Ducati Diavel 1260 Vs Triumph Rocket 3 | Which is the ULTIMATE Power Cruiser?

[@shadwox9808]

I have a 2020 Triumph Rocket 3 GT and boy not a single day when im riding it people give me thumbs up or talk to me about my bike its a head turner for sure never had that kind of attention from any other bike ive own and i been riding for 40 years now. And the torque on that motorcycle is something to experience it just out of this world just love it.

[@ErikterMaat]

Last year I made the switch from Diavel (2012 version) to a 2020 Rocket 3R. Beautiful and powerful bike, I really loved it. But last week I sold it and I bought the 1260S. I know I'm gonna miss the rocket, but for me the Diavel is so much more fun to ride and easier to handle. I'm glad I still have the pics though....

[@craigquinn7887]

It is a Rocket thing, until you have owned one, you will never understand, because there is nothing on this planet even close to the torque sensation of a Rocket 3, all other bikes feel like toys! Not many bikes out there that you can pass anything on the road just by twisting the throttle, in any frickin gear, it does not matter! Unbelievable torque range!

[@wanton1234]

I agree 100%

[@davewilkirson2320]

I agree

[@fm977fm]

Only if you're driving straight.. ducati is better handling bike, quicker and has a better sound of engine (speciale with termignoni Exhaust).

[@jeremygreaves8984]

Went to test ride and buy either the Thruxton RS, Speed Triple 1200 RR or the Rocket 3R... I test rode the Rocket 3R and bought it straight away; didn't even need to ride the others.

[@jp2895]

Had the pleasure of riding both and owning and R3. Here's the best thing I can say about them~ The ultimate power cruiser, is whatever kind of ride you're looking for. With the Diavel, you'll be far more comfortable with the seating position and riding style if you had owned a sportbike beforehand. The Diavel is also a little bit easier to handle compared to the Rocket. From braking, to shifting, to overall maneuverability, the ride will feel more natural. So if you're looking for a more familiar ride, I'd say the Diavel. With the Rocket, you truly will get a riding experience like you have never felt before. The amount of torque it is putting out can be felt in any gear, at any point within those gears as well. It's like getting hit by a wall with how it is fighting against you. Where a Diavel will wheelie, you'll find the Rocket Kicking it's rear tire out to the side like a fishtail. The Rocket will feel awkward to handle initially and will take quite a bit of time to handle to a high degree. The seating position, depending if you go R or GT, will either be over-the-tank or more upright. When it comes to comparing the two appearance wise, the Rocket seems to get, by far, more of a head-turner than the Diavel. Riding alongside the Diavel even, the Rocket will almost always get approached first and focused on between the two, mostly due the Diavel appearing somewhat modern casual while the Rocket creates that truly unique appearance that keeps attention. I lost count of how many times I'll ride through a city and people will go way out of their way, just to compliment the bike and talk about how it is an incredibly beautiful machine. With that being said, both bikes are beautiful in their own right.

[@jp2895]

@Shalin It probably would be, but the weight of the Rocket is still manageable even by someone light. If I had to pick and choose though, the Diavel will be your better bet. Ultimately, up to you brotha! Either one I'm sure you'll love though.

[@wanton1234]

To me it comes down to RPM, do you want power from 2k to 4k or do you want powerr from 4k to 8k? I want low RPM power, always and that's wht the r3 gives me. Other than seat hight the r3 is the ultimate cruiser in my opinion.were the r3 seat height 27 inches.... be the best cruiser ever made.

[@richardcerritelli9657]

This is coming from a Hayabusa Rider between the Ducati and the and the rocket no doubt rocket no brainer all the way way better looking than the Ducati I love the bone crushing torque and it's a fast bike as well to me it's more comfortable way better looking looking not even close rocket all day long love my Hayabusa but I'll take the rocket over any other motorcycle right now on the market hands down.

[@davidgerlach1132]

No disrespect (but I do own an extremely handsome '22 Rocket 3GT) to me the Diavel looks like a "Wasp" ready to sting something.

[@ariesworld7]

Rocket 3 is my first crush , first love and first bike .. so happy with my 2023R3GT. I feel like she adjusted herself to my beginner level skills and not showing any wild side of her character 🙂🙂

[@CliffLikesToRide]

Well for years I wanted the Diavel, but at the end of it, I chose the Rocket 3R... even though I would like it to be a bit more sporty like the Diavel, I don't regret I absolutely love it! It is an amazing bike!

