We appreciate your input, as we have found others having the same issues; unqualified people assembling these bikes when then have no business to be around them. If you are a dealer of these bikes, the buyer deserves a proper bike with a proper mechanic that knows and understands their quirks with your issues and others. It's reason for us to look at a Honda or some other bike where they do take the time to set them up properly. Much appreciated
I'm looking for a used one now. I trust your review almost over anyone's. Glad to see you are positive about it. I also owned an ST1100 based on your love for it and it was great. Regret selling it now.
Just watched your review simply because I adore the diavel and then I see you riding round my area !:D Great stuff and I think diavel looks best in black !
Great review, very professional, love the pop ups. I agree with your analogy - I'm in China for 3 years with work so have sold my Big Bang R1, I'm saving for a BMW HP4 for the track and one of these mean sounding machines! You've reinforced my impression of the Diavel. Thanks.
I recently took a 2015 for a test ride. Amazing! Well over a hundred mph in third gear and it wasn't anywhere near redline!! They must have sorted out the fuel injection as it was very smooth transition wise. Thanks for an excellent review!
You are correct, Russ. Internal combustion engines run better with somewhat 'damp' cool air to breathe. The condition helps to achieve the correct "Stoichiometric" air/fuel ratio! That is, the correct petrol to air ratio and that gives the most complete burn, most power etc. A Triumph dealers here in Michigan had one and I fell in love with the looks. I also am looking at a Triumph Tiger, the 800. So I've enjoyed your reviews of both bikes. Enjoyed the roadcraft videos too! Keep them coming!
It'll be a long while before I'm on anything like this - but I do like watching your vids, mate - keep it up! Liked the burble on that beast a lot. I have my CBT tomorrow - wooooo.
I borrowed one of these recently from a friend for helping fit a few accessories to it. The gas tank was leaking so it had to be taken back to the dealer. The local dealer replaced the tank in two days. Personally own an 848 Street Fighter, they're all nut crushers! ;-)
Excellent review, and a beautiful bike! Ducati have really got it going on at the moment in the styling dept with this, the Multistrada and the wowzers Panigale.
I know what you mean by not the first choice but it's a weird one, the more you look at it, the better it gets, then ride one, mmm lol. Thanks for your comment matey, if you're ever in Nottingham, I'll warm the seat up for you :-)
I'm with you on this one Russ. I, personally for me, think this is one of THE most beautiful bikes ever created. I think it is just a work of art also (you said that as I wrote this lol). I would love to have one, but at £12,000 it's very expensive lol
Great Vlog Russ. I have seen a few in the flesh and they are TDF. Even so, I didn't think it was my cup of tea. However, having seen your's and Linz's reviews, I've totally changed my mind. It is also my new PC desktop :-) PS: Hope you're not suggesting that Linz isn't a 'real rider' ;-) She seemed to get FAR more excited by it haha
Nice review! I like how you explain what you did to sort it all out. I'm in the market for a Multistrada so I was also keen on what you thought about the engine.
Nice reveiw, I saw one of these at on yer bike between Bicester and Aylsbury, they sound fantactic and look great, just the number plate spoils the rear. What sat nav are you using there, need one for myself now I'm in a new area. Thanks
The suspension is a widely known issue.One would assume that being set up from the factory it would be a softer ride. Not everyone knows how to adjust suspension. I wouldn't test ride ANYTHING extensively as I'm a dealer and if the bike is the right price I'd just buy it. It wasn't initially for me personally. Tyre pressures are also relative to the size of the tyres and being a 240 section, it wouldn't necessarily be the same as a 160 or 180. psi can be adjusted a couple either side to suit
I'd considered a V-Rod anniversary too as I think they're beautiful but not too keen on forward pegs. Let me know what you think of the Diavel when you ride it, see if it compares to my impressions.
Wow, excellent informal review! The bike looks the part and I've always wondered how good it would be to to ride... And after your review... On to biketrader :-D
Nice review, been watching quite a few of your videos lately (just got my license) and they're good quality. I have a question for you though, what are you using for navigation? Looks like a smartphone with an app or something. Could you tell me what kind of equipement you're using for that setup?
