Ups

• Power waits on your hand and foot thanks to a 1,262cc V-twin with variable valve timing and desmodromic valve actuation
• Un-cruiser-like suspension and brake components give the Diavel more than a fighting chance against sportier bikes
• Superbike-inspired electronics increase safety and enable riders to tune performance to their desires

Downs

• 240-section rear tire looks cool (if you’re into that sort of thing) but hinders handling
• If Ducati is going after some of Harley’s US market share, the Diavel shows it doesn’t really understand the American cruiser rider

Verdict

There are some who would say an Italian take on an American style will always turn out a bit mad. But 159 hp and 95 pound-feet of torque (claimed) is the best kind of mad.

Overview

In 2011, a year after Ducati debuted the Multistrada 1200, the Diavel was unveiled using a retuned Testastretta 11° engine. The Diavel was revised for 2015 before getting an overhaul for 2019, headlined by sleeker styling and a 1,262cc Testastretta with variable valve timing. Ducati’s formula for performance doesn’t naturally lend itself to a cruiser-style motorcycle, but the Borgo Panigale brand does a commendable job of conveying that on the Diavel, cruising is in the service of performance. In other words, the Diavel is a performance motorcycle—not a sportbike, mind you, but a performance motorcycle nonetheless, thanks to composed handling and up-spec suspension, brakes, and electronics.

Updates for 2021

For 2021 the Ducati Diavel 1260 is available in Dark Stealth and Sandstone Grey colors. The S model is available in Total Black, Ducati Red, and Black & Steel (as a 2022 model).

Pricing and Variants

The base-model 2021 Ducati Diavel 1260 starts at $20,995. The S model starts at $23,395 for Ducati Red; True black is $23,995, and Black & Steel is $24,395. The S model is distinguished from the base model with fully adjustable Öhlins suspension, lighter wheels, and otherwise optional equipment including Ducati Multimedia System, an up/down quickshifter, and daytime running lights.

For riders looking for a more exclusive Diavel, the Diavel 1260 Lamborghini ($31,995) is limited to 630 units, and marks the first time Lamborghini and Ducati (both part of the VW/Audi Group conglomerate) have collaborated on a production machine. The Diavel 1260 Lamborghini features redesigned air intakes and radiator covers, forged wheels, and carbon fiber details.

Competition

For a British take on muscle cruising, check out the Triumph Rocket 3.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Ducati Diavel has a 1,262cc engine with variable valve timing, producing a claimed 157 hp at 9,250 rpm and 95 pound-feet of torque at 7,500 rpm. In his first ride review of the 2019 model, Morgan Gales says, “Overall, the engine character and performance make it unlike any cruiser on the market; it’s torquey without being a torque monster, really coming to life around 6,000 rpm and singing all the way to its 9,000-rpm redline.”

Handling

Gales notes: “The Diavel held the intended line, unimpeded by passing bumps on the road, and the riding position and seat let the rider adjust body position to further enhance cornering response. And on straight sections, the combination of top-shelf suspension and a comfortably padded seat made the bike smooth-riding and enjoyable. It was plush and controlled, with excellent overall stability.”

Brakes

The base-model Diavel uses Brembo M4.32 calipers, while the S model steps up to Brembo M50 units for improved performance. Cornering ABS is standard equipment in all trims.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Ducati claims the Diavel 1260 achieves 42 mpg.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

Unlike more traditional feet-forward cruisers, the Diavel’s mid-controls enable the rider to move around and hustle the motorcycle through twisties. It also helps riders coming from the non-cruiser world feel at home. While it’s no touring rig, Ducati’s accessory catalog does include a backrest for passengers.

Electronics

The Diavel’s suite of rider aids includes Bosch cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, ride modes, power modes, launch control, and an up/down quickshifter. A TFT dash and full-LED lighting round out the bike’s modern features.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Diavel 1260 has a 24-month, unlimited-mileage warranty.

Quality

Pride of ownership is a priority for a premium brand like Ducati so fit and finish and quality materials abound.

