work orders, agreement the legal diction of service authorizations and finding the best suppliers for parts.

Jim enjoyed the procedure and seeing his dream come up to life. When he beginning opened, he worked on whatsoever and everything—no affair the manufacturer or blazon of piece of work it was. For a period of fourth dimension, he had a handful of employees who helped him with the growing amount of piece of work coming in.

Eventually, Jim decided to calibration back and make the transition from a public to a private shop so he could focus more on his truthful passion—working on bikes. Now, he works with a select group of clients, many of whom he has had from the very beginning.

Transitioning to a private business organization model has immune Jim to provide the best care for each one of his clients. Whenever they accept a problem, they can telephone call him and within 24 hours, he has their bike on the lift.

"I wanted to take care of the people who were taking care of me," Jim shares. While he never turns a bullheaded eye to anyone who comes through his door, his clients are his number one priority.

From oil changes, brakes, and tires to detailing and installing accessories like stereos and speakers, Jim does information technology all. He has even expanded into automotive work, as many of his clients accept vintage cars, classic cars and hot rods they need serviced.

Jim handles all of the store's paperwork with the help of his wife, who also assists with meeting with customers and discussing the types of piece of work they demand done.

How to Manage Seasonality in the Motorcycle Industry

Whatever motorbike enthusiast knows that this industry is seasonal, which has the potential to create challenges for shop owners.

According to Jim, March through July tend to exist busier months every bit they coincide with riding flavor, and things start to ho-hum down effectually the terminate of August. Piece of work tends to selection up effectually Oct, just slows dorsum down during the winter months.

And then how can shop owners effectively manage the busy flavour while maintaining a steady menses of piece of work through the winter?

Jim has found that the all-time mode to manage seasonality is to keep detailed records of each one of his customers throughout the yr. Typically, he reaches out to his customers in September and encourages them to bring their bikes in for repairs they may have put off during riding season.

Past following this method, Jim is able to work on projects during the winter and lighten his workload during the spring (which is typically very decorated). This besides makes it so that his clients' bikes are set up to go when riding season rolls around.

Not-Traditional Careers for Motorcycle Techs

Many technicians are passionate about the motorcycle manufacture, but don't necessarily see themselves working in a traditional dealership. Fortunately, in that location are plenty of other opportunities out there—it just requires creativity and bulldoze.

Jim encourages technicians to "think exterior the box" when it comes to building your career in the motorcycle industry.

If y'all don't want to take the dealership route, consider working for a small independent store. Some other option is to talk to your local police department and find out who services their bikes, which is exactly what Jim did for a menstruum of time.

Motorbike technicians may also observe success working with a local riding club, or even ownership a trailer and offering mobile services for clients. For those who have an entrepreneurial spirit like Jim, opening a brick and mortar repair shop may be the perfect option.

"No thing what you lot want to do, there's a fashion to arrive work," Jim shares. "You're only limited past your imagination and willingness to prove that your idea tin work.

Tips for Success

When it comes to succeeding in the motorcycle manufacture, passion is central. "You have to consume, breathe and sleep motorcycles," Jim says.

Another important attribute of edifice a career in this field is reputation. "Whatever piece of work you lot put your name on, make sure it's something yous're proud of," Jim shares. It takes time and difficult work to build a good reputation, only the end issue is worth information technology—especially if you're looking to start your own business.

Lastly, Jim encourages aspiring store owners to not be afraid to network with the other shops in your area. While they may exist competition, it will but benefit yous to have a good human relationship with them. Always treat people with respect—y'all never know when you'll need their assistance or vice versa.

In the future, Jim hopes to continue growing his business organization and serving his clients. He eventually would like to attain the point where people recognize him by his logo lone! Jim also hopes that his three children take an involvement in motorcycles and go along his legacy through his store.

Overall, Jim's story is an amazing example of where passion and hard work can take you lot in the motorbike industry. If yous have the drive, in that location'south no telling where you can go!

Gain Specialized Grooming at MMI

MMI makes it easy to construction your training program as you ready for your career in the motorbike industry. To larn more, visit our school page and request informationto get in touch with an admissions representative today.