Motorcycle Repair Courses

The Starting Your Program course is designed to help you make a smooth transition to Penn Foster, including learning how to use all the tools and resources that are available to you. The goal is to help you become a confident, independent learner.

This course will introduce you to the expanding field of motorcycle repair and the increasing need for professionally trained motorcycle technicians. You’ll learn about the many career opportunities available to trained technicians. You’ll learn to identify the types of motorcycles and ATVs in operation today. You’ll also learn about the different types of basic and specialized tools that motorcycle technicians use. Finally, you’ll receive important instruction on safe work methods and the safe use of tools, equipment, and supplies related to motorcycle and ATV repair.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Further express your goals and expectations
• Navigate the Penn Foster learning environment, including your Student Portal
• Describe what it takes to be a successful online learner
• Identify your preferred study aids and learning styles
• Practice some important study and time management skills
• Access and use helpful resources, such as the Penn Foster Virtual Library, and various help features
• List and describe the employment opportunities available in the motorcycle industry
• Identify the different types of motorcycles and ATVs
• Define the uses and advantages of each type of motorcycle and ATV
• Name the various hand, power, and specialized tools you’ll use when working with motorcycles and ATVs
• State the safety concerns associated with hand and power tools
• Describe the safe work practices that you must observe when working on motorcycles and ATVs
• Explain how good housekeeping habits contribute to a safe workplace
• Identify the major classes of fires and describe how each should be extinguished

This course introduces you to the different types of motorcycle and ATV engine designs and configurations. First, we’ll learn how manufacturers determine engine sizes and power ratings. Then we’ll look at the basic component layout of both two-stroke and four-stroke engine designs. Finally, we’ll cover the different two-stroke and four-stroke engine configurations that you may find in both motorcycles and ATVs.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Explain how an internal combustion engine operates
• Demonstrate how engine displacement is measured
• Define the terms horsepower and torque
• Point out the major components of both two-stroke and four-stroke engines
• Identify the different motorcycle and ATV two- and four-stroke engine configurations

In the previous course, you learned about the various motorcycle and ATV engine configurations. Now we’ll focus on how motorcycle and ATV engines operate. We’ll begin by discussing certain physical laws that pertain to engines. Next, we’ll describe the theory of operation for a basic internal-combustion engine. After you understand basic engine operation, we’ll focus on the four-stroke engine. We’ll discuss the basic components used in a four-stroke engine and then take an in-depth look at how the four-stroke engine operates.

This course also focuses on the two-stroke engine. We’ll begin by identifying the components found in the two-stroke engine and then learn how the two-stroke engine operates. Next, we’ll describe the different types of induction systems. After completing our look at the two-stroke engine, we’ll discuss the differences between two-stroke engines and four-stroke engines. At the conclusion of this course, we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of each of these engine designs.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Explain the physical laws associated with motorcycle and ATV engines
• Describe the operation of a basic internal-combustion engine
• Explain how fuel and air are used to make an engine operate
• Identify the component parts used in a four-stroke engine
• Describe the theory of operation for a four-stroke engine
• Visually identify the component parts used in a two-stroke engine including the piston, crankshaft, cylinder head, and cylinder
• Explain the theory behind the operation of the two-stroke engine
• Understand the different induction systems used on the two-stroke engine
• Describe how a two-stroke engine physically differs from a four-stroke engine
• Understand both the advantages and disadvantages of both the two- and four-stroke engines used in the modern motorcycle and ATV

This course gives you an understanding of the types of lubricants and lubrication systems used in motorcycles and ATVs. It covers both the two-stroke and four-stroke engine designs. You’ll learn how bearings, bushings, and seals help control and reduce friction. In addition, we’ll discuss lubrication requirements for components of motorcycles and ATVs. You’ll also learn about the specific cooling systems used on motorcycles and ATVs. Most of what you’ll learn about motorcycle engine lubrication systems applies to ATVs as well.

All motorcycle and ATV engines require a fuel system and a carburetion system to operate. For motorcycle and ATV repair, it’s important to have a good understanding of both of these systems. In this course, you’ll first learn about fuels used for motorcycle and ATV engines. You’ll then learn about the principles of carburetion. We’ll discuss the types of fuel delivery systems used to get the fuel from the fuel tank into the engine. We’ll also describe the different types of carburetors found on motorcycles and ATVs. Finally, we’ll discuss the use of multiple carburetors and fuel injection systems.

