Motorcycle Mechanics Institute Reviews

"You will not get a job after graduating from this school for more than minimum wage and you will be treated like garbage because they know this school has cranked out thousands like you. The "placement" department is a joke, no help finding you work as they only call every shop in the country to see what students might have found a job on their own so they can act like they "placed" you there. If you eventually do find a job it will be seasonal at best unless your daddy owns a shop. Do not go if you do not know someone who owns a busy shop and offers a job first."

"Personally this school had helped me alot, i got here not knowing anything about motorcycle and how they work. Some stuff is true, the training aids are a bit worn down, but how much could you really learn from a prefect bike with absolutely nothing wrong with it, that would be the same as somebody coming into your shop with a brand new bike (not a thing wrong with it) and expecting them to pay you to work on it. The instructors are knowledgeable and friendly, however if you're unlucky you might get an asshole teacher, i had 1 my entire time here. As far as housing do your best to stay away from CHS housing program, it is horrible, they charge way to much for you not to be able to do whatever you want, and i have been moved 4 times in a year along with being paired up with a few assholes that they then will not help you with. CHS is a joke, if you can stay away from them do so."

"I will not recommend or not recommend to you this school. I will tell you point blank about the school and allow you to ascertain whether or not you wish to attend. Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) is nothing more and nothing less than a (recognized) "For-Profit" School. They want your money plain and simple, however, what educational institution doesn't? The school has a lot of Veterans attending, does it seem like MMI targets Veterans? Perhaps, after all Veterans using the G.I. Bill to pay are a guaranteed paid for student. They claim you are an adult with emphasis on "professionalism", but treat you as if you are in the Military or back in grade school. Some of the office staff are "professional" while others are rude, guess it would depend of what type of day everyone is having like any other human being. The education curriculum is "set by the major companies; i.e.: Honda, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha", and MMI is the only recognized school by the aforementioned to learn how to work on motorcycles. Not saying there are not other schools out there, only that MMI is in bed with the Dealers. Another thing is Snap-On, MMI has a Snap-On dealer on campus and will be more than happy to sell you anything you need including financing up to 18% APR. It would seem a lot of people push that if you do not have Snap-On you won't succeed as a professional mechanic. Some things at MMI fall into the proverbial "Honey Trap"; They repaint the walls nearly every rotation (at least that what it seems) for the tours that they give of there facility (although things always look real nice on the other side of the looking glass), tell you during the admission process that upon graduation you get a thousand dollar ($1,000.00 USD) credit with Snap-On... But don't tell you that it is really Six Hundred ($600.00 USD) because of your student discount and you have to choose between certain predetermine things. Still least they can do for a thirty plus thousand education. Instructors are like any other higher education institute. You have your good ones, and you have your bad ones... You even have the ones that just collect a pay check. The training or instructional aids are something to be desired... They have been disassembled and reassembled so many times that a great majority of them are worn out. Asking for something to be replaced is met with either dismay or being told there is no replacement. For the amount of money being spent to attend, there is more than enough funds available to provide a decent learning environment. In the end the only thing I can tell you is this... If you want that "recognized" piece of paper, and you want to try and start a career in the motorcycle industry, then you will have to play by their (MMI/Dealerships) rules."

"I came to this school to learn about motorcycles. I knew very little to nothing about bikes or engines before I started here. It has taught me ao much and opened my eyes to alot. I am very glad I decided to come here. They teach you every part from front to rear, the instructors are very knowledgeable and truely care and want to see you do well. However I do feel like they seem to be about getting kids in and out at times. They also have a program that works with the school called CHS, designed to help kids in different schools to find cheap quality shared housing. Its a good deal when you look at it as one on one, just your lease, but they get more money from students combined then the normal rent payment so they get you a little, but all in all its a good program if you are a responsible adult. A few of the courses could be set up a little better tools, some of the training aids are over worked, but its a very good school, lots of useful information, its just up to you to get it and use it"

