Speed Read: 2012 Ducati Diavel

Jaw Dropping Performance

Cruisers are supposed to be ridden slowly as to not scuff its chrome. However, this is no ordinary cruiser. The 2012 Diavel punches with the subtlety of a double-barreled shotgun. Its low center of gravity helps you accelerate and brake with force that would make a superbike nervous. Ducati claims a 0-60 time of only 2.5 seconds, but I will take their word for it. More importantly, it’s the violent way the power comes on that is unique. Torque and horsepower are just everywhere in the rev range.

Surprising Agility

Straightline performance doesn’t come at the expense of cornering competence either. Top notch components are everywhere to keep the power in check, such as Brembos for the brakes, Marzocchi forks up front, and a Sachs adjustable unit in the back (suspension is fully adjustable too). And that super-wide rear tire only looks useless; Pirelli specially designed the 240/45-17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso II rear radial to have a more concave profile. So, put all of these elements together and you have a bike that leans over with confidence and surprising agility, while only appearing to be another meandering cruiser.