How Harley Techs MAKE Money

How harley techs make money vary between dealerships. In this video, I'll give you a few ways the money breaks down. I get a lot of "How to become a Harley Davidson Technician" questions, and it's not for everyone. I'll fill you in on some tips, and help you make the decision as to whether or not you want to do it!
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[@williamrusk631]

People like your attitude, sure they want to meet you, if all Harley dealerships had someone like you they wouldn't be in the shape their in, you're old school, manners and taking time for people is a lost art,

[@rustedweights]

Maxwell, as I know him, hasn’t changed since we worked together during high school. Dude has always been a solid guy. You can imagine my surprise when I came across his videos and how happy I was for him knowing the old John and seeing nothing has changed for the Highly Trained Unprofessional 🤙🏼

[@memagoo542]

I've been riding the two same bikes sense new. 1973 sportser and a 1994 electric glide classic. I'm 60 now and had a stroke due to atrail fib and I have forgotten a lot of my skills in fixing my own bike. Your videos truly help me focus

[@aboutmyfathersbusiness8324]

Lots of hubris at Harley dealerships, I've heard. If more dealers had your work ethic and humility, there may be a crazy bump up In sales. Heck i'd go into the showroom and buy a overpriced coffee mug just because... Keep it up.

[@larrytomlinson2606]

When I shared your channel with my riding friends, most said something like: "I can't believe the dealership allows him to make videos at work." Most of them own their own businesses. You have an understanding boss. We hope your fans don't jeopardize your ability to continue to provide the great content you do. Thank you John!

[@antoniogranillo1458]

I have to totally agree with John. Even as a traitor, I never regretted becoming a harley tech. In fact, I miss it. Every day. It's a passion, a love, a desire to be around the things that make you happy and being able to help someone else enjoy that same passion. If you can, and want to do it, keeping in mind all that John has said, you should definitely follow that dream and passion.

[@antoniogranillo1458]

Hey buddy!

[@garrettarney2903]

I was a Harley tech for multiple years and did as much training as my dealer let me go to, but ultimately and unfortunately I found a better paying opportunity working a a gmc dealer and working on 4 wheels. I enjoyed a lot more of learning and all the new skills I have for that. I’m wanting to add this comment for people because just because you start and go to school for motorcycles you can change path and stuff enjoy working with your hands I miss being on bikes everyday but I live in the northeast and with all the snow and lay off season I applied the same effort I put towards training in the automotive field and within 2 years I double my income from working on bikes and I’m not even at top level pay yet, that being said I do miss working on bikes but now I’m also in a place in life where I can afford those Harley’s

[@clarkbabin9799]

Always looked for that sixth gear on the highway. Even though I had only 5

[@milmex317th]

Did that before

[@SuperDave21]

Hey John, we appreciate your videos and I completely understand your plate is full.... Do what you gotta do and we'll watch when you make a video. If it's three in one week or one in three weeks.... and I'll be thankful for them .... each and every one of them! Stay cool Bro...!!

[@timothyohara6256]

You have a great outlook, John. Positive and honest. It's refreshing not to hear someone gripe about the money they make or tough times. I was raised to respect hard work. I am a husband, and father of three also. I also work weekends strictly. So I can relate, A LOT! I love motorcycles, and try to balance family and work. We do what we have to be the man our wife needs, kids needs, and to get new bike parts once in a while. Thank you for your videos. I appreciate the time and effort it must take, and the patience you have to teach us.

[@HARMARSCH2]

John, thank you for the video. Great information for people on your job.

[@ellischatham7014]

This was probably my favorite video, I’m always checking on Wednesday to see what’s up! Thanks and kept on keepin on!

[@garyc9030]

Really really enjoy your videos, good nature and humor John. Can’t wait for each video to drop. Huge fan..., keep it up!!

[@TheHarleyTech]

thanks!

[@17ultralimited69]

The work you do and the dedication to your craft is very much appreciated.

