Motorcycle Technician Prerequisite (MTP)

Students will receive an applied general education in physical sciences and mathematics. Students will learn how mathematics applies to measuring engine components to determine clearances, calculate compressions ratios, engine displacement, and transmissions gear ratios and related applications in motorcycle technology.

Students will learn the theory and operating principles of four-stroke engines. They will learn about design and function of various engine and transmission configurations, clutches and primary drive systems. These lessons are taught through a series of hands-on lab demonstrations that will give students an opportunity to disassemble the system and practice their measuring skills.

Students are introduced to professional work standards, shop safety rules, proper use of common hand tools and manufacturer’s service manuals, with special focus on the use of precision measuring tools.

Students will learn about design, operation and maintenance procedures of motorcycle suspension systems, including servicing of steering head bearings, suspension components, as well as brake systems. Students will learn the various types of tire construction, wheel removal and replacement, tire removal and replacement, dynamic and static tire balancing, chain peen removal and replacement, and ATV tire removal and replacement.

Students will receive an applied general education in physical sciences and technology. Students will study the science of electricity, electrical principles, magnetism, electromagnetism, and battery chemistry. Students will explore the physical sciences through activities such as performing calculations on electrical series and parallel circuits using Ohm’s law and Watt’s law as well as using scientific testing equipment to diagnose electrical circuits and components.

Students will learn the principles of motorcycle electrical circuit operation, including lighting, ignition, charging, and starting systems. Instruction will also include basic testing procedures using the necessary testing equipment, such as a digital multimeter and battery load testers. Wiring diagrams will be used to help students troubleshoot lighting, ignition, starting, charging and accessory systems of various manufacturers. Electrical testing will be performed on fully operational motorcycles. Workplace professionalism will also be covered.

Students will learn periodic maintenance procedures for motorcycle and powersports equipment, engine inspection and adjustment procedures, oil and oil filter service, cooling system theory, inspection and servicing, as well as chassis adjustments. Instruction also will cover use of specialized maintenance equipment, including valve train service and adjustment tools, and throttle body synchronization tools. In addition, students will learn the proper selection and use of solvents and lubricants.

Students will learn the principles of service operations and writing repair orders. Students will receive an applied general education in communication skills (such as handwriting, typing, report completion and organization). This course is designed to provide students with a training foundation in dealership operations. Instruction will be delivered on use of common dealer management system (DMS) software. This provides students the opportunity to work with electronic repair orders and parts catalogs, helping to create an accurate simulation of a working service department environment.

Building upon the skill sets learned in MOTD-101 Engines, Transmissions, and Precision Measurement, students will learn about the tools and procedures used to diagnose common engine issues. This includes use of diagnostic test equipment, identifying and interpreting engine noises, and disassembly and inspection of the engines and engine subsystems. Additional instruction will cover cam timing, engine clearance measurements and service limits.

Building upon the skill sets learned in MOTD-103 Electrical Systems, students will be introduced to the tools and procedures used to diagnose common electrical issues on a variety of motorcycle systems, including starting, ignition, fuel injection, and charging systems. Students are introduced to computer-based diagnostic tools, accessing and clearing of diagnostic codes, and use of graphical data to troubleshoot EFI and electrical problems.