But surprising performance and all, the Diavel is not quite a perfect machine. Though its engine is stirring, its electronics package compelling, and its handling more capable than it deserves to be, this is still not an 1198 with a low saddle and a raked out fork, but rather an extraordinarily powerful cruiser with a wide rear tire that still makes it subject to the laws of physics.
If you're looking for an everyday motorcycle that oozes Ducati personality yet provides everyday functionality, you might be happier on a Multistrada or Monster. But if you view the Diavel as a more specialized toy for a specific clientele, its unique hybridization of sportbike and cruiser genres begins to make more sense—it's really a sort of supersport cruiser, if such a thing exists. The Diavel is a heaven-sent for performance-oriented riders who are tired of achy wrists and stiff necks, don't mind a more relaxed posture, and love the attention of riding a visually distinctive bike.
If anything, the Ducati Diavel's league-of-its-own status opens itself up for plenty of imitators; if enough well-heeled buyers make this bike a success, it won't be long before other manufactures start building power cruisers that aren't piggishly heavy or technologically crude. But regardless of the Diavel's potential future success, Ducati is to be commended for boldly going where they've never been before; building such an unconventional product takes audacity, and the Diavel's shocking performance and surprising fun-to-ride factor earns it the rare distinction of being one hell of a ride for people who wouldn't be caught dead on a power cruiser.
Who Should Buy the Ducati Diavel?
Sport-oriented cruiser fans ready to ditch the traditional power cruiser archetype, and embrace a thoroughly modern re-working of the genre.Specifications
- Price: $16,995 (Diavel), $19,995 (Diavel Carbon)
- Engine: Liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 1,198cc L-twin
- Output: 162 hp @ 9,500 rpm, 94 lb-ft of torque at 8,000 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed, with wet, multi-plate, hydraulically actuated clutch
- Final drive: Chain
- Frame: Tubular steel trellis
- Fuel capacity: 5.3 gallons
- Seat height: 30.3 inches
- Dry weight: 463 pounds (Diavel), 456 pounds (Diavel Carbon)
- Front suspension: Fully adjustable, 50mm inverted Marzocchi shocks (low friction, diamond-like coating on Diavel Carbon)
- Rear suspension: Fully adjustable Sachs monoshock with progressive linkage
- Front brakes: Four-piston, dual 320mm disc Brembo monobloc with ABS
- Rear brake: Two-piston, single 265mm disc with ABS