[@ligerzero03]

Great video man. Always glad to see the notifications. Not often you find someone as humble about what they do (both KZbin and day job) as you are. Glad your boss is so accepting of your video exploits!

[@frankward67]

John, Thanks for all the video's. Enjoy them very much and as a the owner of 2 Harleys I can always use the tips you give out on the video's. You can be sure when I get over in your neck of the woods I will stop by the dealership buy a tshirt and say hello.

[@mikelikesknives428]

Thank you for your time. I look forward to your videos each week. Keep up the good work.

[@ashten92]

You do a great job John,thanks so much for the great content and keeping it interesting all the time.

[@harleysofttailtx]

Great video. I always wondered how you walk that line with the dealership. I'm glad they continue to allow you to do what you do, and keep the videos flowing. It's great to also see some of the beautiful Georgia roads as you're riding.

[@markflaherty7960]

Right back at you. Thank you. I enjoy your videos. You have a great attitude and your editing is getting amazing. Your dealership should be proud of you.

[@jhaney5634]

Another good video. Good channel concept and the execution to this point is awesome. It’s very cool that your dealership lets you do this and I hope they appreciate the business you are generating for them. Keep it up!

[@QU13TMAN]

That was great. I'm 50 and my two dream jobs have always been harley tech and park ranger. You connected the dream to reality in a very practical way. By the way your transitions are awesome! Very talented! If I'm ever in Columbus I'd love to grab a t tee shirt and say hey.. now if I can find a park ranger you tuber to explain the ins and outs of being a ranger I'll be set! Keep up the great work!

[@6013kmb]

Well done! I'm sure your boss appreciates you doing videos putting his HD dealers name out there. It's good business. Keep up the great videos!

[@pacman73c1]

I was going home to North Ga. rode an extra three hours to meet John. He was awesome. Thank you for taking time out of your day Sir.

[@TheHarleyTech]

It certainly didn’t go unnoticed. I knew what the best route for you was. And coming to see me wasn’t part of it!

[@pacman73c1]

John Maxwell it was worth it and I will def do it again.

[@chrisbarker7463]

Hey John, just a quick note to say THANKS for the video's. I very much enjoy your videos and I have learned too. It is great to see what a Tech does at a Dealer, I appreciate the insight, and your time. Thanks! Oh, BTW, love your bikes!

[@JS-cl4tb]

I really appreciate this video brother! More than you know. I was medically retired from the Army 10 years ago and my health has been pretty poor. This means I stopped working jobs that were physical and starting working desk jobs. Then this last year my health dropped even further and they finally figured out I needed neck surgery. Long story short, I had my surgery a couple weeks back and I'm getting movement and strength back that is opening a lot of doors for me once I'm through recovery. This has led me to really look at what I want to do moving forward and I've been heavily considering MMI in Pheonix and becoming a Harley tech. You're the most relatable person on KZbin for me with your attitude towards bikes and the community you serve. Again, thank you for your videos and really helping to solidify what I'm already fairly certain of. I really do appreciate the time you take to film and post these videos.

[@southernshop8424]

J S thank you for your service

[@jlc904ubc]

Another awesome video! Thanks! I enjoy your shop videos but it was nice to ride along on the Bad Boy and listen to some good info. I really like what your doing. Thanks again.

[@TheHarleyTech]

thanks man!

[@jsressem]

Great work brother! Love the laid back and straight info. Keep it coming!

[@Kennebec27]

Great video as always. Love the video editing. You make me want to drive down there when I am looking to buy a new bike in a couple of years. Hopefully you'll be still there and making KZbin videos. Keep up the good work. Great information.

[@billmcg7265]

John, I look forward to your videos every week. Thank you! You have great editing skills it really adds to the enjoyment.

