REVIEW - DUCATI XDiavel and XDiavel S. Italian cruisers - standards of beauty and style
DUCATI XDiavel is a motorcycle designed for a relaxed, comfortable ride. This model is the crown jewel of the DUCATI family. Thanks to high technical performance and electric assistants, the bike is ready to “shoot” from a standstill at any moment, leaving all its rivals behind.
Long, low, forward footpegs and powerful torque available from low revs make the DUCATI XDiavel a striking representative of the cruiser class.
The world of DUCATI is all about exciting performance, sporty power and state-of-the-art electronics. XDiavel has absorbed the best of these qualities. In addition, this model is uncompromising in terms of materials and finishes.
Difference between XDiavel and XDiavel S trim levels
Standard equipment of the XDiavel includes: engine mode selection, DUCATI Safety Pack (Bosch cornering ABS + DTC), DUCATI Power Launch system, ride-by-wire, cruise control, hands-free, LED optics, backlit steering wheel switches.
Pictured: DUCATI XDiavel S
The XDiavel S version features daytime running lights, anodized matte DLC coating on the front forks, and Brembo M50 front brake calipers. The uniqueness of the XDiavel S is enhanced by the finishing of the engine covers, frame, footrests, and wheels with an exclusive design.
Rear view mirrors are a single integral product. The motorcycle seat has a coating made of two non-slip materials, and allows you to sit as comfortably as possible. The XDiavel S also features an infotainment system with Bluetooth module.
DUCATI XDiavel - impeccable style and perfect balance
XDiavel is a unique style. It is expressed in elongated, muscular, modern shapes and advanced technological components. The motorcycle just radiates sexiness. DUCATI designers began to follow this concept from the moment the initial sketches of the XDiavel were developed.
The concept behind XDiavel
While working on the XDiavel, designers and engineers, first of all, decided to pay attention to arranging a convenient and comfortable place for the rider, like in a real cruiser, so the model received a low seat and footrests pushed forward as much as possible.
In the photo: DUCATI XDiavel
Thanks to the use of the best materials and the introduction of innovative technological developments, it was possible to extend the time between scheduled inspections and Desmo Service maintenance (during which valve clearance is checked and adjusted). Now the service interval for the Testastretta DVT 1262 XDiavel S engine is up to 30,000 kilometers. A routine oil change should be carried out at least every 15 thousand kilometers or once every 12 months.
DUCATI Testastretta DVT 1262 is a progressive engine that combines the advanced developments of Italian engineers. Just three numbers will reveal the concept of the XDiavel: 5,000, 147, 40 is the number of revolutions per minute at which the engine produces maximum torque, 147 is the ergonomic configuration for the rider and 40 is the degree to which the bike can lean while cornering.
Testastretta DVT 1262 - the powerful heart of XDiavel
The DUCATI Testastretta DVT 1262 two-cylinder power unit, equipped with a Desmodromic gas distribution mechanism, meets Euro 4 environmental requirements. The increase in engine power compared to the Testastretta 1200, which features Desmodromic Variable Timing, allows for incredible torque in the low rev range and also guarantees sporty performance when the throttle is wide open.
In addition, the DUCATI Testastretta DVT 1262 has a special design. By moving the water pump inside the V-shaped cylinder block, there are no longer cooling pipes on the left side.
In the photo: Testastretta DVT 1262
The XDiavel exhaust system is also a work of technological art. The motorcycle muffler bifurcates and has two exhaust pipes. To ensure maximum ergonomics, it is located in front of the rear wheel so as not to overlap other elements. Additionally, the exhaust manifolds are positioned to leave the engine visible.
The spirit of the XDiavel dragster can be fully realized thanks to the DUCATI Power Launch (DPL). This system guarantees fast and safe starting thanks to the Bosch IMU, which adjusts throttle and DTC intervention based on the selected setting. DPL has 3 intervention modes, where level 1 is the one that provides maximum performance. DPL is controlled by pressing a special button located on the right switch.
Once activated, you can select the level of intervention using a menu that opens on the dashboard. Once the level is selected, the rider must use the clutch, put it in first gear and open the throttle fully.
