The Diavel is Deadpool, not a hero, not a villain, but a chaotic jester that breaks conventions and makes you question the fabric of the "reality" of the world of motorcycling. Is it necessary? hell no, am I glad it exists? Hell yeah.
I love my red Diavel V4. I have over 15,000 miles and no problems. I installed the Termignoni Titanium Dragster exhaust, an Upmap, and a P08 intake filter. Added another 10HP and gets rid of the annoying 2 cylinder mode and catalytic converter saving about 20 lbs. I also put the CRG aero bar end mirrors and NRC tail tidy to get rid of the ugly factory license plate holder. It's my daily commuter, grocery getter, and long range ADV bike. Slow Rider out.
During the shortage of bikes a year or so ago. This bike and the Rocket 3 seemed to be the few high power bikes that were still on the dealership floor. Kind of speaks for itself, this kind of bike is "We did it because we could".... Awesome as always Zack !!!!!
I'll tell you this, the only bike I ever got hit on by a chick was on a Ducati XDiavel S I used to own. It got more attention than any other bike I ever owned. It was the sickest cruiser I ever owned so I know this Diavel V4 is sick too.
I rode the diavel v4 last week. LOVED it! Pride of ownership, fun factor, sound, feel and the constant grin are an essential part of my daily commute.I will end up with one,it was that good! I get that some of the other bikes are more practical etc but any ride including the commute is so much more than getting from A to B...High Purchase Price aside of course.
@@tyvekhomewrap9164 I enjoy your user name btw, good stuff that home wrap. Usually Zack isn't into expensive motorcycles that are showey, or cruisers, usually you can tell at the end his true feelings, but he works really hard to be neutral and think of other peoples perspectives, in person those bikes are outrageous, the video hardly does it justice.
Great series as usual! I love Ducatis, but that plastic cover with the embossed cylinder on it is the tackiest item on a bike since the plastic "carburetor" covers on the Triumph injectors.
True. I hate both of those. Adding fake representation of parts that aren't there, because they're engineered out, is dumb. Obviously, you can dress it up, but plastics to appease mechanical nostalgia is where I draw the line.
@@whimsicalstray especially because it's considered a "luxury / high end" brand. Feels out of place adding a plastic fantastic fake cylinder head. Could've been a decorated piece or just flat
Another great Daily Rider! And once again Zac lives up to the spirit of a daily rider list and rates an amazing motorcycle below good sensible bikes that are better suited to the average rider.
Very good video. Not only from your word perspective, but the emotions and excitement in your voice. An experienced rider like yourself, getting absolutely thrilled in your voice and mannerisms, speaks VOLUMES. I test drove the V4 Streetfighter AND the Diavel V4 yesterday, and unconsciously, that is the exact same experience I had below the surface. Job well done.
@@2502stokebloke that would have to be some honda from 1993 and Ari would also put it above everything on the leaderboard, 'cause he got it for $795 and it will last another 30 years and he can fix it on the road with a screwdriver (jk jk, honda doesn't break)
Zach, fantastic review - regardless of the bike, always informative and insightful. You’re the best thing on RU-vid IMHO. Keep up the stellar content 👍 Oh, and I love this bike. Tried it, loved it.. but went for the MS V4 Rally.
I LOVE this bike. I came from sport bikes my whole life. Got myself a Streetfighter and it's fantastic. But I have another crowd of guys that all ride cruisers. And no matter how hard I try, I can't like anything Harley or indian, etc. The cruiser thing doesn't do it but I'd like to go on those rides. In comes the diavel. I test rode one. It's so comfortable, more comfortable,imo, than most cruisers. But it's still fast and handles well. You throw the aftermarket bags and windshield in this bike, and it will do everything. Once the street fighter is paid off, I'm adding a diavel to the mix
Don't try to fit in or go against your motorcycle desire. It won't make anyone happy, specially you. I'll ride with anyone that rides any motorcycle, how you carry yourself on top and riding it its what matters to me. As they say in jail: You're who you associate with.
@@GIGABACHI it's not a need to fit in thing, it's a need for something more comfortable than the Streetfighter for that type of riding. And this is the only "cruiser" I've ever enjoyed riding
I just bought one actually. For me it was going down to one bike from having two, and feel it's a great in between bike that can do a bit of anything. Had a Thruxton RS and a BMW R18b. So a mix of fun modern classic and and something I can take on longer trips with the wife/storage. This is just kind of a mix of the two. It can be ridden as a daily and it's very calm and easy to ride if needed, but it also can just be stupid fun anytime you want. They make a touring kit to throw onto it, and the bike is really comfortable. Probably cheaper things out there, but I don't care. For me, it's a nice only bike that can be flexible enough to do quite a few things well.
