Dauntless, irreverent, unheard of, the new 2017 Ducati XDiavel breaches the world of cruisers with Ducati values, merging concepts that apparently stand worlds apart. Travelling and relaxing to the comfort of forward controls combines with the performance and handling of a real Ducati. The new Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262 engine reconciles the two different personalities of the XDiavel, ensuring superbike muscle and a flat torque curve from the low rev range upwards.
This is X
XDiavel represents the merger of two worlds: that of the cruiser for long, low speed relaxing journeys, and that of the Ducati, characterised by Italian style, technical sophistication and very high performance. The X of XDiavel is just that: the crossover between apparently differing and distant worlds, united in a single bike, a synthesis where both are fully realised without any compromises.
Ducati XDiavel: Low speed excitement
Ducati is joining the cruiser world, doing so in its own particular way, by presenting a real cruiser but with the design, technological content and performance typical of the bikes of Borgo Panigale. XDiavel is “low speed excitement”, where a relaxed low speed is typical of the cruiser world, while the excitement and adrenaline of sports riding are the very values of Ducati.
Bloomberg Pursuits had a good article about the new Ducati XDiavel recently.
XDiavel Design
Long, low, muscular, with modern shapes and technologically advanced systems. But above all sexy. A bike designed with the cruiser world in mind but also with Ducati DNA, steering the cruiser concept into modern times, and the future, a real “Technocruiser”.
Extreme in its proportions, XDiavel has been deliberately designed “element by element”. The frame, which is short and modern, is immediately recognisable as the classic Ducati trellis frame. The steel fuel tank recalls the cruiser world but retains the DNA of the Monster and Diavel. The front light, a very modern reinterpretation of the classic light of the naked Ducati, is now enhanced with the Daytime Running Light, making the bike instantly recognisable. And it is the same for the tail, silencer and seat: all elements which, if looked at individually, exist in their own right but which, at the same time, represent an extremely harmonious and balanced collection. Like many soloists coming together to create a great orchestra.
Its place in the cruiser world is clear in its proportions, shapes and details. This world, seen through a Ducati lens.
Testastretta DVT 1262
The twin-cylinder Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262 is a completely new and Euro 4 approved engine which uses the Desmodromic Variable Timing system. The increase in engine capacity compared to the Testastretta 1200, together with the use of the Desmodromic Variable Timing system, has enabled supply of incredibly full and at the same time fluid torque at low running speeds, while also guaranteeing sports performance when the throttle is fully opened. In addition, the Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262 has a particularly detailed design which, thanks to the repositioning of the water pump inside the V of the cylinders, does away with the cooling system pipes on the left side.
Ride-by-Wire
The Ride-by-Wire (RbW) system is an electronic interface between the engine and the Diavel’s fuel grip, which allows the ideal power level to be configured depending on the Riding Mode selected.
The power supplied by the engine is no longer regulated solely and directly by the accelerator cable, but passes through the control unit which, on the basis of the signal received, electronically regulation the opening of the throttle.
The RbW system uses three different mappings to regulate the supply of power:
156 hp in Sport Riding Mode
156 hp in Touring Riding Mode
100 hp in Urban Riding Mode
Exhaust system
The exhaust of the XDiavel is a 2 in 1 with a chamber body and two terminals. The exhaust pipes have been designed to leave the engine visible and also the central body has been positioned in front of the rear wheel so as to be almost invisible.
Torque and power
At 5000 rpm the twin-cylinder engine of the XDiavel reaches maximum torque, equal to 13.1 kgm. An extremely low regime for a Borgo Panigale bike but perfect for cruising. In addition, already from 2100 rpm, the XDiavel engine guarantees torque of over 10 kgm with an extremely flat curve up to the limiter. The engine, however, remains a real Ducati engine with a maximum power of 156 hp and exciting performance at all running speeds.
Ducati Power Launch (DPL)
The “Dragster” spirit of the XDiavel can be fully expressed thanks to the Ducati Power Launch (DPL). This system can guarantee fast and safe starts thanks to the Bosch IMU which regulates the gas and the intervention of the DTC on the basis of the setting chosen. The DPL has 3 intervention modes where level 1 is the one which provides maximum performance.
The DPL is operated by pressing the dedicated button positioned on the right-hand switch. Once activated it is possible to select the intervention level through the menu which opens up on the dashboard. Once the level is selected, the rider must use the clutch, put it in first gear and completely open the gas. At this point, simply by gradually releasing the clutch, it is possible to make an explosive start.
The system automatically switches off on exceeding 120 km/h, or when third gear is engaged, or when speed drops to under 5 km/h. In order to protect the clutch, the system uses an algorithm which enables only a limited number of consecutive starts. The starts are recalculated one by one during normal use of the bike.