At this moment, gradually releasing the clutch, you can ensure a dynamic start from a standstill. The system automatically turns off at speeds above 120 km/h, or when the rider engages third gear, or when the speed drops to 5 km/h. To protect the clutch, the system uses an algorithm that allows only a limited number of consecutive starts. Their number decreases during normal use of the motorcycle.
In the photo: DUCATI XDiavel S head optics
The ride-by-wire system is an electronic interface between the engine and the Diavel's fuel system, allowing the ideal power level to be adjusted depending on the selected riding mode. The power produced by the engine is no longer regulated solely and directly by the accelerator cable, but passes through the control unit, which, based on the received signal, electronically regulates the opening of the throttle valve.
An interesting feature of the DUCATI XDiavel is the belt drive. This is the first motorcycle produced by the Bologna plant that transmits torque from the engine to the rear wheel using a belt drive. Due to this, Italian engineers managed to obtain a reliable and safe transmission of the power generated by the DUCATI Testastretta DVT 1262.
The advantages of using a belt drive include low noise level, cleanliness, preservation of the transmission for a long time, and the ability to withstand all the power that the legendary cruiser develops.
Pictured: DUCATI XDiavel controls
Another interesting feature of the XDiavel is the forward-mounted footrests, which can be adjusted to one of three positions. This will allow a person of any height and build to sit on the bike with maximum comfort.
In addition, for those who prefer a sportier riding position, a set of DUCATI Performance center pegs will be available as an additional option.
That's not all that the new XDiavel can surprise you with. To find out what this beast is capable of and what technical characteristics it has, read our next article. In it we will look in detail at the technical aspects of the new DUCATI XDiavel and XDiavel S.
I didn't particularly want to test the Diavel, because this class of motorcycle does not arouse any interest in me. But I wanted to try the new Testastretta DVT engine in its latest incarnation, but I have not yet been able to take the new Multistrada with this engine for testing. Therefore, I took this opportunity to try the 2022 XDiavel S, fortunately it is available for a test drive. The post contains insults to the feelings of believers, so it is better for particularly sensitive people to refrain from reading it - there may be unpleasant sensations in the relevant places.
Other reviews: TRIUMPH Speed Triple RS 2022 BMW R1250GS 2022 Ducati Monster 1200 2022 BMW S1000XR 2018
Motorcycles like the Diavel are difficult to evaluate objectively, if only simply because it is difficult to come up with any objective criteria for this class. However, I will try to describe my impressions in the usual way, as if I were testing a normal motorcycle.
Appearance and design
Diavel’s appearance is, of course, what you immediately notice, and apparently one of his main characteristics.
Everyone probably knows her, so I won’t describe her appearance, but I’ll just try to convey the impression she makes on me. And this is the impression - the most ridiculous Ducati you can imagine. The designers tried to combine the incompatible, i.e. to make it look like a cruiser at the same time, but at the same time so that it remains a motorcycle, and not a product from the chrome frames of old beds, like a regular cruiser. And not just any motorcycle, but a Ducati motorcycle, modern and technologically advanced. And I must say that they succeeded, this is exactly a cruiser, and exactly a Ducati, and from a kilometer away you can see that it is modern and technologically advanced. Since the usual tools for cruiser designers (chrome, spokes, tubes and balls from the bed, leather pendants with rivets, and inscriptions in ornate font) were apparently taken away from them from the very beginning, they had to act purely geometrically, and here they did their best. In short, it looks as if the Ducati designer was given the task at gunpoint to draw a cruiser, and so he did. As best I could. This design has only the geometry of a cruiser.
Unlike the usual Diavel, which looks like a cheap thing up close, the X reeks of money even up close. It’s probably good to pose for photos next to him. Well done here, the designers got the point.
Structurally, this is a typical Ducati. Tubular subframes of complex design, the engine as part of the power structure, cantilever rear suspension, powerful front shifters, testretta, and everything else, everything is in place. The only design feature that can be noted is the belt; what would a cruiser be without a belt.
The rear wheel of awkward size, more like a ball, immediately catches your eye. Probably for some this is a sign of immeasurable power and toughness, but for me it looks like a clear problem. Let's see how this wheel behaves on the road. The strange saddle, reminiscent of a catapult tray, also raises some concerns.
