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 also details what percentage of Red Seal exam questions will come from each block.

 

It also contains:

  • a glossary of terms commonly used in the trade
  • a list of common acronyms used in the trade

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 Readiness Self-Assessment

File:Motorcycle Mechanic Self Assessment Guide.pdf

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 Study Guide

Study Guide Overview

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

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).

Modern Motorcycle Technology – 3rd Edition (2017) by Edward Adbo. Published by Cengage (Boston) / Distributed by Nelson (Scarborough).

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

Modern Motorcycle

Textbook:

Motorcycles Fundamentals

A      COMMON OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS (10 Exam Questions)
Task 1 - Performs safety-related functions (4 Exam Questions) Chapter 2 Chapter 2
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) Chapter 2 Chapter 2
2.01   Uses trade-related consumables
2.02   Performs periodic maintenance Chapter 19
2.03   Performs storage procedures
2.04   Prepares new units Chapter 2
2.05   Conducts safety inspections
2.06   Maintains tools and equipment Chapter 3 Chapter 3
2.07   Verifies repairs Chapter 1 Chapter 2
2.08   Prepares reports and recommendations Chapter 3
ADDITIONAL STUDY RESOURCES
Source Organization Resource (hyperlinked)
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

Textbook Reference Guide for Block A: Common Occupational Skills
Block/Task/Sub-task Textbook:

Modern Motorcycle

Textbook:

Motorcycles Fundamentals

B      CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION
Task 3 Diagnoses chassis and components
3.01    Diagnoses frame