[@wanton1234]

I like the lower RPM power delivery. Both bikes are really awesome

[@richardcerritelli9657]

Can you get a rev limiter for the spike a power commander I know it's very limited I assume it's a very lazy engine out of the factory

[@CliffLikesToRide]

@Richard Cerritelli Tuneecu has a program to unleash the power, but the factory has put limits on the engine.

[@nialls6510]

Having owned multiple Ducati bikes, the plan was to graduate to an XDiavel. This was until I came across the Rocket 3r. I picked up a 2020 Rocket with 2,500kms on it last year and have not regretted it :) Still managed to hang on to my Ducati Supersport so have the best of both worlds. Though the Rocket is surprisingly nimble in the curves even with the big 240 tyre and weight.

[@davidgerlach1132]

ROCKET BABY!!!

[@j.bin_genex1927]

absolutely rocket3 . addicted with mine

[@melvynthomson8150]

When the Diavel arrived in 2010 I wanted one but I bought a Suzuki Boulevard M109R instead and loved it for many years and nearly 100,000km. When the Triumph Rocket 111 (The Tractor) arrived I had to have one and I did buy one and I loved the big brute. When the Rocket 3 arrived in 2020 I had to have one, so out went the old and in came the new - "chalk and cheese" This bike is a "thing of beauty and a joy forever", what else can I say - I love it.

[@firmfoundation7421]

I had a ducati hypermotard. Looked at the pros and cons of both these models. Chose the Triumph for its smoother power delivery and Cruiser dynamics. Doesn't match the Diavel in racing but that's not what I was after however, I do love the Diavel. I love my 2021 Triumph Rocket. There are so many bikes I would love to have if I could afford them. My rocket ticks a lot of boxes.

[@rufus1346]

So many bikes and not enough time/money :-( I got a very old Rocket 3 and a 2018 XDiavel.

[@firmfoundation7421]

@@rufus1346 nice, enjoy bro

[@bantononabike]

Triumph for me, all day long!

[@triumphthunderbird1]

Triumph Rocket, no contest. I have the Rocket TFC, a masterpiece of motorcycle engineering. A joy to ride.

[@joelsalver4008]

Your review did not mention anything about the drive train. Chain VS. drive shaft. To me a big importance. Chains (Diavel) require constant maintenance & cleaning and can be messy. Drive shaft almost no maintenance.

[@MrSirjamalot]

I like the triump rocket 3. My new dream bike.

[@berntkristensen238]

For us doing our own service on the bike - it would be nice to know which bike is cheaper/more expensive to service under normal circumstanses

[@maciejburniak128]

I chose Rocket 3GT :)

[@richardcerritelli9657]

Soon as I saw the chain on the Ducati I said rocket all the way those chain days are over no more maintenance for me

[@jackreacher7029]

I know this is a comparison but, if I had the money, I'd buy both. Lol

[@mkq786]

Coming from Harley family, i got a Xdiavel and now Rocket 3 GT Triple Black Edition. Happy with all of them. Just ride

[@TheFirstCause]

I've wanted a bike for a while now. Got my license and everything. I want an HD Sportster S or Diavel 1260s or V4. I like the muscle cruiser category. But I find I find I'm stopping myself from pulling the trigger. Even if I'm the safest rider that just cruises and doesn't do insane shit... The risk of drivers in cars keeps haunting me. Even full gear always and generally following laws beyond occasionally acceleration on ramps and overtaking I still hesitate to get the bike.m If I f-ck up my life or get my wife injured or killed on 2up I would view it was my greatest failure. It is like I need to kill my interest in bikes. Like I'm being tested by life. I've considered doing offroad only with dirt bikes to scratch the biking itch.

[@bigfanpics8496]

I have the r3 gt and I can't imagine ever loving a bike more. Having had several bikes and ridden many, nothing has combined comfort with sheer exhilarating power like she does. Only thing I can complain about is that the stock ecu nerfs top speed and fuel mapping- you should get another 20hp out of it by using tuneecu.

[@fanfan_the_haitian]

Bought my Diavel in February and I’m in love

[@tonytasker489]

Was looking at the Triumph today. A 2011 model (2300cc) 11k on the clock £9500. It's a flaming monster.

