It looks like the least compromised ‘cruiser’ you can get. Pretty much a do-it-all bike with less compromise than you would expect and good handling apparently. I’m finding it quite tempting. In black.
I dare say I might change my mind if/when I see it in the flesh, but at the moment it does nothing for me...gaping intakes make it look like a basking shark and the exhaust is just comical. My old Gen 2 was a superb bike, if slightly flawed, but the shortcomings could be dealt with by suspension tweaks and the 1260 wasn't enough of a step up for me to change...all academic now as I traded the Diavel for a Streetfighter (V2). edit: in addition to the suspect looks, add poor fuel economy and then on top you're looking at £25k with just a few modest accessories.
As entertaining 44 Teeth can be - here’s Neevsy giving his take on it - less of the hungover dude riding a bike and more professional journalist!
Totally agree. Fagan gushing over everything... after 15 minutes of him whooping like a girl I switched off. He did the same with the Streetfighter SP review. I don't know why we need 25 minutes of going up and down the same road. Could have been done in 10 minutes.
Why wouldn’t he be enthusiastic about the Streetfighter SP? It’s not only a great bike but he likes the Streetfighter anyway, having been enthusiastic about it on a review on UK roads. I was under the impression that they are exceptionally good bikes. Neevsy was entirely complimentary about the Diavel V4 as well, minus the whooping. I’ve not seen one negative thing said about the bike so far. It will be interesting to see how the suspension is on normal roads.
Indeed. The massive weight difference is why I bought an Xdiavel, not a Triumph Rocket. (Plus, Ducati’s leather chaps are more stylish ) Incidentally, the Xdiavel is my year-round commuter. It’s what the Bologna bike was built for I hope the V4 engine makes it into the Xdiavel, too.
@cl955 The carbon wheels would make a difference but 2 seconds might be a bit much. I guess it depends on the track. Obviously it's tough to pinpoint reasons beyond doubt without knowing the exact setup and software for each of the two bikes. You take reviews for what they are worth. I don't think Fagan would rave about something he doesn't like... Obviously Neevesy is a proper journalist but Fagan has his place, he does know how to ride and 44Teeth are rather entertaining. Maybe you just prefer Neevesy's character over Fagan's - two quite different characters, with Neevesy being more considered and less brash/laddish. I don't think Ducati generate all that many negative reviews these days. You could be cynical about the reasons or it might just be that they are really on top of their game and producing great stuff.
Agree, he wouldn't rave about something he doesn't like. But he does need a polarised view to attract viewers: when scrolling YouTube, so many titles are deliberately provocative - it's goes with the format to get more clicks. 2 seconds a lap from forged alloys (and they are pretty light!) to carbon is probably not realistic. 3kg weight saving probably came largely from a lithium battery (PV4S has one, base doesn't - not sure about the SF models though) Ducati do make great products (I have 3 of them from different eras), but a more balanced view is what I would like to see - how about the value of a premium "SP" spec bike versus a base model with some cash thrown at it? Horses for courses, but if Fagan et al want to go on about the performance on track, then shouldn't that be a question or a comment? I'd gladly trade a few seconds of girly whoops for some observations and commentary, but I'm sure they are terrified of not getting invited back to plush launches. I enjoy a lot of 44T content, and actually prefer the more "marmite" one of the pair - Chris - I find him funny and articulate. Anyway - Diavel V4 looks great for a cruiser.... maybe one day, but not now (for me).
I don't think many reviews would touch on what you could do with a base model and upgrades compared to a higher-level model. Neevesy himself has reviewed bikes where he has said everyone changes the suspension but they have to review the bike as it is and not how it could be. Modifying a standard bike for track can be an interesting video, and maybe compare it to a higher-level model, but they tend to use the best parts they can get as far as I recall seeing these things done. I don't think you buy a SF SP because you are looking for the best bang for your buck. I don't think you can expect them to do anything other than review the bike as it is and 'value' really is about as subjective as looks. I think my SP2 is good value relative to the V4S because I like the parts used. Others think the V4S is not good value compared to the base model with upgrades. Others wouldn't see any Ducati as good value. Horses for courses. It will be interesting to see how the Diavel V4 is on normal roads. Christopher is indeed excellent - Baron von Grumble produces some very good content. You can see the difference in their characters in the recent Budget Bike Battle with Fagan's 'Brits Abroad' drunk behaviour and Christopher's reaction to it. They work well together though. I think the Diavel is probably in its own class and I'll be fascinated to try one at some point. Potentially a great everyday bike (not that I use any vehicle as every day transport these days, but something other than a Panigale would be nice for general riding around and going places). I could see myself getting a black one, although the Streetfighter looks interesting as well. A local chap has the SP2 prepared for track and the SF SP for road use - it's a nice combo and they both get ragged quite thoroughly.
Well, then the Triumph trip would get my money if I wanted a normalish bike. Thats got 160hp and weighs 170kg. The build quality is superior as is the finishing. I aint paying 10k more for a badge that will peel and fall off.
If you are unaware of the build quality issues surrounding Ducati, sorry to be the one to break the news to you that you are being ripped off and have been for years. The speed triple 1200rs. Its lighter and more nimble than that barge and 10k less.
Build quality seems very good on mine. I don't feel at all ripped off but thanks for the concern. The 1200RS is surely not a direct competitor to the Diavel. Wouldn't that be the Streetfighter V4, which is lighter and more powerful?
