The Mechanic School Sampler

The MECHANIC SCHOOL SAMPLER

IN ANSWER TO READERS' REQUESTS, A PARTIAL LISTING OF PLACES TO LEARN THE ART OF WRENCHING

CURRENTLY, THERE IS much interest in motorcycle mechanic training programs. This is great for the sport, for there is a shortage of trained “wrenches and tuners.” But it’s frustrating for individuals desiring training because there simply aren’t enough institutions offering courses to satisfy the demand.

In an attempt to satisfy numerous reader queries, CYCLE WORLD has prepared a small list of the schools and respective curriculums. This list, however, is in no way complete. Any additional information received from readers will be published in future issues in order to present a more representative sampling.

Although the actual number of schools offering courses remains unknown, it is clear that the intensity and depth of training varies greatly. The most comprehensive, and therefore the most worthwhile programs for career men are offered by colleges of one type or another.

SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

One example is Scott Community College in Iowa. They state that their program is not a “brand name” course, but it does offer basic instruction on a variety of makes of bikes. Students enrolling in the program can expect to obtain journeyman level skills in a period of nine months.

In addition, the program, which can handle a maximum of 30 students, is veteran approved. Admission is open approximately every six weeks. Prospective applicants must be 16 years of age or older, must be a high school graduate or the equivalent, and must have mechanical aptitude. Transcripts of previous education should accompany any application forms for admittance.

The three quarter curriculum is as follows: Orientation to the motorcycle industry; theory of tools and measurement; internal combustion engines; engine and transmission assembly; disassembly and overhaul; welding, soldering and brazing; fuels and carburetion; lubrication; electrical systems; tune-up; shop management; general services; painting and metal finishing; transmission diagnosis and troubleshooting; engine diagnosis and troubleshooting; frame; suspensions; wheels, brakes, tires, and alignment; and special problems. In all it takes 360 clock hours. The end result is a diploma from the college which should be a more than adequate ^recommendation for employment.

For further information, write to James Whitney, Program Chairman, 627 West 2nd Street, Davenport, Iowa.

L.A. TRADE-TECH

Another equally comprehensive program is offered by Los Angeles TradeTechnical College in California. TradeTech is a public community college and is among the largest vocational training centers in the country. Their program takes two years to complete and graduates are awarded Associate in Science degrees.

This school, however, is very popular, so if you plan on attending in the distant future, contact them now! Philip H. Smith is the Coordinator of Public Information and the address is 400 West Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif.

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE SCHOOL

The largest motorcycle mechanic school in the country is the American Motorcycle Mechanics School in Illinois. They offer day and evening courses for both basic and advanced instruction and have recently formed a special one-week tune-up course. In addition, they offer a new home study plan.

Major areas of study include the following: routine maintenance; adjustments; tuning; electrical systems; charging systems; carburetion systems; wheels, brakes, and tires; front forks; engine principles, etc.; transmission and clutch systems; and tuning and trouble shooting.

For additional information, write American Motorcycle School, 2840 N. Halsted St., Chicago, 111. 60657.

WEST VALLEY CENTER

A shorter course is offered by the West Valley Occupational Center in California. Their 20 week program covers virtually everything and they have a job placement service for capable graduates.

Currently, however, their program is full and there is no waiting list as they are affiliated with the Los Angeles City Schools. Consequently, prospective students must be there on registration day to have a chance. For further information, write to Dale Martin or Marty Dickerson at 6200 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills, Calif. 91364.

COOPERS CYCLE RANCH

Coopers Cycle Ranch, a Honda and Triumph dealership, recently offered a 10-week course, at no charge, to bike owners in New Jersey. Cooper feels that instructing cyclists unloads the burden from his own service department as well as providing a valuable community service.

The Cooper curriculum is as follows: First week, basic four-cycle engines, clutch and chain adjustments; Second week, valve adjustments, ignition timing, tune-ups; Third week, carburetion; Fourth week, clutch and primary chains; Fifth Week, electrics and how they work; Sixth Week, transmissions, kick starters, and oil seals; Seventh week, oil systems; Eighth week, tire changing, respoking wheels, balancing and truing; Ninth week, sprockets and swinging arms; Tenth week, quiz and issuance of mechanics certificates.

For additional information, contact Sherm Cooper at Coopers Cycle Ranch, 8 66 State Highway 33, Hamilton Square, New Jersey.

There you have it from college curriculum to dealer instruction. The delivery is different but the knowledge gained is worthwhile.

OTHER WAYS TO GO

For those who can’t find a proper school or can’t handle the waiting which may be necessary to sign up, there are other possible ways to go. For instance, automotive courses abound in the United States and will give you the basic understanding of i.c. engines necessary to comprehend mechanical problems relating to motorcycles.

If you are already a motorcycle mechanic or work in the industry in another capacity, you may want to broaden your knowledge by taking courses indirectly related to your profession. Examples: a course in basic electronics, or computer control systems. Many mechanics confess that they just don’t understand in an intuitive, familiar way the electrical workings of a motorcycle. Several schools offer correspondence courses which will give you that knowledge and may serve to make you more valuable to your company.

NATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOLS

One school that offers either correspondence courses or in-house training is National Technical Schools, 4000 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, Calif. 90037. The courses include auto and industrial mechanics, basic electronics, computer electronics and industrial electronics. Our Senior Editor is now sampling a TV and Radio course by mail from National and has found that even the introductory lessons in electronics have greatly enhanced his understanding of motorcycle ignition. National sends out free brochures on request.

We earnestly invite any school teaching subjects of value to the prospective motorcycle mechanic to contact us with their name, address and a description of their curriculum. (Ol