Ducati Diavel 1260

Positioned in the top end of the cruiser category, the Ducati Diavel 1260 is absolutely splendid and top-end when it comes to looks and appearance. The motorcycle gets a unique styling statement that is completely different from traditional cruisers. The bike lacks any touch of old retro-looking bits and gets a much more contemporary and futuristic appearance with chrome highlights and modernized blacked-out parts. 

This design is distinctive with a subtle blend of the roadster and cruiser stance. The low-positioned hexagonal-shaped full-LED headlamp, along with the crown-shaped DRLs covering its side and upper edges add a touch of aggression and boldness and is surrounded by a slim black visor. The bikes get very prominent cuts and lines for a solid muscular look for its side profile along with the elongated curvaceous fuel tank taking the center stage. Other features that stand out in terms of design are the horizontal fuel tank extensions with air scoops, covers for radiator and engine belly pan, exposed trellis frame, and a twin exhaust pipe at the underbelly of the engine. 

The rear profile of the Ducati Diavel 1260 is dramatic with two parallel streaks of LED tail lamps and a tyre hugger on which the license plate is mounted. It also gets a 3.5-inch full TFT instrument console, which has the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, odometer, trip meters, gear indicator, selected ride mode, clock, and a range of other features.

The Ducati Diavel is one of the high-end cruiser motorcycles in the Philippines market and quite naturally it packs a range of premium features to ensure an enjoyable and engaging riding experience. The bike gets a tubular trellis frame, and a suspension setup of 50mm fully adjustable upside-down telescopic forks at the front end, and a preload and rebound adjustable monoshock with a single-sided swingarm at the rear end. The ‘S’ variant gets an even more sophisticated Ohlins setup both at the front and rear ends.

Running on 17-inch wheels and fat Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres the bike is really smooth around the corners and the unique handlebar positioning offers more control and better stability at higher speeds. 

The bike is powered by a four-stroke, liquid-cooled, Testastretta L-twin, 1262cc engine, paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The engine can produce 162 hp of maximum power and 129 Nm of peak torque output and that torque band is available in the low and mid RPM ranges as well. The engine is smooth and the power makes it a joy to ride the cruiser on all kinds of roads. 

The bike gets a dual 320mm disc brake at the front and a single 265mm disc brake at the rear to handle the braking duties and gets some commendable stopping capabilities as well. 

Other safety features include a cornering ABS, different power and ride modes, the Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, cruise control, and an optional up-and-down quickshifter mechanism making for a very safe and premium package. 

The Ducati Diavel 1260 is definitely a bike that makes a commendable first impression and is definitely worth its name sitting at the top-end of the “premium cruiser” niche. The bike is a blend of unique and futuristic design as well as some incredible power and a suite of advanced and premium features, that you can barely find in any other bike in the segment.