[@00gothetonix]

Make sure you know what you're getting into. The 1st gen rockets often need the head gaskets checked/replaced often as well as checking the valve clearances. Which means tearing the top end of the engine apart...if you're mechanically inclined and enjoy that sort of thing they make excellent bikes.

[@tonytasker489]

@@00gothetonix I was only looking, or should I say drooling over it. 😁

[@ShinKibagami]

yeh avoid model before 2013, but after that you should be fine! I got myself a 2018 model which was the last year for the older style and I don't regret it! Will probably change it to the new one in a couple of year :)

[@veightdotveightdot940]

Loved the bit where you put TopGear clips in😌

[@timh6845]

I rode both and found the Rocket 3 handling was not my cup of tea. A true brute of an engine yet a bit of a one trick pony. The pillion seat dug in to the top of my bum too. I bought the Diavel 1260s in the 2021 red colour. It has the Termi pipe on it which is bordering on “cop bait” loud even with the baffles in. Even after four months it is a bike that confuses me in the best way possible! It looks like a cruiser, has a very similar seating position to a BMW 1200GS and handles incredible. Tipping in to corners is just sublime and single finger braking gives the perfect feel. In the prototype stage, Ducati called it the “Mega Monster”, which may be closest description possible. It’s a freakin’ Diavel. It will cruel and impoverish me and I will love every second. Bloody Ducati.

[@davidgerlach1132]

Switch to decaffeinated tea. The only "one-trick-pony" is the fella riding the machine. May you be a dog faced lying, or you're a "lying dog-faced pony soldier." -- one or the other rookie. My extremely handsome, husky, and masculine magnet (like H. Bogart) '22 Rocket 3 R in the twisties on route (78) & (79) in Julian CA rips! 3rd&4th at >4K and you can't touch that torque, --- did I say you can't touch me... The torque is in a zone of its own, that's why it's called the Rocket. Ducati's wasp and praying mantis ugly frame design is a pinhole in my mirror.

[@timh6845]

Huh?

[@HaidsK2]

love the look of the Diavel personally. Seen a few around the mountain and they always turn my head

[@jaffarnaqvi443]

my best source for bikes info thanks jacky.

[@00gothetonix]

I'll stick with my Rocket 3. Maybe mines just special...but Im getting way better mileage than what was said in the video. Been well over 50mpg on several occasions. (highway)

[@johnonrust9045]

my gt rocket also does 50mpg English gallon cruising at 100kph

[@bigfanpics8496]

I've never gone that slow on mine. I also only get 33 mpg.

[@Higherbusa]

Both are great bikes, but I'm still lovin' my very outdated B-King.

[@SlingKing2015]

I miss my BKing. Shoulda kept it.

[@RamblingRuters]

Love my Diavel 1260s, hard to beat Ducati's electronic/ technology they put in their higher end bikes, having that backlit display is a great thing to have that you don't know you need, both great machines though. Although the Diavel is far sexier and great lines.

[@davewilkirson2320]

You guys are probably too young to remember the 1975 Kawasaki 3 cylinder H bikes. I had the 750cc two stroke Widow Maker. They killed people. My friend Billy was killed on his 750. They had poor braking and handling but when you hit the power curve in that two stroke it was front wheel in the air. I'm 67 and had a lot of great bikes. I'm glad I have lived long enough to experience the technologies seen and felt today. The current Rocket has the acceleration (if not more) of the Widow Maker but is much, much, more refined. I wish I had all of my old bikes back. Memories.

[@TriumphLover]

The Rocket by far!

[@timcarter7616]

The review didn't mention service costs. Ducatis are trickier to service with the desmodromic valves and drive belts. I don't know about the Triumph's servicing at all. I was a little curious about that and still am. Of these two, I'd take the Rocket just because I like big displacement. I think I'd rather have an older one that hasn't been Euro'ed to death for emissions.

[@nr3157]

I was thinking about buying a 2024 Rocket 3 GT. Over the years so far, I've bought 3 new motorcycles, the last two were black, and now I would like the Rocket 3 GT with a red tank and red front fender, but for some reason Triumph decided for 2024 to make them all black with a red logo striped on the tank, guess I'll have to wait on the 2025 model. I love the looks of the one on this video.