Convenience and ergonomics
You sit down in a strangely low saddle, and the first thing you want to do is put your feet on the footrests, but that’s not the case.
There are no footrests. Well, that is, they exist, but somewhere far, far ahead. After you manage to find them, it turns out that you have to reach quite a bit for the hefty steering wheel, because it is moved quite far forward. As a result, the legs are extended towards the footpegs, the hands are stretched towards the steering wheel, the posture is very strange, apparently one needs to get used to cruisers. There is no comfort in this position, the feeling of the motorcycle is also completely lost, but probably there is some meaning hidden from me. The word “posing” instantly comes to mind, because it’s just a pose, and nothing more, probably a person in such a pose should look cool, but I felt very stupid. There is not a penny rational in such a landing. The only thing that brightens up this feeling is the rather comfortable saddle; I expected the worst. It’s very uncomfortable to sit on your own, you feel like an idiot, but your butt is soft and pleasant. The handlebars have standard Ducati remotes, which are quite good, and of better quality than on the older Monster. In principle, the same as on the Multistrada, although the Ducatev remote controls have deteriorated a little in the latest generation; before they were more convenient and of better quality. However, there are no serious complaints. Access, of course, without a key.
The steering wheel itself is wide, but without extremism; here the designers showed some restraint. The grips are pleasantly plump.
There is also a display. It is also a victim of geometry, located in a strange place, and has a strange shape. In general, the display is inconvenient and uninformative, but this is a cruiser... Still, it would be impossible to fit anything more useful into this design. However, the cruiser probably doesn’t need a large display.
It is theoretically possible to seat a passenger at the rear; the handle for this passenger extends from the rear of the motorcycle. I don’t envy this passenger, to be honest... it’s probably supposed to be a passenger, and she should hold onto the waist of the person in front with her feet.
No wind protection found.
Engine and gearbox
Actually, it was for the sake of the engine that I got involved in this story, so let’s go see what the latest generation Testastretta DVT is.
Moreover, Ducati retuned the engine quite significantly on the XDiavel, and promised that it would become even better. It starts without a key, and as usual with Ducati, it is somewhat strained. The sound is solid, more bassy than on the Multistrada with the same engine, apparently the work of a strangely shaped muffler.
And yes, the engine is very good. It pulls very confidently, powerfully and smoothly throughout the entire rev range, accompanied by a rather nice sound. The motorcycle follows the throttle, in the most pleasant sense of the word. Ducati really worked hard and practically eliminated the typical shortcomings of their twins, the main one being poor low end. We also worked on the middle. Down below the engine is very similar to the Goose boxer, in the second half it's a real Testastretta and in between everything is very smooth. Excellent V-twin, probably even a little better than the KTM. Finally he was brought to mind. I would really like to see this engine on a real motorcycle, for example on the new Multistrada... but wait, that's exactly where it is.
At the very top, the engine is clearly a little stifled, but for the Diavel this is definitely not a drawback - who will turn it on the Diavel, and why? This is fully compensated by the increase at the bottom, which is clearly more relevant for a cruiser.
The box is great too. There was an incident with it - I was sure that a quickshifter was installed on the motorcycle, and I calmly shifted up and down without a clutch. When I gave the motorcycle back, I complained that the quickshifter didn’t always work well downwards, and was surprised to learn that there was no quickshifter. However, the slipper clutch is configured in such a way that you can even shift down without squeezing, if without fanaticism, of course. The clutch itself works great, it is typical for a Ducati, but the lever travel is slightly lighter than on the Multistrada, which is nice. Roughly similar to the older Monster's clutch.
The transfers are quite short.
Overall the engine is great, but it's clearly from a different bike, the Diavel doesn't need this engine for nothing, and no one will use it even halfway. Why? Yes, simply because engines don’t drive on their own, they need a motorcycle. And here it’s as if he’s not there.
Oh, and yes, the belt. The belt works well and is quite appropriate. I like it.
Pendants
The suspensions are brutally hard.
