Leaving the Fold , lured by the Vtwin sirens song.
 

After much to-ing and froing about a new bike including very nearly buying an S1000RR , Iam off , having just ordered (much to my surprise) a Ducati Diavel. It's been a fun 5 years with the S but the Diavel pushed all the right buttons when I rode it this morning , there are none available until October so I have a few months to sell the S. There are a great bunch of folks here and although I don't post much I have learned so much.

Thank you all and see you on the road.

Col, before you leave for Duc World, what sold you on the Diavel?

Congrats! I got to do a lengthy ride on the Diavel in the Texas hill country earlier this year, and I was pretty blown away by it. There's really nothing else quite like it.

Bubba,

There were a lot of things , I particularly like the way it looks , the wide bars give great leverage , even with the ludicrous back tyre it flicks nicely, the different engine modes are noiticbly different , it is a lot more comfortable than my 'S' . What I liked most was that I felt immediately at home on it , the Carbon I rode had the higher touring seat and I fitted on the bike very well , and everything just gelled immediately , so I was able to enjoy the ride, in fact it was the most enjoyable ride I have had in ages. It was the fun factor that did it .

Thanks Col. Sounds like you found a soulmate on 2 wheels.:)

Having come from power cruisers prior to my first boxer, I would love to give this bike a spin sometime. Good luck!

good luck, the mags seem to love it -- even BIKE! Just don't forget to ride it like a Duc and it will reward you thusly. Enjoy!

Got a short test on one after adjusting it for a fast racer (regional champ) who is normally on an 1198S or RSV4. It was a surprisingly capable bike, and I liked it a lot more than I'd have thought. The chassis doesn't _completely_ mask that ridiculous black donut on the back, but it was pretty decent. Motor managed to feel nearly as strong as a big twin on the bottom (though not quite) and nearly as relaxed down there too (again, but not quite) while having the same or better midrange, and a top end even the sportiest other powercruisers just don't touch. SUPER flexible motor, and the best of the cruiser chassis out there now (because it's almost a sportbike chassis)

The looks aren't for my personal tastes, but who cares about that. If I wanted a new around town bike, I could do it. If feels and handles a LOT!!! lighter than it looks.

For the big guys who are likely to buy them, the rear spring is a bit soft, and factory, it pogos a bit, but we were able to adjust it to make the fast racer much happier, w/o changing any components.

Surprisingly nice bike. Like the Multistrada-S/ESA, it just works.

Just read a big write up in the newest edition of Bike magazine...had the new tuono in it as well...check it out if you get time...

That's a big change. I bet it is fun to ride!

Are you sure it's not just too many VB's or a touch of the Bundy OP that has effected your decision?

I had one pass me on the way to work this morning, came out of the gloom like a Ducati commercial. That sucker was loud and fast.

Col,

No one else has said this, so I have to...bet the Diavel made you do it!!!

Former Duc owner myself, never had much desire for a power cruiser, but this one sort of lights my fire. WAY out of my price range, so I'll have to resist taking a test ride!

Cheers! Bill J (aka DUCBIL)

I really like that aspect of my Griso also.

The Diavel is awesome, especially the Red Carbon. I've always lusted after the Griso 1200 8V also. Too bad neither do 2-up touring well. When I can get another, those two are at the top.

The Diavel does look a lot better in person than the photo's show. I have the same motor in my Multistrada and it is nothing short of AWESOME. Quit different power characteristics than a boxer.

Enjoy!

Daivels are stunning and superb, a great choice for anyone to blast and tour around on. I'd have one too if I wasn't so into my little HP2 family.

congrats Col!

about every week I check bike sales for all different stuff and have never seen an R12S for sale in this state! good luck with the sale and with the new beast.

seems plenty of people know about your new bike (me know nothing) but if you get the chance to post up some impressions and some pics once you're over the honeymoon period that'd be choice bro SmileWavy

hope you are well

Col,

What are you asking for the S and what mods do you have?

Enjoy the new ride, pretty cool bike. It looks and sounds like it would be a fun ride.

Lennie , here is the bike sales ad, I have priced the bike a little optimistically , but already had one person arrange to come and have a look, I figure if I aim high I might get a bite and can always come down a bit later on.

Used BMW R1200S Motorcycles For Sale - bikesales.com.au