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15 Best Motorcycle Industry Jobs for Riders

15 Best Motorcycle Industry Jobs for Riders

Many riders want to spend as much time with motorcycles as possible. Many get to make this dream a reality by going into a motorcycle industry job. The best part is that you don’t need to have a specific degree to qualify for most motorcycle industry jobs. Listed below are the 15 best motorcycle industry jobs for riders.

1. Motorcycle Salesman

Being a motorcycle salesman is a sensible choice for someone who talks endlessly about motorcycles as this occupation requires strong communication skills. This job involves selling bikes to clients looking to buy or learn more about specific models. Determine which motorcycle brand you are most familiar with to best put your knowledge to use when presenting models belonging to certain motorbike brands like Harley Davidson, Honda, Indian, etc.


You do not require a formal degree to be qualified for this occupation. However, you must finish training after being employed and be able to apply your knowledge of motorcycles. You must be friendly, dependable, and knowledgeable about the motorcycles you will be selling.


Look for motorcycle shops you want to work at and research as much as you can about their missions, policies, etc. before applying. If you show interest or knowledge of motorcycle shops during an interview, your chances of being hired will increase.


Pay: The typical salary for a motorbike salesperson is between $35,000-$40,000 yearly. At a well-known brand’s motorcycle store, you can expect to earn between $45,000-$55,000 yearly plus commissions.

2. Motorcycle Restoration Shop Owner

Being the owner of a motorcycle restoration shop allows you to dedicate your time interacting with bikes.


This line of work entails maintaining and repairing bikes, restoring motorcycles per customer requests, and buying and selling motorcycles.


A bachelor's degree is not required to start your own motorcycle restoration shop. However, you will need to understand finances and have knowledge of various motorcycle brands.


You’ll need to find a building to open up your store. To let the SBA (Small Business Administration) know what type of business you'll be running, you'll need to draft a business plan.


Obtain legal and accounting advice from professionals to ensure all of your bases are covered. You will also need to acquire the specific licenses and permits necessary to make your business legitimate.


The next step is to create a budget and calculate how much money is required to launch your business. Make sure your budget leaves enough expenses to pay for unexpected costs.


Pay: This value depends on the size of your shop, how many workers you hire, how much work you do yourself, etc. You should expect to earn about 30% of the revenue your shop earns, taking into account workers’ pay, equipment, supplies, company rent, etc.

3. Rider Coach

Some states require completing a state-approved Basic Rider Education Course before being issued a motorcycle license. However, many motorcycle riders require the help of a rider coach to help them prepare and complete these motorcycle safety programs.


As a riding coach, you will be expected to provide your students a practical motorcycle education. You must be able to mentor your students and other instructors, develop motorcycle education programs based on the curriculum provided by the institution, ensure student safety, maintain riding gear, and refuel training motorcycles.

No formal education is required for this job. However, you will need to have the following qualifications:

  • Complete an Instructor Preparation Course
  • Hold an active motorcycle license for three years
  • Become First Aid and CPR certified
  • Demonstrate riding expertise
  • Regularly ride a motorcycle

Pay: This job typically pays between $25-$30 per hour and are usually part-time positions.

4. Motorcycle Adjuster

A motorcycle adjuster requires being familiar with the market values and cost of repairs for motorcycles and cars. Often, this job requires performing preliminary evaluations of automobiles damaged due to accidents on behalf of an insurance company.


To be qualified for this position, you must at least possess a high school diploma. You must be familiar with motorcycle vehicles, especially how to repair them. Having a degree in finance or business administration or having experience with insurance businesses could also improve your chances of being hired.


Typically, in order to work as an insurance adjuster, you must also possess or be able to obtain an adjuster’s license. You must also enroll in Continuing Education classes to keep your license valid.


Though the requirements vary between states, acquiring an adjuster’s license requires paying a fee, getting a study guide, and passing a test.


Pay: It is possible to earn around $45,000-$50,000 yearly. If you become an independent adjuster, you can expect to make around $70,000.

5. Motorcycle Brand Ambassador

A motorcycle brand ambassador is an influencer who may or may not be working directly for the motorbike company s/he is promoting. A motorcycle brand ambassador organizes conventions and events for companies or brands.


You also represent brands at these events, interact with the customers, and provide information about motorbikes, motorcycle parts, and brands. This career often requires you to travel often.


Though not required to qualify for this position, a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or communications is preferred. However, expertise in marketing is typically a requirement as having knowledge of motorcycles.


There are several ways to begin a career like this, particularly if you have a specific motorbike company you'd like to work for. You'll need motorcycle experience, preferably specific to the brand you're seeking. A bachelor's degree is not necessary, although it does help.


Pay: It is possible to earn around $45,000-$50,000 yearly.

6. Motorcycle Detailer

Motorcycle detailers spend most of their time at motorcycle shops or dealerships. You'll be required to move motorbikes, maintain and clean the service area, detail and wash the display motorcycles, keep records of vehicle conditions and fuel levels, and fix any damage to the bikes’ paint jobs.


