A Day in the Life as a Harley-Davidson Mechanic

By Taylor Thompson

Located on the edge of Brookside at 4848 S. Peoria Ave., there is a specialty shop that sets itself apart from local merchants. Upon entering the exceptionally clean service shop at Myers-Duren Harley-Davidson, the light from suspended lighting overhead reflects off the pure white walls which can be rather harsh to morning eyes, but it is enough to highlight each mechanics well organized workstation.

As the sound of classic rock ‘n’ roll music fills the air, the mechanics make their way to the center of the room to have a group huddle in order to discuss plans for the day, problems, and customer feedback. One of these mechanics is shop foreman Aaron Mershon, 34,who began at Myers-Duren in 2005.

Mershon grew up in Mountain Home, Ark., working in a metal fabrication shop owned by his father. Although he spent time doing automotive bodywork he believed that he would eventually become a welder. Aside from welding and automotive repair, Mershon also spent three years working as a technical office equipment service manager for Sprint in Kansas City, Mo.

“Tattoos don’t always mean you’re not smart,” said Mershon.

However, with a vast knowledge of motorcycles, Mershon decided to attend the Motorcycle Mechanic Institute in Phoenix, Ariz. He began at Myers-Duren as an entry-level technician before being sent to the Harley-Davidson headquarters in Milwaukee, Wis., in order to be trained specifically by Harley-Davidson.

In order for mechanics to stay efficient, an employee works with each mechanic to make sure that they have the parts needed to complete the job. Because motorcycles have adopted technology, mechanics must have technical skills in order to work with the bikes onboard computer. Myers-Duren even has a dyno diagnostics room where mechanics look at a numerous amount performance data by using a computer. Mechanics have to be knowledgeable of constant changes in the industry.

The service center at Myers-Duren Harley-Davidson is one of the few that can work on just about anything branded by Harley-Davidson. Customers can even have antique bikes serviced, but when old bikes come into the shop, Mershon explained that there is a risk of further damage due to age. While mechanics see many different motorcycles, and while many are the same models, most customers customize their bikes to their liking.

Mershon stated, “It’s a lifestyle”. Touring motorcycles are among some of the best selling bikes, due to a more comfortable ride and stereo options. Conversely, with luxury comes a higher price.

“Some people can afford them and some save their pennies, but when you’re in a group, everyone just wants to hang out,” Mershon said. Although Myers-Duren provides the mechanics with specialized tools, mechanics use their own set of tools that they have acquired over the years. In fact, it is not uncommon for a master technician to have a $35,000 set of tools.

“It’s tough to survive in the motorcycle business, but it has its rewards,” said Mershon. As seasons change, so does the workload, although the month of December has shown positive results. Most importantly, Mershon has a passion and love for the work he does. By living near the shop, it is not uncommon for Mershon to open the shop on a weekend in order to make stranded customers happy.

“Thank god we live in this country. There are people in other countries who couldn’t work on motorcycles if they wanted to, let alone make a living at it,” said Mershon.