Ducati Diavel 1260

The Devil That’s More Powerful, Muscular And Meaner

- Abhay Verma

Motorcycles that intimidate are always interesting. There’s something about the fear they invoke – usually with their performance. But when the Ducati Diavel first broke cover back in 2011, its manic performance wasn’t the only reason for that feeling. Of course, the Diavel was disruptive, considering Ducati has always only been known to offer motorcycles that look achingly gorgeous and can go like stink. The Diavel begged to differ though. It looked big, muscular and intimidating. And then there was the performance, as the Diavel could put many a sportsbike to shame when it came to straightline acceleration. The bonus, of course, was that it handled the way a Ducati ought to. And now in 2019 we have an all-new Diavel, the Diavel 1260. Brawnier looking, more powerful and one that Ducati claims handles even better. A day behind its ‘bars in the hills of Southern Spain allowed me to acquaint myself with it.

Aggression, personified

Ducati’s product presentation slides confirmed that the 1260 is an all-new motorcycle as everything, including the chassis is brand new. It might look similar to the older bike but the new 1260 looks a lot more modern and sleeker. The all-LED headlamps look sharper, while turn indicators are taller and are a visual highlight. Ducati has retained trademark elements like the LED strips that function as stop lights and the retractable pillion grab handle, but my favourite is the rear section with the single-sided swingarm, short tail and side-mounted rear number plate hanger. Not to forget, the massive, 240-section rear tyre! Overall, the new Diavel looks tauter and with inspiration from muscle cars, superhero comics and the like, it is easily one of the most distinctive looking motorcycles on the planet. In fact, you can never mistake a Diavel for anything else!

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