[@jasonbluestein4287]

John-Thank you for your videos. I think you're doing a great job in providing valuable information. Also, I think it's great that you do some of your videos at your job as it's interesting to see and understand more about what a tech does and goes through in a day. I also wanted to comment on your work ethic. It's refreshing to hear someone that has a great work ethic and cares about the quality of their job and respects the person that employs them. Great job, keep the videos coming!!!!!!

[@CASHU2400]

Thank you man. I enjoy watching your videos. Keep them coming. I will be retiring in the next few years and have been thinking about being a tech. I appreciate the info.

[@kennethreynolds8]

Great job with the vids John I really enjoy the content and very well said in reguards to the topic of your time and responsibilities, you're the man.

[@joshuam6318]

Awesome video. Glad to see that MMI paid off for you. Currently a UTI student in California thinking about switching to MMI. Love the videos and please keep them coming!!!!

[@stevenday3387]

This is awesome, alot of good points i never realized. Props to you sir. sub for life!

[@bigmike7939]

Thanks for being honest about it all! Thanks to you and your boss and your family for letting you do all this!

[@mrkapusta9935]

Yeah man you do a damn good job bro. You gave me some kick ass info on the RGS and I’m happy to say I’m riding the 19 and LOVE IT.

[@nickhildabridle1612]

Thanks for what you do and your service. I am very thankful for your skills and your owners. Great topic. I always wondered. Keep up the faith and LTMV Until Next Time...

[@mobharley9789]

Love to see a tech that cares! Thanks for the videos man. Very helpful d entertaining. Cheers!

[@wescobts]

Excellent video, great information, and a perspective that a lot of us "needed" to hear

[@Retiredtourist]

Always good to watch your channel John, keep up the good work.

[@MagWire8]

Dude I just discovered your channel and I’m hooked! My family and all my buddies ride. I’m a Case combine technician so you’re preaching to the choir with the need to get things done especially during busy times of the year. I’ve always thought about being a Harley Davidson Tech not because I don’t like my job or make good money, but because I love bikes and riding. My wife actually used to work at Twister City Harley-Davidson in Wichita KS in motorclothes. At some point in life I want to transition from a tech to a Matco tools distributor something a little more forgiving to my body, but who knows maybe I’ll go back to school to wrench on bikes! You do solid work my friend! Keep after it!

[@stevemoriarity860]

I was a bike mechanic for 20 yrs. The best part was the customers, I saw brake pads carved out of wood, bbq bike? Another tried to mount fog lights by drilling 1/2” ! Holes in his lower fork leg.

[@greenmountianboy8457]

Great video, keep up the great work at work and keep being the family guy, make the videos when you can !

[@briangamache7084]

Hello John I would like to just thank you and your boss the dealer for letting you make these videos. If I ever ride through your area I would certainly buy something from there. I hope as you get more subscribers their dealership grows with you. Keep up the great work

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks man!

[@jonathanbussenger3602]

John, Appreciate the time you put into the You Tube videos, and Facebook. Your presentation and technical expertise are what I enjoy the most. Outstanding! Thanks for your service in the military. Keep up the great job you do on and off the job. Look forward to the next video.

[@WhiteWhite60]

John, you do a great job with the videos. Besides being valuable information/resource for me; you just happen to be a cool guy - level headed, intelligent, kind (clean, brave and reverent) and generous with your time. So, a big thank you and I hope to see a lot more videos.

[@thomash8368]

Awesome video John, keep up the great work.

[@thanosetsitty1896]

As always. Another awesome video. Thanks for sharing info.

[@thomassteward7005]

Great video, yes its hard trying to manage 3 things at once is hard and you make it easy and thank you for the tips.

[@zacharyfett2491]

Love your videos, John. Extremely informative!!!

[@fililoboesparza5784]

Thanks John for taking the time to do these awesome videos I know it’s hard to do between work,husband, and being a father.. That sucks that people call you during your work hours for Questions on how to fix their bikes. No bueno!! I hope you get that resolved. Again thanks for these awesome videos keep them coming and ride safe Brotha.. 🤘🏻

[@lquirouette1]

So glad to have found your channel! I love your real life, down to earth presentation on your videos. I agree with previous comments, common sense (which apparently some people lack) why would someone bother you at work? Thanks for the great videos!

