R I D D E N & R A T E D : 2 0 1 5 D U C A T I D I A V E L

Kinder

B Y J O N L A N G S T O N | P H O T O S B Y M I L A G R O

Since its introduction in 2011, Ducati’s Diavel has been a genre-bender: too sporty to be a cruiser,

too long and upright to be a sportbike. It was most often lumped into the “power cruiser” category, but was so idiosyncratic as to have only one real rival, Star’s Vmax (and we recently compared touring versions of the bikes in the March 2014 issue). With its selectable ride modes and trac-tion control, the Diavel was the more

technologically advanced of the two, but despite being artfully distinctive and blindingly fast, for the most part both motorcycles pushed comfort aside in favor of performance. Conse-quently, their appeal was limited.

The 2015 Diavel is out to change that. Seeking to strengthen its identity and cruisability, Ducati has given the bike a number of upgrades to make it easier to ride. The revised Testastretta 11° L-twin engine and its dual-spark

A new handlebar riser brings the controls closer to the rider. The upper LCD display provides main information such as speed and rpm, while the lower, full-color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display shows information such as riding mode and traction control setting.

For 2015, the redesigned Ducati Diavel and Diavel Carbon (shown) boast improved rider comfort along with a revised Testastretta L-twin engine.

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technology now provide three per-cent more torque and a more ef-fi cient fuel burn. New LED lighting throughout, the headlight in particu-lar, provides yet another distinctive styling accent and vastly improves the rider’s visibility, while a shorter 2-1-2 exhaust exposes more of the rear wheel.

Nice cosmetic changes have been made to the ’15 Diavel’s headlight shroud and instrumentation, and bar risers and a fuel gauge have been added. Fine improvements all, but none are as revelatory as the Diavel’s new seat. In previous years, the Dia-vel’s perch leaned toward its sport-bike lineage, slanting the rider slightly forward in an aggressive position. For 2015, despite the tailsection’s still-dramatic upsweep, the seat is fl at, if not angled slightly rearward. On a bike fl ush with contemporary technol-ogy, this new, simple saddle tweak provides one of the greatest improve-ments over the previous Diavel.

Cruising the Diavel through the pas-toral countryside, mountain passes and quaint towns of the Ligurian Alps at the press launch based in opulent Monte Carlo, never once did I feel the uncomfortable crush of sliding down

into the fuel tank, or the dull ache in my wrists from bearing my weight for an extended time. Sitting up and lift-ing my face shield, riding one handed in second or third gear while smelling the cafés and pastures of the region that straddles the French/Italian bor-der, was a delight in moto-tourism. Punctuate those bucolic moments with hours of wild hairpins and furious can-yon carving, and the Diavel proved its

itself to be quite versatile.The Diavel’s revised engine makes

that familiar Ducati rumble without the characteristic clatter. The exhaust purrs assuredly and growls menac-ingly with a low pitch that will never be mistaken for a sportbike. In any gear, whether in Urban (limited horsepower and throttle response), Touring (full power, limited throttle) or Sport (full power and response), the Diavel re-acted eagerly. The modes seem ide-ally confi gured out of the box; though owners can dial in the various trac-tion control, throttle response and horsepower levels to custom settings.

The updated Diavel improves the bike’s cruiser comfort while enhancing its sportbike power and handling.

The new Testastretta reengineers the fi re-breathing 1198 Superbike powerplant for practicality. The distance between major service intervals is an owner-friendly 18,000 miles.

The removable seat cowl covers a comfy pas-senger pillion. Innovative T-bar shaped grab rails slide out from under the seat.

R I D D E N & R A T E D : 2 0 1 5 D U C A T I D I A V E L

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R I D D E N & R A T E D : 2 0 1 5 D U C A T I D I A V E L

Urban mode eased the bike’s ag-gressiveness in traffi c, Touring offered massive highway power without abrupt throttle snappiness, and Sport mode is frankly superfl uous—unless second-gear wheelies happen to be your thing.

The dual-disc, radial-mount Brembo brakes up front provide awesome stop-ping power and ABS is now standard equipment. The single shock is adjust-able, although twisting the knob did surprisingly little to alter the ride; turning it fully in either direction, the distinction between soft and hard was minimal to this 185-pound rider. Still, braking and suspension are equally supreme for around-town traffi c, open-road riding and everything in between.

If the 240-series rear tire didn’t clue you in, the Diavel’s length makes it clear: this is a cruiser-sized motor-cycle. The fat tire and long wheel-base surely contribute to the Diavel’s confi dent stance; in any environment and on any surface, the bike is sure-

footed and never skittish. The turning radius isn’t vast, but thanks to the low seat and relatively light curb weight, slow speed maneuvers aren’t a prob-lem. More satisfying is the lean angle, which helps this light-for-its-size bike easily negotiate even the snuggest of European lanes. The Diavel dives into turns eagerly, and the monster L-twin pulls it upright effortlessly. On a day fi lled with hills and hairpins, it took a downhill switchback with a decreasing radius for me to scrape a peg—and that only happened once.

Ducati says its new Diavel is geared toward active urban riders who view their motorcycle as a lifestyle acces-sory. That sounds apt, considering the starting price of $17,995 for the base Diavel (sexy in Matte Black) and $20,995 for the Carbon version (Black with Red or White stripes and ac-cents), which has forged Marchesini wheels (5.5 pounds lighter than the standard wheels), milled front brake calipers, and carbon fi ber tank panels, pillion cowl and front fender. The 2015 Diavel should appeal to those who want sportbike performance with more laid-back comfort, and cruiser riders looking for something totally different. This bike is powerful and comfortable enough for any rider, on any ride: bou-levard cruising, urban commuting and even light touring.

Cozy enough to ride like a cruiser and thrilling enough to perform like a sportbike, the 2015 Diavel should satisfy sport riders seeking comfort, and cruiser fans seeking more oomph.

Radially mounted four-piston Brembo Monobloc calipers grip twin 320mm discs. A single 265mm disc on the rear is gripped by a two-piston caliper, also by Brembo.

Website: ducatiusa.comBase Price: $17,995Price as Tested: $20,995 (Carbon)Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse L-twin, desmo-dromic DOHC, 4 valves per cyl.

Bore x Stroke: 106.0 x 67.9mm

Displacement: 1,198cc

Transmission: 6-speed, hy-

draulically actuated wet clutch

Final Drive: O-ring chain

Wheelbase: 62.6 in.

Rake/Trail: 28 degrees/5.1 in.

Seat Height: 30.3 in.

Claimed Wet Weight: 527

lbs./516 lbs.

Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gals.

MPG: NA

2015 Ducati Diavel/Carbon

Helmet: HJC FG-17 / Jacket & Pants: Bilt Storm / Gloves: Racer Stratos / Boots: Spidi Xpd

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