It’s growing on me!

5636977E-9B68-487B-B665-F952487040BB.jpeg
DE6BE9E0-2FE6-427C-89C4-3C0637C59371.jpeg
So I came from the XDiavel (and Diavel before the XD) to the R3. The XD is an amazing bike for sure. But it’s not actually that similar to the R3. I think it’s just about the closest thing people can find when reaching for something, anything, to compare the R3 to. So yes, the back end does look similar - but that’s like complaining your new girlfriend looks too much like Jennifer Lawrence - I mean come on, these things are sensational.
The Ducati is firmer sprung - bridge expansion joints could knock the air out of your body, and it’s a killer for your back. The R3 manages to be a bit more compliant, but somehow not give anything away in the handling. It feels more planted than the XD. It doesn’t turn in quite as quickly but I think that’s down to the huge 150 front tyre. Also if you get in the turn a little hot, you have to counter steer a bit harder to lay it over further - it’s no big deal though.
The R3 brakes are a step up, and the back brake is way better in particular.
I guess the new bikes won’t appeal to some of the existing RIII owners, in the same way that the RIII didn’t appeal to me.
Surprisingly the XD felt better 2 up, which I would not have expected - maybe I’ll get used to it.
The engines are very different. The 1262 XD is less refined, and more brutal. It kicks on at 6k and screams up to 9k. The R3 is a ton more refined. Clearly it has more torque. The power is similar, and I can’t really tell the difference with the weight. I much prefer the peg position of the R3, and if there had been no R3 I would have gone back to the Diavel instead of XD. I don’t think feet forward suits these monster power cruisers - I never got on with it on the XD and I’m not sorry to see the back of it one bit. The electronics are similar on both - keyless ignition, cruise, traction control, anti-wheelie.

I read a lot of negative comments in this thread from existing owners, and honestly I’m not surprised. I’d never considered the old RIII, but I instantly lover the new R3, so I guess if you loved the old one....
They had a mint RIII sat next to the demo R3R in the showroom. The new bike, whilst still huge, is a lot smaller than the old bike. In fact it’s hard to believe it’s only 80lbs lighter - you’d guess the difference was double that in the flesh. Anyway, thanks to the enthusiasts who bought and loved the original, I now get to own this stunning TFC, so big respect to all of you. I’ll post more findings and experiences as I get them, but that’s more than enough for now :)
 
Like the pix comparo!
What jumped out at me was the appropriate sized rear and front wheels on the Duke!
The rear size on the R3 is stupid!!!
 
The Diavel 1260 curb weight is 538 lbs (with fuel). That’s a lot less than the new R3 and not much more than my T120.
 
Like the pix comparo!
What jumped out at me was the appropriate sized rear and front wheels on the Duke!
The rear size on the R3 is stupid!!!
Rear:Front

Rocket: 240/50 17: 150/80 17

Diavel: 1260 240/45 17: 120/70 17
 
5636977E-9B68-487B-B665-F952487040BB.jpeg
DE6BE9E0-2FE6-427C-89C4-3C0637C59371.jpeg
So I came from the XDiavel (and Diavel before the XD) to the R3. The XD is an amazing bike for sure. But it’s not actually that similar to the R3. I think it’s just about the closest thing people can find when reaching for something, anything, to compare the R3 to. So yes, the back end does look similar - but that’s like complaining your new girlfriend looks too much like Jennifer Lawrence - I mean come on, these things are sensational.
The Ducati is firmer sprung - bridge expansion joints could knock the air out of your body, and it’s a killer for your back. The R3 manages to be a bit more compliant, but somehow not give anything away in the handling. It feels more planted than the XD. It doesn’t turn in quite as quickly but I think that’s down to the huge 150 front tyre. Also if you get in the turn a little hot, you have to counter steer a bit harder to lay it over further - it’s no big deal though.
The R3 brakes are a step up, and the back brake is way better in particular.
I guess the new bikes won’t appeal to some of the existing RIII owners, in the same way that the RIII didn’t appeal to me.
Surprisingly the XD felt better 2 up, which I would not have expected - maybe I’ll get used to it.
The engines are very different. The 1262 XD is less refined, and more brutal. It kicks on at 6k and screams up to 9k. The R3 is a ton more refined. Clearly it has more torque. The power is similar, and I can’t really tell the difference with the weight. I much prefer the peg position of the R3, and if there had been no R3 I would have gone back to the Diavel instead of XD. I don’t think feet forward suits these monster power cruisers - I never got on with it on the XD and I’m not sorry to see the back of it one bit. The electronics are similar on both - keyless ignition, cruise, traction control, anti-wheelie.

I read a lot of negative comments in this thread from existing owners, and honestly I’m not surprised. I’d never considered the old RIII, but I instantly lover the new R3, so I guess if you loved the old one....
They had a mint RIII sat next to the demo R3R in the showroom. The new bike, whilst still huge, is a lot smaller than the old bike. In fact it’s hard to believe it’s only 80lbs lighter - you’d guess the difference was double that in the flesh. Anyway, thanks to the enthusiasts who bought and loved the original, I now get to own this stunning TFC, so big respect to all of you. I’ll post more findings and experiences as I get them, but that’s more than enough for now :)
I’ve been waiting for this comparison review, thanks.
 
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