I have had just about every Japanese sportbike since the mid-80s, and by the time I could justify the cost of a Ducati, I was past my desire for a hard-core race replica. Rode the streetfighter v4 and found it to be too extreme for street riding, mostly just because it was small, inadequate pillion, and peak power is up past 12K and I have no desire to ride like that on the street anymore.
That being said, the Diavel feels to me like a slightly stretched and lowered Streetfighter, with more comfortable rider and passenger comfort. To address some comments I’ve read on the GT engine being too sedate, I’d like to see the GT and Desmo Dyno curves side by side, because my seat of the pants between the two feels like the Diavel has at least as much power under 11K, and feels like the 90+ fr/lbs comes on lower, giving the impression that it is at least as fast at “street” speeds. Similar sounds, more comfortable ergos, more low-end torque and muscular look (Italian VMax). Handling is a mixed bag. I have loads of 10-15 mph switchbacks close to the house, and the 240 rear requires a firm push and steady throttle get through smoothly, especially with the wife aboard. I wouldn’t even take my wife aboard a Panigale or Streetfighter btw. Once over 30-40, feels plenty sporty and the brakes are crazy strong. No surprise to you guys. Oh, and regarding wind protection, no worries there. I have a tiny fly screen, I think just for looks, but more upright position and a little wind pressure is great for me. No weight on the wrists at speed, and slightly forward for good feel in the turns. I DO wear earplugs since my helmet is fully exposed.
Somewhere I read that the Panigale and Streetfighter is limited in the 1st four gears. Not sure if that’s true, but if it is, then both would have ~150HP at the rear tire until 5th gear, which could be why I’m not noticing a huge difference.
Sorry for the long review, but at least I’m a real rider and not a motorcycle magazine guy