[@billparker3714]

Thanks a million for the videos! I am a Harley owner who tries to do all of my own work. Your videos have help me along more than once. I appreciate you honesty and love your editing techniques. If I am ever heading that far south I will definitely arrange a meeting. Keep it up! Just subscribed!

[@timothyesler5066]

Another great video. Loved the **break to editing** scene to add some wisdom. Lol. Well done.

[@tone-glide2402]

Hey Man! Great attitude you have towards all things life oriented,.. work, family, fun...Some good hidden life lessons in your thoughts about all things such as ..mentioned above.. keep up the good work.. Life tends to turn into a black and white grind after a while, i like that your trying to keep it fresher than the day before.. that's good for the long haul. I've never called you at work...nor do i want to, ( i doubt that will affect your nights sleep) But a shout out from up here in Connecticut, Keep up the great work!!

[@jackyp2192]

John, thank you for all the good info and a bigggggg thank you to Chattahoochee Harley Davidson for letting you share the info while you are at work. You and Chattahoochee Harley Davidson really are a great team! I look forward to getting back east again on my bike so I can pay you both a visit!

[@petelanzone484]

Great vid as always.. I also like you editing transitions... !

[@jsnt78]

Great video, just bought my first Harley, 07 Super Glide and have found a new love for bikes (have had a few metric bikes and rebuilt them). However I am a 15 year Heavy duty diesel mechanic and I understand fully the frustration when a customer asks to interrupt your work to "pick your brain". Also the phone calls as if you can diagnose problems over the phone with 12 electrical modules and 4 ecu's on a truck. Just want to say though you are doing a great service to those of us who like to tinker and perform some maintenance on our own stuff. Also it is great to see that your owner welcomes it. Glad i found your channel and have a credible source for useful info. Keep up the good work!

[@southernshop8424]

jsnt78 I also have an 07 superglide, custom, and if you have not checked your sprocket bolts as John recommends in another vid, you may want to . mine came loose and hit my swingarm ,sheared three of them and bent the other two 90 degrees. while replacing them I noticed that they were marked as grade eight, but I was able to drill into them really easily. no way were they grade 8. I don't know who Harley is sourcing bolts from, but they are not getting what they are paying for. went to Fastenal and got real bronze silicon grade 8 bolts to replace them with.

[@benjaminmerritt769]

Good info that needs to be thrown out there. I've also started a career that requires "starting at the bottom" all over again. Took a 40% pay cut after making good money and being in the work force for almost 20years. My family and I are making the sacrifices necessary to enjoy the good life in a few years. Seeing your decisions through and getting to the "fruit" is something few people have the stones to do anymore. I was also an auto technician at a dealership and an on-call mechanic and travelled a lot. I know exactly what you go through with a normal work day. Thank you for putting this kind of honest content out there. Looking forward to more in the future. Also, I never responded to an email conversation we had about a fork seal leak on my FLHX. Turns out there was a small piece of trash in the seal. Fished it out and replaced the oil with SE heavy duty. Not a drop since. Thanks again for what you do. Ride safe.

[@brycehansen6205]

You’re great. I always look forward to your videos. Thanks

[@TxCwby]

Hey John! Just found you, and love the channel. New ElectraGlide Limited with non working back speakers sent me looking, but THANK GOODNESS for my dealer’s oversight, ‘cause now i have a solid mechanic (you) that actually gives a poker chip about your customers. (Central Texas, get your chips together!). Anyway, great channel, super excited to review more content, and, (this is important) THANK your BOSS for tolerating what might seem like an annoyance at times. Great shop! Excellent co-workers (Antonio), and on-the-money content! Keep it up, John!