Haha, you are talking about Gizmag's review. I just watched it right before your video. When he said chocolate starfish I had to laugh. Then when you said it, it caught me off guard and I had to go back and listen to your sentence again.
I've watched all your vids at once. Great channel you've here. I'm not sure how possible is it but if you can, would you also give us a real world rider experience of Honda CBR1000RR ? Best to you!
What were the other options u considered against the stunning D Diavel? Just out of curiosity...and what do u think of BMW r1200r and MGuzzi Breva 1200...?
The gloves are just J&S accessories summer gloves. I think it works because the Otterbox has a capacitor type screen and that activates the phone screen (I think)
I've watched and read dozens of review for diavel. I feel your review is one of more natural, honest and reliable reviews. I'm confuse of choosing ducati diavel or mv agusta brutalle 800. Which one of them is more comfortable and easier to ride? I'm a beginner rider.
It's a real Bruiser is right matey. Lovely bike but mean as hell. Really does look the part and well, we all know Black is the fastest colour :-) Thanks Russ, great review. Not my first choice if I was in the market but a fantastic bike none the less!!
This was what I couldn't get through to some Triumph owners in America on the Triumphrat forum before the Tuono arrived over there. Specs can't capture the "soul" of a bike, the K1200s was one, my Tuono is another and I feel the Diavel is gonna be No.3
hello there :) i would like to know if the ducati diavel is an expensive bike to maintain? i mean... fuel consuption, mile service, etc. thanks in advance
Great review, Russ! As we have similar aproach to bikes, I'll pop the question: how does it handle? Is there a big difference to a naked/super naked? I have a S1200 for touring/2up, and am looking for a toy just for me. Love the riding of the Tuono and/or Speed Triple, so looking for something close. I'm quite divided between the new BMW 1000R and the Diavel.... Please help... what's your thoughts ot it? Thanks in advance
Thanks. Once you get the tyre pressures right you can throw this around and it takes it. Just remember the steering is slightly different to conventional bikes so it has to be hustled a little.
I am curious how you compare this bike to your Tuono. I am thinking about trading my Tuono for one of these but just want to make sure I am doing the right thing since I don't hit the canyons anymore and would like something a bit more comfortable and easier to ride.
I have a dark diavel the 2015 model they have changed a few things with mapping and timings and it's awesome. I would agree with you on every thing great review. How did you find the handling find it hard to knee down can scrape the pegs though. :-)
Handling is great but you need to remember it's not a sports bike. Want your knee down, nip to the track with a GSXR ;-) Tyre pressures were really important on this and I found 36/36 worked.
I went to Motorcycle live 2013 yesterday @ the NEC and sat on one. This has to be one of the sexiest bikes available at the mo! Question for you.... I think the new kwak Z1000 (sat on that too!) is on par with the Diavel in the looks dept, it looks soooo aggressive! If it was your money, would you go for the Z1000 for c.£9000 or spend the extra on the Diavel for c.£13000 (non-carbon version)?
Someone once said they had to revert to regular unleaded once and their Diavel ran that badly they thought it was breaking down. Shame about the cost but if this is just a weekend bike for people it would be worth it
Cold dense air is always better for the motor and I personally think the bike is stunning have seen one in person and had a quick go in one thwy are stunning bukes I libe them
Many of the problems you mentioned are things that you as an individual should have been set up for in the showroom (specifically the suspension). Did you not test ride the bike extensively? I can't understand why you'd buy this bike if it wasn't the very same bike you test rode. I'm shocked at how low pressure the tyres were - that bike is a lot heavier than my Raptor 1000 - I need 40psi on the rear and 36 on the front.
I'm surprised to hear that fuel injected bikes run lean. I would've imagined that the opposite was true. Won't the engine run hot, and wear down prematurely when running lean?
Due to emissions they run lean which means they're not as smooth as a carbed bike at low speed and steady throttle opening. Time and again I've ridden the more modern, injected version of a carb bike and it's not come close. The only perfect F.I bike I've ridden so far is Linz's SV650 K5
I'd only really considered the v rod anniversary but the foot pegs put me off. I can't get on with boxer engines but if anyone lends me a bike i'll test it
Fuel injection just hesitates? Not sure I agree, it is capable of reacting much quicker than carburetion. Most of my bikes have been carb'ed, they don't realistically stand a chance - sounds like it's more an issue of a bad tune. Honestly, from what you describe, the money is better spent not on this bike. It seems like a hoot, but it seems to be a bit of a pain, too. It sounds like it'd make a nice second bike, but maybe not a primary.