Long maintenance intervals
The constant investment in quality guaranteed by the design, advanced materials and engineering has made it possible to modify the maintenance schedule in a very competitive way, bringing routine maintenance intervals to 15,000 km or one year and valve regulation to 30,000 km, to the great benefit of customers. This is made possible thanks to the use of particular materials for the valve housings, an improvement in the efficiency of the fuel combustion and by limiting the operating temperatures of the Testastretta DVT engine. In addition, the innovative DVT system does not complicate the valve regulation work.
Belt transmission
The XDiavel is the first Ducati to use belt final drive. A must in the cruiser world, the system was developed for the XDiavel by Ducati engineers so as to be able to guarantee reliable and safe transmission of the power supplied by the Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262.
The advantages of the belt are the low noise level, cleaning, reduced maintenance and fluid response to opening the gas, as befits a real cruiser.
Maximum 40° lean
The XDiavel can guarantee, thanks to a maximum 40° lean angle, dynamic performance and emotions worthy of a true Ducati, but only when you want to push it to the limit. The frame, suspension, brakes and ride parameters have been designed to offer as much fun as possible, without compromising on comfort and ease of riding, essential when riding at a relaxed low speed.
Tubular/moulded single arm front fork
The single-sided swing-arm is a masterpiece of engineering and design.
The lower part of the swing-arm is moulded, while the upper part is in a tubular trellis frame with a forged and removable section which enables the transmission belt to be removed.
The swing-arm on the S version is enhanced with a specific surface treatment: naturally anodised and brushed.
60 ergonomic configurations
There are sixty different possible ergonomic configurations for the rider. XDiavel can be tailored like a bespoke suit thanks to the four positions of the footpegs, five different seats and three handlebars.
The envisaged configurations are detailed as follows:
4 positions for the rider’s footpegs – Standard footpegs, forward-positioned, adjustable in three positions (+22.5/0/-22.5 mm) + central position footpeg kit (accessory)
3 handlebars – Standard handlebar + forward handlebar (+25 mm) (accessory) + Back handlebar (-25 mm) (accessory)
5 seats – Standard seat (with bi-material covering on the S version) + High seat (+20 mm) + Low seat (-10 mm) + Comfort seat (wider and more comfortable) + Premium seat (with leather covering and exclusive design).
Finally, to offer more comfort to the passenger, besides the standard seat, a kit can be supplied consisting of a comfort passenger seat (longer and wider than the standard seat) and rear backrest.
Bosch Brembo braking system
The XDiavel is equipped, as standard, with the Brembo braking system with Bosch 9.1ME ABS Cornering as an integral part of the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP). ABS Cornering makes use of the IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) platform by Bosch to optimise the braking power of the front and back wheels, also in critical situations and when cornering. The system, implemented within the Riding Mode, can provide performance to suit all conditions and riding styles.
Forward footpegs
When the designers and engineers started to work on the XDiavel, they started from a basic concept: a relaxed riding position, like a real cruiser, with a low seat and forward footpegs. But that was not all: the ergonomics had to be modular, so as to allow the rider to meld into the bike, like a tailored suit. That is why the footpegs of the XDiavel can be adjusted as standard in three positions (+/- 22.5 mm compared to the standard position). In addition, for anyone favouring a more sports riding position, a Ducati Performance “central footpegs” kit will be available, sold as an optional extra.
Trellis frame
Elegant in its proportions, the XDiavel has been deliberately designed “element by element”. One of these is the frame which is immediately recognisable as the classic Ducati trellis frame. The frame of the XDiavel is a steel tube frame which integrates the Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262 as a stressed element of the chassis. The frame is attached to the engine at the level of the two cylinders heads, as is the rear subframe in shell casting aluminium alloy.
Adjustable suspension
The XDiavel has a 50 mm diameter front fork with black anodised sheaths, which can be completely adjusted in the hydraulic braking in compression and extension and in the spring preload (the S version also has stems with DLC coating). The fork has the compression register and spring preload on the left stem, while the extension register is located on the right stem. With a steering inclination of 30° and a 130 mm trail, the set-up of the XDiavel enables an agile and controllable front end, thus guaranteeing exceptional handling and a notable steering angle. On the other hand, at the rear the XDiavel has an adjustable mono-shock in the spring preload and in extension, equipped with a separate fuel tank. Mounted almost horizontally, the shock absorber works together with progressive kinematics.
Stainless steel fuel tank
The steel tank is strongly reminiscent of the cruiser world but also encorporates all the DNA of the Monster and Diavel. In the XDiavel it has a Dark Stealth colour, while in the S version it is painted in Thrilling Black with a matt black band and red thread to maximise the values of elegance and sportiness.
Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
DTC is a very smart system which acts as a “filter” between the rider’s right hand and the rear wheel. In just a few milliseconds, DTC can record and subsequently control the spinning of the rear wheel, contributing to increasing the performance and active safety of the bike.
