I dropped out of college to learn machine shop. That was many decades ago. I like to work with my head and my hands. There are fewer of the young people out there interested in becoming mechanics, machinists and technicians. Heck, the kids call Daddy if their car doesn't start or they get a flat. If it isn't screen dominant they aren't as interested.

 

I hope dealers realize that a person who has a bad experience at their service department will not want to buy a new bike that has been prepped by that service department. I'm at that point now with two local dealers, one HD, one multi brand.

 

Even Big Trucks are going Electric and Propane.

 

My youngest son was going to the local University, working toward an engineering degree. He was using his GI Bill from his service in the Marines. When they switched to online classes and he couldn't get feedback on questions, he started to fall back some. We talked and I suggested he move as many of his hours over and move to the Instrumentation and Elecctronics on the Tech Campus. I explained he would make more $$ in the first years as a Tech and perhaps not ever reach the difference for many years if ever. That stated he did that, moved to night classes, while working at the local HD dealership. Took all the core courses and graduated in 1 year. Hired in with the company I work for, at entry level Tech $35/hr + OT, did 2 progressions in his first year.
Most of what has been stated in previous post is accurate, however I was surprised to find he was actually making as much at the Dealership & benefits, as when he hired with the company.
I would imagine all dealerships are different in pay scales and management, but our local shop did most employees well and it shows in little turnover.
He even still goes in and helps out when they have a big event, getting his parts at cost, whatever take-offs he wants to walk out with and (while I rarely have) if I bring my bike there I'm in front of the line and only the Lead Tech touches it.
There are several people there with college degrees.

 

I can't post jobs but starting rate is $43 per hour plus benefits

 

Uh huh. Take a pic of the ad or listing.

 

First of all, privately owned Harley dealers had mechanics. Mega cathedral multi-chain dealerships have technicians. Not good or bad, just very different. A tech plugs in a reader and replaces the module that is driving the code. They don’t know systems or the big picture. On the other hand, a mechanic knows his craft. Maybe originally schooled, but knows systems, how different parts relate and support each other’s function. They don’t need no stink’n shop manual, but when they do use it they understand it immediately. They’ve been here before.

Also, many mega dealerships, auto and motorcycle, technicians are treated like dirt, frequently poorly paid, and their worth is measured in billable hours, not customer satisfaction.

Therefore, I’m not surprised by a post talking about a shortage of technicians.

 

I am not sure I agree on the difference between tech and mechanic. I tend to think we just gave it fancy name.

 

You’ve seen it all, and done it all.

It is so wonderful to have resources like you at our disposal.

 

Have you considered, you just hate everyone?