Triumph Rocket III R vs Ducati Diavel 1260 S | Drag Race

We're back on the runway for some straightline fun. This time we've got a couple of heavyweights, the Triumph Rocket III R and the Ducati Diavel 1260 S. We want to find out which one will get you to your cruising destination quickest, as long as it's straight down a runway! 😂

[leehendrickson]

The Rocket from the factory will only give you approximately 60% throttle when you are wide open throttle! The ecu also restricts throttle positions throughout the rev range. Fortunately, we are now able to access the ecu and remove the throttle restrictions which moves our engine hp from 165 to around 200. The thing is so powerful, it spins the tire on hard accelerations and gear changes. It becomes scary quick, thus the phrase "awakening the sleeping giant"!

[averagebiker]

Great to see you doing CarWow but for bikes - DEFINITELY want more of these! Plus 0-60, 1/4 mile times and brake tests please 😀

[shashimenon]

I think the extra 60kg holds back the Rocket. That Diavel is too cool.

[shaneelson]

More of these brotherly ride offs thanks 😁.

[chrisrobinson]

I have a 22 plate rocket 3R and it puts a smile on my face every time I ride it. Loved the head to head test guys great video. 😎😎😎

[Banditmanuk]

Take note Visordown, this is how to do a proper head to head test. I would still take the Triumph, looks so much nicer.
Think we need to see more Northover bros testing on the channel 👍👍

[DucatiDiaries]

Ducati Diavel 1260 S owner here. And I want to add a Triumph Rocket III to my garage! (especially that all black GT one). Great show. I'm glad you did the roll on tests. Makes me want a Rocket even more now.

[someguyontheinternet]

The diavel might actually be quicker when riden hard, but on a road when you just get that urge to wack the throttle for a moment the rocket is going to feel more satisfying. That instant torque is addicting in quick hits.

[TheRausing]

This guy is the only reviewer I trust for proper launches. Great rider.

[CaptainJacksIsland]

Having sat on both, the Diavel felt better to me as a 5'8" rider because I could flat-foot it comfortably. I had to reach a bit on the Triumph. You can also feel that weight different when tilting the bikes.

[wavshrdr]

Interesting matchup. I had an original Diavel, a 2014 Rocket III, 1260 Diavel with a quickshifter, 2022 Rocket 3 R, and a lot more bikes with 12 still in the garage. In pure acceleration stock, I agree with the results here but only the roll on race really helps tell the story. A quick shifter on the R3 would help it a fair amount. What I love about the Rocket is the incredible grunt it has regardless of RPM. To actually have the Diavel pull on the R3, the revs have to be pretty high.

The R3 is so much smoother than the Diavel. The motor always feels like it is loafing along. I rode an R3 with just a tune, and it was amazing how much quicker it was. Supposedly an easy 25HP gain at the wheel and it felt like it. It revved out higher and it apparently you actually got full throttle in all gears. For less than a grand, you can transform the R3 and it was easily quicker than my XDiavel.

The are both fun bikes but I'll keep the Rocket over the Diavel. I like it better for 95% of the riding I do. Running costs are far lower. None of the horrendous Ducati maintenance costs. It doesn't car what gear you are in. Add a passenger, it doesn't really seem to care. It impacts the performance far less, which is also true if you are a bigger rider as well. The R3 that came out in 2020 is so much better than the previous one that I'd never consider the earlier models but appreciate what they started. I did keep a 1260 Multi for whenever I have an itch to ride a fast v-twin.

[morri]

Diavel is a surprisingly capable bike on the road but neither of them are my cup of tea. Not surprised the Diavel is comfortably faster

[kiakaspian]

FYI, the Triumph has a torque limiter in 1st - 3rd gear and a horsepower limiter in 5th and 6th built into the ECU out of the factory. This needs to be bypassed with a Power Commander and ECU flash to get the Rocket 3 to actually ride to spec.

I'd be interested in seeing this re-done after an ECU flash.

[Mtthwpez]

The Diavel is lighter, doesn't have a shaft drive and has an engine that loves to rev to high rpm's, so not that surprising it mostly won!

[luisgordillo]

I love my rocket, the feel of it and the layout is beautiful.

[shadowbroker]

Both are amazing bikes. Pretty different in the engineering department and how they feel in person. Can't go wrong with both

[DG-igwj]

Wow the Ducati’s mirrors fold in automatically when you launch!

[barryholden]

Something different : How many years would you need to go back with a "showroom superbike" of today and win a BSB race ? My guess is around 10 years ago :) Good video's, thanks for sharing.

[bikerdude]

The Ducati is an ugly fast power cruiser. The Rocket is pure art!

[nathanwarrick]

That was great, looked like a load of fun, both bikes. Be interesting to see if short shifting the R3 like you do a hot Harley when drag racing made much difference. Every time you hit the limiter you lose off your ET, and I could hear a fair bit of that going on. Short Shift may be the key!