Ducati Diavel Strada 2014 — Specifications

Setting off on a journey with an engine that resembles an industrial sculpture escaped from a Milanese design studio – that’s precisely the kind of paradox Ducati excels at. The Ducati Diavel Strada, the grand touring version of the standard Diavel, poses a simple question: can you civilize a monster without pulling its fangs? The answer, after a few thousand kilometers, is yes, provided you accept certain compromises.

The starting point is this 1198 cc L-twin, producing 162 horsepower at 9500 rpm, 127.5 Nm of torque at 8000 rpm, and a compression ratio of 11.5:1 that leaves no doubt about the engine’s intentions. This twin growls, pushes, and doesn’t forgive abrupt throttle movements in the city. Faced with a Honda CTX1300 or a Kawasaki Versys 1000, the Ducati Diavel Strada’s technical specifications resemble an uppercut. But where the Japanese models prioritize quiet practicality, Ducati focuses on raw emotion dressed in touring equipment. It’s a clear editorial choice, and it must be accepted before opening your wallet, because at €19,690, you’re not buying a versatile motorcycle; you’re treating yourself to character.

To transform the Diavel into an acceptable touring machine, Ducati seriously reworked the riding position. The handlebars raised by 30 mm change everything on winding roads, the Tourer two-person seat softens long stages, and heated grips quickly become indispensable as temperatures drop. The passenger, who was frankly sacrificed on the base Diavel, now inherits fixed footrests, a solid backrest, and decent space. Luggage cases complete the picture with approximately 41 liters of total capacity, enough for a weekend, but not for a major crossing. That’s where the compromise is slightly felt: the 2014 or 2013 Ducati Diavel Strada is not a grand tourer in the classic sense; it remains a sportbike equipped for travel, not a born traveler.

The chassis, on the other hand, is without notable flaws. The 50 mm Marzocchi inverted fork, fully adjustable, absorbs what the road inflicts with a precision surprising given the 245 kg when fully fueled. The Sachs mono-shock with remote preload adjustment can be adjusted without tools, which is a real comfort in everyday use, especially for adjusting the rear Ducati Diavel Strada damper according to the load. The asymmetrical aluminum swingarm supports this 240/45-ZR17 rear tire, which generates as much discussion as the rest of the bike. The Brembo radial four-piston brakes, coupled with ABS, do the job without discussion. Traction control, two 12V sockets, keyless start, and the dual instrumentation screen complete a solid equipment list for the time.

The target audience is not the methodical grand tourist who plans their stages with a roadmap. It’s the motorcyclist who already has a sensible touring bike in their garage and wants a second motorcycle capable of eating up the highway on a Friday evening before attacking the mountain passes on Saturday morning. To test ride a Ducati Diavel Strada, you have to get on it without looking for neutrality: this machine is designed to provide sensations, not to optimize fuel consumption or cargo volume. Those looking for a used Ducati Diavel Strada will get a good deal on the secondary market, provided they check the condition of the suspension settings and the maintenance history of the Testastretta twin, which requires regular attention to remain within its optimal parameters.