2021 Ducati Diavel 1260 Claimed Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Ups

• Powerful Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine is standard
• Tons of aftermarket accessory options to choose from
• Low seat, easy handling, more power
• Added passenger pad

Downs

• Ergonomics can be tight for tall riders
• Limited range from small tank
• ABS still not standard

Verdict

The good-looking, bobbed cruiser gets a bigger engine this year and remains a good place to start a custom project or serve as a comfy around-town rig with attitude.

Overview

If you think the Street Bob looks like the spitting image of Harley’s other bare-bones cruiser, the Softail Standard, well you’re not wrong. Although it adds more meat to its bones than the more basic Standard model—fork gaiters! Chrome! Ventilator air cleaner! etc., etc.—and is priced a bit higher, it’s pretty much the same bike. The biggest difference this year resides in the engine bay; the Standard comes only with the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, while the Street Bob comes standard with an M-8 114 engine. Otherwise it exudes that same stripped-down vibe, which makes it best for quick hops around town or as an excellent platform from which to launch your next custom build. Despite (or maybe because of) its stripped-down appearance, the Street Bob handles well in most street situations, which makes it an engagingly fun ride.

Updates for 2021

For 2021 the Street Bob is called the Street Bob 114 as it now gets the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine as standard equipment. This year it also adds a freer-flowing Ventilator air cleaner with an exposed element and 114 badging to the mix, as well as four new unique color options, different finishes, and a passenger pad.

Pricing and Variants

The FXBBS Street Bob 114 rings in as the lowest priced Big Twin to carry the 114 engine, with an MSRP that starts at $14,999 in Vivid Black; colors other than black add $400 to the list price.

Competition

Head-to-head comparisons aren’t easy to find but Indian’s new Chief Bobber model probably comes closest to the Street Bob’s ergonomic and powertrain layout. The Indian comes with a slightly smaller 1,818cc engine and is priced about $1K more.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Street Bob is powered by the air/oil-cooled eight-valve Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, which all the current Softails carry (in either 107 or 114 variation). When we last put an M-8 114 engine on our dyno, we recorded 82.32 hp at 4,660 rpm and 111.39 pound-feet of torque at 2,260 rpm, which is fairly close to H-D’s claims of 119 pound-feet of peak torque at 3,000 rpm.

Harley claims the M-8 114 engine in this application is 9 percent quicker during 0-to-60 mph runs and 13 percent quicker from 60-to-80 mph in fifth gear than the outgoing model equipped with the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine. It’s likely helped by the fact that it’s the lightest Softail with the 114 engine too. And there are all kinds of aftermarket add-ons available from H-D or Screamin’ Eagle for riders in search of even more power.

Handling

Although we haven’t extensively tested a 2021 Milwaukee-Eight 114-equipped Street Bob yet, we had plenty of positive things to say about its smaller-engined predecessor, citing its overall light steering and relatively) nimble feel. The tall mini-ape handlebars also provide great leverage in turns.

Brakes

With the more powerful and slightly heavier 2021 Street Bob 114 model keeping the same single-disc front and rear brake setup as 2020′s 107 engine version, there’s no reason to think that its overall stopping power is any better; at the time, we said last year’s model was only “average” in that department. Unfortunately antilock braking is an optional, extra-cost item.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

No real-world fuel mileage testing is available at this time.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

With no ergonomic tweaks this year, the Street Bob’s riding position is best described as somewhat cramped, especially for riders taller than 5 feet, 9 inches. The low 26.8-inch seat and a mid-mount control layout (technically, forward-biased mids) can make for a tight hip-knee-foot triangle for those with longer inseams, though the tall bars will please riders with greater wingspans. Solo riders looking for companionship will also appreciate the fact that there’s actually a pillion pad out back this year.

Electronics

The Street Bob 114 comes equipped with an electronic LCD gauge to handle basic bike info, and keyless ignition and a Security system is standard; ABS is a $795 option.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Twenty-four months, unlimited mileage.

Quality

Although it does carry a minimal aesthetic, the Street Bob’s new paint and finishes are especially impressive this year, sporting rich colors with lots of visual flair. What few details there are are nicely positioned and applied, adding contrast without bombast.

2021 Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114 Claimed Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com