The Ducati Diavel: Another limited edition by Ducati and Diesel

Bike brand Ducati and clothing brand Diesel designed another limited edition bike together.  In 2012 the Ducati Monster Diesel was a collaboration between these 2 companies, and was a limited edition, as was the Fiat 500 by Diesel.

 

Post-apocalyptic, retro-futuristic world

To create the Ducati Diavel Diesel, the two style centres were inspired by a hyperkinetic dynamism of a post-apocalyptic, retro-futuristic world.  Think something like the Mad Max movies…

“The collaboration with Diesel enabled us to explore original stylistic and technical aspects whilst staying within the Ducati brand and fully respecting its values,” said Ducati Motor Holding CEO, Claudio Domenicali.  “In this case we worked with Diesel on an already uniquely original bike like the Diavel and the result was surprising, to put it mildly. The details characterizing the Diavel Diesel cannot fail to captivate connoisseurs of special bikes but also people from different walks of life, such as fashion.  It’s always stimulating for us to move outside the world of motorcycling and widen our brand’s areas of interest”.

“It’s an important bike that reflects the rock side of Diesel’s DNA,” explained Andrea Rosso. “The wording ‘Never look back’ engraved with the two logos, captures the essence of this collaboration: a timeless bike that catches the eye with so many unmistakable details, such as the brushed stainless steel with visible welding and rivets.  Ducati, Diavel and Diesel – 3 words, 6 letters each, forming 666 – the limited number of examples of this new collaboration”.  Each bike is made unique by a plate on the frame showing its progressive build number, e.g. 055/666.

 

Ducati Diavel Diesel features

The Ducati Diavel Diesel is characterized by a hand-brushed stainless steel superstructure with visible welding and rivets.  No smooth welding here – the welding seams are left bulging out, unfinished, for some rough industrial look (or perhaps like Mad Max welded it himself?).  It is unmistakable, but you’re going to have to explain it to onlookers who may think you welded it yourself in your garage or shed.

If you have seen the media images and the front of the bike, the air intakes and tank appear to be in very retro-futuristic copper and bronze. In reality, you’d be disappointed/relieved to find it was only the orange studio lighting (perhaps for that dusty desert sand look) which gave this false impression.

Details like the tank cover, the front cowl, and the passenger saddle-cover are examples of craftsmanship and style.

This special Diavel includes lateral air-intake covers made of red methacrylate, with the red Diesel logo on it.  Red is also the colour of the Brembo front brake callipers, and the chain has 5 red chain links.

The saddle is made of real leather, so it’s not the smooth plain seat you’d normally find, but rather a ribbed, saddle-brown leather seat.

The red LCD dashboard recalls vintage digital displays.

The Ducati Diavel Diesel’s exhaust system is another little work of art, thanks to pipes graced by black Zircotec ceramic coating (matt black finish) and black silencers with billet endcaps. 

The DDD pyramid which appears on the bike is to show the interlink between the 3 Ds:  Ducati, Diavel and Diesel. 

 

Is it Diesel?

Yes, and no.  It is from the design of Diesel clothing, but does not use diesel fuel to power this motorcycle.  

The Diavel Diesel uses the same petrol-fuelled 162hp (119kW) Testastretta DS 1198cc engine.

 

Ducati Diavel Diesel for South Africa

There is still only the 1 official Ducati dealer for South Africa, in Randburg, Johannesburg.

The Diavel Dark and Diavel Carbon models remain, currently priced at R 239 000 and R 279 000, respectively.  This new limited edition bike is available to order in South Africa:  the Diavel Diesel is priced at R 317 000.