Mechanic or Technician

**slofox** · 16th November 2009, 12:01

Phoned in for a booking to have the 30,000k service done (Shit! 30,000km and its still under warranty...didn't think I was gonna ride it quite that much...)

Seems Boyds don't have "mechanics" any more. They have "technicians"...just as well I found out before I insulted someone...

**vifferman** · 16th November 2009, 12:45

Semantics (or "Sementics" if they're wankers). It sounds fancier, but means the same thing.
Although not according to wikipedia: Mechanic vs. Technician

A mechanic is a craftsman who uses tools to repair machinery

A technician is generally someone in a technological field who has a relatively practical understanding of the general theoretical principles of that field, e.g., as compared to an engineer in that field. They are generally much more versed in technique compared to the average layman, or even the professional in that field.

Maybe they think that using a 'fancier title' will help to justify what may sometimes seem like exorbitant charges.

**Mully** · 16th November 2009, 13:15

Just refer to them as "grease monkey".

And laugh maniacally when you do it....

**peasea** · 16th November 2009, 14:06

Originally Posted by Mully

Just refer to them as "grease monkey".

And laugh maniacally when you do it....

A great way to get sand in your oil tank.

**AllanB** · 16th November 2009, 14:24

The technician will plug your bike into the computer and the computer will him if there are any problems. If there are he will then enlist the aid of a Mechanic to correct them ...............

Oh and the chick with the big boobs - she's there to distract you as they take your credit card

**Forest** · 16th November 2009, 14:29

There is overlap between the groups, but in a nutshell:

Engineers design stuff.

Mechanics fabricate and repair stuff.

Technicians remove faulty stuff and install replacement parts (usually the wrong part).

**oldrider** · 16th November 2009, 14:32

A rose by any other name is but a rose!

On the other hand, a rose by any other name may cost you more!

**avgas** · 16th November 2009, 14:51

They say Technician because no one wants their bike fixed by an "apprentice".

**Brian d marge** · 16th November 2009, 15:08

I be one of them technician people types

Engineers ,,, Crap at parties ,,,best left on own thinking about stuff that will never work

Mechanics lots of experience , doesn't know why ,,,, Awesome parties

Technicians ,,,best of both worlds ,,,not paid enough ,,,,,, passed out at parties

Stephen

**Leviticus** · 16th November 2009, 15:10

Originally Posted by AllanB

Oh and the chick with the big boobs - she's there to distract you as they take your credit card

Every time i get caught out by that, and i still go back every single day

**Motu** · 16th November 2009, 15:32

Originally Posted by oldrider

A rose by any other name is but a rose!

But what if that rose is grafted onto an orchid? I am qualified as an automotive engineer...but mechanics have very seldom been called such.However,now as well as knowing how engines,gearboxes,window winders and windscreen wipers work,I now have a knowledge of complex electronics and their interaction to the motor vehicle.I still consider myself a mechanic - but I think there is a valid point in differentiating between someone who was trained to repair a Humber 80,and someone who was trained to diagnose and repair an Evo X.

**peasea** · 16th November 2009, 15:42

Originally Posted by oldrider

A rose by any other name is but a rose!

On the other hand, a rose by any other name may cost you more!

Especially in February.

**peasea** · 16th November 2009, 15:44

Originally Posted by Motu

But what if that rose is grafted onto an orchid? I am qualified as an automotive engineer...but mechanics have very seldom been called such.However,now as well as knowing how engines,gearboxes,window winders and windscreen wipers work,I now have a knowledge of complex electronics and their interaction to the motor vehicle.I still consider myself a mechanic - but I think there is a valid point in differentiating between someone who was trained to repair a Humber 80,and someone who was trained to diagnose and repair an Evo X.

What about someone old enough to have had experience on both pushrod/carb'd engined vehicles as well as OHC/EFI units?

Fuck, I'm oooold.

**slofox** · 16th November 2009, 15:46

Originally Posted by Motu

... but I think there is a valid point in differentiating between someone who was trained to repair a Humber 80,and someone who was trained to diagnose and repair an Evo X.

Good point. Which is precisely why I don't "do" much mechanicing on modern day vehicles...can't even find the bloody spark plugs any more...prolly made worse by liking V Twin and Flat 6 engines...

**huff3r** · 16th November 2009, 16:01

Originally Posted by slofox

Good point. Which is precisely why I don't "do" much mechanicing on modern day vehicles...can't even find the bloody spark plugs any more...prolly made worse by liking V Twin and Flat 6 engines...

Indeed, even my flat fours a pain... remove battery and airbox, jack engine up etc...