The system offers eight different levels, each programmed to provide a certain tolerance level for rear end sliding, and thus suitable for the progressive riding skill levels. Level one is designed to offer less interaction and is destined for more expert riders, in good riding conditions, while level eight involves greater interaction and has been developed to offer complete confidence to all riders, also in wet and slippery conditions. The DTC levels are preset as standard in each of the three Riding Modes, but can be selected individually by accessing an intuitive menu, in order to best meet the rider’s needs.
Hands-free start-up
Turning on the XDiavel is governed by an electronic key which can be carried in your pocket. The key communicates with the bike up to a distance of around 2 metres. The bike recognises the specific key and automatically turns on the commands. At this point it is possible to press the key-on button to turn on the control board and start the engine.
The electronic key consists of an electronic circuit and a mechanical “flip” key needed to open the seat and fuel tank cap. An electric actuator is also included for the steering lock.
Tyres and wheels
The XDiavel has 14-spoke wheels. At the front the wheel is 3.5″ x 17”, while at the back it is 8″ x 17”. XDiavel S, on the other hand, has exclusive curved 12-spoke wheels with visible finishings which highlight the design.
On the front wheel is a traditional 120/70 ZR17 tyre with a redesigned tread to maximise performance in the wet, while the rear wheel is 240/45 ZR17. The covers are Pirelli Diablo Rosso II.
The large rear tyre uses double compound technology to increase grip during the most extreme cornering, guaranteeing at the same time high kilometric performance and applying Enhanced Patch Technology to maximise the contact area with any lean angle. The tread design and the compounds used guarantee exceptional performance in all conditions, especially in the wet.
Bosch ABS Cornering
The XDiavel is equipped with the most recent and compact ABS Bosch system, which makes an essential contribution to controlling performance. The high quality Brembo components combined with Bosch ABS, the specific suspension set-up and Pirelli Enhanced Patch Technology guarantee excellent braking performance for the XDiavel as well as utmost safety in all conditions and for riders of any level.
The system can act in a more or less sensitive way and the intervention level can be chosen by the rider based on their experience and road and/or use conditions. There are three ABS profiles available (Expert, Sport and Safe & Stable) and they are preset as standard in each of the three Riding Modes, but can be called up individually by accessing a user-friendly menu.
Riding Mode
The XDiavel integrates the latest innovations in Ducati technology, such as Riding Modes. The three preset modes, which can be selected during riding, are programmed to instantly modify the “character” of the XDiavel. The three Riding Modes work by combining different cutting-edge technologies, such as Ride-by-Wire (RbW), Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and ABS Cornering Bosch systems.
Riding in town means moving attention from control of the accelerator to the surrounding environment: the Urban mode, therefore, instantly changes the character of the XDiavel, transforming it into an easy to handle form of transport which feels safe. The power supplied is reduced to 100 hp, the DTC is set at level 6 and the ABS profile is set to Safe & Stable, in order to always move in complete safety, even on uneven surfaces and in heavier traffic.
The Touring Riding Mode enables the engine to supply all its 156 hp but with a soft and easy to handle power curve. The DTC is set to level 4 and the ABS on Safe & Stable, for pleasant and relaxed riding, ideal for maximum comfort for the rider and passenger on long journeys.
The Sport Riding Mode offers pure fun, with the engine releasing 156 hp through a precise, expert touch of the accelerator. To experience the performance of the XDiavel without any compromise, Sport Mode reduces the DTC to level 2 and sets the ABS to Sport mode.
Electronic components
The Ducati XDiavel uses Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit technology which, by dynamically measuring the angles of roll, yaw and pitch as well as the speed of the related changes in set-up, allows performance and safety standards to be increased. The IMU enables the Riding Modes (Sport, Touring and Urban) to provide three distinct spirits to the bike. Every Riding Mode has different settings for engine supply, maximum power, Ducati Traction Control and ABS Cornering. In addition, each electronic control system can be modified separately in terms of its intervention and, thanks to the Default function, it is possible to reset all, or some, of the values to the standard setting.
Dashboard
The dashboard of the XDiavel consists of a TFT screen with a separate warning light panel, positioned above the handlebar. The dashboard has four different viewing modes. The Default mode shows the minimum essential information with a very polished design, a brand new look for a Ducati dashboard. The other three modes are the classic viewing modes of Track, Full and City, connected to the three Riding Modes.
The XDiavel has electric locks which are backlit in red. When stationery, a “settings” menu can be accessed via the left-hand lock on the handlebar on which the various functions, including DTC, DPL and ABS Cornering, can be activated and managed. In addition, the Cruise Control has dedicated buttons to switch on and manage the set speed. Whether stationery or on the move, you can change the Riding Mode, choosing between Sport, Touring and Urban.