Motorcycle Mechanic

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Motorcycle Mechanics work on motorcycles and other units such as motor scooters and all-terrain units. They inspect, clean, test, assemble, diagnose, maintain and repair engines, transmissions, drive systems, steering assemblies, braking systems, chassis, suspension, electrical systems, vehicle management systems, fuel systems and exhaust systems.[1]

The Motorcycle Mechanic Occupational Standard

In Canada, the Motorcycle Mechanic trade is (as of Feb 2020) defined by the 2012 Motorcycle Mechanic Red Seal National Occupational Analysis (NOA). This Occupational Standards document is created and updated in consultation with tradespersons and it officially defines what is meant by "scope of the trade." All Red Seal Exam questions are drawn from the sub-tasks outlined in the Occupational Standards document.

The 2012 NOA identifies nine "Blocks" of major work activities:

  • BLOCK A Common Occupational Skills
  • BLOCK B Chassis and Suspension
  • BLOCK C Wheels and Tires
  • BLOCK D Brakes
  • BLOCK E Engines
  • BLOCK F Power Transfer
  • BLOCK G Electrical Systems
  • BLOCK H Vehicle Management Systems
  • BLOCK I Fuel and Exhaust Systems

These Blocks are further broken down into Tasks and Sub-tasks.

The Occupational Analysis document details what percentage of Red Seal exam questions will come from each block.

Motorcycle Mechanic Pie chart.PNG

It also contains:

The Occupational Standard is a formal document not intended for aspiring tradespersons, but it is a valuable guide for anyone preparing to challenge the Red Seal exam.

Motorcycle Mechanic Red Seal Exam Study Guide

The purpose of this Study Guide is to assist aspiring tradespersons to prepare and study for the Motorcycle Mechanic Red Seal examination. 

Motorcycle Mechanic Red Seal Exam Readiness Self-Assessment

The Motorcycle Mechanic Red Seal Exam Self-Assessment is a fill-able PDF that lists all the Motorcycle Mechanic sub-tasks and lets you assess which ones you know and which ones you need to focus your study efforts on.

Motorcycle Mechanic Red Seal Exam Practice Exam Questions

The Red Seal site offers sample questions to help aspiring tradespersons to prepare for the exam.

Recommended Motorcycle Mechanic Textbooks

Motorcycles: Fundamentals, Service and Repair. (2020) by Chris Grissom, Matt Spitzer, Bruce A Johns, and David D Edmundson. Published by Goodheart-Wilcox (Chicago). ISBN: 978-1-63563-697-

Some chapters are available free as a Look Inside feature on the publisher website. Chapter 2: Shop Safety and Environmental Protection and Chapter 16: Wheels and Tires.

Modern Motorcycle Technology – 3rd Edition (2015) by Edward Abdo. Published by Cengage (Boston) / Distributed by Nelson (Scarborough). ISBN: 1305497457

A Student Skill Guide support e-book is available free on the publisher website (but you need to register an account and provide credit card info that they promise they will not charge). ISBN: 1305497481

You can also find a whole series of older chapters from the same author posted free on the Indian Motorcycle website.

Study Resources by Major Work Activity Block

Study Resources for Block A: Common Occupational Skills
Block/Task/Sub-task Textbook:

Modern Motorcycle (2017)

Textbook:

Motorcycles Fundamentals (2020)

A      COMMON OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS (10 Exam Questions) Chapter 2: Safety First (1, 2.01)

Chapter 3: Tools (2.06)

Chapter 19: Motorcycle Maintenance and Emission Controls (2.02, 2.05)

Ch 2: Shop Safety and Environmental Protection (1, 2.01)

Ch 3: Tools and Shop Equipment (2.06)

Ch 24: Tune-Up and Periodic Maintenance (2.02, 2.05)

Task 1 - Performs safety-related functions (4 Exam Questions)
1.01 Maintains safe work environment
1.02 Uses personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety equipment.
Task 2 - Performs routine work practices (6 Exam Questions)
2.01   Uses trade-related consumables
2.02   Performs periodic maintenance
2.03   Performs storage procedures
2.04   Prepares new units
2.05   Conducts safety inspections
2.06   Maintains tools and equipment
2.07   Verifies repairs
2.08   Prepares reports and recommendations
ADDITIONAL STUDY RESOURCES
Source Organization Resource (hyperlinked) Relevant Sub-Task
BC Campus's Shareable Online Learning Resouces (SOL*R) Trades Access Common Core Open (Free) Textbooks

