Ducati is working on a heavily updated model of its sport-cruiser, the Diavel. The new model is expected to receive many cosmetic and mechanical changes. Spy images of the bike reveal that it now uses a different swingarm but continues to use the chain drive seen on the outgoing Diavel.
The motorcycle appears heavily camouflaged, but we can expect it have redesigned bodywork that echoes the theme seen on the current XDiavel. Proof of this can be seen in the LED headlight as well as the twin-pipe exhaust set-up on the test mule – they both appear similar to the ones on the XDiavel. The bike also seems to be riding on gold-coloured Ohlins front fork, but with a sharper rake angle than the XDiavel, which makes sense given that the standard Diavel is meant to be the more sporty one of the siblings. Another change, interestingly, is to the swingarm on this Diavel – it seems similar to the one on the Panigale 1299.
The big Ducati is expected to be powered by the company’s 1,262cc, liquid-cooled L-Twin motor that debuted in the XDiavel and then made its way to the Multistrada 1260. Reports suggest that this motor will be tuned to make around 160hp on this bike. In comparison, this motor makes 152hp and 126Nm of torque on the XDiavel and 158hp and 129.5Nm of torque on the new Multistrada 1260.
As with the current Diavel, the foot pegs on this motorcycle are positioned in the tuck-under position and are not forward-set like the XDiavel. This, along with the more powerful motor and what looks to be a steeper fork can together form the sportiest Diavel yet. We believe this motorcycle will be sold alongside the XDiavel as a sportier alternative.
Expect Ducati to unveil the bike fully at the end of the year, mostly during INTERMOT in October or EICMA in November. However, the bike is only likely to hit the roads early next year.
Also see:
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2017 Ducati xDiavel S first ride video review
2017 Ducati xDiavel review, test ride