The 159 horsepower Ducati Diavel 1260 S is designed to push boundaries.
This is exactly how the manufacturer explained the essence of its concept at a recently held press ride. Ducati mixed the best qualities of supersport, naked and cruiser in a big cauldron, added a pinch of muscle cars, a teaspoon of superheroics and a generous handful of modern technological filling.
From such different ingredients a completely unusual alloy was obtained. The evening before the test, I got acquainted with the motorcycle, trying to understand how all this would affect its character. Can such a hybrid with cruiser roots really be equally comfortable and peppy, performing as it should both on straights and in turns? And I had the clear intention of finding out.
Ducati Diavel 1260 S
The 2022 Ducati Diavel 1260 S is a completely new motorcycle both in terms of construction and design, and Ducati has made a special point of this, explaining to us that this is not just an annual redesign of the 2018 Carbon and Titanium models.
Ducati Diavel 1260 S 2019
For starters, the bike (which, by the way, will hit showrooms in April, at least in the states) has a new stance. Its seat has been updated, and the footrests have been moved back a little. The same thing happened with the fork: its offset angle changed from 28 to 27 degrees.
Ducati says the new Diavel 1260 S weighs 244kg when loaded. The model is available in two configurations: basic and S, featuring improved suspensions and a number of technical additions.
The design and style of the model is densely mixed with the best of three worlds, the Diavel 1260 has a supersport hood, a humpbacked tank, a steering wheel with a headlight and a forward engine from a sports naked, and from a cruiser it takes the frame outline and low seat.
The new Ducati Diavel 1260 (specifically the S version) comes equipped with the best digital options from Ducati. Project manager Eugenio Gherardi took me through the presentation of the motorcycle, and it turned out that it has two ECUs: one controls the engine, and the second, the Ducati Black Box System, processes data from many sensors on the wheels, brake systems, engine, as well as the six-axis inertia measurement systems. The Ducati Diavel 1260 S version includes e-throttle, DQS bi-directional quickshifter, adjustable tilt ABS, and traction and wheelie control.
The motorcycle has a variety of settings that are displayed on the large digital instrument panel and can be changed using the buttons on the left remote control. The preset settings are grouped into three riding modes: Sport, Touring and Urban.
On the engine side, Ducati engineers have achieved “extremely linear thrust development even at low revs, and an explosive, sporty character at high revs.” Thanks to changes to the intake, exhaust and fuel maps, the DVT engine, already familiar from the Diavel Carbon and Titanium, manages to extract 129 Nm of peak thrust at 7500 rpm, Gherardi said.
Finally, Ducati has equipped the Diavel 1260 with a massive 240 rear tire on a 17-inch wheel. Wide tires give the Diavel a distinctive appearance, unlike any modern production motorcycle.
REVIEW - New DUCATI Diavel 1260 and Diavel 1260 S presented at the EICMA-2018 motorcycle exhibition
Eight years after its debut, DUCATI presented the new Diavel at EICMA 2018, which received the index “1260”. The DUCATI Diavel 1260 model received: a new frame and engine, updated design, new tires, improved suspension and much more.
In addition, the Devil now has a special version - the DUCATI Diavel 1260 S, and in addition to everything listed in the standard model, this version has a new paint job, LED lighting, a quick shifter, different rims, improved brakes and suspension.
Despite significant design changes and a new engine, the Diavel remains true to its spirit and continues to hone the key elements of its distinctive style to perfection. Now the new "Devil" has a more collected and assertive appearance, and its performance has increased significantly.
Superb handling of the new DUCATI Diavel 1260 S
Updated Testastretta DVT 1262 engine
The sporty spirit of the new Devil comes from the updated Testastretta DVT 1262 engine, which combines breathtaking acceleration with smooth power delivery from low revs, ideal for both everyday city driving and longer country trips. The Testastretta DVT 1262 engine debuted in the XDiavel, but for the new Diavel 1260 it receives sporty tuning, increased power and torque. Thanks to a special timing mechanism - Desmodromic Variable Timing (DVT), the engine provides linear torque transmission at low speeds and sporty behavior at high speeds. The updated engine produces 159 hp. With. at 9,500 rpm, and maximum torque is a whopping 129 Nm at 7,500 rpm.