I think I used the wrong phrase. I mean the transition between off throttle and on throttle is smoother on a carbed bike. F. I is too harsh on that initial opening causing that jerking effect on a lot of bikes. The diavel is a gorgeous bike to look at and ride but I'd say it is definitely a second bike.
RoadcraftNottingham Yeah I hear what you're saying, it's something that pisses me off as well. It is an issue that many FI bikes have (for some ungodly reason), but it's not necessary...which baffles me. If you wanna see some EFI where they really ironed it out look at the FI sportsters, they don't have any jerky attitude when the throttle comes on/off, HD put some good time into the feel of it b/c they knew a lot of the HD crowd was pretty bitter about going over to the EFI world in the first place. I'm guessing other companies don't put as much time into it. . Tuning it is pretty simple, you really just need to gimp it a bit at < 5 or
Yeah, two examples of perfect fueling are my Track bike, 2008 CBR600RR and Linz's (bikerchickvids) SV650 2005. They're both that smooth on the transition, I'd say they were carbed, yet the VFR800 and ST1100 are awful
Bloody lovely, the only thing that would potentially put me off is it's limited luggage capacity, I can't imagine loading up for a weekends camping, but I bet there's cunning solutions for that too. I'll give you £50 for it! Lol
These are the best cruisers in the world right now there’s a video of a German guy riding up the side of a mountain on one of you like his video you’ll love this bike
We appreciate your input, as we have found others having the same issues; unqualified people assembling these bikes when then have no business to be around them. If you are a dealer of these bikes, the buyer deserves a proper bike with a proper mechanic that knows and understands their quirks with your issues and others. It's reason for us to look at a Honda or some other bike where they do take the time to set them up properly.
Much appreciated
I am pretty sure that I am attracted to the entire Ducati lineup. Just absolutely beautiful. Great review Russ
I'm looking for a used one now. I trust your review almost over anyone's. Glad to see you are positive about it. I also owned an ST1100 based on your love for it and it was great. Regret selling it now.
Just watched your review simply because I adore the diavel and then I see you riding round my area !:D Great stuff and I think diavel looks best in black !
Great review, very professional, love the pop ups. I agree with your analogy - I'm in China for 3 years with work so have sold my Big Bang R1, I'm saving for a BMW HP4 for the track and one of these mean sounding machines! You've reinforced my impression of the Diavel. Thanks.
WOW! What an amazing design! If I hang onto the bike I'll probably go for that to show the rear wheel off, thanks.
I recently took a 2015 for a test ride. Amazing! Well over a hundred mph in third gear and it wasn't anywhere near redline!! They must have sorted out the fuel injection as it was very smooth transition wise. Thanks for an excellent review!
It's nice to have something to aim for and there are a lot of superb bikes out there these days. All the best with your CBT
Great review. I'm considering Diavel after selling my Harley V-Rod Muscle and this really helps.
Thanks.
You are correct, Russ. Internal combustion engines run better with somewhat 'damp' cool air to breathe. The condition helps to achieve the correct "Stoichiometric" air/fuel ratio! That is, the correct petrol to air ratio and that gives the most complete burn, most power etc.
A Triumph dealers here in Michigan had one and I fell in love with the looks. I also am looking at a Triumph Tiger, the 800. So I've enjoyed your reviews of both bikes.
Enjoyed the roadcraft videos too! Keep them coming!
It'll be a long while before I'm on anything like this - but I do like watching your vids, mate - keep it up! Liked the burble on that beast a lot.
I have my CBT tomorrow - wooooo.
Getting feedback agreeing with my findings reassures me I'm doing it right. Cheers buddy. :-)
Good review thanks! you honestly pointed out all the faults (i own a 2012 black) and also how once these are fixed...you end up lovin it. - cheers
I borrowed one of these recently from a friend for helping fit a few accessories to it. The gas tank was leaking so it had to be taken back to the dealer. The local dealer replaced the tank in two days. Personally own an 848 Street Fighter, they're all nut crushers! ;-)
Thanks matey, Italian bikes certainly have a style of their own.
