Ducati Diavel vs. Triumph Rocket 3

Bruisers; bloated cruisers or genuine heavyweights with a real purpose? We pit the Ducati Diavel against Triumph's monstrous Rocket 3; 2.3 liters of English heavy engineering against Italian sophistication and artistry. Which will win?

[@kevinconroy2901]

I owned a Rocket 3. I've had many bikes and it was my absolute favorite. It was thirsty and expensive to maintain but by God it was a charismatic bike. Everywhere I went I had to answer questions about the bike because people were always curious about it. It was beautiful, fast, and so much fun. I can't wait to get another.

[@Grimexperience62]

From all reports the Rockets after 2010 are well sorted out.

[@michaelprince1914]

kevin conroy i traded a Suzuki boulevard 805 for a 2015 rocket III. Love it!

[@joelalexander7328]

kevin conroy I want the Rocket to be my next bike. In what way was it expensive to maintain? I'm used to the Honda VTX. The VTX lasts forever with regular, easy maintenance. Your post is old, but hopefully you are still alive to answer. Cactus, cactus.

[@redeemer898]

As Thomas said pre 2010 they had lots of issues with electrical, drivetrain and various other things. There is another video where a guy talks about all of that if you look up Rocket 3 reviews.

[@vic5594]

Ive had my Rocket III Roadster from new since 2014 ,its a lot cheaper to maintain than the Honda CBR1000 I had from 1989 to 1994 I really cannot see my ever selling the beast despite its being too big, too heavy, having the turning circle of an oil tanker and horrendous fuel consumption around the doors But out on the motorway where it belongs it's a totally different machine

[@Darkagent69]

I own a Ducati Diavel, it’s by far the most aesthetic bike I ever had. It’s in its own league, people who think it’s ugly have no style

[@bullseye1470]

Nah that shit ugly

[@davidcunningham00]

i own a 2007 triumph rocket 3 Classic i love it i have had it for 5 years i had it dyno ran it was putting 147 hp and 163 feet of torque at the back tire

[@HakimAsad]

If we are looking for performance the Diavel out class Triumph. However, let's look at it in a different way. Both Bikes are classified as cruisers which can go fast. As cruiser, they are meant to be drove for a long ride and provide comfort. If I want to have a long ride, I will go with the Triumph Rocket any day. As they said, if you are looking for performance just get a naked or a super sport bike. (I love the Diavel too)

[@2004lesk01]

fair point right there!! If i wanted naked as Diavel really is.. I would prefer the more nimble speed triple. Diavel is not a cruiser sorry ( wonderful bike, but really belongs in the naked class!!

[@e.d.4824]

very fair, but at the end of the day, both bikes are used as city bikes or café racers....

[@Pumpelche]

I for myself love the look of the Diavel. And the Diavel allows to run hanging off up and down mountain roads, mind boggling agility for it's lenght and the power is just amazing.

[@EdgyNumber1]

Like comparing apples and pears I'm afraid... If I'm a long distance cruiser then the Rocket 3, in this selection is a no brainer. It revs lower (huge torque to overcome drag) and the engine is much, much smoother... I dare say it may even be more durable and more reliable too. Rocket 3 wins.

[@poncoolride]

I rode them both, liked them both and bought the Ducati Diavel.

[@mendezcej]

Good video, but people should also know how easy is to release the real devil sleeping inside the Rocket 3..... there is no replacement for displacement!

[@Tommyboy0621]

This seems to me two sperate classes of bikes as the Ducati appears more of a standard ride, while the Rocket is more of a laid back cruiser or bagger. The Ducati definitely out performs the Rocket it's half the size, the handling and braking is obviously going to be better. I think the Rocket has a identity crisis of it's own, one as a bagger, and two as a Muscle bike. All I know for sure is my dad has a Rocket and on a long ride, he said it was the best bike he's ever had. He currently has 4 bikes, Triumphs, in which the 2003 America was his next choice for a long ride. I've only owned an Triumph America but have ridden sport bikes in the past. It's always going to be buyers preference but at least the video was accurate and none prejudice unlike some other comparison reviews.

[@SilentPrayingmanTis]

I pick the Triumph, the one with the worlds largest production motorcycle engine. Go big or go home :)

[@Paul_Zernick]

I'll be home earlier with a few more tubes head start. Ugly? Check em out in red. I personally hate all black.