"I went to school there and learn the same thing as if I worked in a shop. Oh by the way once your done with school don't think your going to help you find a job that pays more than 10.00 a hour. There turn out rate for grads who get jobs is like13% for the year. Let me go ahead and put out my email address so if someone from the school wants to ask why I put this up they can email me drewdogg732000@yahoo.com. This school is trash They treat you like your in the military, there has been a time when the instructor locked the doors in the classroom and being yelled at because we were not in class before bell rang. Lol the instructor locked the door before the bell rang and act an a** because we were at the door waiting for him to unlock it. If there is anyone who is a vet and plan on using your GI Bill stay away from this school. They target a lot of us just for the money they know they will get but in this school didn't help me in my career nor didn't they help me look for a job. So don't waste your time and give away free money"

"Welcome to MMI Orlando were lies are told and help is hard to find. To start with plan on at least being stalled for 3 weeks (the time for each course excluding Theory and the electives). For me so far I've had to miss 6 weeks due to courses not being available. Also due to a clerical mistake I was charged $654 dollars even though I have 100% coverage under the G.I. Bill, I was told this was because of my 6 weeks of leave of absent and when that story did not add up I was told it was because of dis-enrolling the first time (like I said they are Liars. Parking is impossible and made even worse when they moved the Marine dept. to the MMI Campus so plan on fighting for a spot to park everyday. Then there is the Motorcycles you will be working on, they are crap due to over use as training aids and if you can't fix the problem and finish your task plan on getting a failing grade. Most instructors are great but there are a few that deserve to be called some choice names. Lastly and most importantly if you do decide to attend MMI at about the 8-10 week point you begin to realize that this school is not interested in your progress or well being, they are interested in your bank account and trust me they dig deep. Also before I forget there is CHS (they're student housing dept.) they will cram you sometimes 3 to a room in a small apartment to maximize profit and they also do random apartment checks (Searches) as told to me by several frustrated fellow students. So if you want to go to a school that does not care, help, educate, and love to invade your privacy then sign right up and you too can write a scathing review on gradreports.com too!!!"

"I was injured at work as a truck driver, they said I would not drive again so I went to mmi for a career change. I enjoyed the classes , learned a lot and found a job in phoenix well before I graduated. after a period of time we returned to the Pittsburgh area .I found work at a small bike shop and was pretty satisfied as far as the work went ,but kept missing the road as a trucker. I went for some new surgery and got back to driving. I will always use the knowledge I received from MMI. once its in there you never lose it. its not just for motorcycles , even if you never work in a bike shop the knowledge can be used in small engine repair ,boats ,auto truck, and most anything that has an engine. and the electronics pa of the classes will save you from a lot of frustration with todays electronics. I now have heart disease and was forced to retire. I can no longer work, but with the knowledge I acquired thru mmi I spend quality time working on my own projects with a good deal of satisfaction. life is short learn earn and enjoy."

"MMI is a big joke they lie to people to get them there and treat them like crap they say they want you to bring you family but they don't tell if you do they don't help with housing ,I brought my wife with me and the school ended up putting is in a homeless shelter and we where told we would be sleeping out side in a parking lot.all MMI wants is you're money and they don't give a damn what happens to you .Student services cant get anything right the all place is a joke save or money and go some where else."

"The school is a very well put together with a large amount of knowledge in every classroom. I feel the need to write this because of so many bad reviews I see on the internet. A huge portion of the students at MMI are dropouts that couldn't go to college so they use MMI as a way of going to a higher level of education. These uneducated rejects fail at MMI just as they do at most things in life and immediately blame the school, for its everyone else's fault and not their own. I attended MMI last year and graduated with perfect attendance and on the directors list, which means I put a lot of effort into the knowledge I obtained. The instructors are incredibly smart and were always helpful, especially when I asked for extra work. I am nineteen years old, and I work in the number three Honda dealership in the nation. It just goes to show that people who talk trash on the school and go nowhere in life are unmotivated, and thought that merely attending the school would give them the knowledge that they needed. I had a large amount of classmates that sat and texted all day and cheated through class. Three of them now work at Walmart, if you are thinking about going to this school one bit of advice from me is, grow up."

