Becoming a Top Ducati Tech - A Long Winding Road

Jeff Zoerb, one of our owners and the brains behind the shop side of our business, is officially certified to work on Ducati motorcycles. This isn’t something that came easy. Some folks may already know Moto Z as the spot to bring your Ducati, but today on the blog we want to talk about how someone becomes brand certified in Ducati, and why you should always work with someone who has experience with Ducati before you let them even look at your bike. 

What Does it Take to Become a Brand-certified Ducati Mechanic?

The first thing you need is the essential foundational training that you’ll get at any reputable motorcycle mechanic trade school. This could be some of the popular schools like UTI or WyoTech. You could also complete a multi-year apprenticeship to learn basic diagnostics, engine repair, and electrical systems. 

Next, you’ll need to get a job somewhere. Securing employment at a dealership that offers Ducati at an entry-level is vital, because without that, you can’t necessarily end up moving on to the next phase. 

Once you’re employed with a Ducati dealer, the dealership can sponsor you to attend official Ducati North America Technical Training. Hosted by Ducati North America and held at one of two Wyotech motorcycle training facilities in Florida and California. Bruce Meyers teaches the program, founder of the renowned New England-based Ducati Performance Shop, BCM Motorsports.

Previously, there was another way to get certified, through the Euro Program. This program was taught by Chip Ream, who worked for Ducati NA for years. This involved training in BMW, Triumph, and Ducati. 

Levels to This.

Once you’ve been introduced into the official program, students receive hands-on experience working on new and older machines. Level 1 students learn things like pre-delivery inspection (PDI) and 7500-mile service. Other Level 1 skills learned are the charging system, fuel injection, suspension basics, and immobilizer anti-theft system setup. 

Level 2 includes learning the inner workings of a Ducati engine. This is required for a mechanic to provide warranty repairs for a Ducati motorcycle. This is where techs learn the full undertaking of an engine overhaul and operate the Ducati Diagnostics System (DDS), which helps provide advanced system analysis. To get to this point, a tech will have already completed level 1 and will undergo annual certification updates to keep their level 2.

Level 3 training makes you a Ducati master mechanic. The Level 3 Ducati training is broken into four modules. 

Module 1 consists of Ohlins suspension components, setup, and inner workings

Module 2 consists of engine dynamometer training 

The last 2 modules deal with advanced electronic troubleshooting and operations management training. 

It’s not easy to become a Ducati Master Certified Technician

Fortunately for you, if you’re a Ducati bike owner, Jeff is the top Ducati tech in Western New York (at the very least). You can trust Jeff & Moto Z’s track record with service and ask anyone who’s worked with us about our reputation. If you need service on your Ducati bike, get in touch with us and let’s go over what you’re looking to do! 

Jeff took an even MORE interesting ride to Bologna, Italy, to train AT DUCATI HQ.

Learn more about Jeff’s journey to becoming a Ducati tech here on this episode of the Plant Your Flag Podcast!