[Webike News Chief Editor: Kenny Sagawa]

X DIAVEL is a maverick model in the DUCATI family that offers a combination of two totally different characteristics. One is relaxation at low speed and comfortability during long tours, the second is stylish Italian designs and up-to-date high technology and high performance.

Characteristics that Differ from DIAVEL

What’s the difference with former DIAVEL Models?
I assume that this is what many users want to know. The vehicle features strong individualities of the DIAVEL and appears to be nothing but a DIAVEL but when you look at it in detail, you’ll find there is hardly anything in common with the DIAVEL.

Everything starting from the face, the tank, the shape of the cowl, designs of the the wheel, exhaust, the engine and how it is mounted to the frame and even the drive system of the rear wheels are not the same.

Dimensions such as caster angle and length of wheel base also differ greatly. In other words the DIAVEL has been stretched from front side and back side and then smashed from the top and given a luxurious finish. That is, it’s a totally different model.

By means it shouldn’t have been named DIAVEL. At DUCATI the X Diavlel is the first model to be called a Cruiser Segment which proves that my words aren’t wrong.

Cruiser that offers Perfect Riding Position

The height of the seat is 750mm, which is equivalent to other standard DIAVEL models but is slightly high for a cruiser. However due to the narrow body, the rider will have good feet position. Most Japanese riders will be able to stand with their feet on the ground.

However, riding position will differ. Compared to DIAVEL there is distance between the seat and the handlebars and steps are placed in a more forward position. DIAVEL has mid controls but X DIAVEL is equipped with complete forward control. The large space between the seat and the handlebar is obviously for Northern America riders which defines the vehicle as a cruiser model.

Offers Comfortable Riding Performance at Low Rpm

The Testastretta DVT Dual Spark L-shape 2 Cylinder Water-cooling Desmodromic 4 Valve Engine offers 1262cc engine capacity which has increased 65cc due to improved stroke.
An amazing thing about it is not only the 156ps maximum output that is equivalent to superbikes but the ability to perform maximum torque of 13.1kgm at 5000rpm, at a rate 1000rpm or more lower than DIAVEL and 80% torque at 2100rpm. For your information, maximum torque of X DIAVEL is equivalent to the maximum torque of MULTISTRADA 1200.

The way to enjoy the ”X” is to embody the ideal of the ”Low Speed Excitement” concept, and be carefull not to raise your speed at highways and keep 3000rpm with gear set one stage higher. That way you’ll be able to feel the typical beat of the Long Stroke L Twin Engine vividly.

The DVT(Desmodromic Variable Timing) that was mounted to first to the MULTISTRADA has been mounted to the ”X” allowing the vehicle to offer smooth and powerful torque at full rpm range using the throttle. It is an engine that you can increase rpm as much as you wish, but is best to use with low rpm.

The benefit of the DVT can be reaped in daily rides. I took the vehicle on a test ride in the city and got caught up in a traffic jam on the capital freeway but the engine didn’t give out a jerky feeling even at low speed. Controllability at quite low speed is what the former DUCATI L Twin had trouble with and it seems to have improved dramatically.

Looks Lighter than it Appears

Compared to dynamic handling performances of standard DIAVELs, handling performances of the X DIAVEL is somewhat gentle, but being defined as a Cruiser Model, it will offer sharp performance that can’t be found from other models with same level. Due to the long wheel base, the vehicle will offer awesome stability at high speed. It has lightness that totally differs from the massive oppression of typical big cruisers.

For instance you can change lanes just stepping softly on the steps with your feet thrown out front or just adjust the handlebar and the body will give you a brisk reaction. At the long loops of the Ooguro Parking Area, I despaired myself to the grip of the 240 wide flat tire and enjoyed the wild cornering with the vehicle leaned down flat. And on crossings in the city, I experienced exhilaration when cornering at crossings. As I had excepted, it offers much more high level handling performance than you’d assume.

Generously Equipped with Electronic Controls Equivalent to a Superbike

Electronic Controls equivalent to those mounted to a Superbike also stands out. Cruisers for fashion tend to lack up-to-date technology but ”X” is standardly equipped with DUCATI TRACTION CONTROL (DTC), Riding Mode and Cornering ABS lined with Riding Mode and bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).

By the way, riding mode can be chosen from ”Sports”, ”Touring” and ”Urban”. A press of a button will allow you to experience a great change in mode but if you want to swift comfortably through the city, ”Urban” is recommended. It also offers smooth Traction and ABS control.

The new Cruise Control didn’t reach its potentials on the capital freeway but I’m sure it will on suburban highways. Also I couldn’t try out the DUCATI POWER LAUNCH (DPL) that controls safety at full throttle on the public road. I’d like to try it out on the circuit if I have a chance.

The luxurious ”S” model features a black body decorated with shiny machined cut parts and is the most beautiful among the X DIAVEL models. By means it is an opposite to the 1299 PANIGALE due to its elegant features.

This elegantly attractive model can’t be expressed enough by just pointing out its performances. It is a rare motorcycle that look will look good with a tuxedo or dress.

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