I am a motorcycle mechanic for a independent shop, I only work part-time because I have a full-time day job. I am being paid $12/hr only while working on a bike, however I am still expected to stay around until closing time or days when I don't have any bikes to work on for free. While I am there the owner/boss has me doing maintence work to the building and wants me to attend all of the events, parades, etc...all for NO compensation. Is this legal? Does anyone know the legal wages for a motorcycle mechanic in ohio..I don't believe this is right.

Probably not legal. I find parts of the federal DOL fact sheet on Hours Worked less then clear, but that is your starting point. The fact the employer is requiring to stay at the work facility or to attend events generally makes the time legally "hours worked".
http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs22.pdf

As far as the required rate of pay for a motorcycle mechanic (or anyone else), that is generally the greater of federal or state minimum wage. Ohio is not my state, but if the Internet knows what it is talking about Ohio's current minimum wage for non-tipped employees is $7/hr. Current federal minimum wage is $6.55/hr.

so as long as i am there at the shop working for him, he has to pay me a wage?
This guy is also trying to rewrite a contract that he had with my supervisor regarding his pay and bonuses without supervisors knowledge, he is very tight with money and is trying to get everything free and cheap. My supervisor and I are trying to find laws/facts to show our boss that all of this is illegal and we want our payment due.

Does anyone know where I can look, I have searched online but just can't find something in black & white, I would like something especially pertaining to mechanics and rules regarding on the clock vs. off the clock.

I hope this makes sense...I am just tired of getting used and abused for my knowledge and ability. thank you

so as long as i am there at the shop working for him, he has to pay me a wage?

He probably has to pay minimum wage.

thanks for the help...I'll have to check into it more. again thank you