Hi I presently ride a Suzuki Vstrom DL1000 AL14 which although a great predictable bike I hanker for something more exciting and not just in the speed market. Spotted my first Diavel X S in M&S Motorcycles Newcastle and assumed it was a custom special at first glance! Had never heard of it and on sitting on it felt at home straight away. 2 hour test ride booked for the following Friday. Checked with my insurers, Swinton and just recently renewed, and was pleasantly surprised to be quoted £58 to switch bikes which included a £10 admin fee! The time arrived with slight nerves and apprehension as I had never ridden with my feet forward nor on a cruiser style machine. I set off on pretty busy Friday with blue skies, but heavy rain forecast, and stalled twice at traffic lights. Rider error as I had to get used to the higher rev power delivery required from set off than my Vstrom. My feet danced in the air a few times on setting off each time trying to find the feet forward perch but it did not feel too odd once I got used to the position. I headed up the A1 to try the bike at speed and it did not disappoint but I had to hold on for dear life as the wind tried to blast me off, or at least my helmet which I had to repeatedly push back down and adjust! On to the twisties around Rothbury where I only had to feed a bit more counter steer and weight onto the pedals, not too easy feet forward, than normal to prevent the bike from sitting up on the fat rear tyre. Yes I felt every pothole and bump on the unloved and unkempt roads around the area but the bike performed flawlessly. The heavens opened, my lower half got drenched even with my RST Ventilator II trousers c/w rainproof liners, and my nether regions got mixed sensations of both drowning and freezing with the windchill! Fortunately the jacket, same spec and liner kept me perfectly dry and no mess/water flung up from the rear tyre! Down the A1 in the rain and the bike again handled flawlessly albeit with me holding on tight and again pushing my helmet down. No view at all from the mirrors as they vibrated so violently that it was impossible to see anything behind you at 70mph. I did not have to alter the riding style much in the appalling downpour as the bike felt so stable and planted. On and into Newcastle and I found it easy to filter and manoeuvre around the traffic then back to M&S with a big smile. I am presently trying to negotiate a better deal with them for the X version as I cannot really afford the S and I actually prefer the Stealth look of the X but hate to lose some of the bells and whistles by doing so. If anyone can help with the wind issues, the bikes not mine, the hard suspension and the vibrating mirrors it would really be appreciated.
Welcome, Hawktech. Ducati mirrors do seem to suck (multistrada is an exception). A few monster owners have reported good results with bar end mirrors but I'm not aware of anyone trying them on the xdiavel yet.
I got my XD today and I love it. Similar reports for suspension, though the mirrors were perfect. How are you enjoying yours?
This was 3 years ago and he's never been back. I assume he's been riding his bike and has been too busy to post in this time, a glowing endorsement.
I didn’t even know Marks & Spencer’s sold bikes but then I left the UK a few years back now & things change. Ho hum.
Wow, fantastic customer service, they provide food while you wait. I'll have to give them go when I need the Desmo service done as there's an M&S in Cork and it's a damn sight nearer than the Ducati guys in Dublin.
