Diavel New Diavel 1260 Review

Mark Kenyon · Feb 20, 2021

Bandit said: ↑

See the base 1260 model mentioned at the beginning of the thread. As aMutley 1200 dvt owner looking to go to a Diavel, Is the base 1260 still a good buy? Can't stretch the wonga to an S really. Thanks.
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Bandit said: ↑

See the base 1260 model mentioned at the beginning of the thread. As aMutley 1200 dvt owner looking to go to a Diavel, Is the base 1260 still a good buy? Can't stretch the wonga to an S really. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Certainly is...you get the same lump and the same Ducati riding modes...the "S" does have quick shifter, nicer wheels and the Multi-media system = slightly better shocks, but unless you are on the limit I am not sure they are worth it...and the limit is pretty high - its easy to scrap the pegs which is plenty scary enough for me...but TBH I dont really need those...the bloody thing is mental anyway, so make it slightly quicker? It handles and rides beautifully, especially if you are shorter in stature..I am 5-10 with a 30 inch inside leg and the MTS was just a bit top heavy for me...And if you get bored and want to buy the upgrades, you can....so i took the deal, saved myself £4k and am very happy for that

stevebgt1 · Mar 4, 2021

TBH , I just bought the S model, and even just road riding, the suspension is much better than the standard kit. This is my 4th Diavel now in 8 years, but its my first S model. The difference is noticeable. £4K Noticeable ? Not sure, but residuals will tell in a couple of years with the different models. Still my favourite bike of all time. I have had Gen1, Gen 2 , X Diavel and now this 1260 S ...Love them

lockandkey · Apr 16, 2023

El Toro said: ↑

As most on here know I’ve been toying with the idea of switching from sports bikes to a Diavel since 2014 when I first test rode one. At the time I said it was a brilliant bike but after a few hours it was uncomfortable on my coccyx. However the yearning (if I can call it that) for one hasn’t diminished over the past 5 years.

When Ducati launched the new one last year I decided to put a deposit down on one (1260S) but with the proviso that if I didn’t like it when it actually rocked up that I could cancel. Added to that is the fact that we’ve since moved house and my garage space has shrunk and I need it to fit in the garage with my other bike and other stuff I’ve got in it. The dealer agreed.

Anyway after a few false starts (moving house, shit weather, personal commitments etc) I finally had a full day with the base model today. I managed to cover over 260 miles during the day and purposely covered motorways, A roads, B roads, potholed roads, steep roads, shitty roads etc etc. I also took it home to check I could get it comfortably in the garage, which thankfully I could

So how did it perform? Was it as good as I remembered or was I wearing rose tinted glasses?

I am pleased to report that it was better than I remembered.

Firstly Ducati have magically moved the CoG so it’s a helluva lot easier to move around at a standstill. I couldn’t move the old one unless I was sat on it and paddled around. The new one, even at 244kg fully fuelled, was easy to push around as well as a doddle sitting on it. So that was a big plus in my book.

Secondly this bike is a hooligan bike. It goes like stink and pulls like a train in every gear. It is certainly more than capable of embarrassing many a sports bike.

Handling wise it is fantastic. Looking at it you would think it shouldn’t do what it can. It is so light on the move and it goes round corners like a dream. I did a bit of roundabout surfing and reckon that if I’d got my leathers on I’d have been able to get my knee down. Or pretty close at least The fat rear tyre does not inhibit handling at all.

The brakes were sharp as hell too and did get used on a couple of occasions as unfortunately some drivers are idiots that really shouldn’t be allowed to drive. And cornering ABS is good too (I’m used to this as my Scrambler 1100 sport has it too).

Comfort wise they’ve also sorted the seat. I spent 7 hours solid on the bike and it was very comfortable indeed. So that was that box ticked too.

Unfortunately this was just the base model so I couldn’t test the quickshifter/auto blipper which the S has. Oh and cruise control is great too.

The one little niggle I had, which I’ve been told I’ll get used to, is that I occasionally switched the high beam on as the switch kind of overhangs the grip.

So how many out of 10? From memory I gave the old one a 9 out of 10. This one is definitely better so I’d give it a 9.5 (nothing should ever get 10 in my book as you can always improve things).

I was definitely impressed, and together with the deal I got for my Panigale I have pushed the button and will get my bike next week (4 S’s were delivered this afternoon, including my tentatively ordered one).

I’ve also picked my reg number and the bike will be PDI’d over the next few days. I just need to arrange insurance tomorrow and sell a kidney to pay for it and it’s job jobbed.

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I’m torn between a 1260 with the termi in stealth black 2021 and a 1260s with standard 2019? What would you choose ?

Bandit · Apr 17, 2023

lockandkey said: ↑

I’m torn between a 1260 with the termi in stealth black 2021 and a 1260s with standard 2019? What would you choose ?
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I actually went for a 1260s with a termi two years ago. Glad I did the ride quality is superior especially on today's potholed rutted roads and can be dialled in to suit various riding solo two up luggage etc

lockandkey · Apr 17, 2023

Think I agree and on this bike anything that improves the handling is only going to add to the ride experience.

Mark Arnold · Apr 17, 2023

lockandkey said: ↑

Think I agree and on this bike anything that improves the handling is only going to add to the ride experience.
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I've just bought my 2nd 1260S with Termi and I must admit it's an animal - the Ohlins still needs setting up as it's a bit crashing over the road surface but I've just got to wait to get booked in - I've got a comfort seat as well with more padding and that makes the ride quite plush due to the extra foam
The instant torque is mental - I rode a V4 Diavel 4 weeks ago and it was soulless and didn't have the low down grunt and character I was looking for and it sounded anemic with standard exhaust
Get the S model and when you can afford it get the exhaust

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