Ducati 1198 Diavel 1200 (2014-2016): The Devil’s Own Recipe for Adrenaline

Introduction

The Ducati Diavel 1200 isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a statement. A rebellious fusion of muscle cruiser aesthetics and hyper-naked aggression, the 2014-2016 Diavel generation defies categorization. Built around Ducati’s legendary Testastretta 11° L-Twin engine, this Italian marvel straddles the line between brute force and precision engineering. After spending a day wrestling its wide handlebars and reveling in its thunderous exhaust note, one thing is clear: the Diavel isn’t for the timid. It’s for riders who want to dominate city streets, carve canyon roads, and turn heads while doing it.

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Design: Where Brutality Meets Elegance

The Diavel’s design is a masterclass in controlled chaos. From its low-slung, 770mm (30.3-inch) seat to its gargantuan 240mm-wide rear tire, every angle screams dominance. The steel trellis frame—a Ducati hallmark—is left partially exposed, contrasting with the matte finishes of the Carbon and Titanium variants. LED lighting, standard across all models, gives the bike a modern edge, especially the sinister slit-eyed headlight that glares like a predator stalking prey.

Ergonomics: The riding position is a fascinating compromise. The wide, flat handlebars pull your shoulders forward, while mid-mounted footpegs keep your legs slightly crouched. It’s sporty enough for aggressive cornering but relaxed compared to Ducati’s supersport lineup. The seat, though narrow at the front, widens into a plush perch that accommodates longer rides better than you’d expect.

Standout Models:
- Diavel Carbon: Adds Marchesini forged wheels, DLC-coated forks, and carbon fiber accents.
- Diavel Titanium: Features a brushed titanium exhaust cover and lightweight alloy wheels.
- Diavel Dark Stealth: All-black everything—perfect for riders who prefer to haunt the streets incognito.

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Performance: Unleashing the Testastretta Beast

At the heart of the Diavel lies the 1198.4cc Testastretta 11° V-Twin, a powerplant that delivers 162 HP (118.2 kW) at 9,250 RPM and 130 Nm (96.3 lb-ft) of torque at 8,000 RPM. Ducati’s ride-by-wire throttle ensures razor-sharp response, whether you’re rolling through traffic or pinning it on an open highway.

Power Delivery: The engine’s character is Jekyll-and-Hyde. Below 4,000 RPM, it’s surprisingly docile, with minimal vibration thanks to the 11° valve overlap. Crack the throttle past halfway, though, and the Diavel transforms. The front wheel claws at the sky in first and second gears, while the exhaust—a mix of metallic snarls and bass-heavy growls—becomes your soundtrack.

Gearbox & Clutch: The 6-speed transmission is typically Ducati—snickety shifts with a mechanical clunk that purists adore. The slipper clutch is a godsend during aggressive downshifts, preventing rear-wheel hop even when you’re braking hard into corners.

Real-World Rideability:
- 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): ~2.8 seconds (unofficial tests).
- Fuel Efficiency: Expect 6.5–7.5 L/100km (36–31 MPG) if you’re gentle. But let’s be honest—gentle isn’t why you buy a Diavel.

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Handling: Defying Physics (and Expectations)

How does a 210 kg (463 lb) bike with a 240mm rear tire handle like a lithe streetfighter? Black magic, apparently. The Diavel’s 28° rake and 130mm (5.1-inch) trail lend it unexpected agility. Flicking it into corners requires commitment, but once leaned over, the chassis feels planted. The Sachs rear shock and Marzocchi USD forks (adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound) absorb bumps without wallowing, though rough roads can overwhelm the short 120mm (4.7-inch) suspension travel.

Braking: Dual 320mm front discs with Brembo M4 calipers deliver monstrous stopping power. ABS is non-intrusive, only stepping in during panic stops. The rear single-disc setup feels underwhelming by comparison but works well for balance.

Tire Notes: That 240/45-ZR17 rear Pirelli Diablo Rosso II isn’t just for show. It provides ludicrous grip, though replacing it costs a small fortune.

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Competition: The Diavel’s Arena Rivals

The Diavel exists in a niche of one, but here’s how it stacks up against its closest challengers:

1. Yamaha VMAX 1700:
2. Power: 200 HP, but weighs 310 kg (683 lb).

3. Verdict: A dragstrip king with the subtlety of a sledgehammer. Lacks the Diavel’s finesse.

4. Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle:

5. Power: 125 HP, 115 Nm torque.

6. Verdict: Cruiser comfort meets Porsche-engineered engine. A relaxed alternative but down on tech.

7. Triumph Rocket III:

8. Power: 148 HP, 221 Nm torque.
9. Verdict: Torque monster with sofa-like seating. More touring-focused, less agile.

Why the Diavel Wins: It’s the only bike in this group that can carve corners like a Ducati Streetfighter one minute and cruise like a power cruiser the next.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Devil Happy

The Diavel isn’t a “set it and forget it” machine. Here’s what owners need to prioritize:

1. Desmodromic Valves:
2. Service interval: Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles).

3. Costly if neglected—budget €400–€600 per service.

4. Oil & Fluids:

5. Use SAE 15W-50 fully synthetic oil (4.2L with filter).

6. Coolant changes every 2 years/30,000 km (18,600 miles).

7. Chain Maintenance:

8. 118-link chain requires regular cleaning and lubrication.

9. Upgrade to a premium X-ring chain for longer life.

10. Tire Pressures:

11. Front: 2.5 bar (36 psi) / Rear: 2.9 bar (42 psi) when riding two-up.

MOTOPARTS.store Recommendations:
- Performance Exhausts: Unleash the Testastretta’s full roar with a slip-on system.
- Adjustable Levers: Improve ergonomics for smaller hands.
- Suspension Upgrades: Öhlins cartridges for track-day enthusiasts.

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Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Contradictions

The Ducati Diavel 1200 isn’t perfect. Its fuel range is limited, the seat gets hard after an hour, and the turning circle is wider than a battleship’s. But perfection is boring. What the Diavel offers is raw charisma—a bike that’s as comfortable at a coffee shop as it is devouring mountain passes. For riders who refuse to be pigeonholed, the Diavel isn’t just a motorcycle. It’s a rebellion on two wheels.

Ready to make yours even fiercer? Explore our curated selection of Ducati Diavel upgrades at MOTOPARTS.store—where the devil gets his due.

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Specifications sheet

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