This is my new dream bike for sure, thanks for a great review.
You are now the most badass instructor in the world ;-D
Excellent review, and a beautiful bike! Ducati have really got it going on at the moment in the styling dept with this, the Multistrada and the wowzers Panigale.
I know what you mean by not the first choice but it's a weird one, the more you look at it, the better it gets, then ride one, mmm lol. Thanks for your comment matey, if you're ever in Nottingham, I'll warm the seat up for you :-)
great riders perspective review.I was compelled to subscibe to your vids given the quality.Cheers.
Love your videos, keep it up!
Safe riding my friend.
I'm with you on this one Russ. I, personally for me, think this is one of THE most beautiful bikes ever created. I think it is just a work of art also (you said that as I wrote this lol). I would love to have one, but at £12,000 it's very expensive lol
I hear the corbon seat is really nice for the bike. Thanks for the review .
Great Vlog Russ. I have seen a few in the flesh and they are TDF. Even so, I didn't think it was my cup of tea. However, having seen your's and Linz's reviews, I've totally changed my mind. It is also my new PC desktop :-)
PS: Hope you're not suggesting that Linz isn't a 'real rider' ;-) She seemed to get FAR more excited by it haha
Nice review! I like how you explain what you did to sort it all out. I'm in the market for a Multistrada so I was also keen on what you thought about the engine.
That thing is beautiful. I've not even passed my test yet and I've decided to save up for one haha.
Really useful review. I am seriously thinking of getting one of these. Sounds great too!
"Pulls like its on a bungee chord" - lol, never heard that before !
I made that up so you need permission before using it! ;-)
Nice reveiw, I saw one of these at on yer bike between Bicester and Aylsbury, they sound fantactic and look great, just the number plate spoils the rear. What sat nav are you using there, need one for myself now I'm in a new area. Thanks
Love this bike, when I saw it in brum the other day I love it straight away. Just wish I could afford it
you should do more bike reviews, even tho theres a very large chance i will never own or even ride a diavel i still enjoyed the video
My favourite bike. Keep it you gona love it. Cumpz from Portugal to you
The suspension is a widely known issue.One would assume that being set up from the factory it would be a softer ride. Not everyone knows how to adjust suspension.
I wouldn't test ride ANYTHING extensively as I'm a dealer and if the bike is the right price I'd just buy it. It wasn't initially for me personally. Tyre pressures are also relative to the size of the tyres and being a 240 section, it wouldn't necessarily be the same as a 160 or 180. psi can be adjusted a couple either side to suit
Valid question, it's another pic, I'll put an annotation up for people, cheers.
Thanks for the explanation. Sometimes I have no idea why, but it works so I'm happy lol. Let me know which you decide on. Russ
I'd considered a V-Rod anniversary too as I think they're beautiful but not too keen on forward pegs. Let me know what you think of the Diavel when you ride it, see if it compares to my impressions.
Even when it's not running it's sexy
Wow, excellent informal review! The bike looks the part and I've always wondered how good it would be to to ride... And after your review... On to biketrader :-D
hi, really liked the video, you said that the guy re-flashed the ECU what does mean how did that help??
You'd be surprised what luggage options there are for it, Ducati do some excellent luggage.
Nice review, been watching quite a few of your videos lately (just got my license) and they're good quality. I have a question for you though, what are you using for navigation? Looks like a smartphone with an app or something. Could you tell me what kind of equipement you're using for that setup?
Great video, how were the vibrations on the bike? Much through the bars and pegs?
Haha, you are talking about Gizmag's review. I just watched it right before your video. When he said chocolate starfish I had to laugh. Then when you said it, it caught me off guard and I had to go back and listen to your sentence again.
Great review brother, nice one. Your local to me, were is your shop located?
I've watched all your vids at once. Great channel you've here. I'm not sure how possible is it but if you can, would you also give us a real world rider experience of Honda CBR1000RR ? Best to you!
It's awesome once a bike is dialed in. So many owners don't take the time and don't get their money's worth. Then Russ buys their bike :)
I hear you mention speedcameras. Can they take a picture from behind in England?
