Powersports & Power Equipment Technology
Prepare for a career in power equipment repair in our Powersports and Power Equipment Technology program. Through classroom and lab experience, you’ll develop competence in repairing the most modern powersports equipment as well as chainsaws, lawn and gardening equipment and generators. In this Associate in Applied Science program, Master the skills needed to pursue a career in power equipment technology.
Receive diverse training that prepares you to repair a variety of two and four-cycle engines, powertrains and chassis. Learn how to maintain and repair powersport vehicles such as motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles and personal watercraft. Acquire the knowledge and skill-set needed to diagnose and service today’s powersport and power equipment.
Gain hands-on experience while working in our modern, high tech service lab and through student internship opportunities. You will receive the training needed, and earn specialized certifications while working on leading industry brands such as Polaris, Victory, Honda, Yamaha, Harley Davidson, Suzuki, Kawasaki, John Deere, Toro, Stihl, Echo and more!
Whether you choose to work at a power equipment dealer, rental center or run your own power equipment repair business, you’ll establish a strong foundation of skills and understanding of powersports equipment repair right here at Iowa Lakes. Prepare to thrive as a technician with plenty of hands-on experience to back you up.
Students complete the Polaris Master Service Dealer (MSD) certifications at the Bronze and Silver levels while enrolled in the program at Iowa Lakes.
One Of The 5 Best Motorcycle Mechanic Schools in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd by Universities.com for Best Colleges with Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Technology Degrees in the U.S.
Faculty Contact
 | Matthew Bohl Assistant Professor, Powersports & Power Equipment Technology 712-852-5230 Ext: 5230 | mbohl@iowalakes.educreate new email |
 | Dustin Ross Assistant Professor, Powersports & Power Equipment Technology 712-852-5260 Ext: 5260 | dross@iowalakes.educreate new email |
Program Details
Did You Know?
In the Powersports & Power Equipment Technology program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn how to:1
- Practice safety in the repair and service of Powersports and Power Equipment systems.
- Identify the operational relationships in Powersports and Power Equipment components and systems.
- Select appropriate tools and equipment for the task being performed.
- Demonstrate effective use of industry related literature to perform repairs.
- Evaluate system performance for repair or replacement.
- Perform preventative maintenance according to recommended service schedules.
- Develop accuracy, proficiency, and quality in tasks performed.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining a Powersports & Power Equipment Technology Associate in Applied Science degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Curriculum
Term 1
MSE 143 – Small Engines Theory
Basic two- and four-stroke engine theory, design and construction. All basic systems are studied, as well as troubleshooting, failure analysis and repair procedures. Service literature, warranties and engine identification are covered.
MSE 146 – Small Engines Laboratory
Complete disassembly and reassembly of modern engines, troubleshooting, failure analysis and proper repair techniques. Hands-on testing and inspection of engine systems.
Corequisites: MSE 143 – Small Engines Theory
MOT 151 – Shop Safety & Procedures
Safe shop practices and procedures, including safe equipment operation, proper tool usage, importance of personal protective gear and how to handle emergency situations.
Corequisites: MSE 143 – Small Engines Theory
MOT 153 – Fundamentals for Electricity
Basic electrical theory used in the motorcycle and small engine field. Study of Ohm’s Law, electrical symbols, problem solving, types of circuits, usage of a VOM and other electrical test equipment .Lecture and laboratory.
Corequisites: MSE 143 – Small Engines Theory
MSE 155 – Drive System Fund Theory and Lab
This course is an introduction to the various types of drives and power delivery systems which will be encountered in the outdoor power equipment industry. Construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of outdoor power equipment, and other systems including transmissions, clutches, belt dives, sprocket and chain drive, hydraulics, and hydrostatic drives. Assembly, disassembly, inspection, troubleshooting, and repair of these systems are also covered.
Prerequisites: MSE 143 – Small Engines Theory
BUS 161 – Human Relations
Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.
WEL 334 – Trade & Industry Welding
Principles and applications of gas and MIG welding theory, safety and shop practices are covered. Lecture and laboratory.
Term 2
COM 723 – Workplace Communications
Developing skills in reading, writing and listening as they apply to students’ vocational needs.