[@Mauricenkaren]

I have watched all your videos. Great job keep them coming....

[@mariolastra9709]

Keep doing what you are doing...Great content...You keep it real as the kids say!

[@chipskunk]

Pleased to meet you John! I am hoping to change my job, from driving a John Deere tractor, to working for Harley Davidson as a technician. I've never worked as a mechanic, only on my own bikes which were all Japanese bikes, until 2017 when I brought a Harley! Now I have two.😊 I'm absorbing as much as I can about Harley repair. I am so glad I've found you John and thank you for what you do. Thanks Chip.

[@richardmorgan1588]

I really appreciate your channel and I love your editing techniques!

[@DeuceVideoHD]

John, I've been enjoying the vids for awhile. Didn't really pick up that you had three kiddos. I gotta say, that makes me respect you even more. Good shit man. I'm a father of four, been married for 13 years this year. Currently at MMI myself with the family support. I'm mostly doing it for me because I love bikes, and I love riding and I'm the type that feels like I should be able to maintain my own bike with the amount of riding I do. If that ends up turning into a career, that will allow me to feed the family, then that's just a sweet bonus. Keep 'em coming man! John S.

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks man! It’s a great job. Very fun with just the right amount of challenge.

[@NE-MTBR]

This was a good video keep up the awesome work that you do. (fan 4life) 👍🏼

[@scott917]

You do a great job John. Thanks for your videos.

[@alancrane4693]

Great video well done for putting the information out.

[@robertlumsden942]

very good man. I look so forward to my youtube lighting up when you post. cool.

[@rayzientarski3655]

I absolutely love and enjoy the videos I have seen so far. ill end up doing a binge watch. love the video you did on the Breakout 114. that is my present bike. you are right the new one handles much better. the torque is amazing!

[@DavidCureton9188]

The transition from watching the video to editing on laptop to explain the 90 day thing was pretty darn creative.......Great videos John!

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks man! It’s a variation of one I saw a few weeks ago, so, I don’t get all the credit!

[@speeder1230]

your doing a great job john

[@paulbuckberry7683]

Great video John, I like your passion!

[@chrisreaves2830]

Have started watching your KZbin stuff recently, just got back into biking after many years. Love your stuff on Softails! Very helpful! Anything Trike-specific, especially on maintenance dealing with pre-TriGlide kits, would also be nice!

[@CBR250RMAN]

Between John and Doc at Low Country in Charleston, I get all the information I could ever need. Both personable and both are straight up, down to earth real dudes. Thanks John for what you do for all of us Hogsters.

[@tltate]

You have a great channel, Man. I learn a lot here, and it’s just really interesting stuff. I wish you the best.

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks Tony!

[@keesketsers5866]

Man, your video editing is perfect...that's time well spent, it shows!

[@michaelvivirito1224]

Love the videos John!

[@scandalrider3612]

Heah Dude! THANKS for the Videos! Keep em coming!

[@GarryFullerSr]

Great Video. I enjoyed you telling it like it is. Every one should understand what you said.

[@paulsullivan931]

Hey John,that was cool I look forward to your vlogs they are always fantastic,there are two motorcycle vlogs I get enjoyment out of,that’s you and Shawn and Kelly Smoak, Shawn has been doing moto vlogs for a long time and I’ve been following him for years,I’ve just started following you.For me here in Australia it’s really cool to see how you live,work and play,I love seeing the countryside in your state,in parts it’s like here and in other parts it’s so different.If you get a chance to view Shawn’s vlogs they are really cool,Shawn and Kelly live in Washington state one beautiful part of the world.Anyway John thank you and I’m looking forward to your next vlog 👍😃

[@bartphillips6391]

Awesome video!! People need to be respectful of your work hours. Can't believe people call the dealership for advice. Craziness. But thank you and your boss for letting you film at work!!

[@Lonnie.Macs.Garage]

Enjoying your vids man keep it up!