This course also focuses on the transmissions and related components used in motorcycle or ATV engines. In this course, you’ll learn about the different types of gears that you may find in a motorcycle or ATV engine. You’ll also understand how the primary drive and different clutch systems function in an engine. We’ll then discuss how and why transmissions are used in motorcycle and ATV engines.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Define the four key purposes of lubrication
• Describe the types of oil and how oil is classified
• Explain why bearings, bushings, and seals are needed in an engine
• Identify the different types of bearings used in motorcycles and ATVs
• State the purpose of both two- and four-stroke engine lubrication systems
• Identify the different types of lubrication systems used in both two- and four-stroke motorcycle engines
• Describe how cooling systems work and why they’re used
• Identify the components of motorcycle cooling systems
• Identify the various specialty lubricants used in lubrication system maintenance
• Define fuel octane ratings and state the factors that affect these ratings
• Explain the primary principles of carburetor operation
• Identify various fuel delivery systems used on motorcycles
• Identify the components of each type of carburetor
• Describe the operation of the circuits in each type of carburetor
• Describe the base carburetor of an engine with multiple carburetors
• Explain the concept of carburetor synchronization
• Identify the components of an electronic fuel injection system
• Identify the different gears used in transmissions
• Calculate gear and drive ratios correctly
• Identify the functions of the primary drive systems
• Identify the different components that make up the primary drive systems
• Understand and identify the different clutch types
• Identify the different clutch release mechanisms
• Identify the different types of transmissions and shifting components
• Identify and understand the different types of final drive systems

In this course, you’ll learn the procedures used to disassemble the top- and lower-end assemblies of two- and four-stroke engines, a process in which all components of the engine are removed and inspected. You’ll start by learning the preliminary steps required before you take an engine apart. Then, you’ll learn the steps for removing, inspecting, and replacing engine parts when necessary. Finally, you’ll be led through the process of reassembling the engines and installing the engine to a frame. Throughout the course, you’ll learn about the special tools that are used in the process and review information about the function of certain engine components.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Explain why engine problem diagnosis is critical before beginning to disassemble an engine
• Understand the necessity of proper engine component inspection
• Describe the concept of the motorcycle and ATV two-stroke engine power valve
• List and describe the basic steps that can be used to disassemble and assemble a motorcycle or ATV two-stroke engine
• Describe the procedures used to disassemble the lower end of an air-cooled or a liquid-cooled two-stroke engine that has a vertical crankcase design
• Identify the special tools used to disassemble the lower end of a two-stroke engine
• Visually identify the components in the lower end of a two-stroke engine
• Inspect the various parts of the crankshaft and transmission for damage or wear
• Describe the procedures required to reassemble the lower end of a two-stroke vertical-split crankcase-design engine
• List the steps required to install an engine into a chassis
• Describe what checks you should make before starting a rebuilt engine
• State the procedures for removing a four-stroke engine from the chassis
• State the procedures for disassembling the top end of a four-stroke motorcycle or ATV
• Diagnose common problems related to four-stroke engine top-end failure
• Inspect the components of the top end of a four-stroke motorcycle or ATV
• State the procedures for reassembling the top end of a four-stroke motorcycle or ATV
• Identify the various components in a four-stroke engine lower-end assembly
• Describe the procedures used to disassemble the lower end of a four-stroke engine
• Identify the special tools used to disassemble a four-stroke engine lower-end assembly
• Identify the various inspections that should be conducted on a lower-end assembly
• Inspect the various parts of a transmission for damage and wear
• Diagnose basic engine problems based on their symptoms
• Describe the procedures used to reassemble the lower end of a four-stroke engine
• Describe the procedures used to install an engine into a chassis
• List the steps to take before starting up an engine following a major rebuild
• Describe the procedure for breaking in a rebuilt engine

In your previous courses, you’ve learned about the components of a motorcycle and ATV engine and how they affect engine operation. You’ve also learned about lubrication and cooling systems. This course is the first of three that will concentrate on the subject of electricity. The text will show you the basics of electricity, where electricity comes from, and how we measure electricity. In the following courses, we’ll discuss charging systems, ignition systems, and other electrical circuits that will be found when working on a motorcycle or an ATV.

