Ducati Diavel Review [MO.com]

[UFO]

While the Diavel is a new model, it nevertheless is comprised of many familiar Ducati components, the most prominent of which is its Testastretta 11° engine. This grunty, high-performance 1198.4cc 90-degree Twin (aka L-Twin) is sourced from the current model Multistrada. And with the exception of a new exhaust, it remains largely unchanged as used in the Diavel.

2011 Ducati Diavel exhaust

Ducati says the Diavel’s new exhaust is the key to extracting an extra 12 hp and 6.5 ft-lbs from the Testastretta 11 engine.
According to Giulio Malagoli, technical director on the Diavel project, the new Duc’s exhaust system, consisting of equal-length 58mm cross-section exhaust headers and dual stacked shorty megaphone cans, is the primary contributor to a 12 hp and 6.5 ft-lb increase over the Multi’s 150 hp and 87.5 ft-lbs. The Diavel’s airbox is marginally larger than the Mulitstrada’s, but the negligible increase in volume isn’t essential to power gains and is more a matter of technical needs. Additional revisions include different cam timing, as well as reworked intake and exhaust ports.

During the Diavel’s tech briefing Ducati displayed a dyno graph overlay with power and torque results for the 1198 superbike, Multistrada and Diavel

While the Diavel’s version of the Testastretta is in a race with the MTS, it handily out-powers the adventure-tourer after the 6500-rpm mark. The Diavel easily out guns the 1198 until around 7000 rpm where it manages to run almost neck-and-neck with the red racer until approximately 9000 rpm, at which point the 1198 stretches its superbike legs.

The Multistrada’s spread of torque is more evenly matched to the Diavel’s, until 6000 rpm at which point the new devil bike opens a large gap on the MTS and never looks back.

Taking the Ducati-supplied dynos at face value, the Diavel mops up against the 1198 in low-end torque production. Diavel twisting force is notably healthier than what the 1198 produces below approximately 7000 rpm. It’s only then that the race-bike-with-lights finally regains its ground (save for a short 500-rpm dip) and soon out-twists the Diavel by 9000 rpm.

Read the entire review here:
http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ducati/2011-ducati-diavel-review-90421.html

[County Tar]

Another one on MD:

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011/02/2011-ducati-diavel-md-first-ride/

"...Dare we say this is one of the most enjoyable bikes we have ever ridden.  Not a cruiser, not a naked, not a sportbike. Just a Ducati. That is all you need to know."

Hmm.  Maybe this can be a sport tourer.  

[Aero]

Hmm.  Maybe this can be a sport tourer.  

I chatted with a guy on the Ducati stand at the annual motorcycle show in Birmingham, UK in December. I asked him specifically about a replacement for the ST series bikes which of course went out of production several years ago and to my mind were the most desirable Ducati for my use. He said that it was possible at some point in the future but that for the present, Ducati would probably be using the Diavel platform as the basis for several new models. Since then I have been trying to visualise a Diavel with more weather protection and hard panniers, and the idea seems more realistic having read the reviews of the Diavel so far. Could be interesting!  

[birdrunner]

With that HUGE rear tire, Duc has obviously given up on handling over styling.  Expect chromed out MTS in the near future.


Of course,  a 8" rear rim does allow you to put a car tire on the back.

[Dan K]

Reviews seem to love the handling.  I'd love to ride one, even with a big rear.    

- Dan

[Croak]

With that HUGE rear tire, Duc has obviously given up on handling over styling.  Expect chromed out MTS in the near future.


Of course,  a 8" rear rim does allow you to put a car tire on the back.

I dunno Bird.  I was skeptical too, and there is indeed some reports of low-speed (sub 50kph) desire to push, but beyond that it seems to be doing well.  And as a person who's always been a bit of a wide load, it's nice to have a bike that resembles the owner from the rear.  

But you're probably right, this thing will be a popular drug money bling cycle. Wonder how long before the customizers try to stretch the swingarm?

[bassjones]

couple of weeks, tops...

[nferr]

I like it. It's not a cruiser, but whatever you call it it's nice. A mild touring version would be very nice.

[axelwik]

I saw one on Sunday. I'm sure they're nice to ride, but think they're ugly. Kind of a big, giant Monster-something. To me a Ducati should be a supersport or superbike. The monsters sell like hotcakes, however, and have probably kept Ducati in business. Happy for that.  

I hope they sell a zillion of them - and keep making real sport bikes.

[SlakeMoth]

Saw a guy on my street with one this AM, apparently brand new (along with a brand new Dainese jacket)

Dang, that thing is ugly.

[Cvergi01]

 

I wouldn't touch it with my ten foot penis...is fugly

[scottzilla]

With that HUGE rear tire, Duc has obviously given up on handling over styling.  Expect chromed out MTS in the near future.


Of course,  a 8" rear rim does allow you to put a car tire on the back.

You didn't read any of the articles, huh?
They said the bike handles outstanding.


Yes-I waited 4 months to reply.

[MadOzodi]

I'll be riding one of these things on Sunday...looks better in person than in pics.  I'm excited!

[scottzilla]

I'll be riding one of these things on Sunday...looks better in person than in pics.  I'm excited!

I saw one as well and agree it's a pretty cool looking bike.

[Castaway]

I checked 'em out at the moto show - it seemed to me that there was one riding position only, which wouldn't be so good long-distance (referring to sport-touring potential).

[ozmanyyy]

The president of our DOC rode one in Italy for a week, said it was one of the best out of the box Duc's he's ever ridden. HyperMotard is still his favorite. I'm hoping we get a loaner for our club ride in a few weeks.

Oz

[Rincewind]

They had one at the local italian bike day demo rides the other weekend...  On the first demo out, a young blonde woman danced with the Diavel.  I was behind her on a Dorsoduro.  I was quite impressed with her abilities, or maybe it is just a very easy bike to ride.

Here a friend of mine took it out later.  I was too busy demo riding other bikes.  The retractable pillion pegs are very trick.  Looks like a nice bike overall.

[MadOzodi]

I thoroughly enjoyed my demo ride on the Diavel this past Sunday.  As vertically and inseam challenged as I am, it's a very easy bike to ride; particularly the slow speed/parking lot maneuvers.  Not surprising since I can flatfoot the bike!  I didn't know what to do with myself at first.  

Even with the 240 rear tire, the Diavel was quick to avoid manhole covers, potholes, and all the other city street irregularities.  I also achieved greater lean angle than I expected.

Urban mode is perfect for around town.  In Sport mode I don't think I had the opportunity to take the mill past 5 or 6k rpms, but the difference was still very noticeable.  Cool ride for sure.  

[atadaskew]

I checked the Diavel out.  It is sweet.

Seems to me the complainers are not in the market for any new bike over $5K anyway...

Kinda like me beeyotchin over the latest Lambo..
 

[mugwump58]

And from one of my favorite moto journos