Ducati XDiavel S

Ducati fired the first salvo of novelties at a pre-EICMA show event held in a theater in downtown Milan, and the ammunition was abundant and mostly of heavy caliber. It was a one-man show, Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali unveiling “his” new creations with the pride of a father. Those emotions were well justified: For the first time in its 89-year history, Ducati delivered in excess of 50,000 motorcycles, a record for the Bologna-based manufacturer. And this is just the beginning of a new phase of expansion. Not that Ducati is diverting from its tradition; it is just expanding into new categories.

That happened before with the Diavel, and it is happening again with the new XDiavel 1262. The X is a leaner, meaner evolution of Ducati’s unique interpretation of the power-cruiser concept. It is powered by a new edition of the tried-and-true Testastretta 11° 1198cc V-twin, enlarged to 1262cc by stroking it from the standard 67.9 to 71.5mm while retaining the 106mm bore. With DVT variable valve timing it is the most flexible Ducati motor, delivering 156 peak horsepower at 9,500 rpm, but with peak torque up to 95 lb.-ft. at a mere 5,000 rpm for super-smooth driveability and instantaneous throttle response. The rich electronics suite also includes launch control to aid in super hard launches. For the first time on a Ducati, final drive is by toothed rubber belt.

This is Ducati's latest product after the Panigale 959. Ducati also makes the super fast 1299 and 1299S, the 'standard' Diavel, the Monster among others.

To underline its cruiser inspiration, the X features forward foot controls, a front end raked-out to 30 degrees, and a fat 240/45-17 Pirelli Diablo II rear radial. As on the Monsters, the engine acts as a stressed member in the short front trellis frame while a new, compact exhaust system is tucked underneath the engine.

Ducati's 2016 XDiavel brings something new to the cruiser market. Built to bring the excitement of a cruiser and the riding capacity of a sport bike together. With an incredible lean angle, a ton of power, and 60 ergonomic fit options, we're waiting to see a part of the new XDiavel we don't like.

Ducati enters the Cruiser domain and does so in its own inimitable way, presenting a true Cruiser with all the design, technology and performance one expects from a Ducati thoroughbred. Called the XDiavel, it brings together two worlds: the Cruiser world - low speeds, relaxed riding, long journeys and feet forward ergonomics - and the Ducati world, characterised by Italian style, refined engineering and unparalleled performance.

If the 1199 Superleggera was Ducati tearing down racetracks, this is Ducati munching on the miles on a relaxed ride. 

The XDiavel ensures the “low speed excitement” typical of a Cruiser and the adrenaline rush of sports riding that Ducati has made its own. That's what the X in XDiavel stands for: the merging of two apparently separate, distant worlds on one bike, a superb combination where both are accomplished without compromise.

5,000, 60, 40. Three numbers that sum up the XDiavel concept.

5,000 as in the rpm at which the twin-cylinder engine achieves maximum torque (13.1 kgm). Extremely low revs for a Ducati engine but perfect for a Cruiser. Moreover, at 2,100 rpm the XDiavel power unit already ensures a torque of over 10 kgm, with an extremely flat curve all the way to the rev-limiter. Yet the engine remains a Ducati engine through and through, with a maximum power of 156 hp and thrilling performance across the rev range.

To obtain that performance Ducati engineers pushed the Testastretta engine through its ultimate development phase to create the Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262. Increased engine displacement, together with the DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) system, results in delivery of full yet fluid torque at low revs, but ensures sports bike performance when the throttle is twisted wide open. Moreover, the design work on the Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262 has been meticulous: for example, relocation of the water pump inside the intra-cylinder V means the cooling system pipes are no longer visible on the left.

60, as in the number of different ergonomic configurations for the rider. The XDiavel provides vast scope for personalisation thanks to 4 different footrest positions, 5 different seats and three different handlebars. It's also possible to fit a comfier passenger seat, even with a small backrest. All this, then, because comfortable riding means full “low speed excitement”.

Lastly, 40, as in the maximum attainable lean angle. The XDiavel is a Ducati and as such ensures dynamic performance and the thrill of a sports bike, but only when you really want to push it to the limit. Frame, suspension, brakes and the chassis set-up have been designed to maximise sports-style riding fun, but without compromising on the comfort and easy handling that are essential when exploring the highways at a more relaxed pace.

The XDiavel is the first Ducati to use belt-type final transmission. A must within the Cruiser world, this system has been developed for the XDiavel by Ducati engineers to ensure reliable, secure transmission of the power provided by the Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262. Belt drive offers the advantages of more silent running, cleanliness, reduced maintenance and the fluid throttle response one wants from a Cruiser.