Reports on my Demo day test rides :)

Did you notice any heat issues on the 899 coming through from underneath the seat at all on your test ride El Toro?

 

I was in the same quandary as you. Had my 848 and loved it. Fancied a change and test rode the diavel and loved it. It is a completely different animal to the 848.

Changed, and whilst I still like the diavel, I miss the 848 like mad. So much so that I'm thinking of investigating the chances of changing to a 899/1199. I wanted to ride my 848, the diavel I can take it or leave it, I'm not so fussed.

I miss fairings. Over 80 and the buffeting starts to get annoying. As I use the bike to commute sometimes I stop and think about taking the car. Would never have done that with the 848.

An hour and a half on the diavel is enough for me. After a while all the bumps going directly up the spine due to the seating position get to me and my right leg goes a bit numb too. The std seat isn't that comfortable for long rides.

Finding neutral is still a pain in the arse. Even after riding for a while it's still hit and miss if it will go in. Mostly miss. Easiest way issues to turn the bike off, into neutral then restart. Particularly annoying at vehicle check points.

I knew how long a tank of fuel would last and could plan accordingly. The diavel gives my anything from 90-110 miles per tank on average but has gone as far as 135, but it's not consistent. 848 would give me 120 consistently.

I do like it and it brings a grin to my face when I ride it, but I loved my 848. Regret trading it in. @gman2050uk better look after it. You never know, a lottery win and I might make him a stupid offer!

 

Is that sort of like a cross between a quarry and a foundry?

I can't help thinking that the Diavel will make a lot of sense in the UK, or anywhere else where you are constantly in traffic, in a 30 or 40 limit. Don't really know what things are like in Yorkshire, but in the south east, the place is so clogged up you can barely have any fun on a sports bike. At least the Diavel will get a scoot on when you want to, but will bimble merrily when you can't do the former.

I just thought it was great fun to ride when I tried one.
Strange looking thing, though...

 

Keep what you've got and buy a street triple as a play thing

 

Or a diavel as a play thing. That's what I wish I'd done. IMHO that's what I see it as to me.

 

I had a Diavel for 12 months and you are right in your comments.The Diavel as good as it is its not a substitute for a sportsbike,dont try to convince yourself it is,lack of wind protection at speed soon wears you out and after a hours riding your spine is coming out of you neck,i would not want to tour on one.Great bike to run along side a sportsbike or multi but not great for your only bike.

 

Saw a policeman riding a Diavel today in West Sussex, would love to hear the explanation for the choice of that particular bike.

 

Publicity stunt by Ducati UK, they have a Pani in police livery as well

 

Wouldn't think of Dissing any police rider as I am very aware they know how to ride bikes very well, but, it just didn't look right!

 

"Dissing" How old are you 12?

 

Subconscious slippage into vernacular there, have to keep up with modern developments of our rich, constantly evolving language.
60 actually!

 

Your 848 suited you mate, try the 899 for the change

 

To satisfy my curiosity before buying the 899 I test rode a Diavel, Hyper retard SP and the 899 back to back.
The Diavel as many have said is no long ride bike, after an hour whilst still grinning I was getting a lot of buffeting and was happy to get off it.
My quandary was between the retard or the 899.
I sympathise with your dilemma EL T, but I think you already know your answer...

 

life's to short stop quibbling over a couple of hundred quid on an 11k deal. get it done. or do the right thing and wait another year till the issues have been sorted out.

 

And the SE Corse Supperquattro is released