Ducati Diavel: Muscle Cruiser With Italian Style

When you think of a cruiser, you might picture a long, low-slung motorcycle from America. In 2012, Ducati looked at that idea and decided to do things their own way. The result was the Diavel. The name means "devil" in a local Italian dialect, and it was a fitting name for a bike that broke all the rules. It combined the raw power of a muscle bike with the agile handling of a sportbike, all wrapped in a design that was pure, head-turning Italy.

The Diavel was not made to fit into an existing category; it was made to create a new one. It had the relaxed riding position and powerful presence of a cruiser, but also the technology and performance of a modern Ducati. This unique blend made it an instant icon.

For us at Ducati New York, the Diavel is a perfect example of the brand's bold spirit. It is a bike that draws a crowd and starts conversations. Let’s look at what makes the 2012 Diavel such a special and enduring machine.

A Design That Demands Attention

The first thing you notice about the Diavel is its look. It is wide, muscular, and incredibly bold. The rear tire is massive, giving the bike a powerful, planted stance. The fuel tank is sculpted and flows into a seat that sits you low to the ground. At the front, the minimalist headlight and exposed frame give it a modern, almost industrial look.

Every angle reveals something new. The single-sided swingarm showcases the beautiful rear wheel. The twin exhausts are tucked neatly under the seat. This was not a design that tried to look like anything else. It was 100% original. Riding a Diavel guarantees you will not be just another bike on the road. It reflects a rider who values individuality and daring design. It is a rolling piece of Italian sculpture that is as exciting to look at as it is to ride.

Heart of a Beast: The Testastretta Engine

Powering the Diavel is the same heart that lived in many of Ducati's sportbikes: the 1198cc Testastretta 11° L-twin engine. But in the Diavel, it was tuned for a different kind of performance. The focus was on torque; massive, instant, wheelie-inducing torque. With over 160 horsepower and a staggering 94 lb-ft of torque, the Diavel's engine is explosively quick.

The power delivery is immediate and thrilling. A quick twist of the throttle in any gear launches you forward with a ferocious push. The sound from the exhaust is a deep, rumbling growl that perfectly matches the bike's character. This engine is not just about top speed; it is about the thrilling sensation of acceleration. It makes every ride, whether a short trip through the city or a blast down an open highway, feel like an event. It is an engine that encourages you to play and reminds you why you fell in love with motorcycles in the first place.

Surprisingly Agile Handling

Given its powerful look, you might expect the Diavel to be a handful in corners. This is where it surprises everyone. The Diavel is far more agile than its appearance suggests. The wheelbase is relatively short, and the steering is light and responsive. It flicks into corners with an ease that feels more like a naked bike than a cruiser.

The high-quality suspension, with fully adjustable forks and a rear shock, keeps the bike stable and composed. You can lean it over with real confidence. The powerful Brembo brakes provide immense stopping power, which is welcome given the bike's ferocious acceleration. This combination of brutal straight-line speed and sharp, confident handling is what sets the Diavel apart. It is a bike that does not force you to choose between power and cornering fun. You get both in one exciting package.

Riding Modes and Modern Technology

The 2012 Diavel was packed with technology that made its immense power accessible and safe. It featured three riding modes that fundamentally changed the bike's personality to suit your ride.

• Sport Modedelivered full power and a sharp, immediate throttle response for the most exciting ride. It was the pure, unfiltered Diavel experience.
• Touring Modeoffered full power but with a smoother, more gradual throttle delivery. This made long-distance cruising less taxing and more enjoyable.
• Urban Modereduced power to a still-lively 100 hp, making the devilishly powerful bike much more manageable in stop-and-go city traffic. It traded peak excitement for easy-going control.

The bike also came with Ducati's Traction Control system (DTC). This electronic aid helped prevent the rear wheel from spinning under hard acceleration, especially in less-than-ideal road conditions. This technology gave riders the confidence to enjoy the bike's performance without fear. It was a high-tech suite that made a wild machine surprisingly easy to live with every day.

Is the 2012 Diavel For You?

The Diavel is a motorcycle for a rider who wants to stand out, and who appreciates breathtaking performance but does not want a full sportbike riding position. It offers the comfort and attitude of a cruiser without sacrificing the thrilling handling Ducati is known for. The bike delivers performance with a dramatic flair, ensuring you arrive with unmistakable presence.

Owning a Diavel, whether new or pre-owned, also connects you to a distinct group of enthusiasts. It is a conversation starter and a passport to a community that values bold engineering. If the idea of a powerful, unique, and head-turning motorcycle speaks to you, the Diavel is absolutely worth considering. It remains one of the most distinctive and exciting models in Ducati's history. For those ready to experience this unique blend of muscle and style, we invite you to explore our selection of new motorcycles to see the latest evolution of the Diavel lineage.

If you are drawn to the iconic design of the original, a well-maintained 2012 model is a fantastic choice. You can begin your search through our curated inventory of pre-owned motorcycles. More than just a motorcycle, the 2012 Ducati Diavel is a bold declaration that style and performance can come together in one unforgettable package.