How To Be a Harley-Davidson Mechanic

[@BlockheadMoto]

Hey all! Heads up, this is a little different than some of our other videos. Many of our viewers have asked us in comments on here, in emails, or in person at the shop how to get started down the path of becoming a motorcycle mechanic (bc they think Chris is so cool, haha.) MMI approached us and gave us an opportunity to tour their facility and speak with some of their staff about getting started in the industry. We thought it’d be insightful for those of you that might be interested, so we made this video. For those interested, we hope the video has helped shed some light on one of the options available out there to get into this industry.

[@paulwalker7202]

Chris is way cooler than you and honestly the main reason I started following this channel

[@motomiks7883]

MMI grad here. It's a great school. They are very structured and after graduation you can do top level tech work on day one in a dealer. What they don't tell you is, there is no money in power sports to afford the school. By time you pay for your tools and school, you better have a part time job to survive.

[@scottdalrymple1716]

I graduated from MMI Orlando in 2014. If you’re a veteran go for it, if you’re not then you may end up like me with a 30,000.00 debt to the government and it took me 7 years to pay off a $5000.00 Sally Mae loan that the Fafsa didn’t cover. Think about the money that you need for tools and if you’re going to a delearship to work find out how much housing will cost you in that area. I wish that someone would have told me about this before I went to school there because honestly it was a huge mistake. I now have a good job working for an automotive manufacturing company. I’m will be paying on that student loan until I die.

[@gibsoncoffman9131]

I’ve been watching your videos since I was 14, and you’re one of the people that helped me learn how to ride. I enrolled in MMI Phoenix as soon as I graduated high school and I’ve just now gotten my technician patch for HD chassis and electrical diag. I couldn’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done and the videos you’ve made to help me learn and better myself as a new technician. I’m 19 now, but tell Chris to watch out cause I’ll be making master tech in 2 years!

[@wickedchivo1399]

Man in the 90s I saw their commercials all the time and I wanted to go to that school so bad but I always just thought I was too stupid. Now I’m a plumber and I am more mechanically inclined than any other plumber I’ve ever met if only I could’ve gotten better grades in high school.

[@adammorgan7874]

Good video guys! Don’t listen to the negative comments of ppl bitching about it being a “commercial”. I, we want the industry to thrive and it won’t if ppl don’t know how to get involved.

[@BlockheadMoto]

Thanks Adam! I get people that aren't interested in becoming a mechanic or having that curiosity on what path to take thinking it feels like a commercial. But if I were someone that was interested in it and didn't know something like MMI or tech schools existed, I think I'd find this video helpful. Can't please everyone, and we sure ain't trying! lol

[@adammorgan7874]

@@BlockheadMoto That’s right! Y’all are doin just fine. 🤘🏻

[@saint_dyna3488]

This was a GREAT video! I actually just got out of the Navy about a month ago, and am going to this school in two weeks!!! I can’t wait! Maybe blockhead will offer me a job after! 😂😂😂

[@ashtonmariefranklin1981]

I went to MMI Orlando, took Honda and Suzuki. Graduated 8/2004

[@buellfan8854]

I graduated mmi in 09. Biggest waste of my life. Not a single person I went to school with was still a tech 2 years after graduation. Once we were there we realized recruiters lied to most of us. They let anyone in as long as they got the money. So many people failed courses repetitively and as long as they could pay for the class 10x. At the time the housing placement and help to get a local job through school was awful. After graduation we didn't get any real help finding a job as a tech as promised. I hope it's greatly improved now.

[@JIMBOBALOU]

I graduated in 2015. Sadly not much has changed. But I will say it wasn't a total waste of money. I'm an industrial maintenance mechanic now. And I make a really good wage.

[@FreewheelerLover]

Awesome video. Its great they have this sort of training with multiple manufacturers involved.

[@Yargilfist]

It's honestly something I really wish I could do. But, sadly, it isn't financially possible. With all my other obligations, I just don't see how it could work. Loved the episode, Block! Super awesome to see you get the opportunity to show the insides of MMI!

[@Scout4x]

I'm 75 years old, but if I was 25 again, I'd be hitting up MMI right away. Gawd, I've wasted my life in healthcare when I could have been working on motorcycles!

[@paulzeigler1075]

It's never too late!

[@chaserichard1374]

I love MMI I started a shop in CT with a great mentor but decided to head to Phoenix Arizona and go to MMI where I am now great step into the work of Harley Davidson!

[@johnmccormick6689]

The shop servicing my bike is owned by an MMI mechanic… he did 15 years at dealerships then start his own place 10 years ago.