[@jball212]

Rocket 3 all day long!!!

[@oafyvonskidmark316]

I get so many compliments every ride on my Diavel!

[@AkaAndyKnuckles]

Your productions have developed a lot! I wonder about buying a Rocket tomorrow.

[@javedfazil6686]

my first choice was rocket 3. then 2 things made me change my mind when I did a little research. it looks different from both sides I mean one side is intake and the other is exhaust. the second thing is it tends to heat up in a stop and go situation in traffic. so I went for the vmax

[@papatruss]

I have owned a Rocket for 4 years now and love it to bits:) But I am thinking of getting myself a Diavel as well. My thinking is if I want to go for a cruise with someone I will take the Triumph and when I want to go solo its the turn of the Ducati. Test drove one yesterday and oh my god the performance is awesome. Not sure which one will be my favourite though, suppose only time will tell. Both bikes are spot on but for different reasons.

[@Pumpelche]

There's nothing like hanging off mountain road curves on a Diavel.

[@thestcroixkid]

currently on a c90, but the rocket will be mine soon!

[@bgnorthport]

I had a C90T and that bike was a piece of crap, I traded it in on a Valkyrie which I absolutely love. I bought a Rocket III as a secondary bike back in February, the Rocket is great too.

[@sandydennylives1392]

yep, prefer the triumph. it's fit for purpose, 10/10. ducati out of their comfort zone, and you get an ugly mass when you sit on the bike and look ahead. the x may have something to say, when those sodding musac adverts stop and they deign to loan it to reviewers.

[@onecookieboy]

I know maintenance cost are hard to nail down but I suspect the Triumph would be the winner, Ducati bikes are mega expensive to maintain.

[@R3RLEE]

Lol so is the rocket, l know this as lv had them for quite a few years and everything is expensive!

[@ggallinmoko123]

Looked at both before I bought my bike, went for the Ducati Carbon Red, much better bike all round.

[@tms372]

I owned the Rocket for two years, great bike but traded it for the Triumph Storm, 100lb lighter much more managable and still tons of power, oh, I think it looks better too.

[@MarkiusFox]

The Diavel seems to be the modern iteration of the Cafe Racer without all the nostalgia. No BS, just performance. Perhaps edging on sleeper territory. While the Rocket 3 has the performance with the bike bolted to it. The definition of a muscle bike; it shows off everything that it's about, the engine, and you'll be comfortable with every rev.

[@CockatooDude]

I don't get why they always talk about looks, they are completely subjective, I for one think both bikes look fantastic. But the Diavel is simply beautiful.

[@theodorebundy5310]

WAYNE CUNNINGHAM That was one very good explanation & oh so very true on what you said in your comment. I couldn't have said it better myself 😆

[@tryarunm]

Lovely comparison! You guys do your job and more! Especially love the repartee. Ride safe, young men!

[@whodat4326]

my starter,2016 iron 883,my dreams ducati diavel,triumph rocket 3, and yamaha r3

[@vwtaro]

TRIUMPH !!!

[@427Arbok]

I'm a car guy. I don't really do bikes. But, if I did, I'd go Triumph. God, the noise those things make! And the Rocket III is no exception. It is, truly, the essence of raw, unbridled power. It's strong, it's loud, and it's everything that a bike should be. The Ducati may be faster, keener, and smoother, but it's practically a ball of electronics. It looks positively sterile, especially beside that Rocket.

[@fedswithful]

The Rocket III would be the most practical, the yamaha is too heavy on fuel and tires, ducati too expense (servicing) parts etc...

[@kenoneill1542]

it dose'nt cost much to get 160 hp out of a rocket, new exhaust and mapping

[@jalopyrips8081]

Sir Fedswith try keeping a rocket 3 lol repairs repairs repairs

[@joelalexander7328]

jalopy rips I want a Rocket 3. Could you please share with me the expensive maintenance issues you experienced with it? I would greatly appreciate the input.

[@kylebacher8074]

Can't beat the rocket I have 2008 classic and wouldn't have anything else anymore.

[@Blakelysworld358]

I swear that motorcycle reviewers rehearse being jaded.

[@mytujuan]

the big animal Rocket III 2.300cc the only one.

[@MrGrantll]

One great bike! mine is on order can't wait.

