Valley Desmo

This review only has five stars because it won’t let me give six.
Nick is the Ducati GURU. He only works on Ducati (and a smattering of other Italian bikes) because he loves them, and he’s been doing it since being trained by his father when he was still a kid. He’s not just the best bike mechanic I’ve had, he’s the best mechanic I’ve ever met, bike or otherwise. He’s got that intrinsic instinct about Ducati. His recommendations about appropriate parts, which to use for which style of riding, his knowledge (and willingness to SHARE THAT KNOWLEDGE) is without equal in my experience.
He’s up front about pricing, doesn’t ever charge unnecessary fees, doesn’t surcharge every nut and bolt (dealers will charge you for zip ties, believe me), test rides his own work, and in the case of a particularly moody replacement tank, did not charge me to reinstall it when the manufacturer’s part kept failing.
I live in Claremont. I’ve ridden to Reseda for service at Valley Desmo in the rain. That’s 50+ miles IN A THUNDERSTORM! It’s been worth every mile. If you have a Ducati, bring it to Nick. PERIOD.

Nick is a good guy who really knows his stuff.
Let me start by saying if you expect a chilled bottle of water, espresso and a leather seat to sit in when you drop of your Ducati for service you have come to the wrong place.
If you want an honest guy that is not trying to take you for a ride this is the place for you. Its a small shop without a sign out front but the address 7004 is clearly visible. He has about 20 – 30 bikes at least in the shop at any one time and space is tight but he seems to manage fine. Nick actually answers the phone and if you get VM and leave a message he calls back later that day or the next day.
Its a long ride for me to get to his shop but I wont take my bike anywhere else.

This is a great shop. I took my last 3 bikes there and I’m very pleased. I get the care and the knowledge that you don’t find at the dealership, substantially cheaper. I got work done on the engine, clutch, suspension and maintenance, never had any problems, I was always happy with the results. Is not a huge shop so scheduling is key, Nick will let you know what needs to be done and/​or ordered, and will let you know when the bike is done. Is a great alternative to the dealer and I’m very happy I found it.

They worst possible experience any Ducati owner could ever have. Please look else where. I have gladly paid the higher dealer prices than to deal with the headache of getting an update on my bike from Nick, my bike was there for weeks, and he never called to follow up or give me any update whatsoever. Went in for simple change of fluids and new tires, 4 weeks later he says come pick it up. ZERO COMMUNICATION during that 4 week span, no social skills… I called several times with NO Reply back.
Please ride a further distance and go to other independent Ducati shops. This place is a joke, looks like a junk yard inside the shop… no organization, he needs some guidance on running a shop, he should just be a mechanic for another shop, as he has NO business skills to be running a shop, let alone a Ducati shop… this place is a JOKE

Shifter jammed and was due for some maintenance. Nick was patient answering all my questions and explaining the processes of others. Recommended other maintenance with no pressure. He is highly knowledgeable, friendly and more than fair on pricing. Despite being an hour ride for me, I wouldn’t take my bike anywhere else

Just wanted to say that Nick will definitely take care of you if you bring your Ducati here. I made a mistake of bringing my M900 to a non-​ducati specialist and it cost me dearly (money and damage). I called up Nick and he took the bike in the next day and fixed everything like it should have been done in the first place. Price of the service was beyond fair almost dirt cheap compared to the major shops.
You definitely get great customer service and no BS from small local shops.

