Motorcycle Mechanic
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 study resources provided below are intended to support aspiring tradespersons in Canada who are preparing to challenge the Red Seal certification exam. The page is updated by aspiring tradesperson users and the community of educators and journeypersons who work to support the apprenticeship training system across Canada. Contact a trades educator in your jurisdiction to find out how you can contribute to improving and strengthening these resources.
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.
It also contains:
- a glossary of Motorcycle Mechanic 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 Study Guide
The purpose of this Study Guide is to assist aspiring tradespersons to prepare and study for the Motorcycle Mechanic Red Seal examination. The Red Seal site also offers a Study Guide entitled "Get Ready for Your Red Seal Exam." You should consult that guide and also look at the resources below to find whatever is potentially useful for you.
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 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
| 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 |
Task 1 |
| 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 | 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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
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