Ducati Diavel

When I hear folks talk about a motorcycle having "character" I understand as a subjective matter. For example, when I'm told this motorcycle has loads of character I'm thinking, "Right, it shakes, rattles and is so loud that after 30 minutes I need to take a nap". On the other end, lack of it makes me think that I could ride it for hours without getting tired. But being buttery smooth could be boring to some riders. I have a riding buddy who once owned a Diavel and he told me the acceleration was so exciting that it bordered on scary. He mentioned handling was good but had problems on very curvy backroads. He got rid of it only because of maintenance and service costs. Still if you have the resources to own multiply bikes a Diavel may be an option. Sometimes you may want to ride a buttery smooth bike instead of one with "character" that day. It is nice to have choices but not too many. Good Luck on your next purchase.

I attended the launch night of the Diavel at the local Ducati/Triumph dealer shop (which sadly closed a few years ago). It was a fun night where they revealed the new bike, with some food and drinks, and a bunch of riders standing around just enjoying the scene. I've looked at that bike few times but never considered buying one. Besides the fact I couldn't afford one back then, it just didn't fit my "all-arounder" preference as a one-bike-at-a-time motorcyclist. Still, I can definitely appreciate the Diavel for what it is, which is (in my opinion) a sporty power cruiser.

Of the bikes you listed above, I'd probably get the Aprilia V4 Tuono Factory. Having owned a 6th generation Honda VFR for many years, I have an affinity for V4s. But the M1000R is a fantastic bike, too. Good luck with whatever direction you go! 👍

I'd be tempted to have a go on a new Rocket 3 before making any decision. IMO I just can't come to terms with the Diavel's looks at all. I used to have a BMW K75S and that did everything well but was just sooooo boring and had zero character. I sold it soon after buying it. I also had a Kawasaki GPZ900R in my youth and a GSXR1000 and whilst those bikes were great sports bikes and handled really well and were very fast in their day, well they never left any lasting impression on me. I can remember when buying them I loved their speed but their character was a bit lacking (not as bad as the K75 though). The character was really in their speed and top end power band (especially the 900R) and they just goaded me into going faster and faster to get my fix so I was going to either lose my license or really hurt myself (or worse). The R nineT and the le Mans I have are just fun bikes, no matter what speed they are used at. They both make me smile. If I am out for a real retro ride the Guzzi would be my choice (its still nippy enough when needed and handles OK compared to the 9T). If I might want to go a bit quicker and have some real fun in the twisties, I'll take the R9T. No question the R9T handles better and is way faster - well it is almost 40 years younger but as far as making me smile they are both the same.

The point I'm trying to make (probably badly) is that if your gut is telling you the Diavel lacks character the novelty of having something that is fast and handles well might wear off more quickly than you think. Personally I've now learned that if a bike doesn't really grab me quickly in some tangible way when riding it for the first time I tend to walk away. That's just me however.

Good luck with whatever decision you make.