You’ll also learn about the different types of ignition systems. First, we’ll explain basic ignition system operation and identify the main components in an ignition system. Then, we’ll look at the different types of ignition systems and learn about ignition system timing. Next, we’ll tell you how to service and maintain ignition systems. Finally, we’ll discuss the electric starting systems found on various motorcycles and ATVs.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Explain how a basic circuit operates
• Describe the electron theory of electrical operation
• Describe the conventional theory of electrical operation
• Explain the difference between voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit
• Calculate voltage, current, and resistance using Ohm’s law
• Describe how to use a multimeter to measure voltage, resistance, and current
• Describe how an electromagnet works
• Explain what a diode is and how it works
• Describe how a spark plug is constructed and how it operates
• Identify the components of the magneto, battery, and electronic ignition systems
• Explain the basic operation of each type of ignition system
• Describe the procedures involved in maintaining an ignition system
• List the steps used in troubleshooting ignition systems
• Understand how the electric starter systems used on motorcycles and ATVs operate

This course introduces motorcycle and ATV frame design, motorcycle wheel alignment, and front- and rear-suspension designs. You’ll start by learning the design and description of frames and suspension systems, including motorcycle wheel-alignment checks. Then, you’ll learn the important steps you must take to inspect and to perform maintenance procedures on these systems. Throughout our discussions of system designs, inspection, alignment, and maintenance steps, we’ll provide you with information on the function of certain basic frame and suspension-system components.

In this course, you’ll learn about the brake systems, wheels, and tires used on motorcycles and ATVs. You’ll begin by learning about the different types of brakes. We’ll describe how each type of brake operates and identify its components. We’ll also describe how to maintain the different brake systems. Next, we’ll look at the wheels commonly found on motorcycles and ATVs. In this discussion, we’ll cover both the spoke and non-spoke types of wheels used on motorcycles. In addition, you’ll learn how to repair spoke-type wheels. The tire information includes both tube-type and tubeless-type tires. We’ll provide information for tire repair as well as information for tire removal, installation, and balancing.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Identify the different frame designs used by motorcycle manufacturers
• Understand how to perform frame and wheel inspection and alignment procedures
• Identify basic front-fork suspension components
• Inspect and perform service procedures on front-fork components
• Identify rear-suspension systems used by motorcycle manufacturers
• Inspect and perform service procedures on rear-suspension components
• Identify ATV steering and suspension systems
• Inspect and perform service procedures on ATV steering and suspension systems
• Identify the different brake systems and brake system components used on motorcycles and ATVs
• Describe how to perform maintenance on brake systems
• Understand how to repair motorcycle spoke wheels
• Identify tube and tubeless tires
• Describe how to perform maintenance on wheel assemblies, including balancing tires and servicing wheel bearings

In this course, you’ll learn the importance of scheduled motorcycle and ATV maintenance. Included in this course is an explanation of motorcycle emission-control systems, how they function, and how they should be maintained. There are also sections covering scheduled maintenance intervals, engine maintenance procedures, and chassis maintenance procedures.

You’ll learn the art of diagnostics, which is essential to the troubleshooting process. Because it’s impossible to cover every type of motorcycle or ATV problem, we’ll introduce basic diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques and concepts that you can apply to many different situations.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Identify the different emission-control systems used on street-legal motorcycles
• Understand how to perform emission-control system maintenance procedures
• Explain how to perform various engine and chassis maintenance procedures
• Describe the correct procedures for storing a motorcycle or ATV
• Systematically approach motorcycle and ATV problems
• Troubleshoot engine problems
• Troubleshoot lower-end and exhaust-system problems
• Troubleshoot carburetor problems
• Troubleshoot ignition-system problems
• Troubleshoot electrical-system problems
• Troubleshoot chassis problems
• Troubleshoot hydraulic- and mechanical-brake problems
• Troubleshoot DC circuit-system problems