[@R3RLEE]

Which on? Diavel or rocket?

[@ricardo68737]

From the ride comparison, the Diavel is the more complete bike. To have a rev range at 9k, grip and control for corners, and power for straights seems to tick most boxes regarding ridership. The Rocket is appropriate for a different kind of ride: relaxed, long, hauls that affirm the joy of being a part of the grand scheme. Pick your poison!

[@bigbadboz1]

I sat on a diavel, then went and bought a rocket 3, much more comfortable for me at 6 foot 3 and 23 stone, the diavel felt horrible

[@garyw9439]

hmmm seems like a few Triumph owners took offence to the presenters interpretation. Both great bikes and I would be thrilled to have either in my garage. If I had to chose though I would also go with the Triumph for long touring capabilities. That seat looks so comfy. The Ducati will always turn heads though and if that's your thing.. good for you.

[@KurNorock]

No mention of the Honda Valkyrie? Pretty much the quintessential muscle bike. Especially the 2014-2015 model.

[@balkanhajduk]

Ducati is just incredible

[@thesage1621]

Rocket all the way...with a carpenter tune, the rocket smashes them ALL...

[@stephendyson.burrows1773]

Triumph made in England not Italy.That is the winner for me

[@mprziv]

+stephen Dyson.Burrows So is spotted dick.

[@Azazelwalk]

How long have you thought that? Lol! Cuz you sound ill informed. Triumph hasn't been made in England since 1979 when Meriden shut down. They're all made in Thailand now... Chonburi province. Do some research.

[@justinneill5003]

Two of the factories are in the UK (Hinckley), and another three are in Thailand and Brazil; but regardless of the location, they are all the same products of British engineering. Maybe they could use this continuing success as a springboard to start making cars again as well. I'd love to see a modern take on the TR6, the GT6 and the Stag.

[@alanvt1]

All made in Thailand? where did that idea come from! .... Bollocks!

[@1250GSX]

Matthew Shank not all. the twins except thruxton are made there. not the rocket.

[@e.d.4824]

As much as I like the Triumph (and particularly the last version), the Ducati kills it by most aspects relevant for a bike, ie agility, lightness, grunt, and sports/race DNA...

[@user-cc4pr8wc4w]

Bottom line, Ducati's after sales service is SHITE an there's the reliability that's SHITE as well 😎

[@MoonBernie]

nonsense. I drove my Diavel for 23000 km now. And didnt had the slightest problem. Look for another mechanic.... Use your bike as it should be, maintain it as it should be,.... I have Ducati's for many years. and never had abnormal problems. I drive them almost daily. Even very long trips. 2a 300 km without stopping. The only thing I can say about them in the past was ,with the ducati race bikes , the heat from the engine during summer in slow traffic. But that I dont have with the Diavel. Taste is personal, also what kind of bike you need. Where you live, or what you do with it. To me with my experience, and where I live. City, with highway, and curvy country road who are not always clean or in good shape. And with my size, and how Im build. The Diavel is far out the best motorcycle I have driven. I own a KTM superduke too. Its a great motorcycle, fast and easy handling. Everything perfect. But doesnt give me the joy and confidence the diavel gives me. I hardley drive it anymore. I even taught of selling. Motorcycles are personal, these kind of clips can help a bit. But since there is allot of money involved. You should test yourself, what you want and what you need. And how you are build yourself.... If you live in a big city and you only drive around cruising slowly, on sundays. Yea, a Diavel is a bad choise. And you gona ruin him.

[@mccglastron1972]

The Suzuki M109R is being left out? It's by far the most popular...

[@MsOnslow]

at the end you really did not give any due to the rocket. Is that what your really felt? It did not appear that way throught the video? Are you doing a review or not?

[@spudgunson]

Where is all the weight? High or low? They look and sound awesome!

[@oafyvonskidmark316]

The Diavel is so fast it weighs 200 lbs less than that tanker!

[@axs7689]

I have a love hate relationship with the Ducati. Currently love it

[@giorgioporri4373]

Triumph Rocket forever !

[@ahmadtheaviationlover1937]

this guy is hilarious! when he said that he wants to vomit on the ducati bike!

[@cameronbromley9445]

ducati has performance, but triumph has character, similar to a Harley Davidson, let's be honest here, they're not really made with performance in mind... but you still can't deny that you really bloody want one

[@mauroturolla3074]

What do you think of new rocket

[@waynecunningham8499]

The Diavel is by far the better machine. Engine size does not always equate to more power/acceleration. You have to remember that Ducati is at it's heart a sport bike performance company with world class style. To compare this bike to the V-rod, there simply is no contest. V-rod is a straight line bike still easily beaten by the Diavel. Now the V-max will push the Diavel to it's limit in the quarter but the Diavel simply out turns the V-max in any corner circuit with a rider that knows how to get the lean out of the 240 Pirelli. The Ducati safety pack on the Diavel with ABS and traction control is simply amazing, I can personally attest to it's outstanding performance. The Rocket 3 is very big and heavy, seriously affecting how it does everything. It does not have enough of any one element to stand out and would be the lesser of all these bikes in an even comparison, except engine size. But again, I go back to how size may not always matter the most. Each bike has a purpose, to reach a corner of the motorcycle market that each manufacturer had not reached before, plain and simple.

[@alanvt1]

Lets cut this shit to your first sentence! Ducati is really a sports bike, so err, why are we here?

[@peterherrington3300]

Rode the triumph years ago when released and loved it . Ducati will be over emotional and unreliable (like it's builders) so no ta

[@ajinkyathorat7502]

Truimph motorcycle are as unreliable as ducati.

[@peterherrington3300]

@@ajinkyathorat7502 You're talking bollocks.

[@Annonymous0283745]

If you have someone to take with you, the Triumph is the only option in this video.

[@bigdog5266]

What about expected maintenance? Cost of ownership per mile?

[@3star2nr]

The rocket 3 is fucking huge and very heavy but its a sexy machine. Id get a Xdiavel over both way better design. Just need the mid controls

[@TattooedHoodlum]

You should redo the comparison with the 2020 Rocket III

[@R3RLEE]

Against the 2020 diavel! The new rocket is a diavel clone!

[@TattooedHoodlum]

@@R3RLEE except the Diavel is uglier than a bag of dirty assholes

[@bornhunter100]

Why is the compression ratio only 8.7:1? they could have done better.

[@kaibe5241]

1. You're saying Diavel wrong (dye-a-vel), not (dee-a-vel) 2. Diavel not a looker? Omg.... one of the hottest bikes on the road. Makes heads turn.

[@joejosephson4858]

Kirk Bushell agree. I"m pulling the trigger on the Diavel Carbon on Saturday. Trading in my Harley Street Glide Special. Traded in a sport bike for the Harley thinking I wanted more comfort and a year later I'm bored riding an easy chair. The Diavel is sick looking.

[@bimfred]

Kirk Bushell italian's say dee-a-vel. americans say dye. who made it?

[@robw7676]

The Diavel looks like a VMax that got hit with the ugly stick. Ducati make some gorgeous bikes but not that thing!

[@whodat4326]

lol true

[@ericgeorge5483]

Clearly you need to take those sunglasses off.

[@sublimekid247]

Need to throw the moto guzzi griso in that line up

[@samd3275]

I think we need to reassess our use of the phrase "defies the laws of physics".

[@tipturkey1283]

I'd love to own a rocket one day, beautiful bike, if heavy

[@klockworx3871]

Triumph > Ducati, in fact anything > Ducati. I know too many people with new Ducatis that the warranty is shelling out $10000+ dollars on repairs in the first year, not to mention the bike is always in the shop, not you riding it. They look good, its Italian, that's all great, but its made to be driven and if it can't do the one thing it was made for, it isn't worth anything.

[@nikopsanis4859]

I had a Ducati diavel it was a good looking performance bike but had so many problems it was always at the shop for days It's time...I sold it and I'll never buy again any Ducati

[@MrMurphc13]

I like the Diavel.

[@brandonobaza8610]

What was that unit of currency? Where are they?

[@dennism103]

I thought about the rocket 3, but chose a road king m8. 1870cc is enough. espically with the stage 2 kit...

[@paul1x1]

The Ducati is so much more than a muscle bike I ride mine through the twisties and stay with the sport bikes and I can ride it cross country no problem

[@Lee-in-oz]

I actually don't mind the Ducati. At first glance I thought it looked friggin horrible. The second look on the other hand, demands that if I was in the market for one of these bikes, I would have t give the Duc a serious look.

[@shegocrazy]

The Diavel is a shocker to look at. The R3 isn't much better but it would be ok if you could hide that radiator.

[@candymintz]

i don't care which one is faster, they are both great motorcycles...

[@mgc8303]

what about the Suzuki m109R better then both the bikes shown in my opinion

[@SuperLeader96]

guys test a VMax pls

[@Grimexperience62]

There should be more to this review than sport bike oriented comments. The guy on the Ducati is very arrogant and it defeats the purpose of this comparison.

[@northerniltree]

The Rocket is too big and heavy to be a "sportbike". But as a cruiser, it kicks ass. Compare apples to apples.

[@philbailey496]

Always thought rck 3 was a big cruiser Was never meant to be a racer. . Ducati is not what i call a cruiser. Cant help to think this was set up to pull the rck 3 down. Boost ducati sales. You can keep that Ducati and ride it yourselves. Hope you got good breakdown cover

[@timothyrawson107]

What's with the weird video format?

[@jimbosavage]

The whole video was weird lol. I still liked it.

[@nikhomshaweeriyha9913]

This is not the same kind of bike. Ducati is sport bike but Triumph is leisure bike.

[@rubo1964]

Ton of Diavel owners shelling lot of money on electronics , belt getting damaged by small rocks, rear break going soft.You add all up no wonder criaglist has ton of Diavels for sale for at times 50% discounted. I like the look of the Ducati but dont want to buy money pit either.

[@Mike61259]

Triumph is nice bike I like Ducati.

[@manny75586]

If I wanted high performance, I’d buy a sport bike. I want badass looks and a nice growl from a muscle bike.

[@Bricklinsv1970]

ill stick with my reliable no thrills 1100 Honda shadow spirit

[@tylerbonser7686]

Rocket is king

[@dickjohnson5025]

Not sure these two are really comparable. I love ducatis, but this one is butt ass fugly. The 996 is a work of art, I would put that on a rotating turntable in the living room. I would hide this thing.

[@johnnychirnside4513]

Other than the same back tyre, completely different bikes. Like comparing chalk and cheese!

[@jimbosavage]

I'd probably go for the Ducati if I was going to drop that kind of money on a bike.

[@krisrudecki9477]

Often forgotten BMW K1300R ...

[@snse8479]

Where is the Vmax

[@kenoneill1542]

the vmax ran out of fuel, ha,ha

[@JenniferSmith-yl6lr]

If you think about getting an alternative for the Vmax, don't take the Vmax. Take any other bike. Doesn't really matter which.

[@bogiewheelman71]

The diavel is like from a transformers movie . About to be eaten up by the rocket .

[@moralthreat2745]

Newsflash all you cruiser fans. If you ride the H2 SX SE without the bags it is better and faster than both of these bikes. I would also argue the ride comfort is comparable.

[@totallyskint5899]

rocket 3 first choice as a muscle bike and more tuneable engine for power freaks Ducati is more of a street fighter and in that class its epic at providing the N H S with a constant supply of fresh organs . That's not to say it could,nt happen on the triumph . Can I have your lungs PLEASE.

[@shegocrazy]

The Diavel doesn't know what it's meant to be.

[@theirishaxe9405]

rocket all day long

[@demonoid8476]

Is that triumph a bike?

[@LinuxGalore]

not really the same bikes for me, one is a street muscle bike the other is a long range muscle bike. To be honest the VMAX sits in the middle and may be a better buy.

[@paulbrennan5891]

No Comparison ! Not Even Close, The Ducati every time, If U carn't keep up, go Home ! Why would U buy a black one any way, U won't be riding it for long ,because U will be Dead ?Drivers never see Black Bikes, whether They want too or not ! Their Red and White Bike is simply Gorgeous ,and Safe ! Simply, a Non Event !

[@chauffeurmarco]

No one looks good to my eyes. I don’t like the R3 tank, I don’t like the motor in line, the pedal control are not forward enough they look like very old bikes when I was young.

[@toothfairy1605]

I think the diavel is a great looking bike, and I'm sure I'm not alone.

[@laman8914]

The Triumph looks like a rhino on wheels.

[@keertan_pardhana4545]

V-Max vs. Valkyrie/Rocket? Not the same class of motorcycle. N Apples and oranges. Both are fruit and can be juice, both taste good...but not the same thing..