For Duncan Paul, one attraction of the job of repairing motorcycles is that he gets to spend lots more time on his feet.

“You don’t have to crawl underneath cars, and it’s a lot cleaner,” said Paul, head of the engine technology program at Cedar Valley Community College in Lancaster, Texas.

But there are other reasons to cruise into the career. Sales of motorcycles rose 9.4 percent in 2002, marking 10 consecutive years of increases, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. That means folks with a knowledge of and passion for motorcycles can virtually choose where they want to work. The industry needs more than 10,000 new motorcycle technicians a year, according to experts.

“Finding experienced techs is an ongoing problem because nowadays we require that people have some training,” said Bob Bishop, general manager at Honda Suzuki.

Also in demand, although to a lesser extent, are outboard motor technicians. The growing number of people entering the 40-and-over age group are responsible for the largest segment of marine craft purchases, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These potential buyers will help expand the market for motorboats, maintaining the demand for qualified mechanics.

Today’s complex motorcycles require highly trained technicians to do repairs and tune-ups. The average cyclist can no longer work on much more than an oil change. The case is similar for watercraft.

Paul, who has taught at the college for 26 years, said motorcycle technicians tend to command a higher salary. The earning potential for motorcycle techs in this area can reach $70,000, while those working on outboard craft top out at around $60,000, he said.

The most important determinant of success in the field, he said, is mechanical aptitude.

“That’s not something that can be taught. You really need that aptitude to be fast enough. Everything else can be learned,” he said.

The mark of a skilled mechanic is the ability to diagnose mechanical, fuel and electrical problems, and to make repairs in a minimal amount of time.

Motorcycle mechanics repair and overhaul motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles. Besides engines, they may work on transmissions, brakes and ignition systems, and make minor body repairs.

Motorboat and marine equipment mechanics repair and adjust the electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard and outboard boat engines. Most small boats have portable outboard engines that are removed and brought into the repair shop. Larger crafts have engines that are removed only for major overhauls.

Paul said the working conditions vary for both types of mechanics.

“A motorcycle shop is usually air-conditioned and well-lighted. Outboard techs work outdoors in all kinds of weather,” he said.

Most employers prefer to hire mechanics who graduate from formal training programs for small-engine mechanics. Because the number of these specialized post-secondary programs is limited, most mechanics learn their skills on the job or while working in related occupations.

For trainee jobs, employers hire workers with mechanical aptitudes who are knowledgeable about the fundamentals of small two- and four-stroke engines, according to the labor bureau.

Paul said many of his students are motorcycle or motorboat enthusiasts.

Chris Carlile, 35, started taking motorcycle repair classes as a means of saving money on fixing his “92 Harley-Davidson FatBoy.

Carlile, a special education teacher at the Irving Independent School District, quickly learned that he could also cash in on a summer job at a shop. Halfway through the program, he’s already landed work as a service writer.

“There are definitely a lot of opportunities out there,” he said.

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(c) 2003, The Dallas Morning News.

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AP-NY-09-23-03 0622EDT