Hello all, Please help!!! I'm trying to decide between the Diavel (prefer the looks of the XDiavel, but hate the forward foot pegs), and the Monster 1200r. Why the "R"? I must admit my vanity comes into play here, as it is the only one that comes in black...other than the "dark" which doesn't have all of the Ohlins bits attached. Bit of a background: I started on a '99 Monster 900. Loved that bike, but always thought I was missing something by not getting a Superbike. Long story short, I was hit by a lorry and totaled my M900, along with my knee, leg, etc. Took the opportunity to purchase a '00 996S. The bike was/is everything I could imagine. It doesn't just carve corners. It's like a surgeon's scalpel incising corners. I absolutely love this bike. I still think it is the most beautiful motorcycle ever made...BUT...because of where I live (the roads), my age progressing (better than the alternative), and the expansion of my waistline (damn pasta and wine), I find that it isn't as easy to just throw a leg over and go for a ride anymore. It has now become an event for me to go for a ride. I find myself longing for my Monster again. In addition, my kids are old enough now to where they want to ride with me, and the 996S is a monoposto. It should be noted that I have a 10 year old son of normal size, and a 13 year old that is already 5 inches taller than me...and weighs as much as I do. Ideally, I'd keep my 996S and add another bike to the stable, but unfortunately, I have one of those things called a wife, and she says I can get another bike when I sell mine. Her logic is that I only have one ass, and can only ride one bike at a time. My response was that she only has one pair of feet, thus only needs one pair of shoes, but that didn't go over so well. Anyway, I had decided that another Monster would fit my needs perfectly...and so would the Diavel. What I need: 1 motorcycle that can do it all. 75% of my riding is done locally, but I do love the twisties and will tour on it. I've done 500 mile days on my old monster, and have done a 2,000 mile trip on my 996S, including 750 miles in one day. I don't get as uncomfortable on motorcycles as most people do (maybe because I'm short). I can tour on anything, but do recognize that some bikes are better for that than others. I need to be able to commute to work. I need to be able to distance ride (occasionally). I need to be able to ferry my kids to rugby practice. I need to feel like a hooligan, though I may not always ride like I am one. I need torque more than horsepower. Cornering trumps top end speed ALWAYS. Diavel seems to be on top, so far, but I also would like a smaller, more nimble bike. To me, the Diavel is a behemoth. It may fit the criteria, but is just too damn big. I love the size, looks, and feel of the Monster, can tour on it, and know I'd be perfectly happy with it. Diavel seems to win on specs alone, but I'm still leaning towards the Monster. I'm looking for fans of both the Monster and the Diavel to make your case as to why I should buy one or the other. In full disclosure, I haven't test ridden either yet (other than my prior experience in owning a Monster). I tend to obsess, and until I sell my bike, I don't want to put myself through that torture. I have no doubt I'll love both. Please, make your case for why I should get one over the other. Thanks, ilmostro99
Have you ridden the XDiavel? If not then you should. You'll take 15 mins to get used to the feet forward stance.........and from then on its a hoot
Not yet, but it's in the plans. I'm trying to go into this with no preconceptions, as hard as that may be. I'm not one who changes bikes often. I get emotionally attached to my bikes. I'm looking more to what is best for the long term (8-10 years). Thank you for the advice. I initally wrote off the xDiavel for the forward stance, but now will definitely give it a shot.
I was torn between the Multi Dvt and Monster 1200R (I was coming off a Multi). I agonised and just when I thought I'd made my mind up I changed it again. TBH asking for opinions only me me more indecisive. Everyone loves their bikes, so Monster owners will defend to them to hilt and recommend you get one and the Diavel owners will...defend them to the hilt and recommend you get one. What did I learn? As Gimlet says test ride them both, a couple of times if need be. It'll be your bike and only you can decide what to plump for. It's a dilemma, but a nice one to have.
Its trickier still if this is to be your only bike. You've got to try and imagine what it will be like in all the types of riding you're likely to do. If its only a low mileage weekend plaything for shortish blasts in perfect weather, its fairly easy: you just pick the one that's the most fun to ride. If you do a bit of everything its more difficult and more than one test ride, preferably in different conditions and on different sorts of roads is a good idea.
I am lucky enough to own several bikes, including the XDiavel S. El Toro is right, you get used to the foot forward position very quickly, after a few miles it feels quite natural. Which is great cos the XDiavel is quite naturally a Ducati, with all the torque you could ask for and then some more. It never fails to raise a smile, both when I look at it parked up, looking all mean, black, very well designed, but best of all different to anything else, and then when I ride it. It's laugh out loud fast and fun. You just don't expect it and nor do other road users, bikes and cars are surprised by its presence and pace. My brother has the Monster 1200S and is equally as passionate and enthusiastic about his bike. As everyone has suggested, get some test rides, see what stirs you and really question what you want it for. At the moment we are spoiled for choice and whatever you choose I think that you will be pretty satisfied. Good hunting
As Gimlet says, only you know what you want. Had a go on the Diavel and I must say I was surprised by how much fun it was to ride, not sure about two up touring on it though, but haven't had a go on a monster though. Ended up with a Multistrada which I find brilliant for my portly old age short stature. Perhaps throwing a spanner in the works, if your looking to the long term what about a Pikes Pike ?
I haven't ridden the 1200R, and I know it has different ergonomics and spec from the standard 1200 Monster (which I borrowed for a weekend a couple of years ago. But I found that the standard 1200 Monster felt heavier than the Diavel, whether pushing it around in a car park, or on the move (even though on paper the Diavel is more kg). Not sure if the 1200R is lighter than a standard 1200. My other half has a Diavel, and I've test ridden the Diavel myself. It's an absolute hoot, and you certainly won't be lacking torque. If you want to cruise and bimble, it can behave, but if you wind open the throttle it will take off for the horizon at warp speed. It's shortarse friendly, and though it needs more positive steering input than a Monster, it can certainly corner (albeit not with the scalpel precision of a sportsbike). He finds the Diavel seat comfortable on longer (e.g. 150-200 mile) rides - no numb-bum, although knees start to ache towards the end of the day. Slob (president of the UK Monster Owners Club) did a write up on that forum (M1200R, extended road test - UK Monster Owners Club Forum) of his experience borrowing a 1200R. The Diavel would be the better bike to take a pillion on. I'm not a happy pillion (I prefer to be in control) but have survived pillion rides back from Snells on Andy's Diavel without being tense. The Diavel pillion seat is quite broad, and while there is a grab handle that pulls out at the back, you need gibbon-like arms to hold it with both hands. Slob's write up of the 1200R does comment on it not being particularly pillion-friendly. But as other posters have said, you need to test ride both (and possibly the X-Diavel as well).
Thanks, all, for the replies. There's a lot of wisdom in the responses. A test ride or two will be the ultimate decision maker, but knowing myself, as soon as I get off the Diavel, I'll say that it's the one...then as soon as I get off the Monster, that will be the one. I know the Multi is the smart choice, so I will give that a go as well. What was looking for were the day in-day out experiences of living with one of these machines...the kind of things that never come up in a test ride. Thanks again, all.
