Ducati XDiavel S, balance and power [ROAD TEST VIDEO]

Ducati XDiavel WILL – Before telling you about our experience on the Ducati XDiavel, a premise: the XDiavel is not the new Diavel, but rather it is another Diavel, a completely different motorbike. XDiavel represents the union of two worlds: the cruiser one, made up of long journeys at low speed and relaxing riding, with the Ducati one, characterized by Italian style, technical refinement and very high level performance.

Design and innovation

The new XDiavel finds, in the S version, the maximum expression of the values ​​of craftsmanship, attention to detail and attention to every detail. At the beginning of the XDiavel project, the Ducati Design Center was asked to design a motorcycle that was theevolution of the Diavel concept within the cruiser world: low, long, with advanced footrests and belt transmission.

At the same time, however, the bike should have been unmistakably a Ducati. Thecrossroads between apparently different and distant worlds, united in a single motorcycle, a synthesis where both are realized in a complete manner, without compromise.

A complex request, difficult to satisfy but also stimulating for the Borgo Panigale Style Center. The result is a precious object, from unique and unmistakable design, with high-level contents, as well as fine materials that give a distinctive touch to this fantastic cruiser from the Bolognese company. The peculiarity of this motorbike, which we notice as soon as we get on the saddle, are the footrests, "one meter" further forward than a super sports bike. like the Panigale, but correctly in place for this type of bike. The S versionFurthermore, it is supplied as standard with the system DRL (Daytime Running Light) for the front headlight, with an extremely distinctive and unmistakable light profile. Furthermore i dedicated circles, with black spokes, which reveal the aluminum in the machined areas, are fitted with rubber Pirelli Diablo Rosso, 120/70 ZR17 for the front and for the rear a huge 240/45 ZR17. The front fork is embellished with DLC coating on the legs and the Brembo M50 monobloc calipers for the front brake.

To complete the exclusive equipment of the XDiavel S, the rear-view mirrors machined from solid, the frame plates and the forged footrest plates and filming with machine work, the saddle with bi-material covering, anodized swingarm natural and brushed and the form Bluetooth for the infotainment system.

The absolute protagonist engine of the scene

The entire engine, the well-known and praised twin-cylinder Narrow head, is characterized by an extremely refined design which, thanks to the repositioning the water pump inside the V of the cylinders, it no longer has the tubes on the left side of the cooling system. The Ducati DVT 1262 it is a completely new and approved engine Euro 4, takes up the glossy black color and, in particular, the belt cover plates are in contrast with the aluminum color of the visible mechanical work. The engine increases in displacement compared to the Testastretta 1200, which, together with the use of DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) system, allowed to obtain incredibly full torque delivery at low end speeds and at the same time fluid, guaranteeing sports performance when the throttle is fully opened.

5.000, 60, 40: they are not the measurements of an ideal woman but they are three numbers that summarize the concept of XDiavel. 5.000 is the number of revolutions at which the engine delivers maximum torque, 60 are the ergonomic configurations for the rider, 40 degrees are the maximum lean angle.

5.000 The number of rpm at which the new Ducati Testastretta DV T 1262 reaches maximum torque value, equal to 129 Nm (3.000 less than the Diavel, with substantially identical maximum values). A decidedly low rpm for a twin-cylinder from Borgo Panigale, but perfect for relaxed riding like a true cruiser. Furthermore, already from 2.100 rpm, the XDiavel engine guarantees a torque of more than 100 Nm and an extremely flat curve up to the limiter.

40% is to rely onmaximum lean angle, a value that was unthinkable until now for a motorcycle with forward footrests, guarantees ease and dynamic performance and strong emotions, together with the ease and comfort of a true cruiser. Whether they are long straight roads or winding routes, as in our road test in the hairpin bends above Lecco towards the Ghisallo pass, the XDiavel is always able to give maximum driving pleasure.

Maximum power is 156 horsepower at 9.500 rpm/minute for exciting performance at all speeds, guaranteeing excellent regularity at low speeds, which allows smooth running even at low speeds.
The final belt drive, is a system developed by Ducati engineers and guarantees the transmission of the power supplied by the Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262 in a reliable and safe manner. The advantages of the belt they are silence, cleanliness, reduced maintenance and smooth response at the throttle openings, as befits a real cruiser.

The frame, connected to the engine at the heads of the two cylinders, results short and modern and is clearly recognizable as the classic Ducati trellis, as well as the shell-cast aluminum rear subframe. The teardrop-shaped tank is a strong reference to the cruiser world, ma retains the DNA of Monster and Diavel. The electronic components that the XDiavel S uses, i.e. the technology, also deserve a separate chapter IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) inertial platform Bosch which, by dynamically measuring the roll, yaw and pitch angles, as well as the speed of the relative attitude variations, allows us to raise the standards of performance and safety. The braking system fell on the now famous Bergamo company Brembo, with a device ABS Cornering Bosch 9.1ME, an integral part of Ducati Safety Pack (DSP). Cornering ABS uses the inertial platform to optimally dose the braking power of the front and rear wheels, even in critical situations and with the bike in lean.

However, it is surprising to note the beautiful single-sided swingarm, a masterpiece of engineering and design. The lower part of the swingarm is cast, the upper part is made of tubular lattice with a forged and removable part, to allow the extraction of the transmission belt. The swingarm of the S version is embellished with a special surface finishing treatment: natural anodized and brushed. The three preset modes (Urban, Touring and Sport), which can also be selected while riding, are programmed to instantly change the character of the motorbike. The IMU allows the Riding Modes to give three very distinct souls to the bike. Each Riding Mode has different settings for engine output, maximum power, Ducati Traction Control and ABS Cornering. Furthermore, each electronic control system can be modified separately during the intervention and, thanks to the Default function, it is possible to restore all the values ​​or only those desired to the standard setting.