[@kenh9097]

John you hit the nail on the head.., great job!!

[@markchannell1202]

Well done John.... Loving the video's mate. I'm waaaaaay over here in the UK so it's nice to take a ride around a piece of the good old U S of A with you too. I've got a 2018 Bob and a 2018 Boy so more of those when you are planning your schedule please. Oh, and I especially enjoyed the power tool review.. so much so I've now spent a small fortune on some 14v Snap On kit :) ... we made you enjoy your job more... you've made me enjoy tinkering with my bike more ! .. a fair trade I'd say.

[@joncastellano8545]

Another great video! Hope to pass through someday

[@darrelld9021]

Keep it going! We all love it man.

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Your a cool dude man, with a dream job for sure!.... Congrats on all your success john, God bless brother!.... Keep up the you tube thing man, love this channel!.... Take care

[@mikeo1567]

Thanks and love the videos. Your a natural when it comes to talking to the camera.. And congrats on your plug on the dealer website!! Now your boss has a world famous technician working for him!! lol

[@gj6578]

I live in Florida. I am still a newbie biker chick. I finally took lessons and purchased a used Sportster 883 Iron for my 40th birthday in August 2017. I am a paramedic so Harley paid for my class. I had already purchased my bike through a used (crappy experience) motorcycle dealer that shut their doors shortly after my purchase. I have to say that my experience with Jim's (now Barracuda) Harley in St Petersburg, FL, Tampa Harley, Orlando Harley South, and Orlando Harley Historic were all above and beyond my expectations. From the class instructors, to sales force, to HD funancial services (i purchased in 2018 a brand new 38 miles HD Breakout), to management, to merchandise sales, to parts dept, to all service techs EVERYONE is always friendly, smiling, helpful, patient, and customer-focused. I never delt rushed or like my concern or question was stupid. I love everyone I have dealt with through Harley. I am brand loyal simply because of the people I have interacted with. They all remind me of you Mr. Maxwell. Just fenuinely good, fun, knowledgeable people thst are passionate about their chosrn careers and want to spread that enthusiasm to others. I appreciate you and your counterparts sir. I learn so much from you all.

[@ingvarthorson2490]

Great video as always!! Regards from Brazil and ride safe!!

[@TheHarleyTech]

thanks man!

[@Jnu925]

John, Thanks for the video bro.

[@stephensheridan6332]

great video, i see where your coming from and we should all respect your time, and what time is acceptable to, and how we approach to ask for advice etc. you said it carefully and thoughtfully. contacting your dealership to speak to you for instance is a real no no and people should know that sucks without been told, it ultimately would give you a bad rep with your employer. You tube and facebook is great way to communicate without pressure

[@Tenn-C-Reb1]

Thanks for the info. Keep the vids coming.

[@sportglidejim9001]

My dealership is fantastic and always treats me fair. The techs have great attitudes and it sure makes me want to spend my money and time at the dealership! Good stuff John and so right about earning your job, nothing should be a given. Every job I have ever had was production based but it definitely gave me a much better sense of responsibility and work ethic. Sounds to like you get it! Having the support from your dealership goes a long way......Ride hard or stay home😎

[@user-jz3vc9kd2j]

My favorite channel John! Dad of 5 here....19' Street Glide Special. Just rode her 3k miles from brand new MN to AL and back. 1k mile service at great river road HD in IL. I look forward to your vids bro! Keep it up!

[@jimmccoskey8253]

Thanks for the great vid's...you're a squared-away, honest, right-to-the-point, guy!

[@markfrank2454]

Hey John Great video i am so glad you did this video it's all about paying your dues I worked as a body man at a Chevy Dealer I have always said that where is no better education than working at a dealership and it shows with you we need more people that want to work with there hands Don't change what you do it looks like to me you will be running the shop down the road keep the rubber side down

[@markpadilla5790]

Good stuff John, keep it up