[@garylaney1333]

I liked the info, wondered about UTI and had heard of MMI. Good for a beginner that had never used a wrench.

[@duaneedrington]

Right on man I am really thinking about going to the AZ school and getting my path on tractor with the motorcycle industry 🤔... love bike have a degree and never use it. Should have done this along time ago.

[@Bigherm5.7]

Great video block. You should definitely take a course if you can further your knowledge of your passion.

[@ThyySyko]

Glad you did a video on this cause I’ve been planning on going when ever I’m done with the military

[@BlockheadMoto]

Thank you for your service! 🇺🇸

[@MrAgentEcho]

Funny you post this. I’m a student at MMI rn. I know a lot of my classmates watch you.

[@BlockheadMoto]

Thanks for watching! 🤘

[@clyntonbelt3666]

I start at MMI in july im excited for it!!!

[@ET0000]

Follow your dreams mate....just do it! It can only make life more interesting. Knowledge is POWER! Never too old to learn! 😎

[@ChitownEgrant22]

I went to a motorcycle class in Illinois and our teacher who has 40 plus years in the industry who also works at Harley has met people from MMI and they can’t even change a tire😅

[@orangiemn]

Check out the college up in Brained Minnesota for their Motorcycle Mechanics Program along with many other recreational vehicles and equipment.

[@feline-n6b]

Can I ask what the college name is I wasn’t aware of it thanks

[@orangiemn]

Central Lakes Community College Brained Minnesota

[@tylerhawk4994]

I went to the NTI campus in Mooresville, NC. I did the campus tour before enrolling. I was told the curriculum was 70% shop and 30% class but it was the exact opposite. They mainly taught theory, as if this is happening then the fix could be this. It is not as hands on as they say. The housing the is a joke. The couple of options for housing is a 2 bedroom apartment with 2 sets of bunk beds in each room and it still cost $400 back in 2015.

[@Hippy75]

I wish we had something like this in the UK..... i'd jump ship from Cybersec in a heartbeat

[@Starship007]

I am an old guy. So many tech training areas in high school during my early years. Now none? Why? We need people that want to wrench and get their hands dirt. Such a shortage of manual labor skill services. Mechanic, HVAC, plumbers, electricians, etc.

[@Starship007]

Many mechanic shops will continue apprenticeship training being paid during training.

[@willkarl7415]

I currently go to mmi in the harley program and i never seem these two individuals in my almost year of attending. I can personally say these two had no idea what they were talking about. And the guy having his hand on a street motor talking about the m8 platform. The woman cpudlnt even describe dso1 or dso2. None of them where confident. kinda a disappointing video. Good idea. Terrible execution

[@Mo_Hellbilly]

Had fun while I was at MMI but Geesus trying to get into a dealership afterwards is nuts

[@An_Enraged_Pig]

You got to network

[@TheHuester44]

Right , I got hired at a Harley dealership after graduating from MMI . The pay was $8.50 an hr . I couldn’t afford to work at such low pay . Also I was scammed into a loan after explaining to them that I would only attend if I qualified for a grant . They assured me I would qualify for a grant after asking me several questions. Then right before I was to move to phoenix to attend MMI there I received a notice that my loan had been approved. I had just canceled my lease and gave notice of my work. I completed the program in 2003 and it took me 15 years to pay off the loan. My advice is talk to dealerships before you go to school so you have a link for a job afterwards. There’s a lot of turnover in the industry.

[@bobsmith-oc7cm]

@@TheHuester44 the same shit happened to me in 08

[@motomiks7883]

​@TheHuester44 100% Had the same issues with pay.

[@iveyfaganjr605]

I always heard about this school and wonder what it would be like to do it. Great video man! Please do more like this but don’t forget the main channel stuff. Also, that admin lady was a snack! I would apply just for her!

[@michaelseroy9586]

Good video, 68 years old and I may consider going…

[@thomasmarquez6790]

Just bought a Pan America a few weeks ago. When I bought it and what I put on my application for my occupation they offered me a tech job at my local Harley dealership. Been a certified tech for 38 years. Last 20 years at Ford. Last 8 years as a 6.7l Powerstroke specialist. I’m 52 years old and been doing this shit for a very long time. I told them when I turn 55 I’ll come work for you. Working on bikes is a cake walk compared to the stuff I do. Of course I would have to go to Harley training. That’s all I did for Ford. But it’s a passion to finish my career working on bikes. The question is can they afford me lol. ✌️

[@jonklose442]

Some dealers will foot the bill for you to go to MMI they also have two locations one in Florida the other is in Arizona just depends if it's a case like yours or if you where hired for a different department with the goal of being a tech

[@ShinobiKingYT]

Oh thanks! I was getting tired of stripping my bolts! 😂

[@CrazyMrTim]

I'm already a fully certificated aircraft mechanic, so this would definitely be a change of pace, but i can't complain about what i get paid currently

[@predictableskater]

I'm actually going to mmi starting in September and I'm ready!!! going for Harley and a little bit of Honda. coming from Texas

[@chriszasada9756]

Was a UTI grad myself and at the time they only had three campuses , Arizona, Texas and Illinois,

[@shane8493]

I would suggest researching schools & cost before I would attend a school like MMI Block. There is a lot of reviews.