Great design of the DUCATI Diavel 1260 and DUCATI Diavel 1260 S
The new generation of Diavel builds on the key design elements of previous versions: a wide rear wheel, a short, streamlined tail, weight shifted towards the front of the motorcycle and an aggressive appearance.
DUCATI Diavel 1260 in sand gray
The three-piece tank cover is made from sheet metal and has been shortened where it meets the seat to improve rider ergonomics. Two voluminous aluminum air intakes flow smoothly into the top of the tank and are secured with a C-shaped frame, emphasizing the similarities with the previous generation.
The headlight, air intake and tank form a single silhouette of the DUCATI Diavel 1260 S
Another key feature of the Diavel 1260 is the side radiator covers. They now resemble a blade and feature turn indicators that are integrated along the entire length of the lid, guaranteeing a striking, instantly recognizable appearance and excellent visibility in urban environments.
The turn signal integrated into the side radiator cover of the new DUCATI Diavel 1260 S
The short tail gives the Devil a slightly sporty look that contrasts sharply with the muscular front end.
Among other things, the DUCATI Diavel 1260 and DUCATI Diavel 1260 S will be available in a new color “sand gray” with black rims and frame, while the DUCATI Diavel 1260 S, in addition to the previous livery, will have a version of the exciting black color with an eye-catching bright red frame.
DUCATI Diavel 1260 S in black with bright red frame
Lightweight frame from DUCATI XDiavel
The new frame is a shortened classic Trellis tubular frame, used for the first time on the XDiavel, rigidly attached to the engine, which in turn is the load-bearing part of the structure. Thus, the Diavel 1260, both externally and internally, is closer to its Americanized brother XDiavel and, thanks to the updated chassis geometry, has become more responsive and flexible on winding roads, which goes well with its sporty engine character.
Bright red frame on a dark silhouette of the DUCATI Diavel 1260 S
Improved suspension of DUCATI Diavel 1260 and DUCATI Diavel 1260 S
The standard version of the Diavel 1260 features a fully adjustable 50mm inverted front fork with a 27° rake angle (one degree less than the previous version) to provide the required steering feel. The rear monoshock has adjustable spring preload and rebound.
The special edition DUCATI Diavel 1260 S is equipped with a fully adjustable 48mm Öhlins front fork and, unlike the standard version, the Öhlins rear monoshock is fully adjustable.
DUCATI Diavel 1260 S with fully adjustable Öhlins front fork
Advanced electronics of the new DUCATI Diavel 1260
As in previous versions, DUCATI has equipped its legendary technocruiser with an advanced set of electronics. The kit includes standard riding mode settings for this model, increasing safety, a fully customizable package - DUCATI Safety Pack, which includes: Bosch ABS Cornering EVO, DUCATI Traction Control EVO and DUCATI Wheelie Control EVO for maximum but safe acceleration. The bike comes with traditional cruise control, DUCATI Power Launch and in addition, the DUCATI Diavel 1260 S version gets DUCATI Quick Shift to assist in gear shifting.
Informative dashboard DUCATI Diavel 1260 S
Improved brakes DUCATI Diavel 1260 and 1260 S
The high braking performance of the motorcycle at the front is provided by two 320 mm brake discs and 4-piston Brembo M4.32 (M50 on the S version) radial-mounted monoblock calipers, and at the rear by a 265 mm brake disc and 2-piston caliper from Brembo.
DUCATI Diavel 1260 S gets LED lighting
The new Diavel 1260 headlights are the result of painstaking work by the designers. Unlike the standard version of the Diavel 1260, both headlight units - the front one and the frame one in the S version are fully LED and support daytime running lights to improve the visibility of the motorcycle during the day, while, thanks to the sensor, the headlight itself switches to night mode when it gets dark .
Lighting DUCATI Diavel 1260 S
New tires and wheels DUCATI Diavel 1260 and 1260 S
The 1260 version comes with the previous generation's 14-spoke alloy wheels with a slight difference: the wheels have no high-gloss edges, while the Diavel 1260 S gets new 10-spoke wheels.
Both versions, DUCATI Diavel 1260 and DUCATI Diavel 1260 S, are now equipped with third generation tires - Pirelli Diablo Rosso III. The rear tire is manufactured using two-compound technology to provide a balance between ideal grip and excellent wear resistance. The updated tread pattern ensures exceptional performance regardless of road conditions.