Normal, fat, dense suspensions, worthy of a good modern road motorcycle or even a street bike, hold the road perfectly, and at the same time are not at all comfortable. All road bumps fly directly into the ass, and given the wild landing, straight into the back. The suspensions themselves pass the speed bump test with equanimity; for them this is not a problem at all. This is a problem for anyone driving this self-propelled misunderstanding. I specially found a fairly flat road at a gas station and drove along it several times, at different speeds. And yes, the fears were completely confirmed - the saddle not only looks like a catapult, it also works the same. :)) Even at a speed of 20 km/h, the butt throws up 10 centimeters, and nothing can be done about it - the ridiculous landing eliminates the possibility of somehow fending off these pranks. Whatever I did, I changed the speed, almost grabbed the saddle with my half-ass, the result was the same - you bounce comically. I can imagine what it will be like for the passenger... it’s still an amazing motorcycle device.
There is nothing more to say about the pendants, because... more on that later.
Brakes
Excellent Brembo brakes, plus the well-known Bosch nine ABS, with all imaginable goodies, even for some reason with IMU.
Not the slightest complaint about the brakes, however, when did Ducati ever have bad brakes? The standard, in short.
Controllability.
But it’s not there, they forgot to put it in.
Not at all. I have never seen a motorcycle that handles so poorly. And the reason is quite clear, it is right under the catapult, this ominous ball is in place of the rear wheel. Oh, it’s not for nothing that he looked so suspicious, oh, it’s not for nothing. Well, and a long wheelbase, of course. Diavel reacts to an attempt to turn the motorcycle in the following way - to begin with, nothing. Well, that is, he leans, he can even lean quite strongly, but the trajectory remains the same, all this pathos continues to calmly flow straight. Then something inside him switches, apparently an arrow, and he turns no less calmly and switches to a different trajectory. This process is extremely reminiscent of a train moving along a switch to another track, and is completely uncontrollable - Diavel himself knows his tracks. The pathetic person who is fussing up there from above is not interesting to him at all. Well, maybe they can play with the catapult.
I spent about 15 minutes weaving in the traffic on the Moscow Ring Road, trying to figure out how this train should be turned. To be honest, I still don’t understand. The same process is repeated all the time, first we switch the arrow, then slowly we crawl onto the neighboring paths. Of course, I expected a trick from this two-wheeled absurdity, but, to be honest, I did not expect this at all. At that moment, Diavel simply left the motorcycle category for me, and I really wanted to get off this train.
The reasons for this fiasco are quite understandable, and they, like all of Diavel’s other problems, lie in the field of geometry. A ball instead of a rear one, a long wheelbase, a blocked front fork, and the geometric arrangement of that unfortunate person who is trying to turn, perched on all this.
Modes
There are some. Some have more dynamics and harshness, others are softer and more vegetable, but overall nothing special. Fundamentally, the character of the motorcycle does not change.
City
Cruiser in the city.
Slow, low, you can’t maneuver, you can’t really see anything, you feel stupid. In short, everything is as it should be, approximately similar to Harleys and other similar equipment. At least the steering wheel isn't too wide. The elasticity of the motor allows you to almost not use the box. But this doesn't make it any better. In short, it’s possible. Slowly making your way through traffic or throwing up in traffic. What, in fact, is what the owners of Diavels, whom I often overtake, do.
You can proudly shoot through the gap. In a straight line. True, for some reason the desire disappears after the fourth time.
Route
On the highway you can, as it is correctly called, cruise.
Well, that is, drive in a straight line on difficult terrain. Unlike most other cruisers, this can be done quite dynamically. However, there is nothing special about the dynamics of this motorcycle; it is not a dragster; the Multistrada with the same engine feels more dynamic. At the same time, there is no particular desire to dynamize Diavel. Holds the road. He finds the rails somewhere on this road, stands on them, and then travels like any other train - straight. But this has already been said earlier.
Turns (if the rails are laid with a bend) go well. Which is not surprising, with such a suspension. The same suspension sends any unevenness on the road straight to your back. It is impossible to go around it; trains should not pay attention to such trifles.
Oddly enough, despite the complete absence of visible wind protection, in fact there is wind protection, approximately the same phenomenon as on the Monster, but even more pronounced. Even at a speed of 180, it’s more or less comfortable, and it doesn’t blow too much. Well done aerodynamicists.