[@robertdavis9763]

That video is very informative and great thanks

[@BlockheadMoto]

Thanks Robert!

[@MrSterling1100]

I graduated from MMI back in 1983. Number 1 in my graduating class. I'm now a software developer.

[@louiedarlow]

Do the MMI cover anywhere in the UK? Or do you know any British alternatives to this kind of education?

[@kendallanderson2149]

I would love that program but they make u go through all the other products that u don’t want to do I would only want to go for Harley school and that’s it and thanks for sharing that information I don’t know there was a school for that

[@Mo_Hellbilly]

Yea that’s not really true, you go through all the basic classes then you go to whatever manufacturer you chose

[@forsaken1776]

I would love going to that school but I've invested lots of time into the I.T. stuff that it just wouldn't make sense.

[@BlockheadMoto]

I know the feeling!

[@robertlumsden942]

great opportunities. cool.

[@MrAldoBitencourt]

i'm from Brazil and i can't even open the Website. Why we can't apply to go study there?

[@frenchy114]

I would love to attend but I couldn’t believe how expensive it is. My four year college degree was much cheaper.

[@Paul20661]

Gotta sent this vid to my mechanic XD

[@rongibson679]

Great video Blockhead!! Good info

[@BlockheadMoto]

Thanks Ron!

[@butchpolen]

I'm 48. Do u think I'm to old to go. Am I to old to change???? I do have an auto cycle background?? I really wanna go after watching this. Thanks for the input

[@scottdalrymple1716]

You’re not too old, I went to MMI Orlando in 2012 and graduated in 2014. We had some guys in their 60s in some classes. However make sure you can afford it first. If you’re a veteran go for it because it’s free. If you’re a regular person like I was you will be in massive debt with student loans. Think hard about it before you go because although I graduated and learned to work on Harley vintage and newer I can’t afford to work for a dealer and pay my bills so I now work for an automobile manufacturer. Please think it through unless you’re wealthy.

[@kiram.4763]

I got a fully payed scholarship to mmi but I live in ny and couldn't get down there 🙃 still pissed off 6 years later that I never got to take that opportunity 😔

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

I fkn hate my job Went to university At 37 years old I first turned a wrench on my bike and car to save money Love working on my Harley Fkn love it Wish I could go back in time They pushed the college thjng so damn hard when I was in highschool. The fuck ups got pushed into trade school. They makin money Eveyone else either have rich parents who hooked up the jobs or ppl making 70-80k barely making it (Me)

[@TheTangTamer]

Same here!!! I really wish I’d gone to trade school instead of wasting thousands on student loans that I’ll never finish paying. If I could go back, I would’ve learned to machine, to weld, and wrench on bikes. We were told trade school was for burnouts and losers, that college was a must in order to make a decent living.

[@goldengoat9397]

Looks dope!

[@rickhenderson13]

The last few videos have been nothing more than long commercials

[@arthurcutaiar9994]

Yes. I call it the shadetree effect. Even her two wheels have changed alot. I thought it was called you tube, not commercial sponsored tube. But that being said i still watch an love shadetree,her two wheels and blockhead

[@butchpolen]

There making videos and it is pretty interesting.. Come on. His channel and her two wheels are doing what they can do to survive. Got to admit, still better than fake news!! Lol. Love them both and what they do!!

[@BlockheadMoto]

This is a little different than some of our other videos. Many of our viewers have asked us in comments on here, in emails, or in person at the shop how to get started down the path of becoming a motorcycle mechanic. MMI approached us and gave us an opportunity to tour their facility and speak with some of their staff about getting started in the industry. We thought it’d be insightful for those that might be interested, so we made this video. We did have to be a bit more cognizant with being around students and other faculty.

[@1_Airman]

Block has always just taken us along for the ride, so if he’s interested in MMI, saddleman, and making his own products too what’s the harm? He’s always honest and chose these things for good reasons. Also if we’re comparing these great videos to commercials, I’d say they’re better than the best Super Bowl commercials.

