[jdog]

I've been thinking alot of getting out of the trades buisness(carpentry)for awhile now. Recent surgeries and just not into it anymore. Anyway, like all of us I am passionate about motorcycles. So I've been doing some searches on motorycle machanics shcools and can't find any in my area(New England). Every search brings me to MMI.
Does anyone have some input on this school; money, living, jobs,pros or cons. ANY and ALL info would be appreciated. I am at a fork in the road and would love my brothers and sisters to help me out.
The biggest factor in this whole thing is that i'm married w/ two school aged children. My wife and I talked about it over and over again and would not hesitate to relocate for a year or so.

 

[jeeps84]

Man this a hot topic sometimes everywhere.
If you are willing to relocate to take the class GREAT.
If you ae willing to relocate to get a job GREAT.
This is a tuff industry to get into. There is money if you get lucky and find the right job.
If have the capital to open your owen shop after a few years of experience, you find the right location for it. Even better! :luck: :2cents:

 

[GsxrJack]

I use to see the advertisement for that here in ma. but i guess its not here anymore...

 

[jdog]

It would be great if I can find a local school. Just so much to look into. That's why i'm asking here first.

 

[SpeedWerks.com]

I've heard mixed reviews about MMI. Our mechanic is the number one graduate in his class from MMI, and he is INCREDIBLE. After speaking with him, he said that he really didn't learn that much from the school because he was already very well mechanically inclined. Also, he is great at math, which is a MUST for a motorcycle mechanic (believe it or not).

One thing to ponder before taking the school is that breaking into this field is super hard. Our mechanic was lucky that he got swiped up by us. He gets to work on bikes all day long, build motors, do suspension, etc. Most mechanics when they graduate MMI become parts guys for years and years before they even get to change oil on bikes. If you can find a small specialty shop where you live that needs a mechanic, you'd be golden. But as far as getting a great mechanic job in the bike industry out of MMI, they are few and far between. Just do some research before you and your family decide to invest the time to make a move and the money it costs to get into the school.

I don't mean to sound so grim. Just want to give you the reality of the industry. It's not pretty sometimes.

 

[jeeps84]

I've heard mixed reviews about MMI. Our mechanic is the number one graduate in his class from MMI, and he is INCREDIBLE. After speaking with him, he said that he really didn't learn that much from the school because he was already very well mechanically inclined. Also, he is great at math, which is a MUST for a motorcycle mechanic (believe it or not).

One thing to ponder before taking the school is that breaking into this field is super hard. Our mechanic was lucky that he got swiped up by us. He gets to work on bikes all day long, build motors, do suspension, etc. Most mechanics when they graduate MMI become parts guys for years and years before they even get to change oil on bikes. If you can find a small specialty shop where you live that needs a mechanic, you'd be golden. But as far as getting a great mechanic job in the bike industry out of MMI, they are few and far between. Just do some research before you and your family decide to invest the time to make a move and the money it costs to get into the school.

I don't mean to sound so grim. Just want to give you the reality of the industry. It's not pretty sometimes.

:withstupi

 

[bumblebee]

The school in Daytona, AMI, I think charges around 10K for the course, and they promise an "entry level" position. Of course you still have to live and eat. Try your local Community College, If they have an Auto program, go talk to the instructor and see if you can get an interest in starting a program, I have restored 2 cars using comm. college and university classes...and they have some awsome facilities too

 

[Gas Man]

Yeah, local community college would be a great way to do it. That way you wouldn't have to spue out the cost of moving!!

 

[blackgtprix]

after high school i was thinkin of going to uti. Which is the same thing but for cars. There are many of those trade schools. Northwestern ohio, is another i considered. To be honest I wouldnt recomend them. A few friends of mine went to NWO but came back after a few months. They said it was a waste of money. One friend of mine finished the program almost a year ago and still doesnt have a job. Ive heard those schools basically are taking ur money for simple knowledge. I dont really think the demand for motorcycle mechanics is huge. But as with anything im sure there are many sucess stories.

 

[Gas Man]

Yeah I, unfortuanatly think the same thing! It sucks but I can tell you this. You most likely don't want to work at a dealer. The goal would be to get into a race team or magazine. But that would intale traveling which is a whole seperate issue...

 

[larryg]

I've heard mixed reviews about MMI. Our mechanic is the number one graduate in his class from MMI, and he is INCREDIBLE. After speaking with him, he said that he really didn't learn that much from the school because he was already very well mechanically inclined. Also, he is great at math, which is a MUST for a motorcycle mechanic (believe it or not).

One thing to ponder before taking the school is that breaking into this field is super hard. Our mechanic was lucky that he got swiped up by us. He gets to work on bikes all day long, build motors, do suspension, etc. Most mechanics when they graduate MMI become parts guys for years and years before they even get to change oil on bikes. If you can find a small specialty shop where you live that needs a mechanic, you'd be golden. But as far as getting a great mechanic job in the bike industry out of MMI, they are few and far between. Just do some research before you and your family decide to invest the time to make a move and the money it costs to get into the school.

I don't mean to sound so grim. Just want to give you the reality of the industry. It's not pretty sometimes.

I graduated top of my class from MMI (Phoenix) and I couldn't agree more. I wouldn't say not to do it, just make sure you do your research and you are confident in your decision.

I am out of town on business right now, feel free to email ([email protected]) me any specific questions you have and I'll get back to you when I get home.

Good luck,
Larry

 

[jeeps84]

I graduated top of my class from MMI (Phoenix) and I couldn't agree more. I wouldn't say not to do it, just make sure you do your research and you are confident in your decision.

I am out of town on business right now, feel free to email ([email protected]) me any specific questions you have and I'll get back to you when I get home.

Good luck,
Larry

Somebody thats been there and done that! :wink: Cool! :dthumb:

 

[Aggroton]

2 of the "Technical" schools here offer courses. After I finish my welding and Prescion Metal Fab classes at the Community School im going to look into that. But im sure there are plenty of those "technical" type schools in your area... good luck