Diavel?

[KTMsm]

I'm a bit bored with bikes, I want something naked, a bit different, that tears off the line but is happy to be ridden sub 100

I test rode an FTR1200 and was very disappointed

Is the Diavel the answer ?

Never really looked at them before as I think they're big & ugly but the reviews make them sound ideal

I've considered the MT10, SDR 1290 and Tuono V4 but I think they'll encourage stupidity

Anything else to consider, ideally sub £8k

[gareth h]

I had one, it was good fun, low seat made it quite manageable, the only downside was a lack of ground clearance, particularly tipping it into roundabouts where it regularly dragged a peg (I guess low pegs are the price you pay for a low seat)

[gareth h]

Just be careful when buying, they don’t weather too well, lots I looked at had paint flaking off the front of the engine as a result of stone chips and salt

[PT1984]

The flaking engine cases appears to be a Ducati issue. Certainly is in my Scrambler.

[robinh73]

How about a Triumph Speed Triple 1050 or even the 1200? Personally I preferred my 2017 Speed Triple R over the 1200 (but that was only on a short test run on the 1200). The SDR 1290 is brilliant and a wonderful road bike but it does egg you on. However it is very civilised when you want it to be. Value for money though I don't think you can go far wrong with a Speed Triple R, especially with a nice fruity end can on it.

[Biker9090]

When I looked at the Multistradas there were a LOT of stories about snapping cranks and failing main bearings on these as well.

Apparently 2015 on are supposed to be better but you certainly don't see many of either about with more than say 30k miles

[KTMsm]

I sold my Speed Triple R last year - lovely bike with a great spec, I flew to Glasgow to buy it

But in the year I owned it, I hardly used it, preferring my KTMs

I don't know why but for some reason I just didn't grab the keys for it

Edit - Thinking about it, I do know why, I had a lot more 'moments' on it than my other bikes despite riding it at similar speeds to my 990

I just didn't seem to observe the road as well, presumably because of it's lower position

[PT1984]

How about a 1200 Speed Twin. A torque monster to begin with. I imagine it could be a beast with a filter, exhaust and map. Monster 1200s?

[MrGman]

How about a Triumph Speed twin 1200, they handle really nicely and go well with a torquey motor, the brakes are excellent and when you want you can really make some progress, but it doesn’t encourage stupidity and is really enjoyable to bumble along on.

[NITO]

KTMsm said:

I want something naked, a bit different, that tears off the line but is happy to be ridden sub 100

Is the Diavel the answer ?

I've considered the MT10, SDR 1290 and Tuono V4 but I think they'll encourage stupidity

Yes, they are awesome, tear off the line arguably faster than anything else thanks to monster torque and long wheelbase, but beware, they also encourage stupidity.

There are two variants, the X which is feet forward and cruiser type, which is not what I’m referring to, and the regular Diavel which is awesome but has st suspension as standard, it handles well enough, but far too harsh when really pushing on. I have learnt to ride around it but have a Nitron shock and cartridges that I’ve had for over a year and haven’t got around to fitting yet!!

[KTMsm]

Biker9090 said:

When I looked at the Multistradas there were a LOT of stories about snapping cranks and failing main bearings on these as well.

Apparently 2015 on are supposed to be better but you certainly don't see many of either about with more than say 30k miles

I'd googled reliability and problems and nothing came up

Now I've Googled that, it's a bit worrying

I know people will say it's probably only 5%, maybe less but that's not much consolation if you're in that 5%

It's a disgrace that these companies don't bend over backwards to help when it's clearly their fault

[FazerBoy]

BMW R1250R? It’s faster than one might think…

[Djtemeka]

Suzuki BKing!

[Bob_Defly]

There will also be a Speed Twin 1200 RS in a few days time. The perfectly powerful bimbler.

[Krikkit]

KTMsm said:

I've considered the MT10, SDR 1290 and Tuono V4 but I think they'll encourage stupidity

Can only speak for the Tuono, but definitely true.

Diavel does sound like just the ticket, lovely bits of kit. Maybe even worth trying one of the feet-forward ones?

[gareth h]

KTMsm said:

I'd googled reliability and problems and nothing came up

Now I've Googled that, it's a bit worrying

I know people will say it's probably only 5%, maybe less but that's not much consolation if you're in that 5%

It's a disgrace that these companies don't bend over backwards to help when it's clearly their fault

I’ve not heard of any issues with the DVT engine (which is post 2015 I think) had it in both the Diavel and current Multistrada

[timbobalob]

KTMsm said:

I test rode an FTR1200 and was very disappointed

Out of interest, what disappointed you about it? I keep looking at them at my local dealer, Krazy Horse. I sat on on an Indian Bobber there and I couldn't get on with the riding position to be honest. I had the same riding my friends Indian Sport Chief - back pain after 30 minutes or so.

Having recently bought one and incredibly biased... how about a Rocket 3r

[ujio]

Sorry to hijack from OP. But please tell me more about the Rocket 3. I am being really drawn to this for some reason, not sure if it will suit my riding on B-roads but looks like such an 'event' to go into your garage to take out to ride. Might encourage some longer range touring!

Edited by ujio on Thursday 5th September 09:43

[KTMsm]

I much prefer the look of the X Diavel but my back can't cope with the feet forward position - I'm aware you can retrofit mid controls but the reviews say it's an inferior bike and they start at £10k

It's the same reason I can't have a Rocket 3 - which would be my preferred option - both for looks and lower price

I like the idea of the Speed Twin 1200 but I don't think I'm old enough for one just yet plus I'd rather they did a bit more depreciating

[Rubin215]

I have a BMW K1200R which is a fairly unusual looking bike but also a lot of fun.

Acceleration off the line is ridiculous, top speed is well beyond what my neck will manage.
Brakes are good, handling is good and it's all-day comfy.