DUCATI Diavel 1260 S with 10-spoke wheels and Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tires
By the way, the 2022 DUCATI XDiavel has also undergone minor changes, discussed earlier in the article “The Devil Changes His Skin.”
Video Diavel 1260
Ducati, like all other companies, definitely wants to make a lot of money... a lot. What is needed for this in the motor market? That's right - to get into a new segment, and it is desirable that it be one of the best-selling ones, and in the case of the Ducati X Diavel 1260 - these are cruisers.
Absolutely all manufacturers of road motorcycles, young and old, have gone through this path sooner or later or are still going through it, but only a few succeed. Ducati and the X Diavel 1260 also did NOT work out. More precisely, it wasn’t exactly a cruiser, but as they call it at Borgo Panigale, Sport Cruiser, it turned out quite well! So what's the difference...
So, what should a candidate have if he wants to be on par with the popular cruisers and what does the Ducati X Diavel 1260 have on this list?
Forward Control (driver's footrests and controls are moved forward) - yes V-Twin engine - yes (L-Twin in this case) Long wheelbase - yes (1615 mm) Seat height comfortable even for a midget - yes (755 mm) Belt drive - yes Good power reserve - yes (tank 18 liters) Brutal appearance - yes Correct rear tires 240 mm - yes Impressive price tag - yes (from RUB 2,056,000)
So far everything is fine, and for now it’s still a cruiser, but something is clearly missing and in order to understand the essence and where the “Devil” and the “Sport” entry in the classification have to do with it, you need to dig deeper, and not read a piece of paper with Performance characteristics... As a result, the 1262 cc L-Twin Testastretta DVT engine with variable valve timing takes you straight to blood pressure, fully justifying the name of its owner. This is not surprising, since the first version of this engine (without variable phases) was once installed on the Ducati Panigale 1198 superbike.
Here it is of course derated and produces 152 hp. and 126 Nm, which is also an excellent indicator, and the fact that the torque is available in full already at 5000 rpm makes driving the X Diavel quite predictable and comfortable even at the lowest speeds, because it does not force you to constantly click the gearbox.
For fast acceleration, this engine tuning is also perfect, because the motorcycle wakes up instantly when you open the throttle, spinning the engine up to peak performance very quickly, which is nice.
It’s also nice that in order to travel with all the money and livestock, you don’t have to dump a suitcase of money into it, you don’t have to buy stage 1, 2, 3, direct flows, firmware and everything else that gives you a headache every night all owners of his unfortunate classmates.
Although, to be honest, it’s still impossible to directly put anything against the X Diavel 1260 today, and that’s the point, it’s the only one! One, with exceptional Brembo M4-32 radial brakes, advanced electronics based on Bosch 9.1 and all the necessary electronic assistants with the ability to turn them off, excellent steering despite the 240 rear wheel, an engine that really carries you, and tolerable ergonomics. By the way, regarding ergonomics. As a former adherent of sportbikes, and now naked riders of all stripes, I was not disgusted by the placement of the IKS’s footpegs. In addition, they can also be adjusted closer/further and even higher/lower, but with the participation of accessories.
In general, reviewing the Ducati X Diavel was not a very easy task. It's always easy to write a lot of letters and say a lot of words about a product of an average and below-average value or about something truly outstanding, but the X Diavel 1260 is stuck somewhere in the middle...
However, I have very few complaints, because the test subject is really, if not good, then certainly above average in many ways. Yes, without any special emotions, yes, a rigid, knocked-down chassis based on a supporting motor and a Trellis frame, but it couldn’t be any other way...
Yes, the Brembo slows down, but the L-Twin is lucky. Yes, the 247 kg curb weight feels like feathers due to the low center of gravity. It’s just a given all around... The result of using good proven technologies, and even under the Ducati flag. It shouldn’t and can’t be any other way... In fact, I have only 2 questions left for the Ducati X Diavel: the first is about the design. Here I am convinced that for 2+ million it definitely could have looked clearly more interesting, but this, as usual, is a matter of taste and color.
And the second - why is it and for whom? And perhaps the answer is this: It's for those who love assembled, drivable motorcycles, and whose wife is forcing them to sell their sportbike or hypernaked.
Because now you can actually sell them, say you bought a cruiser and still drive it straight to HELL!