Competency A-1: Control Workplace Hazards

Competency A-3: Handle Hazardous Materials Safely

Competency A-4: Describe Personal Safety Practices

Competency A-5: Describe Fire Safety

Task 1
Study Resources for Block B: Chassis and Suspension
Block/Task/Sub-task Textbook:

Modern Motorcycle (2017)

Textbook:

Motorcycles Fundamentals (2020)

B      CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION (14 Exam Questions)
Task 3 Diagnoses chassis and components (3 Exam Questions) Chapter 17: Frames and Suspension (4, 6)

Chapter 19: Motorcycle Maintenance and Emission Controls (3, 4)

Chapter 20: Motorcycle Troubleshooting (3, 5)

Chapter 6: Diagnostic Procedures and Service Information (3, 5)

Chapter 18: Frame, Chassis and Suspension Systems (4, 6)

Chapter 24: Tune-Up and Periodic Maintenance (4)

3.01    Diagnoses frame
3.02    Diagnoses steering head
3.03    Diagnoses handle bars, foot rests and controls
3.04    Diagnoses ancillary and accessory components
Task 4  Services chassis and components (4 Exam Questions)
4.01    Services frame
4.02    Services steering head
4.03    Services handle bars, foot rests and controls
4.04    Services ancillary and accessory components
Task 5  Diagnoses suspension (3 Exam Questions)
5.01    Diagnoses front suspension components
5.02    Diagnoses rear suspension components
5.03    Diagnoses swing arm
Task 6  Services suspension system (4 Exam Questions)
6.01    Services front suspension components
6.02    Services rear suspension components
6.03    Services swing arm
ADDITIONAL STUDY RESOURCES
Source Organization Resource (hyperlinked) Relevant Sub-Task (and comments)
RideApart is Motorsport Network's motorcycle platform Article: The Basics: Modern Motorcycle Suspension 5.01, 5.02, 6.01, 6.02
Motochassis by Tony Foale - Expert engineer blogger Articles

Youtube Channel

all
HappyWrench.com

The World's Happiest DIY Motorcycle Repair Blog

Article: MOTORCYCLE SUSPENSION TERMS GLOSSARY 5.01, 5.02, 6.01, 6.02
BoiseRiders.net

The Motorcycle Community for Boise, Idaho

Forum Article: Motorcycle Suspension 101 - A complete guide for riders 5.01, 5.02, 6.01, 6.02
Study Resources for Block C: Wheels and Tires
Block/Task/Sub-task Textbook:

Modern Motorcycle (2017)

Textbook:

Motorcycles Fundamentals (2020)

C      WHEELS AND TIRES (12 Exam Questions) Chapter 18: Brakes, Wheels, and Tires (7, 8)

Chapter 20: Motorcycle Troubleshooting (7)

Chapter 6: Diagnostic Procedures and Service Information (7)

Chapter 16: Wheels and Tires (7, 8)

Task 7 - Diagnoses wheels and tires (6 Exam Questions)
7.01  Diagnoses tires
7.02  Diagnoses spoked wheels
7.03  Diagnosis one piece wheels
7.04  Diagnoses multi-piece wheels
Task 8 - Services wheels and tires (6 Exam Questions)
8.01  Services tires
8.02  Services spoked wheels
8.03  Services one piece wheels
8.04   Services multi-piece wheels
ADDITIONAL STUDY RESOURCES
Source Organization Resource (hyperlinked) Relevant Sub-Task (and comments)
Purpose Built Moto, Australia, custom parts Artcle: Building spoked wheels 7.02, 8.02
Rocky Mountian ATV/MC, Utah, parts, gear Article and Video: How to Balance a Motorcycle Tire and Wheel
Tyre Leader, European online tire sales Article with Videos: One Piece vs Multi-Piece Wheels 7.03, 7.04, 8.03, 8.04
Study Resources for Block D: Brakes
Block/Task/Sub-task Textbook:

Modern Motorcycle (2017)

Textbook:

Motorcycles Fundamentals (2020)

D      BRAKES (13 Exam Questions) Chapter 18: Brakes, Wheels, and Tires (9, 10)

Chapter 20: Motorcycle Troubleshooting (9)

Chapter 6: Diagnostic Procedures and Service Information (9)