@@popeyepanther4519 Can't really tell you. It's winter here and I'm not a cold weather rider, so I left it at the dealership. Going about ordering the race exhaust and other items to have them put on it for spring.
When I was picking up my V4, the floors guys were asking "That old guy is the one picking up the Diavel?" This 'old guy' never thought he'd get ageist vibes over what bike he rode. FWIW, I have no trouble riding it like a sport cruiser, avoiding wheelies and sliding out the back wheel in turns. It seems to me, the rowdiness is in the rider, not the machine. Hmm, maybe I am getting old.
That Honda CB500X must be a very well designed bike. The Daily rider decision process on this one was a tough one to make. But Daily means Daily. Not many people want to ride a lightning bolt to work every day.
Honda used to have good discounts that would put bike on the road for around MSRP. I put my 2017 X brand new on the road for $6800, it gets 65mpg commuting around city, will cruise at 70-75mph all day (w/less mpg), travel on hitch carrier of pick up truck for vacation, and take it on 2000 miles trip like I did from Oregon to Texas. Try doing that with any bike on Zack's shit list.
It really is, and it's super forgiving too. The single thing it doesn't do well is sustained high speeds. You'll definitely be in the upper half of 6th at 80mph on a CB500X.
As a 2012 Diavel Carbon owner, thank you for making this. Desmo is indeed expensive to maintain. The dash on my Diavel counts down from 6000 miles showing when the next Desmo service is needed and it makes me cry every time it goes down lol. $$$
I had the Desmo service done on my 2012 Monster 796 and it was around £700 seven years ago. I would guess that now it is more like £1000. Said that, the bike felt like new again, much more responsive and generally better after that service.
I think Power Sprinter is one way to characterize the Diavel, especially since that image (a powerful sprinter, in the starting position) was the impetus for the original design. My first impression upon seeing the new version in person was that even the best, detailed publicity photos failed to capture the overall change in design. It is much more flowing, or tidied up (just as the 1260 was a cleaner design than its predecessor). Some of the elements, such as the shape of the tail section and cowl, are or seem wider and more of a statement, and the under-tail design with those brilliant LEDs is stunning. The front end is much more unified, and the top of the front section almost forms the equivalent of a small wind deflector, without adding a separate piece. The tank still has the familiar long appearance from the rider’s perspective, and the new display is a huge step forward from the old two-display setup. If one is looking for a semi-exotic, very powerful upright naked, the Diavel certainly has to be considered. The build quality is top-notch, and the riding position- - low, with mid controls - - makes it very usable compared to other cruiser-esque offerings. I think the bigger question for typical American shoppers is that many people will look at something like the Diavel versus a Multistrada or GS variant, because many are “growing out of” pure sport bikes (i.e., getting or feeling older and looking for more comfort), or are looking for a complement to sport bikes or track-only bikes, in which case the Multistrada is more of a contrast to, say, a Panigale V4 or a competitor’s sport offering. In any case, the price, though significant, is in line with other high quality, European offerings (same with cars of similar pedigree and quality), and the Diavel does not disappoint from an ownership standpoint. In fact, new owners are likely to be surprised at just how much fun it is to blast out of corners or away from the starting line.
Love my Diavel V4! After 20+ years of 1000cc sport bikes I wanted something more comfortable but the bike still needed to be fast and handle. The Multistrada is nice but just seems too much like a "dad" bike for me. The Diavel V4 is just right! I am so glad they went with the V4 because as a sport bike rider I would haven never gone down (in my opinion) to the V2. I need power up top still. Threw on a windshield and panniers and the Diavel is great for a little touring....as much as I do anyway.
I swapped my 2021 Triumph Rocket 3R for a 2021 Ducati Diavel 1260S. The Rocket was amazing but I always wanted to try the Diavel. I love the Ducati. It thrills me. It has a competition arow exhaust, tail tidy, sliders and optional rear wheel and looks gangster. I like the fact that it is a naked and it can't go 180mph. It has insane accelleration, sounds wicked and rides beautifully. I make sure it is serviced correctly. The maintenance costs are worth it in my opinion. I love riding.
Cylinder deactivation scares me as far as reliability goes, most auto manufacturers have struggled with it in the first few model years that it was implemented
Yeah, bullshit. My DVT Multi engine ate it's con rod bearings in 29k miles and it burns a quart of oil in 2000 miles. I'll never be fooled by "Ducati reliability" again.@@Daniel-dj7fh
@@phillipsmith1489I have personally put over 20k miles on my Diavel. When my factor in valve adjustment and random other repairs as well as disposables like tires, I averaged around $400 a year to maintain it.
I don't even ride street bikes only dirt, but I like bikes in general and love seeing how they have evolved and that's why I like this channel, I would love to see a channel with this same exact concept for dirt bikes but I'll take what I can get, it's funny but Ducati is gearing up to race professional motocross with their very first dirt bike for 2024 as well as Triumph, should be quiet interesting especially since Ducati doesn't half ass anything.
I'm looking forward to their motocross effort too as well as Triumph's. Maybe they (Triumph) will give us a strong street legal enduro iut of all this dirt mumbojumbo. Ducati's BIG single powered street bike it's already set on stone, road tested and on it's way to production if not already there. GOOD TIMES, MAN ! 🤘
Nice review. I've had my eye on this model for a good while and about a month ago, I took one out for a test ride. My biggest concern was comfort. At 6'-2" it doesn't take long for me to feel cramped. I was pleasantly surprised. While it's not the forward controls of my H-Ds it was comfortable.
I'm 6'4" and just sold my xDiavel... I was shocked how comfy it was for bigger guys. While the forward foot controls weren't great over long distances, the seat was stellar.
This was definitely an interesting and informative review. I personally would love to see you test a Rebel 1100 on daily rider. I know you've done the 500 but the 1100 is a very very different bike. Thank you for an interesting video as always. Be safe and have fun.
Personally I would and have a Rocket 3 GT over the Diavel. The problem I have with the higher revving bikes is while they are a lot of fun, they take a bit to get into the power band and in daily riding it is harder to enjoy the power. Bikes like the Rocket 3 allow me to use that power in the stoplight to stoplight world. I have had monster inline 4 motorcycles but I find to enjoy the power I am in the breaking the law speeds and I am into the losing my license speeds before I hit second gear. For me and where I am in life I enjoy the 0 to 60 more than super high speed and the Rocket ticks that box for me. I will say though I applaud Ducati with the V4 going to the 30K valve checks. I also appreciate Revzilla calling out the maintenance of the bikes, too many times people review a bike and say how great it is but the maintenance is either a nightmare or super expensive. I like reviews that call out not only how the bike is on day 1 but how is it going to be on day 1000.
Diavel beats the Rocket in acceleration: see youtube for dragrace between the two.The ridiculous tork is unusable on a bike unless you want to pull a truck out of the mud on a steep hill.
I've just bought a DCT NT 1100 and I reckon that would do anything from the traffic lights through it's automatic six speed gearbox, even though it only makes 100 BHP.
@@doordevloer9105 looking up the official figures Rocket 3 goes 0-60 in 2.7 seconds, for the V4 the best I can find is under 3.0 In a quarter mile the speed is double 60mph or more so I would expect the V4 to win. Just like if you see races with the Rocket and the H2 or Super Duke, it can pull them for a bit but around 60mph to 80mph they walk past the Rocket and win in drag races. Keep in mind the rider is a HUGE factor in how the bikes will perform, a person has to have the skill to put the power to the ground. Don't get me wrong, I think the V4 is a great bike, I just liked the flavor of the Rocket a little more. It is all about personal preferences.
I sat on the previous model at a dealer and it felt pretty good. I mentioned I’d owned a VMax before and the sales rep scoffed that they weren’t comparable.
Yup, they are not comparable. One is a Japanese power cruiser that you can actually ride. The other one is a really pretty paperweight that needs more wrenching than riding. Oh except Ducati won't like that and wants you to take it to their service centres where they chop off and keep an arm of yours and a leg for an oil change. Hold onto your vmax. It's a far better bike.
It’s funny how bad some sales people are. Rule number 1 is that current or former purchasing decisions of the client were always great and correct. If I love my old bike (however crappy it ease) and the sales person tells me I’m wrong I just won’t trust the sales person instinctively.
I never understood the hate for abs plastic (if it’s good quality like it is on Ducati) yes carbon is lighter/better for performance bla bla but you’re on a road bike! Carbon looks naff to me 🤷♂️ boy racerish. Each to their own 👍
Love my 22 speed triple! Exactly like you said, my other bike is a 1250 GS for lousy weather and long trips. The Triumph is my perfect bike for spring/fall Florida rides on back roads. Nothing else quite like it.
I loved your leaderboard positioning statements on this review. As someone who has been riding daily for almost fifty years, I can seriously appreciate that. There is an equation to solve when choosing a proper motorcycle, that only time and experience brings visibility to the result. Trying to figure it out though, it is always fun no matter what you ride.
My XDiavel S is a Time Machine. At 6’ 1” and a buck-eighty-eight it fits like a glove. It’s comfort, power, reliability and being closer to the ground give this old man the confidence to ride about metro Portland, Oregon without fear - it is a Time Machine…
I love this review! I find the Diavel to be an incredible looking bike. I took a test ride. I loved the bike even more. But ultimately, the "why this?" looms too large. Compared to a Multistrada or a bike like the S 1000 XR, it's hard to argue that the style and fun factor the Diavel offers can overcome the versatility you get with those sports touring machines. But if you can't see Batman on this bike, I don't know what to tell you.
The why is because it can do almost anything you need it to while being comfortable and having outrageous power. For those of us who don't feel like having multiple bikes, it's perfect. I'll get a Multi when I'm 60.
@@Trancepotato The S1000XR and Multistrada are both the "do anything you want" bikes though. I find it interesting you use that phrase because that's literally what they are known for and what role they fulfill. The S1000XR is right between the S1000R and the R1250GS. The Diavel fulfills the upright naked sport bike role while looking amazing and unique (as Ducati has always been best at). I wouldn't say a Duke, SV, MT10 are "do almost anything" bikes for the same reason I wouldn't say the Diavel is. It kind of looks like a cruiser but throw a fat tire and a weird rear end on any naked bike and it'd also look like a cruiser. That being said, a lot of people feel like upright nakeds are the go-to if you don't like having multiple bikes (SV650 comes to mind). If I were to ever pick a single bike to do everything I'd ever want on, it would definitely be an S1000XR. I'm not about to drop 30k+ though lol
Another point about cylinder deactivation on this engine is that those rear two cylinders will immediately turn on if the throttle position asks them to on demand, regardless of what RPM you are at. In other words, if you’re below 4K RPM but crack the throttle open, the rear two cylinders will activate for full available power at that RPM. So they are off only when cruising at constant throttle below 4K RPM. I can also confirm from my demo ride that the mirrors are garbage and one should assume they will be replaced immediately with some good aftermarket ones such as Rizoma.
The mirrors come set slightly too far forward (not set to the marks on the bars) on delivery, it may have something to do with shipping and most dealerships don't realise. Once the mirrors are positioned correctly, they are fabulous and personally, I have not noticed any vibration on mine.
Thanks for all your great videos! Maybe the most comparable bike is the Yamaha V Max which created the “ Power Cruiser “ category and from which Ducati drew inspiration.
Zack, thank you. Great review! I ordered one for my wife but she's a bit nervous with much power so it's still at the shop - maybe next year we'll get it. We have a Vulcan S for her right now and she's really happy with that bike and so am I :) I got the privy of riding a 23 V4 Diavel on a demo in CA for a couple hours and fell in love. I hoped my wife got the same connection but she's smarter than I am haha - BTW - the first service on her 2023 Vulcan S was like 150 more than the first service on both my Panigale V4 and Pikes Peak. If you do it yourself, of course it's cheaper but it's all about risk - did they build it right so screws don't come loose? I think the extra or 2 hundred is worth that piece of mind. The wheelie was fantastic bud!
Never been a fan of aftermarket exhausts but the Diavel really needs a 4 into 2. That stock exhaust is ghastly. As to the mirrors, Zack you're forgetting the first rule of Italian driving "Quello che c'è dietro di me non è importante" I believe the Corvette is labeled as a luxury sports car, but don't quote me on that lol. I can't imagine I would ever have the chutzpah to ride a $30,000 motorcycle down a dirt road.
No, just a better four into four. The acropovic looks good other companies will make similar exhausts need more bikes with four exhaust ports like this and the third generation Magna and the MV Augusta F4
As a recently retired , long time motorcyclist and owner of dozens of all types of motorcycles over the last 40 years , I intended to buy myself something stupid expensive for my retirement gift to myself. Ducati and BMW were tops on my list. In the end , I could not pull the trigger. I bought a V-Strom 1050, an SV650 , and a Trail125. Out the door for less than $30k! Insurance for all $500/yr. Hardly any maintenance costs. Don't think a single exotic could ever deliver more fun than these 3 bikes!
I like how you have the diavel (devil) on cruise control at 66mph in 6th gear - not sure it was intentional - but nice touch! 😂Happens while talking about fuel economy.
I bought one recently and loved it until I discovered that you can't adjust the rear shock yourself. If you are taking a passenger, you will need to up the preload a bit (at the very least) but this is not possible. The manual states: "Have the rear shock absorber adjusted at a Ducati Authorised Service Centre". For me, this is a real issue! The shock adjustment is all hidden under the bodywork it was clearly designed to have electronically adjusted suspension but this version does not have that. To do it yourself will require removal of the side bodywork to reach the adjusters. For me, this is simply crazy and a huge dissapointment.
Muscle Cruiser fits it, on handling they seem to do quite well on a track, years ago I was at a track day at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana and there was a rider ripping around the course on a Diavel and I admit it did sound kind of nice around the corners.
I do absolutely get Zach! I would commute on a Diavel absolutely, sounds like fun, but would i actually do it? Heck no, i would take the CB500X most of the time, is easier, more comfortable, what if it rains and most of all... what if i have to do my groceries? (which i actually do on my GSA!)
So funny about the mirrors. From the start I thought "these are the same terrible mirrors that my daughter has on her 2013 Aprilia SR Motar 50cc scooter. I guess I was kinda right. Thanks for all the great content and hard work! Cheers, MC
Supersport Cruiser? My dream Duc is a Streetfighter V4, but, this runs it's super super close. Ride a Diavel and it says something, only nobody can define that "something". Class.
Owned a 2021 Supersport 950s and traded it in immediately for the Diavel v4 after I test rode it. Great bike but it got extremely hot and though the riding position is much more comfortable than say a Panigale, the Diavel is far more comfortable.
Just purchased my dream bike, Ducati XDiavel S. It's comfortable, fun to ride and handles like a dream. What I didn't expect, EVERYONE who walks past it comments on its beauty and always want to know: "What is it?"
I think having that old Corbin seat where the Cowell on the backseat would fold back as a Backrest would be a lot safer for the passenger, knowing the power coming out of this thing
Hey Zack the Guzzi Griso is quite old by now but to me the Griso is another of those bikes that doesn’t fit any regular category. Not sure you had a chance on a Griso, if you need and are in central Utah you can borrow mine 😊
Its Ducatis Vrod or more specific modern Vmax IMO. Im not comparing the bikes, just categorically. Ive been looking fir someone who has actually completed this bike…IMO its unfinished as it stands. It needs a rear end, like Ducati style bagger. It just looks like two totally wrong front and rear halves grafted together.
Been doing back ins on a bike with abs using the clutch for a while now, and just recently I started riding a bike without abs. Had no idea how much easier it is when you actually have control of the rear brake. XD
Thanks for a really comprehensive review. It was really good. And different too. Would you agree to this bike being able to tour and achieve a bit of milage between refuelings?
Love my old Diavel, great power, great handling, and best of all it's a great everyday bike. I agree with Zach, this bike does have an identity crisis. Is it a muscle bike, a sports bike, a sport tourer??? I think mine identifies as an Italian Chopper.
Good review, never really understood that bike before. Couldn’t you rotate the mirrors so the bottom edge is parallel with the ground to get more mirror visibility? Good luck 👍
I put the Diavel in the sport cruiser category along with the Vmax. Two bikes that I see and go "That is the stupidest thing I've ever seen, but I kinda love it."
The main reason I would buy this bike is for the massive power and torque. Why not spend some time in the review talking about how hard it pulls? Very little of that was attempted or discussed. Other than that a good review.
The cover on the rear cylinder is to prevent cooking the riders legs. It is not completely effective, even when combined with the rear cylinder deactivation. This bike (and most Ducatis in general) can get really hot in stop and go city traffic, especially when it's 100 outside. I have had to dismount and stand beside my Ducati sometimes when stopped, as your inner thighs can feel like they are on fire. But, despite that, all Ducatis are fabulous bikes to ride, and well worth the slight inconvenience of the engine giving off all of that heat. Handling, sound and power win out every time over a little occasional discomfort. Maybe it's time to move up from my Monster...
It has a use yeah you're right. But why did they have to make it look like a fake cylinder head? I think the fact that it's a cylinder head look without a cylinder in there is a little tacky
