KIWI RIDER 04 2019 VOL.1 | Page 27

DIAVEL’S IN THE DETAIL Since it was first launch in 2010 the Ducati Diavel has sat in an interesting corner of the cruiser market. With a superbike derived heart, and all the subtlety of a brick through a window the Diavel is a rather unique machine. Now fast forward to 2019 and what was once an 1198cc V-Twin with 162hp has now grown to a 1262cc machine with even more presence. The second-generation Diavel remains faithful to the original spirit of the original, drawing on it for its key styling elements while bringing the bike up to date and also updating the bike’s ergonomics to improve comfort. Power is provided by Ducati’s variable valve timing equipped Testastretta DVT 1262 engine which puts out 159hp at 9500rpm and 129Nm at 7500rpm. An upgraded chassis setup makes the Diavel more responsive on mixed-road routes while high updated electronics (including Bosch Cornering ABS) provide braking performance on a par with that of a sport bike. As per Ducati’s modus operandi the higher spec’d S version gains Ducati Quick Shift up & down Evo (DQS) as standard to allow clutchless shifting along with fully adjustable Öhlins suspension at both front and rear, dedicated wheels and an even higher-performance braking system. The riding position and ‘power cruiser’ ergonomics so popular with first- generation bike remain unchanged. What has changed is the chassis setup which features a prominent new tubular steel Trellis frame. Anchored to it is an aluminium swingarm which houses the big 240mm wide rear wheel. KIWI RIDER 27