2011 Ducati Diavel vs 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2011 Ducati Diavel 2011 Ducati Diavel

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
119 kW / 162 hp / @ 9500rpm
Top Speed
252.4 km/h / 156.8 mph
Weight
239 kg / 527lbs
2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
256.3 kg / 565 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20112011 - 12
Make ModelDucati DiavelHarley Davidson XL 883N Iron
Dimensions
Seat Height770 mm / 30.3inLaden 653 mm / 25.7 in Unladen 683 mm / 26.9 in.
Wheelbase1590 mm / 62.6 in1519 mm / 59.5 in.
Ground Clearance-120 mm / 4.7 in
Height1192 mm / 46.9 in1107 mm / 43.5 in
Length2235 mm / 87.9 in2179 mm / 85.4 in
Width860 mm / 33.8 in821 mm / 32.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight210 Kg / 463 lbs-
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 4.5 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal12.5 Litres / 3.3 US gal
Oil Capacity-2.6 Litres / 0.69 US gal
Wet Weight239 kg / 527lbs256.3 kg / 565 lbs
Performance
Top Speed252.4 km/h / 156.8 mph-
Max Power119 kW / 162 hp / @ 9500rpm-
Max Torque127.5 Nm / 13.0 kgf-m / 94 lb-ft / @ 8000rpm73 Nm / 7.44 kgf-m / 53.8 ft/lb @ 3750 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile10.7 sec-
Engine
Displacement1198.4 cc / 73.1 cu in883 cc / 50.8cu in/
Engine DetailFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder. Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke106 x 67.9 mm76.2 x 96.8 mm
Compression Ratio11.5:18.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir cooled
ExhaustLightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and two lambda probes. Twin aluminium mufflersChrome, staggered, shorty exhaust with dual mufflers
Fuel Consumption5.2 L/100 km / 19.4 km/l / 45.6 US mpg / 54.8 Imp mpg-
Fuel InductionMitsubishi electronic fuel injection system, Mikuni elliptical throttle bodies with RbWElectronic sequential port fuel injection
IgnitionMarelli electronicDigital CDI
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchLight action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.Multi-plate clutch with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final DriveChain Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 43Belt
Gear Ratios1st 37/15 / 2nd 30/17 / 3rd 27/20 / 4th24/22 / 5th 23/24 / 6th 22/251st 10.407 / 2nd 7.436 / 3rd 5.53 / 4th 4.583 / 5th 3.93
Primary Drive-Chain, 34/57 ratio
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel Trellis frameMild steel, tubular frame, circular sections, cast junctions Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube sections, stamped junctions, MIG welded
Suspension - FrontMarzocchi 50mm fully adjustable USD forks∅39mm Fork
Suspension - RearProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm,Coil-over, dual-adjustable preload
Rake28°31.1°
Steering Angle70°-
Trail-117 mm / 4.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.72 in92 mm / 3.62 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear120 mm / 4.72 in41 mm / 1.6 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationTank mounted instrumentation with TFT colour display: Gear selected, air temp, battery voltage, trips 1 & 2, fuel reserve trip, average and actual fuel consumption and speed, trip time, scheduled maintenance. Full status and/or management of Riding Modes, DTC, RbW and ABS.-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320 mm Semi-floating discs, radially mounted Monobloc Brembo calipers, 4-piston with ABSSingle ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 265 mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper with ABSSingle ∅260mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR 17100/90B19 57H
Tyres - Rear240/45 ZR17130/90-16
Wheels - Front-Black, 13-spoke cast aluminium
Wheels - Rear-Black, 13-spoke cast auminium

Verdict

Winner on specs

2011 Ducati Diavel

The 2011 Ducati Diavel edges out the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron thanks to its liquid cooling, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2011 Ducati Diavel - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More rear wheel travel: 120 mm vs 41 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 120 mm vs 92 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: Laden 653 mm vs 770 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2011 Ducati Diavel vs 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2011 Ducati Diavel and 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron?
The 2011 Ducati Diavel uses Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder., while the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron is powered by Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder..
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2011 Ducati Diavel or the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron?
The 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron has the lower seat at Laden 653 mm, making it more accessible. The 2011 Ducati Diavel sits higher at 770 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2011 Ducati Diavel or the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron?
Both are strong choices. The 2011 Ducati Diavel has the edge in liquid cooling and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.