There is no particular comfort with all this, but the butt is soft.
Dalnyaki
Uh, no. Although, it seems that this miracle has a version with panniers, and it sounds like a joke.
Bad roads and soil
Only under substances and one way.
Emotional component
- Oh god, what is this? Does it even move?
- Mom, get me out of here, and anyway, where are the steps?
- Oh, the engine is good!
- Your mother! Turn around, you bastard!
- And what should I do about it now???
- Bored...
- Oh, that's a nice jump. Wouldn't fly away...
- Bored...
- People are watching, it’s a shame.
- Stop the train, I'll get off.
Part two, lyrical, short
Well, what can you say... actually, there are a lot of things that can be said, but it will touch a lot of tender emotional strings and a lot of mucous membranes.
I'll try to summarize very briefly. This is a very good motorcycle piece of guano, assembled from very good components. An excellent example of how a huge pile of beautiful technology and electronics can be completely killed by banal geometry. Moreover, to kill deliberately, diligently, and with great knowledge of the matter. Just to solve one small geometric problem of who will buy it. You get what I mean, don't you?
And he's good for nothing else. I mean exactly like a motorcycle.
PS The opinion may not coincide with the opinion of the editors. :)) PPS Such diavels are not about driving at all, they have completely different values, mostly imaginary and emotional. Therefore, this “review” is, first of all, an attempt to share the emotions that such a technique can evoke. They may be different for you.
Other reviews: TRIUMPH Speed Triple RS 2022 BMW R1250GS 2022 Ducati Monster 1200 2022 BMW S1000XR 2018
Motorcycle Ducati Diavel 1260 S Black and Steel 2022 review
Inspired by the Diavel 'Materico' concept, the new livery of the motorcycle features asymmetrical and sophisticated graphics that combine gloss grey, matte black and sporty yellow details.
Ducati enriches the Diavel 1260 family for the 2022 model year with the presentation of the new Diavel 1260 S “Black and Steel”.
Following the launch of Lamborghini's special edition Diavel 1260 in November 2022, created in collaboration with automaker Sant'Agata Bolognese, Ducati continues to expand the Diavel 1260 family with the introduction of a new motorcycle inspired by the Diavel concept. Materico”, presented in 2022 on the occasion of the event “Beautiful Courage / Visionary Design” during Milan Design Week and then exhibited at the MOARD (Motorcycle Art & Design) exhibition dedicated to two-wheel design.
The Diavel 1260 S “Black and Steel” livery is characterized by a choice of asymmetrical and refined graphics that combines glossy gray and matte black as the main colors, to which are added sporty touches of yellow, including the frame, lower part. tail, a special seat badge and some motorcycle parts.
From 10 to 13 June, the new Diavel 1260 S “Black and Steel” will make its world premiere at the 2022 MIMO Motor Show. Enthusiasts will be able to admire it, inserted into the prestigious Piazza Duomo in Milan, and join the parade of presentations of the motorcycle, which will be attended by the director of Centro Stile Ducati, Andrea Ferraresi.
“Synonymous with style, innovation and performance, the Ducati Diavel 1260 family has won prestigious international design awards such as the Red Dot Award and the Good Design Award. We are really pleased to present this new version in Milan, a city that has always been a global benchmark in this sector.” Andrea Ferraresi stated that "The Diavel 1260 S 'Black and Steel' is a bike that will not go unnoticed. Its asymmetrical graphics, the contrast between matte black, gray and yellow were designed to enhance the power, design and sportiness of this motorcycle."
Unusual and unmistakable, the Diavel 1260 combines maxi-naked performance with the ergonomics and comfort of a muscle cruiser. The heart of the motorcycle is the 1262 cc Testastretta DVT engine. . The chassis with its distinctive 240mm rear tire guarantees amazing handling and lean angles for the rider combined with good levels of comfort.
The Diavel 1260 S “Black and Steel” joins the S version in Thrilling Black & Dark Stealth with a red frame and black wheels. The standard version is available in Dark Stealth with a black frame and black wheels.
Go to the entire range of Ducati motorcycles, on this page you can find Ducati Diavel 1260 S Black and Steel motorcycles from other years of production and information about them
