Diavel Strada? Should I?

[dutchy73]

Hello all.

I've been thinking about picking up another bike, something more comfortable on longer rides and one where my wife wouldn't mind jumping on the back. The Monster isn't the most ideal for that, but I've made due.

However, today I strolled through my local dealer just to look at some of the bikes, zero intent on buying anything at all. I started to chat it up with a sales guy, asking how the Scrambler is doing, how he likes the new monster, blah blah blah. We got on the topic of the Diavel, and one thing led to another and I'm sitting on one. I don't know how the hell that happened. 

Long story short, there is a 2014 Diavel Titanium Strada with about 1200 miles on it, sitting on the floor. Out the door, it would cost me just over $15k. I really like it, but is it worth it? Anyone have one? Pros and cons I should consider? At one point I considered a Hyperstrada, but it looks like I'd get a lot more bike with the used Diavel vs. a new Hyper that would cost me close to the same $$.

Any thoughts or insights would be highly appreciated. I'm on the fence.

[DarkMonster620]

Big bike but once moving you think is much smaller . . . Comfortable for long trips or short stints and also for spirited rides . . . It will accelerate, brake and turn like a sport bike . . . Windshield will give you enough protection and you can get a larger one . . .

Titanium edition is a limited to 500 2015 model . . .

[bushyar15]

I had a standard 2012 Diavel.  Great bike.   The engine is awesome. Lots of grunt and power.  It handles okay in the canyons.  Steering is a bit heavy.  But its not bad.  And its not a sporbike or monster.  I used to ride it all day long in comfort.  No complaints...

[dutchy73]

Titanium edition is a limited to 500 2015 model . . .

Yes, correct. I meant the color, not edition.

In terms of windshield, I've read a couple places that it tends to direct air to the top of the helmet, so it's not the cleanest air and can cause some turbulence. Any truth to that? I'm wondering if there's an aftermarket adjustable bracket that might help with that, rather than going with an even bigger windshield.

[dutchy73]

I had a standard 2012 Diavel.  Great bike.   The engine is awesome. Lots of grunt and power.  It handles okay in the canyons.  Steering is a bit heavy.  But its not bad.  And its not a sporbike or monster.  I used to ride it all day long in comfort.  No complaints...

Why did you get rid of it?

[The ModFather]

For that money I would get a Gen-2 2015 Diavel. The Gen 2 Diavel 2015 is a better tuned engine.  Regardless of year the Diavel's handling for a bike that size is very impressive (it wants to be a sport bike) and the acceleration will put a shit eating grin on your face very time.The Gen 2 seat is also improved and is very comfortable compared to the Monster and the first Gen Diavel for that matter. There are a variety of after market windshield options that should fit what you are looking for as well and an even more comfortable touring seat you can get. Not to mention all LED lighting which is super bright. It's a great bike all around. My one recommendation ... get the Termis for it. The sound of the stock pipes is weak but when you put Termis on it she rumbles, roars and sings like you wouldnt believe.

[abby normal]

My dealer gave me a diavel as a loaner once while my bike was in
for service.  That thing pulls like a freight train.  It seems to be tuned for
low / midrange .... just about perfect for its intended use.  Handles great.
Didn't see much of a pillion on the one I rode ... better get the wife on the
Back before you commit.  The only thing I didn't like was one of the controls
Located under the center of the handlebar.  Can't remember what it was, but
I do remember it was awkward.  For a cruiser / rouring rig, the diavel
would be high on my list.

[SpikeC]

Wind control is very dependent on the configuration of the rider. Take one for a test ride and you will have a much better idea of whether it will suit you!

[hbliam]

  The only thing I didn't like was one of the controls
Located under the center of the handlebar. 

It's just the start button. If the handlebar is centered it's tough to get to but not with the bars turned. And once it's started you don't need to control anything there.

[Dochunt]

It's just the start button. If the handlebar is centered it's tough to get to but not with the bars turned. And once it's started you don't need to control anything there.

You don't need to use that button.
The kill switch can also start the bike.

[DarkMonster620]

that is the emergency start button you use if your transceiver's battery dies, you push it and input the your PIN and bike starts . .

[bushyar15]

I truly wish I could have kept it.  But I'm not in the financial position to have more than a couple motorcycles.  Long story short is I rode by my local motorcycle Dealer where "The Ducati Experience" trailer was at.  Went to test ride a Panigale but they were all signed up for. Saw the Monster 1200 and thought it'd be interesting to ride since it had the same basic motor as the Diavel.     

Big mistake.  The Monster isn't quite as punchy as the Diavel, but it handled better than some of the race bikes I've owned.    When I thought about it as I have an ADV bike, which I do all my long haul riding.  My Ducatis tend to be my "sportscar" in motorcycle form.. So I traded her in...

Even after the test ride I took the Diavel for a long ride in the mountains…  I do miss it...

Why did you get rid of it?

[Drjones]

A few of the local DOC members have them and they love em.  The only complaints I've heard are that the rear tire wears out quick and the hands free has troubles in certain areas due to RF interference.  I have the same transponder issues on my Multistrada; gas stations are notoriously bad.  It takes either placing the key up by the bike's antenna or using the start button/pin code to start the bike.

[The ModFather]

I never had a problem with the key FOB. Great bike !  If you plan on touring you will definitely want a windscreen. My only complaint is the sound with the OEM exhaust is weak. Sounds amazing with Termis though. Really any aftermarket exhaust should sound better than the stock exhaust. 

[pitbull]

I test rode one last year with the preconceived notion that I would hate it.

Within the first mile I was in love.


I'm too much of a tight wad to finance a bike, but if I could swing it, I'd get rid of my ST4 tomorrow and buy a diavel strada for long distance trips.  I love the ST4, but the diavel strada was just a whole different snack bracket.