[@RendyRoxx]

very cool video bro. greetings from Indonesian beginner motovlog 👍👍

[@davewilkirson2320]

Purchase both. Heck fire, get a Busa and V-Max too (2020 last year on The Max). In doing this you'll have 4 bikes for seven days of riding. I had a Max in the 1990's and then purchased the Boss Hoss 350 and later the 502. The Boss Hoss bikes were really not in the same class but rather novelty bikes. The 502 blew the tranny and left me stranded. Don't purchase The Boss unless you want to stand around and answer questions. The Hoss is a straight line, heavy, type thing. However, both were fun at Sturgis but I couldn't look at the Bison becuase I was too busy trying to turn a truck. I recently purchased the Rocket 3 GT. I love it. I would imagine the Ducati is fun too but I have not riden a Diavel (yet). I will soon. The Rocket, with it's 221 n/m of torque, is a "Oh my God" type machine. About the same acceleration of a C-8 Corvette or maybe a little more. However, the Rocket is de-tuned and can be remapped with an Android phone, cable, and the $15 app. A British company makes a super-charger for the Rocket and it bumps the horses to 342 and the torque is off the scale (actually I'm unsure at the moment). Either way you can't lose with either the Rocket or Ducati. Fantastic machines.

[@robbattlecryawesome8549]

Rocket 3.

[@scottstetson2879]

Rocket 3 looks much better. No comparison IMHO 👍🏻😎

[@smitty9733]

Taking care of a chain on the road is a Pain - in the azz. You should have mentioned the drive shaft.

[@obrienrealestatewantirna7469]

Just ordered the 1260s. Arrives September. Triumph just a little too cruiser.

[@wanton1234]

yeah my thoughts exactly, got the cruiser

[@Zionsol777]

the Vmax....

[@Isha048]

Diavel... I like more, but mostly because it's lighter than the Triumph. I'm not a good rider and I'm quite slender, so I feel a bit worried about the weight of the Triumph. Anyway I would like to know something about the Harley... would it be possible to compare Ducati, Triumph and Harley? Is there a Harley that can be compared to the other two? Maybe not anymore, but before the V-rod could probably be a good competitor. Thank you a lot for your review, it was great!

[@wanton1234]

I can compare the 2020 Harley Street Glide 900 lbs and the 2020 Rocket 3r, 700 lbs, approximate weights... because I have both, ATM. Depending on the Harley you pick, you get 2 things... vastly lower power than the Rocket and weight 'might' be lower.... The Soft tales are about the same as the rocket if I remember correctly, 700 ish lbs. with 1/2 the power but the seat is lower. The touring frame bike are about 150-108 more pounds 900 ish + and top-heavy and the seat is lower to the ground. Either brand is gonna be very difficult to pick up if you drop it, so don't worry about weight. You drop any of those bikes, you're gonna have issues. I have dropped both. I needed help with the glide and the rocket was a bitch, but I was able to upright the bike. I'm a 67-year-old guy with bad joints. With the rocket you get a really well balance machine with amazing power. Easy to ride. Not difficult at all. Triumph did an amazing job of making it all work... very smooth power delivery at low RPM. Not comfortable right away, but the seat is broken in and is now very comfortable. The rocket is essentially a naked bike, though, only a cruiser by power delivery, not be seating position. With the Harley, you have a look and tradition and built in crowd to ride with if you choose too. A GREAT sound and feel, and super comfortable. Lots of after market stuff. But when you roll on the throttle, not much happens. The sound of 10 Harleys' driving by shakes the ground... I miss that, but I don't miss the lack of smooth power the rocket 3 delivers. I can honestly say that you test ride a rocket 3 you are gonna be blown away. No other bike rides like a rocket, seriously. My rocket is my daily driver, didn't care for the street glide as a daily ride. A lot of drama moving the glide around and parking etc... saddlebags are great for shopping, so I got the panniers for the rocket. I put them on when I need them. Over all the Rocket is a better fit with my riding choices, I live at the base of angles crests highway. Every day errands plus a every day of so around the area. Chose your ridding situation, then the bike. I will say this, a long time Harley guy sat on my rocket, his face lit up with a big grin lol

[@colinm1325]

Hey Gilberto, Great bikes and choices ahead, but as Brian says, he luvs his Rocket and he's ridden and been around a while. Do urself a favour and check out Motojitsu, MCRIDER, and Canyonchasers for starters to help brush up any skills and learn some new stuff, it'll help, even an old codger like me. Outa these 2, l'd go the rocket. There's no chance of throwing a chain, or having to maintain AND eventually change it and the sprockets. Anyhoo, my 2 cents, njoy the ride, make it home so you can go and do it again tomorrow. 😊

[@colinm1325]

​@@wanton1234 Gday Brian, awesome comment, rode the 2300, it was a beauty, no doubt the 2500 is better. Oh yeh, and the shaft drive..... Have u had any issues with it? Njoy the ride.