This is my second Ducati. I was so pleased with meeting and dealing with Nick that I actually signed up for Unilocal to leave this review, I mean check my members record.
2013 ducati monster 796, this is my trophy bike. My tender baby! After dealing with Nick over the phone and being a skeptic /​Anal as I am about my new bike he sounded too good to be true. I decided to meet him in person and talk to make my final decision. First impression of the shop was far from impressive, but don’t ever judge a book by its cover they say right? Once I went passed the vintage bikes sitting around here and there around bits and pieces that look like they’ve never been touched, I saw what I needed to see. Inside his man cave was all the bells and whistles needed for my bikes tender and precious care. I mean it’s a Ducati, not your every day Jap bike. I was very pleased with his manners and behavior. I would try to grind a mechanics gear by asking too many questions, Nick did not even hesitate to answer each one adequately, and also TEACH me from the side. Most mechanics love to be left alone and unbothered. He let me watch throughout the whole 600 mile first service, and tank Bent repair, rear brake pedal replacement from a stranger that knocked my bike over in a Parking lot. The price was far from reasonable, and most importantly? I was COMFORTABLE with my bike being worked on by the man. And he’s also not an all cash guy, he will accept payment in different forms which was a plus! I will be recommending to others and I definitely will be coming back.
PS I brought in a silver pedal instead of a new black one because I got the used replacement for cheaper. Without even suggesting, he went ahead and spray painted the lever to matte black to match the bike back and it completely looked like new… Gosh dangit, I knew he was my guy from now on lol.

Nick fixed my bike a year ago and I’d give him six out of five stars.
Right now he doesn’t answer his phone and it’s frustrating even though I know he must just be on vacation…

Nick is the valleys only n best ducati service guru around I came in w my 750 n he took the time n care to get me back on the road… I highly recommend !! Nick for all yyour ducati needs, way better prices n definitely friendlier then most ducati shops I’ve been too. Thanks again Nick!

Nick is really good. I was recommended to him by Bombay Motorsports, and I was not disappointed. His prices were good. His work was very good, and I trust him. The dealerships always jack up the prices, but Nick didn’t do that. I need some electrical work done, and I’m going straight to Nick.

does great work. but take a long time

Nick at valley Desmo is great, super friendly, knowledgeable and kind with the prices! Nick was the only one i trusted with my S2R and did all services on it from installing accessories to valve adjustments, etc… was always fair and never any issues after. I had a lowside and he brought it back to life. I’ve since moved to central Florida and my new duc shop here complimented on how great and well maintained my S2R was when I brought it in for a major service.

I was in an accident with my 2011 848Evo where I was forced to lay her down going around 35 mph. 90% of the damage was all cosmetic (fairings, windscreen ect) & the only mechanic things that needed to be replaced was simple, (clutch lever & gear shift lever)… Simple right?
I brought my bike here hoping that it would be done quickly. 2 months later I had to take it back. It took Nick 2 months to simply do an insurance estimate. That is unacceptable. They also suggested to replace parts that didn’t need to be replaced. IE: the tail fairing sustained a SMALL 1inch scratch that wasn’t even caused by the accident. Yet that hiked the damage estimate up 1,200 bucks.
Also, the shop is a total wreck. Random old bikes lying in every corner, at least 35 bikes in a shop that’s around the size of my bedroom. No kidding. There isn’t even a sign outside saying «Valley Desmo». Also unacceptable.
What further frustrates is that Nick is a truly NICE GUY. We talked for a long time when the accident happened about the repairs & I was TRULY happy & confident to send my bike there so I’m saddened by the outcome.
If he were to prioritize & fix the bikes that have the least amount of damage FIRST then maybe this review would be different & I’d be riding again but unfortunately, I won’t be recommending his shop.

I brought my 848 there with MINIMUM repairs needed. 6 months later I had to take the bike back cause it still wasn’t ready. I never got any update calls and I had to call to check on it every month and he kept say, «another week or so». Nice guy but just horrible service. I think he needs more people or something.

I brought by 2005 Ducati Monster 620 here. My rear tire had a flat, the rear brakes were squealing and I needed to get my handlebar replaced. Nick did a great job.
The first time he looked over the bike with the utmost attention to detail, I knew he was a Pro and I was in good hands.
He charged me a fair price and got the work done on time.
Highly recommended.