"I attended MMI in the mid 80s and 20 years later returned to work as an instructor. I taught the Harley Davidson V-Rod class and the entry level Theory class for several years and then returned to Wyoming where I am the service and parts manager for a metric dealership. MMI can teach you what you'll need to be prepared to go into a shop and continue to learn in order to be successful as a technician but it can't teach you absolutely everything in the time you'll be there. Several things I always told my students was (A) not to expect to make a lot of money as a tech. Yes, you can make a decent living but you're not going to get rich. (B) The first 5 years are the hardest. You will be at the bottom of the pay scale while still needing to buy tools and learn your trade. If you can make it through the hard years you'll have made your major mistakes, assembled a good selection of tools, and begin to make money but (C) do not go to work as a flat rate tech right out of school. You will have neither the tools nor the experience to make it working flat rate. As has already been said, you get out what you put in at MMI. If you show up everyday, work hard and ask a lot of questions you'll get your money's worth. But here's what I saw most commonly as an instructor. In an average class of 20 people about 5 students strive to get everything they can out of each class. They show up looking professional, work hard, ask a lot of questions, ask for extra projects when they have time so they can practice and learn more, accept constructive criticism when they make mistakes and learn from those mistakes. These students can become top techs and instructors always wish they had more of them in a class. The majority of the class, 10 students, show up most of the time, usually dressed properly, do their work but don't ask for more if they have time and tend to argue when they get caught making mistakes. They'll work in the industry but many times don't last and likely won't become top techs. The last 5 students show up enough not to attendance fail, do enough work to get by but never ask any questions or ask for more work, and they cry and snivel when they're caught doing sloppy work. They're only there because their parents, rehab or somebody else is paying them to be there and but have no desire to actually work in the industry. They spend all their spare time outside talking on their phones, gossiping with other slackers, and smoking. Though I am now in management, and specialized in Harley Davidsons when I was a tech, I was what is called a multi-line technician, meaning I worked on everything, motorcycles, watercraft, quads, snowmobiles, etc. Working on everything was more fun and made for better pay checks. Being a efficient, competent, and fully equipped tech allowed me to live and work all over the US and even Europe, where I spent 5+ years working in Harley shops. I haven't gotten rich but I have been able to make a decent living and enjoy what I was doing most of the time. So if you are going to go to MMI seriously consider what you want in return for the money you're going to be spending."

"After reading the reviews here, including a "review of the reviewers", I have found that basic education in this country has failed in monumental proportions. I have never seen so many grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors in a space dedicated to reviewing ... A SCHOOL! Lower case "i" when it's "I", "there" being used for "their", "your" for "you're" and vice versa ... and ENDLESS sentences with the use of several conjunctions doesn't even begin to cover it! I've even read the word "their" being used in place of "there"! One would think that MMI should teach bare bones basic English except that the tenor of the reviews is such that the classrooms would be empty. I am in possession of a Class A license in California. After securing this license, on my own using my personal contacts, I landed a job driving a big rig. After many, many years of working my field I became the guy who would evaluate new hires as to whether or not they had the aptitude to operate the equipment. No, not only if they could "drive the truck", but the equipment found on the particular truck used in my field. If they had the aptitude I would then teach them but far too many failed. I suspect that being a "mechanic" is pretty much the same. If you aren't mechanically inclined then no amount of schooling, certificates or credentials is going to change that and even if you get hired somewhere, you are likely not to last too long. So let's say you are mechanically inclined and you sail through the program at MMI with flying colors. You then head out looking for a job. I can tell you that if you use the kind of "English" that I've read on these boards, on your applications, you are likely not going to get the job. ANY job. I wouldn't hire any of the reviewers here simply based on your poor grammar skills. Now, I can hear quite a few of saying, "WTF?" and "FU A$$HOLE" and the tried and true new pop psyche term, "Well ... I! ... wouldn't work for someone that petty anyway!" or something similar. Here's a reality check: You will be using these poor grammar skills when interacting with my customers, writing up work orders, talking on the phone with clients, etc. and ... I can not and will not put my business in the hands of ANYONE that uneducated, lazy or both. what kills me is that there is this new technology called ... Spell Check. Then there's an old school technique called ... Proof Reading. Almost all of you here should try these two things sometime. You'll come off like you actually have some education, aren't lazy and that you care. By the way, I evaluated many new hires who came straight from "Truck Driving School". I dreaded meeting these folks because I always had to un-teach much of what they had been taught. Most of what they learned was wrong and inapplicable in the "real world" of truck driving. But it isn't the schools and institutions fault. The schools and institutions are usually accredited. Which means that they have to adhere to any particular states "standards" of teaching that particular field. I have found that those who write the rules and laws, our legislators, know nothing about that particular field they are writing the rules and laws for. So after graduating, if you're lucky enough to land a job, be ready and willing to learn a particular shops "ways" of doing things. But that is life. A never ending process of education. Good luck."

