Ducati Diavel

George's Shed
Reviewed: 24 July 2011

Vanishing point in the blink of an eye

it gets noticed, it accelerates like the Starship enterprise and stops like a fly hitting a windscreen.

Found a false neutral

Don’t own a Diavel but managed to have a demo ride today at the Durham BikeWise show, the Ducati roadshow was there with 3 Diavels to play with.
Initial thoughts were, that’s a fat tyre, it feels low and the foot pegs further forward than I’m used to, not worry I set the riding mode to “sport” and thus unleashed the full 162 horses, when we set off it all made sense.
Surprisingly light feel easy to turn into corners, not nimble but definitely easy, first part of the ride was in 30 zone with traffic and it felt very well balanced and not cumbersome in any way, I quite liked the small display showing speed, revs and a range of lights for indicators, petrol etc.
After 6 or 7 mile I was settling to it and by this time we were on the national limit A roads, Homer Simpson would have thought this was comfortable, although it may be a little stretch to the bars if you’re not 6ft.
Now, lack of self-control if a bikers nemesis and I’m no exception, couldn’t resist twisting its ear and whoosh 3rd gear 30mph to 85 In the blink of an eye, wow has this got some mumbo, I was laughing in my helmet what a hoot, so the first proper corner came up quickly but even though it has a wheel base of a stretched limo there were no problems, it sailed through. The Brembo brake are terrific huge stopping power, didn’t use the back brake much as it was badly adjusted and too far of a stretch.
The only negative was I found a false neutral just before a downhill left, I think it was between 4th – 3rd not 100% sure as it took my concentration away.
Would it be in my fantasy garage, oh yes “in the blink of an eye”

Xchoppers
Reviewed: 07 July 2011

The Ducati Diavel is currently the fastest, best handling cruiser made.

Strong engine, brakes, & handling.
Typical Ducati high build quality, fit and finish.
Light weight (462 Lbs. for standard)

Handling that makes any other cruiser appear like a truck in comparison.

Wonderful electronics and ergonomics (a windshield makes it a very comfortable cruiser). I use a Windvest.

High price.
Absence of chrome looks odd for a proper cruiser.

Too many are trying to compare the Diavel to Ducati sport bikes.
The Diavel was designed to be a fast cruiser, NOT A SPORT BIKE!
It fills the gap between sport bikes and cruisers very nicely in the new designation "power cruiser".
I love my Diavel!!!

erazor_head
Reviewed: 07 March 2011

Awesome engine and power, undeniably ugly and impractical.

What an engine, the torque is immense and the motor free revving, sounds produced by the huge cans make a definate statement.

This amount of power and performance needs bodywork to protect the rider. I gave it some wellie and nearly lost my helmet and pulled a muscle in my neck just staying on it.

I took the Diavel out on a ride accompanied by another rider on a 2011 1198, not sure of his riding capabilities but he didn't lose me. This didn't come without a price though. The ride was supremely uncomfortable when trying to mix it with a hyper sports machine. As I hit the rev limiter in 2nd and 3rd the front wheel was pawing for the air, on a clear stretch of road as we both pushed the bikes I had to let go of the handlebars to recover my helmet that was sliding up my head and coming close to blowing off altogether. The wind buffeting was very hard to keep composed against, I strained my neck and chest muscles.
On the roundabouts the handling was good but not exceptional, lots of ground clearance but the upright riding position left me fighting cramp.
The bike looks very 'Buck Rogers' and people do look and stare, this is enhanced by the very loud and impressive twin pot bark.
Build quality was better than I've previously experienced with Ducati, the adjustable engine mapping was a nice touch. However, the only noticable difference between 'touring' and 'sport' to me was the popping exhaust on closing the throttle in sport mode.
The bike left me confused about who it is trying to attract. Someone looking for a cruiser could find a lot more handsome and comfortable ride. If you're looking for a sports machine then surely a 1198 with a full fairing would much better fill that spot.
Finally, I couldn't find anyone who complimented the looks.