Ducati Diavel Strada test drive: the Devil invites you in duo…
You seemed to be misunderstood and your wife called you selfish at the idea of slamming 17,490 euros for a Ducati Diavel? Set off to reconquer it with the new Diavel Strada, which offers a real passenger seat for 19,690 euros. Test.
Always surprising behavior
If visually the Diavel seems massive and strong – like the Yamaha V-Max or the Suzuki B-King (read our), it actually offers unsuspected agility !
It’s even confusing to have such a bogus motorcycle in your hands and to be able to put gas on as you would with any other roadster! And it is even more obvious when it is Bruno Langlois who takes our small group of journalists at a good pace on the wet and drying roads of the Corsican "West Coast".
From a sporting point of view, the "Hyper-custom" Ducati is incredibly sensational. With its Superbike engine (162 hp in free version), it reminds French bikers how the 106 hp rusts our necks and biceps for …
Surprisingly flexible from 2000 rpm, its 1198 cc L-twin then rises in the towers in a fairly linear fashion. But then hang in there, because it gets tough!
As effective as a weight training session, those who use the Diavel in a sporty way will quickly understand the interest of swaying their body to the maximum so as not to reach the limits of the ground clearance, which brutalizes the footrests in every bend or roundabout.
Under these conditions, we appreciate the powerful Brembo ABS braking which stops the beast very quickly, the transparency of the electronic "Ride By Wire" accelerator or the traction control subject to the three injection maps: Sport mode (162 hp, distribution sport), Touring mode (162 hp, progressive distribution) and Urban mode (100 hp, progressive distribution).
This technology is of great interest on the roads we have taken: between gravel, dust and rain, electronic management avoids many unpleasant surprises. !
Remember, however, that beyond this very efficient electronics, the Diavel owes its relative agility to its specific Pirelli Diablo Rosso 2 tires specially developed for it (read our). Their sharp profile gives it easy, efficient and healthy behavior, even on wet ground. On the other hand, we regret that the relaxation of the suspensions is not sufficiently braked on this type of road. It does not disturb the dynamic qualities of the bike, but the comfort and the buttocks take a hit … So, advice from Site: it is better to toughen it all up before hitting the road as a duo !
When the rhythm softens, we appreciate more the Diavel for its torque of 13 mkg and the omnipresent sound of its exhausts. Equally noisy, the gearbox can slam at low speed, but our test models were still new. No need to strain it that much, just turn the handle to be propelled in one go up to 9000 rpm! A real joy…
And when cruising quietly at 120 km / h, the new windshield protects the bust quite well. The head is not completely hidden behind the bubble, the turbulence is still present.
But there is better, just like the carrying capacity offered by the semi-rigid suitcases of 41 liters each which do not handicap the total width of the motorcycle. And although their volumes are limited to just a few items – no full face helmet – we appreciate their lockable attachment system with a key that allows them to be removed with ease..
Verdict: an evil traveler !
Originally intended for the American market, this Ducati Diavel Strada has all the arguments to satisfy French bikers. Obviously less sexy than at the beginning, its small surplus of equipment greatly facilitates escapades for two and makes it possible to be able to escape on weekends.
This Diavel Strada therefore gains in seating comfort and protection, while the additional weight of the accessories has not disturbed its surprising dynamic qualities. And it’s not the 162 hp Testastretta that will stick out its tongue, because it seems to have no limits, him !
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