New Ducati Diavel revealed

Official images and technical data reveal that Ducati’s game-changing Diavel will benefit from a host of revisions for 2014, three years after the bike was launched to widespread acclaim for delivering sportsbike levels of performance to the cruiser class.

The main changes centre around a new twin-spark version of the 1198cc Testastretta V-twin engine. While Ducati claim that it will pack the same 162bhp punch as the outgoing version, there will be more torque on tap, with an increase from 94 to 96.2ftlb at peak, and improvements throughout the rev range.

In addition, the new engine is also claimed to deliver improved fuel efficiency, while servicing costs will reduce, with the new model only requiring a major service every 18,000 miles.

The Diavel was launched in 2011 and quickly rose to the top of the power cruiser segment thanks to revelatory handling, stopping power to rival the firm’s own 1198 superbike, and performance to match from the sportsbike-derived engine.

The biggest surprise in the mix was the handling, especially considering the use of a 240-section rear tyre, which give the Diavel striking looks, but ought to be a greater hinderance to its cornering capabilities.

But these early fears were soon dismissed on test, and the Diavel has been enticing a mixture of superbike riders looking for something more comfortable, and existing cruiser owners seeking more performance and better handling.

For full details, see the March 5 issue of MCN.