advise on a friend becoming a motorbike mechanic

[Marcus]

So I have a friend who is a car mechanic who I've been trying to talk into taking on bikes.
He said he doesn't have a licence to ride.

I said you probably don't need one as I don't think they ride the bikes at all...

Am I safe to assume that?

What sort of gear would he have to have apart from a lift of course.

I said just do it as a side thing, I'm sure word of mouth will spread.

[Biggles]

So I have a friend who is a car mechanic who I've been trying to talk into taking on bikes.
He said he doesn't have a licence to ride.

I said you probably don't need one as I don't think they ride the bikes at all...

Am I safe to assume that?

What sort of gear would he have to have apart from a lift of course.

I said just do it as a side thing, I'm sure word of mouth will spread.

He also just needs fingers the size of scissor blades, with hydraulic strength, and the patience of Job.
Being able to ride is a significant bonus, especially if a punter turns up with a problem only evident while riding.
He'd need to test-ride the fix.

[Shaun]

I have a sense that certain problems will only make sense if he is able to throw a leg over and ride to see the problem, or rely on past riding experience to gather an idea as to the nature of a problem

Quite a lot of course will be compatible with his experience with cars, but there is a reason most motorcyclists go to motorcycle mechanics and not car mechanics.

I wouldn't think too much in the way of specialist equipment. I know that bike tyre removal is often not possible using the standard car tyre removal machines, so that might be something too.

Is he interested in bikes?

[Marcus]

I have a sense that certain problems will only make sense if he is able to throw a leg over and ride to see the problem, or rely on past riding experience to gather an idea as to the nature of a problem
Is he interested in bikes?

He is, yes...
As for riding, couldn't you put the bike on one of those roller things.

[Biggles]

He is, yes...
As for riding, couldn't you put the bike on one of those roller things.

I wouldn't like to test its cornering ability on one.     

I'd say- get ya full licence and build some experience in the industry fooling around with your own bike for a year or so.
Then decide if you want to buy the workshop equipment.

[ST2UP]

I think if he was a rider it would be easier to appreciate the diagnostic side of motorcycle mechanics when getting a discripition from an owner with an issue

[laurie]

In NSW, Motorcycle mechanics do the same TAFE course as car mechanics in first year, but then move to bike specific study in the second and third year. I assume it would be much the same elsewhere. If he is a good car mechanic, it shouldnt be to difficult for him to switch to bikes. I dont know any bike mechanics (or apprentices who are old enough) that dont have a bike licence. Road testing for faults, and to confirm a satisfactory fix, is an important part of the job.
Laurie

[Gatey]

So I have a friend who is a car mechanic who I've been trying to talk into taking on bikes.
He said he doesn't have a licence to ride.

I said you probably don't need one as I don't think they ride the bikes at all... My bloke does and I expect him to test his workmanship on his hide not mine How on earth could the guy diagnose a problem without riding the thing?

Am I safe to assume that?  Never assume

What sort of gear would he have to have apart from a lift of course.  A helmet seems obvious place to start...a tyre tool that's bike specific, some car size units aren't so good on bike wheels.

I said just do it as a side thing, I'm sure word of mouth will spread.

[Brock]

There is a raft of specialist tooling required for each bike, sourcing them can be a problem