The Ducati XDiavel S packs a mean punch

The Ducati XDiavel S is a cross between a cruiser and a sports bike that packs a mean punch

There are some motorcycles in the world that make men go weak in the knees the moment they set their eyes on them. The Ducati XDiavel S is definitely one of them. Christened the XDiavel, this motorcycle is a cruiser that packs a mean punch, especially when you push it harder — it is the perfect blend of a cruiser and a sports bike. 

The XDiavel S features a high gloss black paint job all around, with the same finish on the engine as well. It also has turbine-like six-fin alloys that give the motorcycle a distinct identity no matter where you go.  The bike is low-slung, long and muscular in its appearance, all of this while being extremely comfortable to cruise on highways or ride in the city as well. 

At the heart of the XDiavel S is a 1262cc, L-Twin, Liquid Cooled, Ducati Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) engine that whips out 156hp on the tarmac at 9,500rpm. This new engine also enables the rider with smooth torque at a lower rpm and sports bike-like performance at open throttle. The Testastretta DVT engine develops a peak torque of 128Nm that comes in at as low as 5000rpm. To further this mechanical prowess, Ducati has equipped the bike with three different riding modes: urban, touring and sport. The rider can chose any of these at the flick of a button.

The XDiavel S is fitted with a ride-by-wire throttle system that ensures smooth acceleration irrespective of throttle inputs. The linear power delivery ensures you hit your mark and a mid-range peak torque will ensure the rider gets an adrenaline rush each time he opens up the throttle. Ducati has also made sure the XDiavel S gets adequate stopping power. The bike has two 320mm discs upfront with two pot calipers each and a 265mm disc in the rear with a two-pot caliper. Braking performance is progressive and definitely, inspires confidence. 

Like most cruiser motorcycles, the Ducati XDiavel S also provides a very ergonomic seating posture that maximises rider comfort. The rider seat height has been set at 755mm and the rider can also adjust the foot pegs in three different positions. The pillion foot peg, incidentally, has been placed right over the exhaust that could get a tad uncomfortable for the person seated at the rear when temperatures rise. But then the heat dissipation from the engine is also quite good, and even while riding in the city, I didn’t experience any substantial amount of discomfort. 

Continuing with the Ducati build tradition, the XDiavel S has been built on a steel trellis frame that provides the right amount of rigidity and control. Coupled with the frame are USD telescopic forks upfront and a one-sided cast swingarm in the rear. The XDiavel S rides on 170/70 RZ 17 tyres in the front and 240/45 RZ17 in the rear. Both are Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres that give ample grip on varying surfaces. The suspension setup along with the trellis frame and Pirelli tyres empowers the rider to achieve a maximum lean angle of 40 degrees.

Ducati XDiavel S

Engine: 1,262cc, L-Twin, liquid-cooled 

Torque: 128.9Nm@5,000rpm

Power: 156hp@9,500rpm

Transmission: 6-Speed

Kerb weight: 247 kg 

Price: Rs 19.48 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

Reports: Motown India; www.motownindia.com