Chapter 17: Brakes (9, 10)

Task 9  Diagnoses braking systems (6 Exam Questions)
9.01   Diagnoses hydraulic braking systems
9.02   Diagnoses mechanical braking systems
9.03   Diagnoses braking control systems
Task 10  Services braking systems (7 Exam Questions)
10.01  Services hydraulic braking systems
10.02  Services mechanical braking systems
10.03  Services braking control systems
ADDITIONAL STUDY RESOURCES
Source Organization Resource (hyperlinked) Relevant Sub-Task (and comments)
Motorcycle Cruiser Website Bonnier Corp Article: How Hydraulic Disc Brakes Work and How To Improve Them 9.01, 10.01
WonderHowTo.com Videos: How to repair motorcycle brakes all
DoItYourself.com Article: How to Replace Motorcycle Brakes and Rotors all
YouTube Al's Garage Motorcycle Enthusiast Video: How a Motorcycle Drum Brake Works all
YouTube J&P Cycles Harley-Davidson Aftermarket Retailer Video: Motorcycle Brakes Guide all
Study Resources for Block E: ENGINES
Block/Task/Sub-task Textbook:

Modern Motorcycle (2017)

Textbook:

Motorcycles Fundamentals (2020)

E      ENGINES (19 Exam Questions) Chapter 5: Intro to Basic Engine Operation and Configurations

Chapter 6: Internal Combustion Engines

Chapter 7: Lubrication and Cooling Systems

Chapter 10: Two-Stroke Engine Top End Inspections

Chapter 11: Two-Stroke Engine Lower End Inspections

Chapter 12: Four-Stroke Engine Top End Inspections

Chapter 13: Four-Stroke Engine Lower End Inspections

Chapter 20: Motorcycle Troubleshooting

Chapter 6: Diagnostic Procedures and Service Information

Chapter 8: Engines

Chapter 11: Lubrication Systems

Chapter 12: Cooling Systems

Chapter 20: Engine and Power Transmission Disassembly

Chapter 21: Two-Stroke Engine Overhaul

Chapter 22: Four-Stroke Engine Overhaul

Task 11  Diagnoses two-stroke and four stroke engines (9 Exam Questions)
11.01  Diagnoses cylinder heads
11.02  Diagnoses valve systems on two-stroke engine
11.03  Diagnoses valve train on four-stroke engine
11.04  Diagnoses cylinders and pistons
11.05  Diagnoses crankshaft assembly
11.06  Diagnoses counterbalance assemblies
11.07  Diagnoses engine cases
11.08  Diagnoses lubrication system
11.09  Diagnoses cooling system
Task 12  Services two-stroke and four stroke engines (10 Exam Questions)
12.01  Services cylinder heads
12.02  Services valve systems on two-stroke engine
12.03  Services valve train on four-stroke engine
12.04  Services cylinders and pistons
12.05  Services crankshaft assembly
12.06  Services counterbalance assemblies
12.07  Services engine cases
12.08  Services lubrication system
12.09  Services cooling system
ADDITIONAL STUDY RESOURCES
Source Organization Resource (hyperlinked) Relevant Sub-Task (and comments)
Indian MotorcycleHomepage Chapter: Motorcycle Troubleshooting by Ed Abdo

(author of Modern Motorcycle textbook)

Cyclepedia Fix It Yourself DIY and Manuals press & site Four-Stroke Motorcycle Troubleshooting Guide
Alamance-Burlington High School in North Carolina Article: Intro to Engine Repair
DoItYourself.com A Guide to Troubleshooting a Motorcycle Engine Diagnostics System
YouTube Al's Garage Motorcycle Enthusiast Video: From cylinder to clutch to transmission: a complete Motorcycle Engine explained
Study Resources for Block F: POWER TRANSFER
Block/Task/Sub-task Textbook:

Modern Motorcycle (2017)

Textbook:

Motorcycles Fundamentals (2020)

F      POWER TRANSFER (16 Exam Questions) Chapter 7: Lubrication and Cooling Systems

Chapter 9: Drives, Clutches, and Transmissions (14, 16, 18)

Chapter 19: Motorcycle Maintenance and Emission Controls

Chapter 20: Motorcycle Troubleshooting (13, 15, 17)