The Urban mode makes the vehicle easy to handle, guaranteeing safety thanks to the power reduced to 100 horsepower. The Touring Riding Mode allows the engine to deliver all 156 HP but with a smooth and usable power curve, which allows for a pleasant and relaxed ride, ideal for maximum rider comfort. Finally, for the more savvy, there is the Riding Mode Sport which offers pure fun, with the engine releasing all 156 horsepower in an angrier way, like a true lust, with a quicker and more powerful accelerator reaction.

Our test

We picked up our adventure companion at the Ducati Sesto dealership, on a splendid sunny day with spring weather, a perfect situation for our test, which asks our XDiavel S to quickly take us through the streets of the "Larian triangle" between Lecco, Bellagio and Como, up to its summits, through a route that is not easy for our of Ghisallo.

As soon as we get into the saddle we notice that the footpegs are very advanced compared to the super sports cars we are used to testing, the seat is comfortable thanks to the generous padding, it is not too wide and therefore you are comfortable in the saddle and, at the same time, you can easily put your feet on the ground, even when stopping at traffic lights. Thanks to the goodwill keyless, we turn on our twin-cylinder with our right thumb and the keys in our pocket. Right away the Testastretta amazes us with its recognizable, exhilarating and overpowering sound, which instigates the pilot to overshoot. Let's go!

Once started, in Urban mapping, which limits power to 100 horsepower, it drives better than expected and we are quite surprised by the agility in changing direction; folding it from right to left is quick and easy, thanks also to an optimal weight distribution and a favorably low center of gravity, so the XDiavel is quick through curves. The excellent Pirelli Diablo Rosso tires also help her in this. If the Urban map helps you to get away without worries in the city, the Sport significantly raises the stakes, the delivery becomes more aggressive and the response to the gas is quicker. Between the two, personally, I prefer the first, which is sweeter in its delivery than the Sport, but perhaps the best compromise is the Touring, full power and with a less exasperated delivery.

The engine is really powerful, has the ability to resume gently and progressively; as early as 2.500 rpm you can ride it calmly and, when you open the throttle around 5.000 rpm, you can imagine that the XDiavel is a bike on which you have to be ready to feel torn from your arms. Less abrupt, however, when it remains below the threshold of the maximum torque value. In fast corners (around 120/130 km/h) it is stable and precise in closing the curve, thanks also to the 240 rear dinghy, which guarantees extraordinary grip and traction; in tight hairpin bends, on the contrary, it is more demanding to turn and you have to steer it more with your body. Despite the dimensions and the long wheelbase, the good balance of the masses, combined with the excellent chassis, allows for precise and immediate corner entry, but also the ability to close trajectories at fairly high speeds.

In our test, the. This is a "quantum leap" in road safety. You must always remember, however, that the cornering function is not activated if you enter the motorbike into a bend with the brakes already activated, but only if you brake with the motorbike inclined. Regardless of the gear used, the clutch and gearbox are precise, but it cannot be said rear brake; from our point of view it appears to have one excessively long pedal travel, with somewhat spongy braking, in contrast to the front, which is powerful, immediately responsive and well modulated. As regards the aerodynamic protection guaranteed by the

The XDiavel, in the configuration of our test, is a perfect motorbike for riders who love to travel alone, but beyond this saddle, the kit consisting of a comfort passenger seat is supplied as standard (5 cm longer and wider than the standard one), with rear backrest. To conclude, the XDiavel, as well as being bad, can be a comfortable motorbike if you travel in "American cruiser" mode, remaining between 90 and 120 km/h.

The new Ducati XDiavel S costs 23.290 euros, 3.000 euros less in standard configuration.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Engine, unique design
We do not like it:
Stiff on bumpy surfaces, rear brake

Ducati XDiavel S the Motorionline Report Card

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Test clothing:
Jacket: Segura Style, buffalo leather jacket with a vintage look, equipped with protectors on the shoulders and elbows (the back protector is optional), with an internal hooded sweatshirt part, separable and usable as a separate garment. The lining is thermal, but not waterproof, and is also equipped with a stretch ribbed leather band to ensure absolute comfort. On the right forearm there is a small zip pocket for a card or credit card. Indicative price 410 euros.

Gloves: Secure Toledo, leather glove, winter and equipped with a waterproof and breathable membrane, located between the leather and the lining, vintage style like the rest of the Segura production, the palm is in soft polyester, to maintain good contact with the motorbike . The back and palm are made of soft but resistant goatskin, while protectors, elastic parts and a small Velcro adjustment strap complete the picture. Indicative price 90 euros.

Helmet: Caberg Drift Carbon, tricomposite shell in glass fiber, Kevlar, carbon. Equipped with integrated sun visor (DVT Double Visor Tech) to allow the motorcyclist to always ride with maximum safety. Indicative price 360 ​​euros.

Shoes: TCX X-Street, Sneaker with protections, full grain leather with suede inserts with malleolus area, reinforced toe and heel, vintage look. Indicative price 140 euros.

Trousers: OJ Jeans SOLE MAN, trousers with protectors in stretch denim with aramid fiber inserts. Removable Safe-Tech protectors on the hips and knees. Indicative price 150 euros.