Story & Photo by Patrick P. Tulfo
ONE of the interesting facts about the Ducati Diavel is that it is the second cruiser bike that came out from the motorcycle manufacturer—more popularly known in producing sexy sport bikes after the “Indiana” that was marketed from 1986 to 1990.
Its name was said to have been derived from an observation made by one of the members of Ducati team composed of engineers and technicians, who supposedly uttered in local Bolognese dialect “Ignurant comm’al diavel!”, which means “Evil like the Devil”.
The first generation came out in 2010 under the stewardship of then Ducati Design Chief Pierre Terbianche, who asked freelance designer Glenn Kerr to come up with initial sketches of the model.
The second and current generation was launched in the country last November at a German restaurant at the swanky Edsa Shangri-La Mall.
The new model offers very little difference from the first generation Diavel (which, by the way, is still being sold in other countries) in terms of looks, as both are basically the same.
The changes in the second generation include the movement of the foot pegs forward (can still be configured per driver’s preference), the engine head is now reinforced for structural integrity, the clutch and cam covers are said to be thicker to make it quieter. It also has a slightly larger fuel tank that resulted in a weight penalty of at least 20 pounds.
The XDiavel is a looker to say the least. At first glance, one will immediately noticed the massive 240-mm rear tire that’s even wider than those found in some cars. The sculpted fuel tank seats atop the trellis chassis frame. The blacked-out twin-cylinder 1262 Testrastetta engine with DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) System produces 156 horsepower and 128.9 N-m of torque at 5,000 rpm. This power is transferred via a six-speed gearbox.
A powerful engine like this needs an equally powerful braking system, that’s why Ducati has equipped the XDiavel with two (12.60 inches) semi-floating disc, radial Brembo Monobloc and 4-piston M50 calipers and radial master cylinder for the front wheel. While the rear has a (10.43-inch disc) with two-piston floating calipers. Both are equipped with Bosch cornering ABS (Antilock Brake System)Other feature the new XDiavel includes the Ducati Power launch (DPL) is a feature that ensures a fast start for the bike while controlling the vehicle dynamics, such as traction and wheelie.
Cruise control, hands-free full LED lighting, backlit handle bar switches, Bluetooth module, infotainment system, premium seat that can be changed to suit its owner, machined aluminum mirrors, forged and machined side plates and foot peg support.
The instrumentation features a 3.5-inch TFT color display with dedicated warning light display.
There are more than 20 aftermarket accessories available for the X Diavel that will give its owner the ability to customize their bikes further.
And, lest I forget, the XDiavel is Euro 4 rated and comes with a 24-month or two years’ warranty. It is priced at P1.420 million for the X Diavel and P1.570 million for the X Diavel S.
Image credits: Patrick P. Tulfo