2019 DUCATI DIAVEL 1260 S
R I D E R E V I E W
P98
ing which designer Giovanni Antonacci says was indeed
inspired by Marvel Comics characters. It still retains the fat
240/45 ZR17 Diablo Rosso III rear tire specially made for
the Diavel by Pirelli, mounted on an eight-inch rim, and the
imposing, yet relaxed riding stance delivered by the pulled-
back handlebar and mid-mounted footrests positioned right
beneath the rider—so, further forward than on other Ducatis.
But it also has the performance of a
superbike, with electrifying accelera-
tion complimented by improbably agile
handling, despite that huge rear tire,
all delivered to the sound of thunder
emanating from its mighty V-twin engine's
exhaust system, now rerouted to end in
a pair of stubby cans exiting race-spec
style beneath your right foot.
Going to the gym
So, the result of what indeed amounts
to a major redesign is a significant
improvement to the Diavel 1260's ride-
ability and handling, without detracting in
any way from the bike's visceral appeal
and intoxicating performance. It still
has the same mind-blowing accelera-
tion and improbably adept handling of
the previous bike, but this totally unique
hyper-power cruiser now has yet more
responsive handling and easier steering.
It now also runs more cleanly at low revs,
making it easier to ride at slower speeds,
especially in Urban mode—as so many
of its customers who use this as a social
networking tool will relish. Moreover, it
now has a super-flat torque curve in any
of the three different riding modes deliv-
ered via the RBW throttle.
The Diavel's light-action oil-bath slip-
per clutch delivers the same smooth
takeoff as before, but now the low-rpm
(Above) The Ducati
dash is the gateway to
a world of adjustments.
(Left) Luckily it looks
great because black
and grey is the only
color scheme you're
getting in the 1260 S.