Chapter 6: Diagnostic Procedures and Service Information

Chapter 19: Power Transmission Systems

Chapter 20: Engine and Power Transmission Disassembly

Chapter 23: Power Transmission Overhaul

Task 13  Diagnoses clutches and primary drive
13.01  Diagnoses primary drive gears
13.02  Diagnoses primary drive chains and sprockets
13.03  Diagnoses primary drive belts and pulleys
13.04  Diagnoses manual clutches
13.05  Diagnoses automatic clutches
13.06  Diagnoses kick start
Task 14  Services clutches and primary drive (2 Exam Questions)
14.01  Services primary drive gears
14.02  Services primary drive chains and sprockets
14.03  Services primary drive belts and pulleys
14.04  Services manual clutches
14.05  Services automatic clutches
14.06  Services kick start
Task 15  Diagnoses transmissions (3 Exam Questions)
15.01  Diagnoses constant mesh transmissions
15.02  Diagnoses variable ratio belt transmissions
15.03  Diagnoses automatic transmissions
Task 16  Services transmissions (3 Exam Questions)
16.01  Services constant mesh transmissions
16.02  Services variable ratio belt transmissions
16.03  Services automatic transmissions
Task 17  Diagnoses final drive (2 Exam Questions)
17.01  Diagnoses final drive chains and sprockets
17.02  Diagnoses final drive shaft and gears
17.03  Diagnoses final drive belts and pulleys
Task 18  Services final drive (3 Exam Questions)
18.01  Services final drive chains and sprockets
18.02  Services final drive shaft and gears
18.03  Services final drive belts and pulleys
ADDITIONAL STUDY RESOURCES
Source Organization Resource (hyperlinked) Relevant Sub-Task (and comments)
Motorcyclistonline (Bonnier Corp) Article and Video: Motorcycle Clutches: The Friction Factor
Ben Place Auto shop, Montreal Tables: General Clutch Diagnosis and Solution
BikesMediaenthusiasts site, India Article: Difference Between Primary Drive and Final Drive
Indian MotorcycleHomepage Chapter: Clutches, Transmissions, and Drives by Ed Abdo

(author of Modern Motorcycle textbook)

HowStuffWorks.com Auto Article: How Motorcycles Work - Motorcycle Transmission
YouTube Al's Garage Motorcycle Enthusiast Video: How a Motorcycle Transmission Works
Study Resources for Block G: ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Block/Task/Sub-task Textbook:

Modern Motorcycle (2017)

Textbook:

Motorcycles Fundamentals (2020)

G    ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS (19 Exam Questions) Chapter 14: Electrical Fundamentals

Chapter 15: Motorcycle Charging Systems

and DC Circuits

Chapter 16: Ignition and Electric Starter Systems

Chapter 20: Motorcycle Troubleshooting

Chapter 6: Diagnostic Procedures and Service Information

Chapter 7: Basic Electrical and Electronic Theory

Chapter 10:Ignition Systems

Chapter 14: Battery and Charging Systems

Chapter 15: Electrical Accessory Systems

Task 19  Diagnoses electrical systems (12 Exam Questions)
19.01  Diagnoses battery and charging system
19.02  Diagnoses ancillary and accessory components
19.03  Diagnoses wiring harness
19.04  Diagnoses ignition system
19.05  Diagnoses starting system
Task 20  Services electrical systems (7 Exam Questions)
20.01  Services battery and charging system
20.02  Services ancillary and accessory components
20.03  Services wiring harness
20.04  Services ignition system
20.05  Services starting system
ADDITIONAL STUDY RESOURCES
Source Organization Resource (hyperlinked) Relevant Sub-Task (and comments)
BC Campus's Shareable Online Learning Resouces (SOL*R) Competency E-1: Describe the Basic Principles of Electricty
BC Campus's Shareable Online Learning Resouces (SOL*R) Competency E-2: Identify Common Circuit Components and their Symbols:
The Motorcycle Anchor shop (RIP Marc Glasgow) The Motorcycle Electrical Diagnosis Page
Dennis KirkMotorcycle Shop, Minnesota Article: How to Diagnose Motorcycle Problems
Motorcycle MD Enthusiast Blog Article: Charging System DIY
YouTube Shane Martin random guy Video: Guide To Motorcycle Electrical Systems
YouTube How to Moto DIY Motorcycle repair Video: [How It Works] Motorcycle Charging System
Study Resources for Block H: VEHICLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Block/Task/Sub-task Textbook:

