Bologna, Italy

As on previous versions of this uber-distinctive model, “the devil is in the detail on the Diavel,” and not only in terms of the literally excellent performance package it delivers but also the premium fit and finish of the whole bike, including its numerous design touches which prospective owners will relish.

Designed by Eugenio Gherardi, Stefano Tarabusi, and Giovanni Antonacci of Centro Stile Ducati, the new Diavel 1260 S won a 2019 Good Design award from The Chicago Athenaeum.

The Diavel 1260 S has many new embellishments.

Such as the two-level dashboard with a TFT screen with different display styles depending on the riding mode selected, mounted below the handlebar clamp with a separate warning light module above it. Like the dedicated switchgear with red-backlit keys. Or the front and rear full-LED units on the S version with the headlight automatically shifting from its daytime configuration to the night-time one via a dashboard-mounted sensor. The upside-down horseshoe shape for the DRL running light, making the Diavel instantly recognizable even in broad daylight, is another feature of note.

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 acceleration 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 delivered via the RBW throttle.

The Diavel’s light-action oil-bath slipper clutch delivers the same smooth takeoff as before, but now the low-rpm fueling has been improved, there’s no longer a snatchy pickup from a closed throttle in Urban mode, which is now very usable outside town if you just want to chill out and go with the flow on the Diavel 1260 in a less stressful way.

Designers: Centro Stile Ducati, Ducati Motor Holding
Manufacturer: Ducati Motor Holding