EICMA 2015: Ducati unveils the XDiavel and XDiavel S

Ducati has unveiled their latest entry into the cruiser segment, the XDiavel and XDiavel S. According to Ducati, the ‘X’ in the name stands for the combining of two different riding experiences in one bike " “low speed excitement typical of a cruiser and the adrenaline rush of sports riding.”

Powered by Ducati’s twin-cylinder Testastretta engine, the XDiavel displaces 1,262cc (from the earlier 1198cc) thanks to a longer stroke (71.5mm instead of 67.9mm). Mated to a 6-speed transmission, this liquid cooled engine gets variable valve timing (Desmodromic Variable Timing) and makes 156PS at 9,500rpm, but more impressively, 128.9Nm at just 5,000rpm. The Ducati XDiavel gets an updated chassis and a single-sided swingarm with a belt final drive, for the first time on a Ducati.

To reduce the amount of clutter, the engine’s water pump has been moved from the exterior to the space between the V. The XDiavel gets all the familiar Bosch-sourced electronics like the fuel injection system and a ride by wire throttle with three riding modes " Sport, Touring and Urban. The XDiavel also uses a Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) that monitors the bike’s position, which is communicated to the cornering ABS system that comes as standard. This motorcycle also gets a new launch control system called DPL or Ducati Power Launch. However, the system is programmed to provide only a certain number of DPLs to ensure that the clutch lasts. The XDiavel also offers features like Ducati Traction Control, electronic cruise control and adjustable suspension.

More from Auto

Proposal to make 6 airbags mandatory in cars deferred by a year to October 1, 2023: Nitin Gadkari Uttar Pradesh: 1 killed, 2 injured in Bareilly as electric bus explodes during charging

The XDiavel uses 50mm Marzocchi forks with fully adjustable rebound and compression damping and spring pre-load, while the XDiavel S gets fork tubes. The XDiavel gets Brembo brakes with M4 32 radial monobloc calipers and the S variant uses Brembo M50 calipers at the front.

The XDiavel and XDiavel S get 17-inch wheels wrapped in a 120 (front) and 240 (rear) section Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres. The XDiavel S gets machine-finished 12-spoke wheels instead of the 14-spoke wheels on the XDiavel.

Ducati says that the XDiavel has been designed to provide a “relaxed riding position worthy of a true cruiser.” The footpegs on the XDiavel can be adjusted to three different positions, while a central footpeg kit is optional. Ducati offers three personalisation packs for the XDiavel " Sport Pack, Touring Pack and Urban Pack. Each one offers a different combination of seats and handlebars along with features that are relevant to each pack, like forged aluminium rim set, magnetic tank bag and billet aluminium footrests.

The XDiavel gets a TFT display unit as a dashboard and dedicated switchgears with back-lit keys that can be used to toggle between the various DTC, DPL, cruise control and cornering ABS settings. The XDiavel S also gets a Bluetooth module that connects to a smartphone and displays incoming calls and text messages on the TFT screen. Another nifty feature on the XDiavel is the handsfree ignition system, which works similar to the keyless ignition system in cars. This bike gets full-LED headlights and taillights while the XDiavel S gets DRLs too.

More from OVERDRIVE on EICMA 2015: