Ducati Diavel User Review

User Review: Reynold Abranches shares his ownership experience of his Ducati Diavel

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Meet the Ducati Diavel. The name literally means Devil

If there is God, then Devil too must exist. So if the Indian Chief Vintage is the Chariot of Gods, the Ducati Diavel should be the ride of choice for the Devil. At the heart of Ducati’s “Power Cruiser” is the Italian marque’s Testastretta 11° L-Twin liquid cooled engine that packs in a healthy 162 PS of power and 130.5 Nm of torque, enough to bury your eyes deeper into their sockets if you aren’t careful with the twist of your right wrist.

Photo Credits: Chirag Mondal

We rode the Ducati Monster 821 in the picturesque backdrop of Thailand and were smitten by the new Monster. Now while we are yet to lay our hands on the rest of the models in the Ducati line up, we thought we would ask one of the readers and owners of the Diavel to share his experience with the motorcycle. Our friend and restaurateur Reynold Abranches, who has been recently introduced to this devilry, shares his initial experience with the motorcycle. Reynolds has not been able to ride his newest possession to his heart content with the monsoons playing spoilsport. He will, however, soon get his devil to munch more kilometers as soon as the season changes. Meanwhile let’s hear his initial experience with the motorcycle. Here is what he has to say:

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Culinary artist and restaurateur Reynold Abranches, the owner this Italian marvel

Which motorcycles did you own prior to the Ducati Diavel? Which other motorcycles do you currently own apart from the Diavel?

Before owning the Ducati Diavel I have had a Bajaj Pulsar 180cc, a Royal Enfield 350 and a Harley Davidson Iron 883 in my garage. I still own all of the above mentioned motorcycles.

Why did you choose the Ducati Diavel? Did you consider other motorcycles before making a purchase decision?

I considered the Yamaha VMAX but it was too expensive. Other options were the Harley Davidson Breakout and the Suzuki Hayabusa but it was the unique character of the Diavel that made choose it over the other options.

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How is the handling for that massive size? Is it easily manageable or does it require an extra effort?

The Diavel is light, far lighter than a VMAX (almost 40%) which makes it very nimble and easy to maneuver. The Diavel clocks 60 mph, from a stand still, in less than three seconds. Handling too is quick and precise and the motorcycle feels super stable while cornering. And while the Pirelli rubber inspires immense confidence around the corners, the Brembo brakes offer great bite and feedback. In simple terms, The Ducati Diavel is intimidating to look at but is a fairly easy to ride.

How friendly is the riding position/ergonomics?

I moved up from a Harley Davidson, so the first thing I noticed is the super comfortable seat. The riding position is cruiser-style and fairly relaxed. You’re hunched forward in a way that won’t get many bones creaking.

What do you have to say about the the power delivery and gear shifts?

The power delivery is the surprise package. Don’t let the easy riding stance or the comfortable seat fool you. The acceleration and the power is immense and immediate. Hit the switch, and the the bike roars alive. Right from a powerful low-rev thrust, this bike is hellishly beautiful and evil, both rolled into one.

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How was your experience over the kilometres that you have clocked on this motorcycle?

I’ve not managed to use the bike much or ride it out on a nice long ride, but a bike like this needs an open road. Restraining this engine in city traffic or in wet roads is a killjoy.

How well do the brakes respond? How would you rate Ducati’s safety net?

Brembo Monoblocs make braking extremely effective and there is no drag when you hit the brakes. I think the safety features on the bike have been carefully thought through, and no perceptible shortcomings come to my mind as of now.

How is the headlight performance at night?

Headlight’s a stunner. The LED headlamp is both an attention grabber and a huge bonus on a dimly lit road.

What is it about your Ducati Diavel that makes you feel proud?

I think the Diavel is a coming-of-age bike. It’s non conformist, it’s powerful and is a classic Italian beauty. Ducati isn’t like the rough-around-the-edges American muscle motorcycles. Ducati, as a brand, is like a beautiful, sophisticated and suave woman and the Diavel is her crowning jewel. Powerful yet elegant. It’s hellishly brutish yet a beautiful handler.

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What are the negatives?

While there aren’t many drawbacks that I found, I think the front suspension could have been better. The side stand too feels a tad flimsy and could have been better. I also found the clutch to be on slightly heavier side. The dealer feedback also could have been better. There’s a ‘knocking sound’ from the chain sprocket and my fuel indicator does not work, all of which the dealership has accepted but not come up with a resolution yet.

What has been your longest ride?

About 100kms while getting my motorcycle to Goa from Maharashtra. I plan to clock more kilometers once the monsoons get out of the way.

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Would you like to share any pointers on parking in public places?

Do not park in public places. I don’t park my motorcycle in any public place unless I’m able to see it from where I’m seated. I’ve had so many people try to sit on it while it’s parked that I’ve lost count.

What tips would you give to prospective Ducati Diavel owners?

Do your homework before making a decision. It’s a powerful motorcycle. This is a temperamental bike and you need to treat it with a lot of respect.

Now that you have bought the Ducati Diavel, what products is next on your bucket list?

I’m going to go a little easy now, let the mid-life crisis pass or maybe I’ll wait for the Land Rover Discovery Sport or the Jaguar XE or the Harley Davidson Breakout.

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Finally, and I know not many prospective buyers would ask this but what is the fuel economy that the Diavel returns to a litre of fuel?

I haven’t calculated it but can safely assume it to be in the 18kmpl zone.

That’s what Reynold had to say about his new ride. We will stay connected to him for a longer, more details user review. Meanwhile you can check out the Ducati Diavel in detail through the image gallery below. You can also share your ride experience with your prized possession with us. Shoot us an e-mail at feedback@motoroids.com and we will feature your exotic machine on our website.

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