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

Motorcycle Mechanic Pie chart.PNG

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).

Chapters 2 and 16 are available as a Look Inside feature on the publisher website.

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

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)
Task 1 - Performs safety-related functions (4 Exam Questions) Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Safety First

Chapter 3: Tools

Chapter 19: Motorcycle Maintenance

and Emission Controls

Chapter 2: Shop Safety and

Environmental Protection

Chapter 3: Tools and

Shop Equipment

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)
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 (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

Chapter 19: Motorcycle Maintenance

and Emission Controls

Chapter 20: Motorcycle Troubleshooting

Chapter 6: Diagnostic Procedures

and Service Information

Chapter 18: Frame, Chassis

and Suspension Systems

Chapter 24: Tune-Up and

Periodic Maintenance

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)
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
Block/Task/Sub-task Textbook:

Modern Motorcycle (2017)

Textbook:

Motorcycles Fundamentals (2020)

C      WHEELS AND TIRES (12 Exam Questions)
Task 7 - Diagnoses wheels and tires (6 Exam Questions) Chapter 18: Brakes, Wheels, and Tires Chapter 16: Wheels and Tires
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)
Purpose Built Moto, Australia, custom parts Artcle: Building spoked wheels
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
Study Resources for Block D: Brakes
Block/Task/Sub-task Textbook:

Modern Motorcycle (2017)

Textbook:

Motorcycles Fundamentals (2020)

D      BRAKES (13 Exam Questions)
Task 9  Diagnoses braking systems (6 Exam Questions) Chapter 18: Brakes, Wheels, and Tires

Chapter 20: Motorcycle Troubleshooting

Chapter 6: Diagnostic Procedures

and Service Information

Chapter 17: Brakes

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)
Motorcycle Cruiser Website Bonnier Corp Article: How Hydraulic Disc Brakes Work and How To Improve Them
WonderHowTo.com Videos: How to repair motorcycle brakes
DoItYourself.com Article: How to Replace Motorcycle Brakes and Rotors
Study Resources for Block E: ENGINES
Block/Task/Sub-task Textbook:

Modern Motorcycle (2017)

Textbook:

Motorcycles Fundamentals (2020)

E      ENGINES (19 Exam Questions)
Task 11  Diagnoses two-stroke and four stroke engines (9 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 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

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)
Indian MotorcycleHomepage Chapter: Motorcycle Troubleshooting by Ed Abdo

(author of Modern Motorcycle textbook)

Cyclepedia Fix It Yourself 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
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)
Task 13  Diagnoses clutches and primary drive Chapter 7: Lubrication and

Cooling Systems

Chapter 9: Drives, Clutches,

and Transmissions

Chapter 19: Motorcycle Maintenance

and Emission Controls

Chapter 6: Diagnostic Procedures

and Service Information

Chapter 19: Power Transmission Systems

Chapter 20: Engine and Power

Transmission Disassembly

Chapter 23: Power Transmission Overhaul

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)
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
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 7: Basic Electrical and

Electronic Theory

Chapter 10:Ignition Systems

Chapter 14: Battery and

Charging 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)
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
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 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
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)
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