In the past five years the skills and knowledge necessary to be an A-level motorcycle technician have changed about as much as the electronics on today's motorcycles. That is to say — a lot. It may not be a bold, new world, but it's safe to say that unlike just five years ago, the motorcycle tech of 2007 won't get very far relying on mechanical aptitude as his only strong suit.

MMI students eventually use Harley's proprietary Digital Tech software to troubleshoot and service motorcycles.

We need look no further than Harley-Davidson's 2007 models to see why; they're fuel-injected across the board. In fact, the only carbureted bike H-D now produces is the Buell Blast. That means any H-D tech wanting to grow in this business better be computer-literate or step aside for someone who's handy with a mouse.

Why? Because to service and troubleshoot fuel-injected Harleys and Buells the tech will need to know and use Harley-Davidson's Digital Technician program. Digital Tech is H-D's proprietary software. It's the key and the control to most of the electronics now on the bikes. For example, something as simple as setting the PIN for the security system requires Digital Tech. And if you want to troubleshoot the EFI system or download a new EFI calibration, you'll use Digital Tech or its aftermarket equivalent.

MMI to the Rescue

How is the industry preparing folks for this new technology? According to Mike Trimeloni, education director for the Harley-Davidson programs at Motorcycle Mechanics Institute ( http://www.mmitech.edu/), his department has taken a turn toward the keyboard. In the department's mandatory H-D Tech program, the student uses the computer to access http://H-D.com/ (the public website) and http://H-Dnet.com/ (the dealer-only website) to look up parts and accessories and get information on everything from rider tips to service bulletins.

MMI built a computer lab just so that students could use the Internet to submit their answers to Harley's PHD tests.

MMI students also have the opportunity to grow their knowledge and career options by completing H-D's in-dealership PHD training (and most who attend MMI do). They accomplish this by accessing HDU Online (part of the Harley-Davidson University site) to submit their answers to the PHD tests they perform. MMI built a multi-station computer lab just for this purpose.

Additionally, as students progress through their H-D training they eventually end up in the late-model programs where they'll use Digital Tech and H-D's proprietary dealer management system, Talon2, to troubleshoot and service the motorcycles in the classroom, locate parts and information in the electronic service manuals and complete their ROs electronically.

To help the graduate become more hirable MMI is planning to implement a new clinic that teaches all students the fundamental skills of operating other dealer management systems like Lightspeed and Counterman. Along these lines, the clinic will also teach some of the software skills necessary to deliver good customer service.