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: Safety First Chapter 2: Shop Safety and

Environmental Protection

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: Safety First Chapter 2: Shop Safety and

Environmental Protection

2.01   Uses trade-related consumables
2.02   Performs periodic maintenance Chapter 19: Motorcycle Maintenance

and Emission Controls

2.03   Performs storage procedures
2.04   Prepares new units Chapter 2: Safety First
2.05   Conducts safety inspections
2.06   Maintains tools and equipment Chapter 3: Tools Chapter 3: Tools and

Shop Equipment

2.07   Verifies repairs Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Shop Safety and

Environmental Protection

2.08   Prepares reports and recommendations Chapter 3: Tools
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

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

Modern Motorcycle

Textbook:

Motorcycles Fundamentals

B      CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION (14 Exam Questions)
Task 3 Diagnoses chassis and components (3 Exam Questions) Chapter 17: Frames and Suspension
3.01    Diagnoses frame Chapter 20
3.02    Diagnoses steering head Chapter 19

Chapter 20

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) Chapter 17
4.01    Services frame Chapter 20
4.02    Services steering head Chapter 19

Chapter 20

4.03    Services handle bars, foot rests and controls
4.04    Services ancillary and accessory components
Task 5  Diagnoses suspension (3 Exam Questions) Chapter 17
5.01    Diagnoses front suspension components
5.02    Diagnoses rear suspension components
5.03    Diagnoses swing arm Chapter 7
Task 6  Services suspension system (4 Exam Questions) Chapter 17
6.01    Services front suspension components
6.02    Services rear suspension components
6.03    Services swing arm Chapter 7

Chapter 20

ADDITIONAL STUDY RESOURCES
Source Organization Resource (hyperlinked)
RideApart is Motorsport Network's motorcycle platform Article: The Basics: Modern Motorcycle Suspension
Motochassis by Tony Foale - Expert engineer blogger Articles

Youtube Channel

HappyWrench.com

The World's Happiest DIY Motorcycle Repair Blog

Article: MOTORCYCLE SUSPENSION TERMS GLOSSARY
BoiseRiders.net

The Motorcycle Community for Boise, Idaho

Forum Article: Motorcycle Suspension 101 - A complete guide for riders
Study Resources for Block C: Wheels and Tires
C      WHEELS AND TIRES