"I am currently enrolled in MMI of Phoenix and to sum it up in a nutshell. It is what you make it. The teachers are great and do alot to help you learn. I have been here 10 months so I do feel I can make a determination as to the education you get. If you think you are going to get out of school and go make alot of money as a mechanic you better do your homework. Mechanics do not make alot of money and it is not there fault. They are there to teach motorcycles not tell you how much you will make. I am doing it as a hobby not a carreer. I did that already so the school is teaching me what I came here for. It is recommended though if you want to learn how do mechanic period. Not make a fortune. It is not there job to get you a job. I noticed alot of reviews on this site and the ones that are downing the school do not even know to use a capital I when speaking of themselves. Go figure. I support the school and rules. I think the rules are good. All good schools need rules. Yes they need your money to operate so pay up if you want to go. It is a good school and the teachers are great."

"Mmi of phoenix is a joke. Student services is an absolute nightmare. Good luck gettin things right with those idiots. I could spend all day talking about how they'll screw you over. Mmi didn't do anything but fax a resume to dealers and they call it job placment. . . They are not going to help you. After you graduate they have what they want. Your money and they wont give a damn about you. This was the biggest mistake of my life. If you have any bit of mechanical know how then don't go here because its a big waste of money and time. 99% of people work on their on bikes. The only thing the public wants are tire changes. I've been working by myself for three years. If its not tires. they need its an electrical problem which has been rigged up fubared. There is money to be made but not with dealers. Mmi does not teach the most imporant thing about being a tech and I'm not going to say it but mmi is a business in the business of getting your money."

"I have not gone to MMI, yet, but am enrolled and ready to make the step. My review is not of the school, but of all the reviews I have read so far. They suck!Here's the thing...I am having so much trouble taking these (bad) reviews seriously when these reviewers cant compose a simple thought in Standard American English. There's no wondering why you cannot start your own business, or procure an above-entry-level job, wit resumees and business plans written they way you seem to write. ENTRY LEVEL MECHANIC is all you will ever do/be if you can't even spell 'entry level mechanic'. MMI never promised you a million dollars the moment you step outside of classes and into the real world. They promise you EDUCATION. From what I hear you've all received just that. Education.It is up to you on ... how hard you try, how much you bleed, the amount of sweat you produce, and how many tears you cry ... to make a life of being a mechanic."

"I attended this school 5 years ago with the idea that i might make a career out of this industry and also make a decent living which is what this school makes you think is going to happen when you first arrive. The fact of the matter is that there is no Motorcycle mechanic jobs out there that are going to pay you more than 15.000 to maybe 18.000 a year which is no where near enough to support a family let alone even a single person comfortably you will struggle and you will never live a decent life. And for those thinking they will open there own shop good luck more hassle than it's worth remember your working on someones toys not there necessities so they will only pay when they have the extra cash. So back to mmi now the schools instructors are great they help you out alot and know there stuff can't say enough about them but aside from that the whole school is terrible... so if your cool about being poor and struggling the rest of your life just so you can lIVE THE DREAM!!! as they will tell you then by all means go for it because the only dream your going to live is the dream of just being able to make it by and this goes not only for mmi but for any school like it there is no difference they all lie.. Don't fool yourself it's the money that keeps people working everyday at least get into a career that will keep your head above water because when you get your very first pay check from whatever dealer you start working for you will then realize that living the dream is actually a nightmare....."

