Ducati Diavel Carbon Review (2011)
What Is It?
The Ducati Diavel Carbon is a premium modern cruiser style bike and is powered by a Euro 3 compliant liquid cooled 1,198.4 cc V-Twin Testastretta engine, producing 159.6 bhp at 9,500 rpm and maximum torque at 8,000 rpm. It's the engine from the 1198 Superbike but de-tuned for loads of low down torque rather than top end power.
Specs
- Seat Height: Low (770 mm / 30.3 inches)
- Weight: Heavy (234 kg / 516 lbs)
- Economy: Poor (35 mpg / 8.1 l/100km / 12.4 km/l)
- Range: Average (130 miles / 209 km)
- Power to Weight: High (0.684 bhp/kg / 0.510 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: Very high (168 mph / 270 km/h)
Pros
- Loads of low down power
- Intricate details
- Build quality
Cons
- No fuel gauge (pre 2015)
- Seat comfort
What Is It Like?
Reactions
The Ducati Diavel Carbon in black and red may be seen as a “Marmite Bike” and to some degree it is. The strong styling and road presence demands attention wherever you go but the bike handles deceptively well for a weight of 210 kg.
Handling
The Diavel 1200 delivers 162 hp, holding its own against most super bikes from a standing start, yet able to retain a touch of finesse, when you just want to run the country lanes at a steady pace and take in the scenery.
Around town the Diavel feels light and nimble enough for filtering, the controls are light and easy and the mirrors are functional without needing to pull elbows in to see the traffic behind.
Mods
This particular Diavel has just a few modifications / aftermarket parts, running a Werks Can, Ducati Frame Plugs and Ducati milled casing protectors. The number plate has been set back directly under the back seat showing off the beautiful rear end!
Practicality
The bike is more than capable of touring with a set of panniers on and from personal experience I have covered 560 miles in one day, achieving 151 miles to the light.
Comfort
The riding position is extremely comfortable, easy on all parts of the body and a pillion can enjoy plenty of room with a spacious foot position.
- Deborah F, 2019
Price Guide
Related Bikes
Ducati Diavel - The base model which the Carbon is based on.
Add Your Review
Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.