[@wanton1234]

@Colin M no issues, so far only 10k miles. Great bike

[@MrEiniweini]

Seriously, at that price point the "Harley Tax" looks cheap. The Sportster S can be picked up for $26,500. I own a Triumph America from new that began to spot rust 3 months after purchase. If you sell a bike with chrome as the eye catcher, make sure you do it right [EDIT: My first car was an LJ Torana that was 18 years old with a chrome bumper. My second car was an XC Falcon with a chrome bumper, not a spot of rust on either after 20 years] . Thanks Triumph but never again. The chrome literally flaked off the header pipe before the first 5,000km. You expect it to go gold but mine is burnt away, in flakes. Paying premium money for a substandard product is not something to make for a proud rider. Not my best life decision.

[@wanton1234]

You can't compare a sporters s to a rocket. Completely different bikes. Had my rocket started rusting after 3 months, the dealer would hear about it real loud. I find the fit and finish on triumph to be far superior to the Harley. Look at the key fob of both bikes... the key fob of the Harley is plastic. The key fob on my rocket is like my Cadillac key fob, not plastic

[@wolfgangsimon1509]

Bikes of that category are not chosen by their riders, instead the bikes decide who is classy enough to ride them. Those who are not worth to own such a bike will sell it after short time, latest after they dropped it the first time. Those who are worth such a bike will stay with it for life. I have none of these two btw. The Ducati is not pulling enough from low Rev and the R3 is not pulling enough in top revs. Both nice bikes though but I have heard a different call 😂

[@cursethesky3874]

The Diavel is the better bike overall and smokes the Rocket on road or track easy...

[@wolfgangsimon1509]

Why is that in your opinion?

[@cursethesky3874]

@@wolfgangsimon1509 cause I own both

[@R3RLEE]

@@cursethesky3874 cause you do!! Lol

[@R3RLEE]

Yeah whatever!!

[@wolfgangsimon1509]

So as you own both, why do you keep the Rocket when the Diavel is so much better overall?

[@putvogel25]

nice video

[@llewvirtue861]

Triumph for me

[@derekgieralt2261]

Ride both ,measure your smile afterwards then you have your answer

[@thelensguy6050]

I would have the xdiavel dot the diavel, but ultimately the ss950s is cheaper and a much better choice and it’s a chick magnet on the larger spectrum while the diavels attracts only some chiks 😅

[@cameronmale83]

X diavel is not very comfortable... I bought the Diavel 1260s instead

[@mikemccormick8115]

Duc no contest. In a word; weight.

[@teacher5376]

Hi.i see .both aree top levels of sport motor bikes .ducati are more values than rocket 3r . Believe me .bmw 1000 rr .too....super mosters on roads .rockets ???? Shooting stars

[@NitinRashuworld]

nice compare. what is the red jacket you are wearing, if that's you on the bike!!

[@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.

[@abilashkumaran7810]

Rocket 3 Red colour

[@oychoppa]

I'm sorry, I owned a Diavel a few years ago. Total piece of crap! Kept stalling on me while coming up to stop signs and red lights. I only owned it for one year, but it was in the shop 3 times and they still couldn't figure out how to stop the stalling issue. Sold it after the third shop visit and never looked back. Ducati's look good, but they're totally unreliable and maintenance is expensive.

[@superdanu]

who cares if you have 221 Nm, if you're 70 kgs heavier?

[@davewilkirson2320]

Because of the torque range. You're not a fighter pilot are you?

[@1990-t1j]

Spec-sheet review.

[@PorscheVlogs]

Say it with me... DEEAVEL. is not dyevel.

[@jonvalentine8109]

haha. in the world.

[@andrewcliffe849]

1700 vmax stomps them both😂

[@davewilkirson2320]

Stomps? Naw...My Max wouldn't stomp my Rocket 3 GT.