Ducati Diavel Bike Overview
For much of the 1980s and 90s, Ducati produced quite a limited range of bikes, sticking to building V-twin powered sportsbikes like the 900SS, superbikes like the 916 and its Monster naked roadsters.
But as the markets changed in the early 2000s, the Bologna firm had to expand its range. Sportsbikes were becoming less popular, while other sectors like adventure bikes were on the up. Ducati had a great powerplant in the form of its desmodromic eight-valve V-twin, it just needed to put it into new bikes.
So, for 2010, the adventure sector was addressed by the Multistrada 1200, while the important American market got the Diavel. High-powered ‘power cruisers’ have been around for years, since Yamahas 1980s V-Max 1200, but the Diavel moved things onto another level.
Ducati not only gave its custom cruiser a 160bhp superbike-derived engine (from the 1198 Panigale), it also gave it superbike brakes, suspension and handling. The performance was stunning, and the low-slung Diavel went straight to the top of the power cruiser stakes, ahead of the Triumph Rocket III and the Harley-Davidson V-Rod.
On the road, the Diavel has a dual character. Potter around town on small throttle openings, short-shifting through the box, and it’s a smooth, docile pussycat. But when the road opens up, and you give it full gas, it’s transformed into a drag-racing hot-rod. 160bhp is a lot of power, even for a proper sportsbike, and having it in a long, low cruiser is hilarious. The massive rear tyre gives loads of grip, and Ducati has also provided an amazing amount of ground clearance, so you can surprise even full-bore superbikes.
Like all Ducatis, the Diavel isn’t cheap to own or run – tyres, brakes, chains all get a hard time if you use all the performance. But it’s a top-end, exotic machine, and is well worth the price tag.
Take a look at the Ducati Diavel in action…
Ducati Diavel Bike Spec
- Capacity1198cc
- Top speed169 mph
- Weight210 kg
- Average fuel consumption35 mpg
- Seat height770 mm
- EngineLiquid cooled V-Twin, 8v
Ducati Diavel Bike Insurance
Ducati Diavel Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
Great fun to ride,this machine garners praise from the general public like no other marque i have owned before. Great fun to ride,this machine garners praise from the general public like no other marque i have owned before.
Cons
Nothing
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For a large 'cruiser/sports bike'the Diavel is surprisingly agile,no doubt assisted by a generous 240 rear profile Fat Bob Pirelli tyre!
Diavel's V Twin 1200cc power plant has 162bhp available in 'Sports' mode,a wide torque range makes riding this big Italian beastie a real pleasure.
Nothing
Modern Ducati's are light years ahead of earlier builds with electical/mechanical problems a distant memory. Ride 'by wire'and ecu mapping takes all the hard work from tge engine managenent,adjusting ride modes 'on the fly' is a luxury!?.
With Brembo monoblok brakes front and rear,bringing great control and stopping power is guarranteed.
Pros
Riding this motorcycle makes you still smile even after 6years since l had it new.
Cons
Gear selection and fuel gauge
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Gear selection and fuel gauge
Pros
The worst (and sometimes the best) thing is that you can't just pop out to anywhere without somebody stopping you to ask about it, my mate with a ZZR gets dead jealous about the attention the Diavel attracts. The best endorsement I can give my bike is that if it got stolen today I'd buy exactly the same bike to replace it.
Cons
The headlight but they've improved it anyway on the later model.
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This bike handles so much better than a bike with this size rear tyre has any right to. Puts many a Sports Tourer to shame and sometimes even shows the Teletubbies on sports bikes a clean pair of heels!
162BHP should be enough for anyone riding on the road!
The headlight but they've improved it anyway on the later model.
No issues at all
The Brembos are awesome
Pros
Ducati have produced an excellent bike especially with the improvements that have been carried out on this facelift model. It looks stunning and surprises with the power available. Sheer power and handling never fails to impress me.
Cons
Number plate location is rubbish.
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Handles so well for this style of bike
Number plate location is rubbish.
Had issues with fuel guage on purchase which was rectified by dealer. Other than that alls been good.
Pros
Love this bike – it's my pride and joy – there is something special about owning a Ducati! Looks incredible – gets a lot of attention and sounds amazing with an aftermarket can on.
Cons
Ability to corner. It can be physically hard in twisties but fine for bigger rider!
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Ability to corner. It can be physically hard in twisties but fine for bigger rider!
Pros
Had a lot of bikes this is best by far powerful handles great looks and sounds good and huge back tyre
Cons
Key is large only an issue when fueling worse problems to have
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For a large engined bike it does not feel heavy it corners great too
Awesome in sports mode
Key is large only an issue when fueling worse problems to have
Very well made only issue had so far is fuel light stuck on but that does not bother me in the slightest
Stops well which is always good