MOT 129 – Motorcycle Eng 2&4 Stroke Lab
Engine disassembly, reassembly, operation of various motorcycle and ATV engines. Includes adjustment and testing of engines.
Prerequisites: First semester of program
Corequisites: MOT 131 – Motorcycle Engine 2&4 Stroke
MOT 131 – Motorcycle Engine 2&4 Stroke
This course includes the construction and design of motorcycle engines, both two and four stroke. Correct service procedures, troubleshooting, failure analysis, and theory.
MOT 139 – Motorcycle Fuel Systems
Motorcycle fuel systems including carburetion, fuel injection and oil injection. Troubleshooting, testing, adjustments and disassembly/reassembly are covered. Proper service procedures are discussed, demonstrated and practiced. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: First two semesters of program
MOT 144 – Drive Systems/Chassis/Suspension
This course covers the functions, construction, and operation of motorcycle drive systems, chassis, and suspension systems. Their importance in the safe operation and control of a motorcycle is discussed. Disassembly, assembly, troubleshooting, and repair of these components are covered.
MAT 772 – Applied Math
A course in elementary mathematical skills for technicians. Topics covered include fundamental operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and signed numbers; percents; geometric figures and basic constructions; area and volume formulas; English/Metric systems; measurements; and basic algebraic equations and applications.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score
Term 3
MOT 146 – Motorcycle Ignition/Electrical Systems Theory & Lab
Study of the construction, principles of operation and design of motorcycle ignition and electrical systems.
MOT 910 – Cooperative Work Experience
Student is involved in a supervised cooperative work experience in a dealership.
Term 4
MOT 202 – ATV Systems
Introduction to ATV’s and all of their systems.
MOT 203 – Motorcycle/ATV Tune Up/Maintenance
This course includes tune up procedures for both two and four stroke engines. Since it is not only the engines that require maintenance, the maintenance items for Motorcycles and ATVs themselves are also covered in depth.
MOT 211 – Adv Drivability & Troubleshooting
This course will better prepare the student for real life drivability and troubleshooting problems that they will encounter in the field.
MOT 240 – Dyno Analysis
This course includes Dyno usage, data analysis, and tuning.
BUS 126 – Business Principles
This course is an introduction to fundamentals of business, including evaluations, typical forms of business, accounting, management styles, marketing and customer service skills. Concepts of business and management functions, organizational considerations, and decision-making processes, are studied.
BUS 102 – Intro to Business
The basic fundamentals of business. Basic business and economic concepts and terminology; management, marketing, finance, human resource management, accounting and other business areas.
MGT 101 – Principles of Management
Principles of Management provides the student with a conceptual framework for understanding the basic theories of management. Emphasis is placed on the internal and external environment, ethics, planning, goal setting, decision making, organizational structure, motivation and group dynamics, and effective control mechanisms for establishing and accomplishing business objectives.
BCA 212 – Intro to Comp Business Apps
In a Windows environment, the focus of this course is to use hardware and software as business productivity tools. Training includes a hands-on introduction to computer applications vital in business and industry .The course covers computer terminology, operating system, email, and Internet applications .Hands on training is provided for software business applications including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
Choose either BUS 126, BUS 102 or MGT 101
Choose either BCA 212 or CSC 110
Term 5
MOT 221 – Advanced Electrical Diagnosis/Troubleshoot
This course provides the student with the advanced electrical diagnosis and troubleshooting skills needed to work in the Motorcycle and Small Engine Industry.
MOT 231 – Advanced Fuel Systems
This course will prepare the student to better diagnose, troubleshoot, and tune fuel systems. It will also better prepare them to be able to tune all types of fuel systems to be able to meet emissions standards.
MOT 250 – Outdoor Power Equipment
An introduction to Outdoor Power Equipment.
MSE 159 – Snowmobile Systems
Snowmobile systems including clutches, suspensions, engines, tracks and other components are studied. Proper service techniques, troubleshooting, assembly and disassembly are covered along with a unit on performance work. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: MSE 151 – Shop Safety and Procedures
MSE 183 – Personal Water Craft Systems
Theory and hands-on lab for all systems in personal watercraft including jet pumps, engines and steering systems. Repair, troubleshooting and service procedures are covered. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: First two semesters of program