To qualify for this job, you need a motorcycle license, can move heavyweight motorcycles, and carry heavy items. You are not required to have finished a formal education prior. If you don't already have a motorcycle license, you must obtain one before applying for this position. You must pass both a written and driving test at your local DMV in order to get your motorbike license.


Pay: It is possible to earn around $10-$15 per hour.

7. Motorcycle Tour Guide

A motorcycle tour guide can be a good seasonal job if you need to keep yourself busy during the summer or want to demonstrate your passion for motorcycles.


This job involves showing other riders around popular tourist destinations, like a national park. You must be able to lead motorcycle tours safely, interact directly with each tour participant, research routes and sites, and assist with technical motorcycle issues.


To qualify for this position, you must possess a motorcycle license and have highway riding experience.


During a tour, you must be accessible at all times and be fully available during the summer. You must have previous motorcycle experience and in-depth knowledge of the routes, road conditions, landmarks, etc. to ensure proper navigation. You must also be familiar with road laws, first aid, and local traditions.


Pay: It is possible to earn between $80 and $120 daily, plus tips. If the tours are longer, the company you work for may pay for your accommodations, gas, and meals.

8. Motorcycle Journalist

Although it can be a little more difficult to obtain a motorcycle journalist position, it is definitely attainable if you are persistent.


In this position, you will be writing about motorcycles in all media, including books, magazines, newspapers, and journals. You may have to travel, conduct interviews, test products, and write reviews.


To qualify for this motorcycle job, you must possess a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or a related field.


You must enroll in a college or institution that is recognized and offers courses and degrees in writing, journalism, English, or communications.


Pay: The average salary is about $60,000 yearly.

9. Motorcycle Mechanic

A motorcycle mechanic is a good fit if you enjoy working on motorcycles and don't care much for social interaction.


A motorcycle mechanic is in charge of conducting maintenance and repairs for motorcycles, ATVs, dirt bikes, and other recreational vehicles. The engine, transmission, brakes, and body damage are the key parts that need to be repaired.


You do not need to submit proof of completing a formal education to work as a motorcycle mechanic. Many motorcycle repair shops provide on-the-job training. However,  you must know how traditional and modern motorbikes operate.


Pay: The average salary is between $28-$30 per hour.

10. Motorcycle Technician

A motorcycle technician and a motorcycle mechanic are similar jobs. A motorcycle technician handles, resolves, and conducts maintenance on motorcycles and recreational vehicles.


Despite having similar responsibilities as motorcycle mechanics, motorcycle technicians must have a certificate as proof they have completed additional mechanical training.


To qualify for this job, a high school diploma and a certificate from a technical school are required. The average time to receive this certificate is at least four months.


Pay: The average salary is between $30-$35 per hour.

11. Motorcycle Shop Foreman

A motorcycle shop foreman, or a workshop foreman, is responsible for maintenance and repairs and supervising the workers to ensure they perform their duties properly.


To be qualified for this position, you must possess an associate's degree in mechanics, such as automotive service technology.


To get started, visit a technical college near you to see what programs they offer for mechanical education. These courses generally take about one and a half years. Some colleges also offer online courses to make things simpler for students who are already employed.


Having prior experience working at a motorcycle store can also improve your chances of being hired.


Pay: The average salary is between $45,000-$50,000 yearly.

12. Technical Education Instructor

A technical education instructor is responsible for teaching students how to use tools and equipment in technical fields. Your duty will be to provide the students with the skills and knowledge they need to enter this occupation.


To qualify for this position, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field and have vast knowledge about the automotive world, especially on motorcycles. Having previous work experience as a motorcycle mechanic will improve your chances of getting hired.


Pay: The average salary is between $52,000-$58,000.

13. Automotive Engineer

An automotive engineer is similar to a mechanical engineer as you are responsible for designing and manufacturing motorcycle parts. In addition to that you can also work in a call center and provide assistance to mechanic shops.


To qualify for this job, you must have a bachelor's degree in automotive engineering.


Pay: The average salary is between $50,000-$60,000 yearly.

14. Mechanical Engineer

A mechanical engineer designs motorcycles and operates manufacturing machinery.


To qualify for this motorcycle job, you must have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. You must also pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Test to prove you can apply your knowledge.


Pay: The average salary is between $60,000-$65,000 yearly.

15. Industrial Engineer

An industrial engineer assesses the manufacturing of motorcycles and their parts, improves work efficiency, and eliminates wastefulness. An industrial engineer also designs systems that improve the productivity of making motorbikes and motorbike parts.


To qualify for this job, you must have a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering.


Pay: The average salary is between $60,000-$70,000 yearly.

16. Last Words

Motorcycle jobs can be divided into various categories: manufacturing, design, marketing, maintenance, and operation. As a technician or mechanic, you repair and maintain motorcycles. As an engineer, you design and build motorcycles. As a salesman, you promote and sell motorcycles. You can also choose to become a journalist, rider coach, instructor, or shop foreman. Viking bags offer CRASH BAR, FAIRING, HANDLEBAR, and SISSY BARS to customize your motorcycles.

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