Modern Motorcycle (2017)

Textbook:

Motorcycles Fundamentals (2020)

H    VEHICLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (12 Exam Questions) Chapter 8: Fuel and Engine Management Systems

Chapter 15: Motorcycle Charging Systems and DC Circuits

Chapter 20: Motorcycle Troubleshooting

Chapter 6: Diagnostic Procedures and Service Information

Chapter 15: Electrical Accessory Systems

Task 21 Diagnoses vehicle management systems (6 Exam Questions)
21.01  Read fault codes
21.02  Interprets test results
Task 22 Services vehicle management systems (6 Exam Questions)
22.01  Tests system circuitry and components
22.02  Services system circuitry and components
ADDITIONAL STUDY RESOURCES
Source Organization Resource (hyperlinked)
Motorcycle Cruiser Website Bonnier Corp Article with video: Basic Electronic Troubleshooting
Motorcycle MD Enthusiast Blog Article: Charging System DIY
Cyclepedia Fix It Yourself site Article with Video: Motorcycle Starter System Troubleshooting
Youtube Shane Conley from Western Iowa Tech Motorcycle and Powersports Program Video: How to test ALL the motorcycle charging system components also found on ATV UTV
Study Resources for Block I: FUEL AND EXHAUST SYSTEMS
Block/Task/Sub-task Textbook:

Modern Motorcycle (2017)

Textbook:

Motorcycles Fundamentals (2020)

I      FUEL AND EXHAUST SYSTEMS (15 Exam Questions) Chapter 7: Lubrication and Cooling Systems

Chapter 8: Fuel and Engine Management Systems

Chapter 10: Two-Stroke Engine Top-End Inspection

Chapter 19: Motorcycle Maintenance and Emission Controls

Chapter 20: Motorcycle Troubleshooting

Chapter 6: Diagnostic Procedures and Service Information

Chapter 9: Fuel Systems

Chapter 13: Exhaust Systems and Emissions Control

Chapter 24: Tune-Up and Periodic Maintenance

Task 23  Diagnoses fuel and exhaust systems (9 Exam Questions)
23.01  Diagnoses fuel tanks and components
23.02  Diagnoses air delivery systems
23.03  Diagnoses carburetor systems
23.04  Diagnoses fuel injection systems
23.05  Diagnoses exhaust system
Task 24  Services fuel and exhaust systems (6 Exam Questions)
24.01  Services fuel tanks and components
24.02  Services air delivery systems
24.03  Services carburetor systems
24.04  Services fuel injection systems
24.05  Services exhaust system
ADDITIONAL STUDY RESOURCES
Source Organization Resource (hyperlinked) Relevant Sub-Task (and comments)
The Ride Advice Site Article with Video: Understanding How Motorcycle Exhausts Work
FortNine Canadian Motorcycle Gear Retailer Article with Video: Slip-on Exhausts vs. Full Systems
LiveAboutDotCom part of .Dash Companies, lifestyle Article: How to Diagnose Carburetor Problems in Your Motorcycle
How To Motorcycle Repair.com Enthusiast Blog Article with Video: How-To: Diagnose Motorcycle Vacuum Leaks
YouTube J&P Cycles Harley-Davidson Aftermarket Retailer Video: Motorcycle Exhaust - Different Styles & How They Work

YouTube How-To Channels for the Motorcycle Mechanic Trade

Motochassis by Tony Foale

Al's Garage

J&P Cycles is the world's largest retailer of aftermarket motorcycle parts and accessories for your Harley-Davidson® and metric motorcycles.

How to Moto DIY Motorcycle Repair

Blogs, Magazines and Other Publications for the Motorcycle Mechanic trade

BoiseRiders.netThe Motorcycle Community for Boise, Idaho

Bonnier Corporation "Redefining what a media company can be"

-- CycleWorld (Bonnier Corp)

-- Motorcyclist (Bonnier Corp)

-- Motorcycle Cruiser (Bonnier Corp)

Cyclepedia Press Motorcycle Manuals and DIY support

HappyWrench.com The World's Happiest DIY Motorcycle Repair Blog Purpose Built Moto, Australia, custom parts

How To Motorcycle Repair.com Enthusiast Blog

Motorcycle MD Enthusiast Blog

RideApart is Motorsport Network's motorcycle platform

Rocky Mountian ATV/MC, Utah, parts, gear