2016 Ducati XDiavel Preview

Molding Italian style and speed with American feet-forward cruiser ergonomics, Ducati has introduced a new motorcycle to its 2016 lineup – the XDiavel.

The model takes the Diavel, which was first released in 2011 and popular among the power-cruiser market, and adds somethings that are a first for any Ducati, including forward foot controls and a final belt drive.

Not counting the 1950s Ducati Crusier scooter, this is Ducati’s third cruiser; first came the much-maligned Cagiva-built Indiana (1986-1990), which was followed by Diavel in 2011 and now the XDiavel – and the upgraded XDiavel S – in 2016.

Ducati’s marketing take on the new XDiavel involves three numbers – 5,000, 60, and 40. The first number, 5,000, is the rpm where the brand-new Ducati Testastretta DVT produces maximum torque of 95 ft/lbs.

Sixty refers to the number of ergonomic configurations – four different footrest positions, five different seats and three different handlebars.

And then there’s 40 – the maximum lean angle on the XDiavel, which ensures some ground clearance for the sporty types.

When combined, these numbers represent something truly new to the world of Ducati. It’s not just a restyled Diavel; the folks at the Borgo Panigale facility spent endless time creating the new platform that caters to the cruiser type. They also added a cruiser-friendly 29.72-inch seat height.

2016 Ducati XDiavel Engine Talk

It all begins with the new DVT 1260 engine that produces 156 horsepower at 9500 rpm; this is the same engine first introduced on the Mutlistrada 1200, but redesigned for more torque at low rpm and throughout the rev range. The DVT engine has a higher 13:1 compression ratio over the Multi’s 12.5:1, though both powerplants share the same Bosh electronics with 56mm diameter throttle bodies and Ride-by-Wire system.

To add to overall cruiser styling, Ducati engineers re-positioned the water pump from the alternator cover to between the “L”-shaped cylinder heads. The in-plainview water pump is driven by an auxiliary belt that is powered by a timing-belt pulley.

This engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox, and features a belt drive – one that’s final 28/80 ratio equates a final drive ratio of 15/43. The XDiavel breathes through a 2-in-1 system exhaust that lowers the center of gravity and fully exposes the 17” rear wheel.

The XDiavel’s engine maintenance has also increased; routine intervals are now 9,000 miles, and valve-timing adjustments 18,000 miles.

2016 Ducati XDiavel – Electronics & Suspension

The XDiavel features the latest in electronics, highlighted by the Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which dynamically measures pitch and roll angles plus the speed of relative variations in attitude.

This allows the XDiavel to arrive with an eight-level Ducati Traction Control (DTC), three Riding Modes, Bosch Cornering ABS, Cruise Control, and the new Ducati Power Launch (DPL) for the perfect launch when dragging a fellow biker.

The Ducati XDiavel arrives with 50mm Marzocchi front forks, and a rear Sachs monoshock – all with adjustable preload and damping. Braking is handled by Brembo brakes (M4 32s on the XDiavel; M50s on the XDiavel S), and the bike rolls 17-inch wheels donning 120/70 ZR17 tires up front, and 240/45 ZR17s out back.

The XDiavel S version features a black-only color scheme (matte black becomes gloss), DRL (Daytime Running Light) at the front, forks with DLC coating, Brembo M50 front brake calipers, a special seat and parts with machine-finished highlights, including alloy wheels and aluminum engine belt covers.

Ducati has yet to release pricing or availability, but expect the bike to be over the $20,000 mark. Following are the highlights, specs and a photo gallery of the 2016 Ducati XDiavel and XDiavel S.

2016 Ducati XDiavel Highlights:

• Color: Dark Stealth with Mineral grey frame and wheels
• Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262engine
• Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) by Bosch
• Bosch-Brembo ABS 9.1MP Cornering braking system
• Adjustable suspension
• Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, Urban)
• Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
• Ducati Power Launch (DPL)
• Electronic Cruise Control
• Full-LED front and rear lights
• Dashboard with TFT display

2016 Ducati XDiavel S Highlights:

• Color: Thrilling Black with matt black and red trim with grey frame and black wheels
• Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262 engine
• Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) by Bosch
• Bosch-Brembo ABS 9.1MP Cornering braking system
• Brembo M50 front calipers
• Adjustable suspension
• Adjustable fork with DLC coating on the fork bodies
• Riding Modes (Sport, T ouring, Urban)
• Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
• Ducati Power Launch (DPL)
• Electronic Cruise Control
• Full-LED front and rear lights
• Front headlight with DRL
• Dashboard with TFT screen
• Bluetooth module for infotainment system
• Seat with dual-material lining
• Machine-finished forged lateral frameplates
• Natural brushed-effect anodized swingarm
• 12-spoke machine-finished wheels
• Gloss black engine
• Machine-finished aluminum belt covers
• Rearview mirrors in billet aluminum

2016 Ducati XDiavel Specs:

2016 Ducati XDiavel Photo Gallery