Roadcraft, good review. Have you ever ridden a B-King, which is what I've got? Is the Duke as sprightly? It clearly isn't anywhere near as flexible.
What were the other options u considered against the stunning D Diavel? Just out of curiosity...and what do u think of BMW r1200r and MGuzzi Breva 1200...?
The gloves are just J&S accessories summer gloves. I think it works because the Otterbox has a capacitor type screen and that activates the phone screen (I think)
Thanks for ya super quick response man.
I've watched and read dozens of review for diavel. I feel your review is one of more natural, honest and reliable reviews. I'm confuse of choosing ducati diavel or mv agusta brutalle 800. Which one of them is more comfortable and easier to ride? I'm a beginner rider.
It's a real Bruiser is right matey. Lovely bike but mean as hell.
Really does look the part and well, we all know Black is the fastest colour :-)
Thanks Russ, great review. Not my first choice if I was in the market but a fantastic bike none the less!!
thanks for the review, I just bought a used 2013 yesterday to go next to my Tuono V4R. It seems we have been riding the same bikes. :-)
yo sweet bike but wont the scrren for the gear indicator or something get splashed with petrol with it being sunk down near it
This was what I couldn't get through to some Triumph owners in America on the Triumphrat forum before the Tuono arrived over there. Specs can't capture the "soul" of a bike, the K1200s was one, my Tuono is another and I feel the Diavel is gonna be No.3
Road craft Nottingham I was considering buying one of the diavel would you recommend as it would be my work horse and my toy
hello there :) i would like to know if the ducati diavel is an expensive bike to maintain? i mean... fuel consuption, mile service, etc. thanks in advance
Can you please tell me your opinion on FI? I have a 06 Z1000 so I don't really have an opinion.
Hi, great review....is that standard pipes?
Cheers Steve, spose I'll keep it till I (or Linz) is bored of it. Just need some nice weather now as it's not the easiest bike in the world to clean.
I dont know if I missed it but....why did he sell it? 3rd video on his diavel and I dont remember hearing why :/
great review! and vid!
Some still are! lol. Thanks for the compliment.
Geez Russ, how many bikes do you have? How often do you buy and sell bikes? Don't mean to be critical...just curious.
Great review, Russ! As we have similar aproach to bikes, I'll pop the question: how does it handle? Is there a big difference to a naked/super naked? I have a S1200 for touring/2up, and am looking for a toy just for me. Love the riding of the Tuono and/or Speed Triple, so looking for something close. I'm quite divided between the new BMW 1000R and the Diavel.... Please help... what's your thoughts ot it? Thanks in advance
Thanks. Once you get the tyre pressures right you can throw this around and it takes it. Just remember the steering is slightly different to conventional bikes so it has to be hustled a little.
I am curious how you compare this bike to your Tuono. I am thinking about trading my Tuono for one of these but just want to make sure I am doing the right thing since I don't hit the canyons anymore and would like something a bit more comfortable and easier to ride.
Is that an iphone with tom tom on it ? If so what bracket type did you use ? Thanks for any advice you can offer.
Yes it does get splashed but soon evaporates.
Cheers buddy
You can tell you think it's brute because you called it him. But yeah a good in depth view, nice vid Russ!
Indeed! Just really couldn't get used to the bars though. But still!
I have a dark diavel the 2015 model they have changed a few things with mapping and timings and it's awesome. I would agree with you on every thing great review. How did you find the handling find it hard to knee down can scrape the pegs though. :-)
Handling is great but you need to remember it's not a sports bike. Want your knee down, nip to the track with a GSXR ;-)
Tyre pressures were really important on this and I found 36/36 worked.
Were all these issues for the bike 'out of the box' or had someone been messing with it?
I went to Motorcycle live 2013 yesterday @ the NEC and sat on one. This has to be one of the sexiest bikes available at the mo! Question for you.... I think the new kwak Z1000 (sat on that too!) is on par with the Diavel in the looks dept, it looks soooo aggressive! If it was your money, would you go for the Z1000 for c.£9000 or spend the extra on the Diavel for c.£13000 (non-carbon version)?
