Merging 2 worlds to make a long, low, beefy Technocruiser – the Ducati XDiavel

Ducati is expanding its range of bikes by merging the distant worlds of the Ducati Diavel sport bike and the cruiser style bike into one new bike:  the Ducati XDiavel.

Sport and cruiser worlds merged

The cruiser bike world:  low speeds, relaxed riding, long journeys and feet-forward ergonomics.

The Ducati sport bike world:  Italian style (based on the Diavel), refined engineering, high performance, and that distinctive inimitable Ducati twin-cylinder engine sound.

The Ducati XDiavel is a cross-over motorcycle, bring together the abovementioned worlds.  “Low-speed excitement” typical of a cruiser blends with the adrenaline rush of sports riding… a superb combination, without compromise.  2 bikes in 1.

3 numbers sum up the XDiavel concept – 40, 60, 5000

The maximum attainable lean angle is 40 degrees – typical of, and required of, a cruiser bike.  The XDiavel’s frame, suspension, chassis and brakes were set up for sports-style riding… but only when you want to.  The laid-back riding style of a cruiser makes it more comfortable, for when exploring highways at a relaxed pace.  The XDiavel wheelbase has been lengthened to 1615mm.

60 indicates the number of available rider configurations:  4 different footrest positions, 5 different seats, and 3 different handlebars.  The XDiavel buyer can choose which style is preferred to personal taste and comfort.  A more comfortable passenger seat is also available with small backrest (for those long road trips).

Where a Ducati engine (in hallmark intra-cylinder L twin layout) is usually designed for high-rev performance and good torque, the cruiser style prefers lower revs.  The Ducati Diavel 1198cc Testastretta engine produces its peak power of 119kW at 9250 rpm and torque of 130.5 Nm at 8000.  For the XDiavel, the Testastretta engine has been developed into a 1262cc size, and a Desmodromic Variable Timing (DVT) system arranges a fluid torque delivery at lower revs, peaking at a much lower 5000.

Design – long, low, beefy Technocruiser

Where the Ducati Diavel is already beefy, the XDiavel is stretched and drops the seat height to make a long, low, beefy bike.  It also had to be as high-tech as other Ducati – unusual for a cruiser bike.  With XDiavel, the coming-together of the Diavel and cruiser worlds had designers envisage it as a Technocruiser.

The XDiavel has been designed element by element.  The Ducati trellis frame is visible.  The steel teardrop fuel tank ties in with cruiser style, as is the tailpiece.  The full LED headlight has a horse-shoe design LED daytime running light, and the trademark Diavel diagonal-vertical LED taillights.  The exhaust is no longer as a fat twin pipe to the right alongside the rear wheel, but exits between the engine and rear wheel, to one side.  The design elements are said to each have their own appeal, but together form a harmonic whole.

For the first time on a Ducati, the usual chain drive had to be replaced by a design for belt-drive, as required by the cruiser world.

“The dragster coiled within every XDiavel” can be unleashed thanks to Ducati Power Launch.  A Bosch Brembo braking system with cornering ABS system is fitted.  The electronics feature traction control, and riding modes are available:  Urban, Sport and Touring.  Cruise control is standard, and of must-have use on a cruiser.  The same Ducati hands-free ignition (the keyless access system as found on cars) is standard.

2 models offered – XDiavel and XDiavel S

You can have any colour, as long as it is black.  The XDiavel comes in matt black Dark Stealth with matching matt black engine and belt covers, and Mineral Grey subframe and swingarm.  The XDiavel S is painted in gloss black Thrilling Black paint, with matt black stripe and red trim lines.  Even the engine is gloss black, while the belt covers are machined to leave the aluminium in view.

The S model adds a Bluetooth module for the entertainment system, a seat with dual-material lining, and 12-spoke machine-finished wheels and other style items like rear-view mirrors in billet aluminium.

With Ducati SA now operating fully under Porsche SA, the XDiavel will be imported and sold through dedicated Ducati dealers.  Local pricing has not been announced, though as comparison, the Ducati Diavel Dark starts at R 219 000 to R 259 000 for the Diavel Carbon White (or R 349 000 for the Diavel Titanium limited edition).  Ducati XDiavel models would be priced higher than Diavel.