[@joewinters8359]

Do you need any high school diploma or GED? I don't have either of those and I would love to learn how to work on motorcycles my pops rides himself and just want to prove to him that I can do anything I put my mind to

[@robertvilliard3402]

I don't have a high-school diploma, is that going to stop me from being able to go to MMI . ?

[@max30888]

The fact that the instructor rides a Suzuki Gixxer "a Japanese bike" throw me off any Harleys 😅

[@lorenzotriplett5042]

Good content on MMI thanks Super Cool guys!!

[@c0r3y_moto13]

I started working at Harley then they sent me to their class at mmi.

[@paulwalker7202]

so Chris didn't go to mmi

[@BlockheadMoto]

We'll do a follow up video on the path that Chris took in becoming a master tech 👍

[@JIMBOBALOU]

It wasn't a total waste of money for me. I'm an industrial maintenance mechanic. Probably would've never gotten into the field without that MMI degree. And I make more money than i ever would've at a dealer as a HD tech. My time there was fun and it was very educational. But I would strongly advise people to not waste the money on it today. I've heard HD now has an apprenticeship program at alot of dealerships. So it seems MMI is pretty pointless now.

[@DarrellScott-e8n]

Do you have to take a drop to go to school

[@godsmack7734]

How about a school in Texas? 😃

[@jonklose442]

They have MMI in Arizona

[@jameslewis6569]

What about indian

[@BlockheadMoto]

I asked someone with experience at Indian and they mentioned going through Polaris' certifications.

[@emmanuelraes803]

As you just saw on 10:44 the dude selling you the program doesnt have a clue about it, thats a street 500 not a m8 😂

[@gatorjimmy6119]

Didn't care for the MMI commercial. I've heard bad things from people that have gone there, especially about their job placement lying. The sucker you in with the promise of being able to get you a job right after graduation and then not assist in any way.

[@ChitownEgrant22]

better options that are cheaper and won’t kill you with theory people look around before wasting 30 grand on this!

[@josephdefelice3149]

Im a dedicated follower, however, i didnt sign up to watch commercials! Your previous content regarding building bikes was excellent. Please more technical stuff. Please

[@SilentKiller-kv8kg]

I am in MMI right now complete my Harley training and now doing the BMW training its worth it

[@makaylaweaver1369]

Kinda missing the old crusing with the blockhead crew videos :/

[@BlockheadMoto]

Def miss riding with them! Everyone's got a pretty busy and different schedule, so that stuff usually has to be planned out a good ways in advance.

[@InfamousCreep]

Yes, let’s finance $100k at 10%-20% to earn $18-$30 per hour 🤷.

[@Nikko_Rico]

Harley program is 28 grand.... I just finished it.

[@InfamousCreep]

@@Nikko_Rico at what % rate? And how much will you pay by the time the loan is paid off??

[@Nikko_Rico]

@InfamousCreep I'm not sure about loan rates... The VA paid mine in full before I started. I got the cost breakdown, but it was paid in full, with no interest. Student loans have interest rates, sure but I think that depends on your credit. You could actually call the school, and they'll break it all down for you. They do have really good "customer service "

[@spectors69]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@An_Enraged_Pig]

Admissions counselors

[@Tumble96]

You need a school in California

[@vivepopo]

"hundreds of students for over 50 years" what lol

[@FlipandTheBlueMule]

👍👍🫡🇺🇸

[@JohnnyAKLove]

Saw the thumb nail and thought we were gonna have a cool video. Nope. Just another commercial.

[@BlockheadMoto]

Did you know that excluding free throws, Shaquille O'Neal made more than 11,000 shots in his NBA career? Only one of them was a 3 point shot. Crazy.

[@johnb2802]

@@BlockheadMoto 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Corychamberlain-z2r]

Except for the fact that they won't accept anybody with a felony which is b*******

[@michaelbeck5567]

That guy clearly doesn't know anything about motorcycle history lol and he's part of the school. Talking about he doesn't know what makes somebody put a shifter on a handle... dude they started on a handle. That's original style. Then it progressed to a foot shift later.

[@Nikko_Rico]

Hes an office goon. I was there a year, saw him 3 times. Showing potential students around. That's all he does. He has no harley knowledge at all.

[@thenightflier37]

Just another commercial...😢

[@BlockheadMoto]

Even though the Statue of Liberty is on Liberty Island, which belongs to New York, it is actually located closer to the land mass of New Jersey.

[@johnb2802]

@@BlockheadMoto Did you know it's physically impossible for a pig to look up? That's just nuts!

[@BlockheadMoto]

@@johnb2802 I didn’t know that! 🐷 good to know 😊

[@nightmareon.E53rdst]

SHOP ETIQUETTE 🤝