09-18-2013, 11:58 AM
I test rode the Diavel about a week ago when I took my MV in for service. The dealership was nice enough to loan it to me until my service was done, so I was able to take it around alone for almost 2 hours. The Diavel looks killer for sure but I had very mixed feelings riding it.
The best way to describe it is a performance cruiser, but that in itself is an oxymoron. A cruiser should evoke a relaxed ride that you "cruise" in. On the Diavel, I felt the need to wind it out all the time. Maybe I felt this way because it was a loaner. But for a 1200cc engine, it lacked grunt below 4k rpms. I think it's geared way too tall. For instance, traveling down the road at 50mph, I shift into 4th and it feels like the engine is lugging. Don't get me wrong, the engine has lots of power but it wants to be above 4k rpms all the time.
So I'm not sure it works as a cruiser. On the performance spectrum, it definitely hauls. But handling wise, that massive rear tire forces you to fight it because it wants to straighten back up. At slow parking lot maneuvers, it certainly handles like a big cruiser. Needless to say, I was happy to get back on the MV. And certainly happier with my decision on the CB11. The CB cruises well, handles well, always predictable, and is definitely as quick as you need in this class of motorcycle.
The best way to describe it is a performance cruiser, but that in itself is an oxymoron. A cruiser should evoke a relaxed ride that you "cruise" in. On the Diavel, I felt the need to wind it out all the time. Maybe I felt this way because it was a loaner. But for a 1200cc engine, it lacked grunt below 4k rpms. I think it's geared way too tall. For instance, traveling down the road at 50mph, I shift into 4th and it feels like the engine is lugging. Don't get me wrong, the engine has lots of power but it wants to be above 4k rpms all the time.
So I'm not sure it works as a cruiser. On the performance spectrum, it definitely hauls. But handling wise, that massive rear tire forces you to fight it because it wants to straighten back up. At slow parking lot maneuvers, it certainly handles like a big cruiser. Needless to say, I was happy to get back on the MV. And certainly happier with my decision on the CB11. The CB cruises well, handles well, always predictable, and is definitely as quick as you need in this class of motorcycle.