2011 Ducati Diavel Review Motorcycle Pictures

In simpler, more colloquial terms, does the Diavel have what it takes? During the Diavel’s tech briefing Ducati displayed a dyno graph overlay with power and torque results for the 1198 superbike, Multistrada and Diavel

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.

A benefit from the design of the Diavel’s slipper-type oil-bath clutch is reduced effort at the clutch lever, as well as virtual elimination of rear tire hop during downshifts.

A new, larger water pump impeller moves coolant through the Diavel’s dual lateral radiators. Despite the devil bike’s departure from traditional Ducati styling, it wouldn’t wear the name Ducati if it didn’t have a steel-tube trellis frame. 2011 Ducati Diavel frame shock preload adjust dial

The horizontally positioned shock resides under the swingarm – a design that allows the Diavel a reasonable seat height of 30.3 inches. Two optional seats, 20mm higher or 20mm lower, are available.

A standard sportbike size 120/70-17 tire rolls in front, while the 240/45-17 mega bun on the 8-inch-wide rear wheel will make most contemporary custom choppers jealous. The Diavel’s large visual volume leads you to think the bike might weigh a ton, requiring considerable effort to lift of the sidestand.

It is a Ducati after all, so heavy doesn’t usually figure into an equation, and the Diavel keeps with the lightweight tradition, scaling it at 463 dry pounds for the standard model and 456 pounds for the up-spec Diavel Carbon. Conversely, the Diavel’s footpeg position forward of the seat is less rear set than either of those bikes, and more forward than the pegs on Ducati’s own Monster 696.

The long wheelbase, cruiser-ish steering geometry and big rear tire mean instantaneous-feeling hook-up at the rear while the front remains planted when the throttle is slammed open. Ducati says the Diavel is good for 2.6 seconds at 0 to 100 kmh (62 mph), rivaling high-horsepower sportbikes for off-the-line performance.

The Diavel’s engine is that potent and that fun.

Of the monde 240mm tire, Malagoli says that a large rear wheel/tire combo was a primary design element set forth when the Diavel concept started to take shape. The big rear tire works for me as part of the Diavel’s styling; however, the rear tire’s low-speed handling performance doesn’t work quite so well for my tastes.

In contrast to our light front-end theory, Malagoli assured me the Diavel has what is essentially a 50/50 weight bias.

It was hard to not draw a few parallels between the Diavel’s low-speed handling quirks with those that many big-tired custom-style cruisers have, specifically, an occasional unwillingness to steer predictably through turns at lower speeds.

Integrated DTC (Ducati Traction Control) and Ride Modes are also part of the Diavel’s technology package. Although there’s no need for the Diavel to have the Multi’s Enduro mode setting, the Diavel, like the MTS, has Sport, Touring and Urban settings.

Sport allows unfettered access to the Diavel’s 162 horsepower, with DTC set to 1. Furthermore, a rider can disable DTC and ABS altogether. Is the Diavel better than the devil(s) you know?

While the Diavel doesn’t fit neatly into existing categories of motorcycles, it hasn’t stopped some folks from slotting the Diavel alongside Yamaha’s VMax.

Though the Diavel’s claimed 162 hp at the crank doesn’t come close to VMax territory, the Ducati weighs, um … Hundreds of pounds less!

The Diavel Carbon sells for $19,995.

With the Diavel Carbon comes forged Marchesini wheels that Ducati says are 5.5 pounds lighter than the standard model’s wheels – and that’s a crucial savings in unsprung weight. If you can live without the light stuff, the standard Diavel, with the same horsepower, Brembo brakes, excellent suspension, and comparatively light weight, is a bargain at $16,995.