I was recommended by a friend who used to have his ducati monster serviced here (till he sold it). I took my 748 to get the chains, front and rear sprockets, front tires and its brakes bled. I got my back the next day and i couldn’t believe its the same bike. That was just icing on the cake; the best part is how competitively priced his labor fees are. A fraction of what these high end ducati dealers would charge you! And what he quoted you, is exactly what he is charging you. He won’t nickel and dime you.
Nick will also give you pricing options on parts and its pros and cons. He’d never tell you to get something if you don’t need it. He is a «form follows function» kinda guy, very precise and concise.
Dont expect to see pro italia service bays here but if you own a ducati, live in SFV and still go somewhere else, you are a short changing yourself. Not to mention you also get to meet Jim and his son Russ who are honda specialists working in the same bay. All amazing, wonderful and honest people. Nostalgic fairings everywhere, ducati’s lined up for nick to service and honda race bikes for jim to work on. Im coming back soon for new timing belts and valve adjustments and I cannot wait!!!
Something very trivial, if you want to put faces on their names, Nick looks like Kevin Bacon, Jim looks like Robert Duvall and his son Russ looks like Peter Gallagher! lol
Have a safe ride everyone!!!

Nick is outstanding and worked with my extended warranty company RPM just fine. New chain, sprockets, taillight, oil, filter, etc., all for my beloved 2008 1098R. I paid Nick what I was quoted by Nick. No surprises! Just plain great service.
He is methodical, careful and measured. I will take my bike back to Nick anytime. He is reasonable and knows his Ducs. The shop is like a museum and fun to browse through the memories of vintage bikes and their tanks and plastic.
Nothing fancy here, but things are done right the first time without a bunch of namby pamby guido posers in ill fitting jeans with bad haircuts that smell bad who try to bend you over before they overcharge you.
Take your bikes to here.
Thanks Nick for being in the Valley!
Finally!
You can feel safe taking your Duc to Valley Ducati.
I’ll be back!

I just purchased my first Ducati off of craigslist, a Monster 620 Dark. It came with no service record, no real history other than taking the seller’s word. I needed to get the bike looked at — make sure everything’s in prime condition and start some sense of a maintenance record for the beast.
First place I looked was Unilocal.I called Moto Club di Santa Monica about five times — no answer and no reply to my messages on Victor’s machine. I went by Ducati of Beverly Hills and was unimpressed with how impressed they were with themselves. So, the next option was to either make the trek to Reseda or go to a non-​Ducati specialist. And I am so glad I gave Nick a call.
To start with, he was extremely friendly and said he’d be willing to meet me same day to look at the bike and determine what needs to happen. When I showed up to his shop, he knew my name, was very descriptive with what he was looking at and explained, in detail, everything he thought should happen to the bike.
I was very impressed with Nick’s shop and how quick he’s getting my bike in for the 6k service. I definitely will continue to take my bike, and any future bikes, to Nick to be cared for. He’s very knowledgable and open — which are very important traits for a mechanic.

I recently picked up a 2001 748 with 1785 on the odometer and since it has been sitting for 5 years, I wanted to find someone who’s willing to come by and perform a timing belt change. I initially called a mechanic out of W Hollywood, but he was against performing the service at my house even though its takes less than 1 hour to put belt in claiming that I might learn the trick of the trade.
I then called Nick, who was more than happy to perform the work at MY house. He brought all the right tools, and was very friendly and even asked me to watch what he’s doing! He obviously knows what he’s doing since he made everything look so easy! After he was done w/​the belt change, he visually inspected my bike, and noticed that I installed the rear wheel incorrectly. He helped me remove and reinstalled them, and gave me some other pointers since I told him I plan on performing my own maintenance. His price was EXTREMELY reasonable, and given his honesty and skills, I am very thankful he was able to accomodate my needs.
I plan to see him again for future service needs. I challenge any of you to find a more accomodating professional mechanic who will work on your bike for a reasonable price.

I’ll post a first review, as I just talked to Nick, really nice guy over the phone, will drop my bike this evening for him to review. I have a Ducati Monster 2005 620
Follow up 9÷27÷10
Nick is a great guy. The shop is small, don’t expect any lounge treatment for those of you going exclusively to Ducati dealers.
He gained my trust, his price is super reasonable, and won’t push for anything not needed.
My ducati needed a tire replaced, electrical checked/​fixed, handle bar replaced, which he did and at a really low price. He chraged me for the exact time he spent.
I will go back for all the regular services needed.