2013 CVO Breakout Road Test & Ducati Diavel AMG

Alternative Choice
Ducati Diavel AMG
MSRP $26,495

AMG has long been recognized as the premiere line of Mercedes Benz cars and SUVs. In 2012 Ducati partnered with the German tuners to release the AMG version of its Ducati Diavel. The Diavel has a 1,198cc L-twin motor that produces a claimed 94 lb-ft of torque with a whopping 162 hp. With a unique styling unlike any other motorcycle available, checking off the AMG box gets you cosmetic upgrades including AMG’s signature five-spoke wheels, carbon-fiber radiator grills, special exhaust, numbered plaque, and cam timing hand set by a certified engine technician with his name engraved on the engine case.

Riding the Diavel is a bit like getting a piggy back from a prize fighter with the discipline and refinement of a well-trained boxer combined with the guts and the rawness of a street brawler. Once in close proximity of the bike with a specially designed remote control key, a push of the ignition brings the dash to life with a choice of three modes of power and a wealth of information. A low seat height makes it a good choice for the vertically challenged and places the rider smack dab in the middle of the mad machine. Power delivery is quite aggressive and the L-twin tends to bark with each blip of the throttle rather than the standard growl. There’s no waiting for the power to arrive as the bike leaps and jumps into license-losing speeds before you can say, “Damn that’s fast.” Corner clearance is a non-issue and the 240mm rear tire feels right home and easily handles what most riders can throw at it. The styling is hard to swallow for the average consumer with a wide, bulbous frontend leading to a minimalist street-fighter-inspired rearend hovering over a massive tire. With a price tag nearly identical to the CVO Breakout, the AMG Diavel is more geared towards the fish and chips crowd than the beer and dogs rider, but both bikes come with extra bragging rights that come with owning the top-tier models. HB