The new Ducati XDiavel - The Anti-Ducati

Ducati is one of the last names that springs to mind when you think of cruisers for the wide open road. One doesn’t associate Ducati with low-speed riding and you’ll almost never hear the two terms uttered in the same sentence, unless complemented with the term ‘never’.

So it comes as a bit of a surprise when Ducati launched the a new model with the catchphrase “Low Speed Excitement”. This was indeed the launch of Ducatis new cruiser, the XDiavel. Their first foray into the world of cruisers since the Apollo of the 1960s, the XDiavel carries with it a host of modern technological advances in a package that is comfortable to ride and tuned for cruising.

Mechanical

Powered by the 1262 Ducati Testastretta DVT twin, the XDiavel produces 116kW (156hp) at 9500rpm with torque peaking at 128Nm at a very low and palatable 5000rpm. Drive is through a 6-speed gearbox with a wet-plate slipper clutch and employs the same gear sensor that was first seen in the 1299 Panigale.

In a first for Ducati (and this may get the purists scoffing), final drive is via a belt to the 17-inch rear wheel with a drive ratio of 28/80, a 15/43 equivalent. This was done with comfort, noise reduction and low maintenance in mind.

A set of adjustable 50mm Marzocchi forks hang from the headstock with a rake of 30-deg and an offset of 130mm, allowing a generous amount of steering lock for low speed maneuverability. At the rear, a Sachs monoshock with adjustable spring pre-load and damper rebound works in conjunction with a progressive rear linkage.

Electronics

The implementation of the Bosch fuel injection and IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) allows for Ducati to include a host of rider aids to improve the appeal and safety of the XDiavel. There are three riding modes to choose from, allowing the rider to tailor engine and throttle response to the riding conditions and personal desire.

Each mode comes with adjustable settings for the Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and Cornering ABS. Ducati Power Launch (DPL) is also bundled with the electronic rider aides as is electronic cruise control and hands-free ignition that senses the key within 2-meters of proximity

Aesthetics

The XDiavel is a striking form. It is long and low, edgy yet fluid in appearance. There is unmistakable Ducati DNA in the form yet it is undeniably cruiser in its execution.

It employs a stressed tubular Trellis frame that connects to the cylinder heads, along with the cast subframe. The exhaust system is a 2-in-1 system that was deliberately directed around the engine casing, allowing for an unobstructed view of the engine.

With the engine in full view, Ducati had to do something about the unsightly water pump. Together with the Style Center, they redesigned the cooling system, placing the water pump in the L formed by the two cylinders. This leaves the engine in full view. The new unit is now driven by an auxiliary belt that runs off of one of the timing belt pulleys. It is also now more efficient than before, providing improved performance and cooling.

The front end is characterized by the LED headlight (and LED DRL on the XDiavel S). This unit features automatic control to switch between day and night modes automatically, however this can be overridden should the rider wish.

The XDiavel and XDiavel S both come with 24-month warranties and service intervals of 15 000km.

XDiavel	R 243,900
XDiavel S	R 279,900