"MMI is a great school if you want to learn from the best got to MMI. They have all the resources from the manufactures. When it comes to Motorcycles MMI is second too none."

"As i read through these reviews i can't help but think where these people went, as a current MMI student I can tell you what i notice1. Campus is nice, parking is sketchy especially when class lets out, equipment and training aids could be somewhat better, but face it, they are torn down and rebuilt by students just like you so for the purpose they are for they work.2. overall grade is not based off of just paper test (in theory classes yes it is) grading goes off of attendance, professionalism, lab work (majority of grade) and tests.3. If you dont have any mechanical aptitude and just think working on cycles will be neat or fun... this is not a place for you... you have to be able to hold a wrench and know what it is for in order to have any type of clue. 4. the instructors are pretty cool, they will help you if you need it5. i cant speak for student services and financial aid, however if you are a Vet they pre submit your tuition claim and amend it so you get your BAH on time.6. the rules are a bit extreme, however think of what you want to do and the fact that if you screw up someone could lose their lifeOverall i would say it is a good school, like any educational institution it is what you make of it, if you're there to show up and get the paper, good luck, if you are willing to learn and do things their way, it will work out. the only downfall is, if you have any experience it will get a little bit boring (mostly during theory) and having these young kids out of high school who screw around. just stay focused and you'll do fine When it comes to employment, you are not guaranteed anything, if you want that job badly, you will set it up, be presentable, and go for it."

"As someone mentioned previously the plethora of knowledge that flows out of this place is truly amazing. I was able to actually LOOK at something (in my field of study) and know what I was looking at just a few weeks into the program. The courses are taught by those who've actually been IN the field and/or own their own businesses in said field.The drawbacks though, are that the school is run like some IVY LEAGUE private school. Many of the rules are RIDICULOUS - like not being able to leave without being penalyzed in some way or another. There is also the fact that you can't miss more than 10 hours per 3 week module.You have to get HALL PASSES just to leave class and take a whizz - C'mon now! And to top all that off they make a HUGE fuss about you coming back late from breaks or using cell phones during class time - yet it's PERFECTLY fine for the HIGH SCHOOLERS (and there is PLENTY of these guys there) sit around EVERY exit and kill off EVERYONE with their cigarette smoke."

"As with all parts of life, there will always be people that don't want to work for anything, yet have everything. Mmi is no different. From day one the entire staff is helpful and informative. They never make promises as grandiose as those mentioned above. I have had one teacher that didn't seem to like teaching but everyone else has been helpful, informative and did their best to teach me as much as possible. I do, however, show up on time everyday and try to make the most out of my money well spent. It's all about the individual. If you want to learn, Mmi will give everything you need to become an entry level tech. If not, stay home because no shop will want you either. P.s. after basic theory all class work is hands on only."

"Ok, ok... so you want to go to MMI to learn how to make bikes go fast. Right? well i dont mean to disappoint, but thats not what this school is about. And if your some fresh high school grad, wanting to learn about bikes without any prior shop experience, keep looking, this school isnt for you, how ever its filled with people just like that. I myself did go to MMI right out of high school, BUT while i was in high school, i wasnt on the football field or the court, i was under the hood of a car getting real world shop experience for 5 years before attending MMI. And i have to say, some prior knowledge is REQUIRED! you cant go to MMI knowing nothing, your setting yourself up for failure. you cant build a house without a solid foundation. Right? Ok, as for my experience with MMI, it was good, i learned so much information about my elective brand (Honda) and many others. when i graduated i did not use the job placement program, i went back to my home town. Got a job at the local Polaris Dealer. within a year making over 20.00 an hour, and i assumed the position of head technician. so i purchased my own building, were i work on everything EXCEPT Polaris (to prevent argument) and now im doing pretty well. i have a nice place, drive a new truck. life is good. and i would be wrong to say that attending MMI didnt help... Because it did."