The Z1000 is one my fave looking bikes too. That would be a difficult one to answer. :-)
Someone once said they had to revert to regular unleaded once and their Diavel ran that badly they thought it was breaking down. Shame about the cost but if this is just a weekend bike for people it would be worth it
Carbs are smoother and more responsive than fuel injection ? Maybe Ducati should put a Holley 4 barrel on the moto gp bike
Oh, without a doubt mate, I'd be in love if I had a go but there are 10's of Bikes I could say that about ;-)
Cold dense air is always better for the motor and I personally think the bike is stunning have seen one in person and had a quick go in one thwy are stunning bukes I libe them
Cheers Dave, same invitation as Blah, get to Nottingham and it's yours for an hour (or several) :-D
Welcome. Think I need a trip to Nottingham ;-)
Thanks and welcome :-)
Grt review...the Diavel is am awesome lookin bike
Many of the problems you mentioned are things that you as an individual should have been set up for in the showroom (specifically the suspension).
Did you not test ride the bike extensively? I can't understand why you'd buy this bike if it wasn't the very same bike you test rode.
I'm shocked at how low pressure the tyres were - that bike is a lot heavier than my Raptor 1000 - I need 40psi on the rear and 36 on the front.
I'm surprised to hear that fuel injected bikes run lean. I would've imagined that the opposite was true. Won't the engine run hot, and wear down prematurely when running lean?
@roadcraftnottingham how well is that front bug screen? Any good , dump it or go all out and get the full strada size?
brotherheed00 It works surprisingly well and looks good
BOTH! lol. I haven't ridden the Diavel enough to make a fair choice but they are chalk and cheese as I mentioned at the end, Bruce Lee and Mr T :-)
Due to emissions they run lean which means they're not as smooth as a carbed bike at low speed and steady throttle opening. Time and again I've ridden the more modern, injected version of a carb bike and it's not come close. The only perfect F.I bike I've ridden so far is Linz's SV650 K5
The chocolate starfish comment was from the "Gizmag" review. Lol, it's a good review.
I haven't had a proper play ride on it yet but at the moment, no. Linz loves it though.
i let this video to listen in background the engine's melody, i miss it since i tested it :)
I'd only really considered the v rod anniversary but the foot pegs put me off. I can't get on with boxer engines but if anyone lends me a bike i'll test it
how is this beauty on the road?
i got a cagiva mito because im in love with the ducati 916
Fuel injection just hesitates? Not sure I agree, it is capable of reacting much quicker than carburetion. Most of my bikes have been carb'ed, they don't realistically stand a chance - sounds like it's more an issue of a bad tune. Honestly, from what you describe, the money is better spent not on this bike. It seems like a hoot, but it seems to be a bit of a pain, too. It sounds like it'd make a nice second bike, but maybe not a primary.
I think I used the wrong phrase. I mean the transition between off throttle and on throttle is smoother on a carbed bike. F. I is too harsh on that initial opening causing that jerking effect on a lot of bikes. The diavel is a gorgeous bike to look at and ride but I'd say it is definitely a second bike.
RoadcraftNottingham Yeah I hear what you're saying, it's something that pisses me off as well. It is an issue that many FI bikes have (for some ungodly reason), but it's not necessary...which baffles me. If you wanna see some EFI where they really ironed it out look at the FI sportsters, they don't have any jerky attitude when the throttle comes on/off, HD put some good time into the feel of it b/c they knew a lot of the HD crowd was pretty bitter about going over to the EFI world in the first place. I'm guessing other companies don't put as much time into it.
.
Tuning it is pretty simple, you really just need to gimp it a bit at < 5 or
Yeah, two examples of perfect fueling are my Track bike, 2008 CBR600RR and Linz's (bikerchickvids) SV650 2005. They're both that smooth on the transition, I'd say they were carbed, yet the VFR800 and ST1100 are awful
Hmm thinking of keep it eh? Termignoni cans for it next? :D
Whats wrong with FI? Or the FI on the Ducati?
Bloody lovely, the only thing that would potentially put me off is it's limited luggage capacity, I can't imagine loading up for a weekends camping, but I bet there's cunning solutions for that too. I'll give you £50 for it! Lol
Good point....I spose if it was a problem I'd have mentioned it....erm lol. I think it was ok. :-)
These are the best cruisers in the world right now there’s a video of a German guy riding up the side of a mountain on one of you like his video you’ll love this bike