What is Desmo Times?

Desmo Times is a service facility, a ducati aftermarket parts reseller and designer, and a set of publications for Ducati Owners. The service facility portion of Desmo Times performs periodic maintenance on Ducati Belt Drive bikes from 1990 to the present. The periodical portion of Desmo Times consists of The Desmoquattro Maintenance & Modification Guide, and The Desmodue Maintenance & Modification Guide. The retail end of Desmo Times consists of a wide array of aftermarket parts, supplies and accessories for Ducatis.

Why is Desmo Times a trifecta of a service facility, a source for select aftermarket parts and a publication?

As a Ducati mechanic and devotee of ducatis, I wanted an outlet to explore both my wrenching capabilities and my passions for writing about Ducatis. I probably get as much out of working on Ducatis as I do talking about them. Additionally, I wanted to be able to share the products I routinely use with others. The three-pronged nature of the publications, aftermarket parts and the servicing of the bikes allows me to experience all avenues of my interests.

Who is Desmo Times?

DT was created by Ducati owner and enthusiast LT Snyder.

What is so special about the services you offer? Can't my local ducati dealer do just as good a service?

One look at the testimonial section of my website should indicate that your bike will be serviced as if it were a work of art. I only work on a handful of bikes each month. That means I'm not interested in rushing your bike in and out. And I ONLY work on Ducatis. Your local ducati dealer may have qualified technicians, but they can't come close to my personalized service. There are a limited set of people in the US qualified to work on Ducatis. I'd like to think I am in a select group. I take the time to ensure a customer is satisfied so that I can see them again after another 6000 miles. A benchmark of my success is satisfied customers rather than billable hours.

In terms of the retail side of the business, Desmo Times only sells products that I use. My motto is that if I don't sell a part I carry, at least I can use it one day on one of my own bikes.

How long will it take to get services done on at Desmo TImes?

Your bike normally takes a week for a full service. In addition to the valve adjustment, I perform a series of other checks on the bike, checks which dealerships do NOT perform. If your rockers are damaged on your desmoquattro, turnaround time won't take any longer, because I stock replacement rockers.

What are your qualifications to work on my bike?

I have owned Ducatis for over ten years, have been a mechanic for over 8 years, and have completely rebuilt numerous Ducatis of my own. I know what makes them tick and am more than comfortable in tearing them down to the frame to do it right. I specialize in tuning and adjustment.

My work will include a detailed analysis of your bike's condition. I will also outline each service that I will perform. I also own all the necessary tools to do the job, including professional Ducati-specific tools. Desmo Times is the only shop in the panhandle of Florida with full shim kits and rockers for Desmo engines.

What are the charges for your services?

My charges vary, of course, based on the model of bike you own and what services you require. My shop labor rate is $60/hour. I will tell you up front what my estimated charges are before conducting any work. I do it right the first time and won't take shortcuts. This means I will replace gaskets etc. as I see fit. The parts are certainly not cheap, but I use inexpensive aftermarket parts when available, and I guarantee my work will put a smile on your face. How many service facilities can make that claim? Additionally, I promise that when you need your next service I'll still be here. Ever drop by a dealership for a service only to discover that the technicians were all different from the last time you visited? That won't happen with me.

What are the days and times of operation of Desmo Times?

Desmo Times uses a combination of standard and non-standard hours. Bike services are performed two days each week and shipping of products six days a week. Retail in-person sales take place on a reservation basis.