18th October 2016

The Ducati XDiavel is Ducati moving away from its comfort zone of naked monsters and V-twin sport bikes. The Ducati XDiavel has been incredibly successful for Ducati since its predecessor was launched in 2011. The Ducati XDiavel isn’t a cruiser in the conventional sense but it is performance-heavy and feels unlike any other cruiser that you have ever ridden before. The bike comes in two separate versions: the standard model and the S model with the latter being the premium model.

Engine and power output

This stylish beast boasts a 1262cc V-twin engine with a 156BHP power output. The engine differs from that of its predecessors, the Multistrada 1200 and the Diavel, and it has a higher compression ratio when compared to its predecessors. The bike experiences peak torque output between 3,500 and 5,500rpm and it gives you the classic Ducati superbike feel at this level. The bike is designed to excel at the lower-rev end, but the rider is ideally meant to cruise at higher rpms. At higher rpms, the bike gives you a cruiser experience and at lower rpms, it feels like a traditional Ducati speedster.

Design and handling

The bike has a four-valve design instead of a two-valve design because Ducati wanted to provide as much horsepower as it could to dwarf the horsepower output of the XDiavel’s competitors. When you ride the XDiavel, it feels nothing like a regular cruiser thanks to its power output, braking, and handling. The bike also curves really easily and provides an excellent lean angle. However, the bike’s low seat bridges the gap between cruiser and sport bike.

The two front discs on the bike underlie the bike’s excellent braking power. Brembo never disappoints when it comes to braking. The bike’s S model shares its braking callipers with that of the flagship Panigale so you know how good they can be. The standard model features powerful, radial M4 32 monobloc callipers that might not be the same quality as the S model but it is still terribly strong. Both the models have a 265mm disc at the rear that is a part of a two-piston Brembo calliper.

Build

Ducati has really gone all out when it comes to build quality, justifying the bike’s tag as a premium model. People don’t really think about money conservation when buying a Ducati so this isn’t really an issue. The motorbike’s premium alum finish stands out in the crowd.

The monstrous 240-inch rear tyre is a big part of the bike’s appeal, allowing it to bridge the gap between cruiser and sport bike. The bike’s 14-spoke wheels complement the tyres nicely, while the S model has shiny 12-spoke alloy rims. Both versions of the bike utilize Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres.

The Ducati XDiavel is one of the costliest and the best bikes that you will ride this year. Ducati is banking heavily on the bike’s uniqueness and judging by the popularity of its predecessors, the bike is probably going to be a smashing success.