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Ducati Diavel

Ducati is known to create special-edition builds and sometimes does it with car brands like Lamborghini. Now though, Ducati has joined forces with Bentley to build an exclusive edition of their Diavel V4 muscle cruiser.

Limited to a mere 500 units and dubbed the ‘Ducati Diavel for Bentley,’ this premium motorcycle comes with a hefty price tag starting at £58,000 (MYR340,000).

Built upon the foundation of the standard Diavel model, it houses the formidable 1158cc V4 Granturismo engine, boasting a claimed 166bhp at 10,750rpm.

Unveiled during Art Basel week in Miami Beach, this collaboration marks the first-ever partnership between the renowned motorcycle and Bentley.

Additionally, 50 ‘Ducati Diavel for Bentley Mulliner’ models have been reserved exclusively for existing Bentley customers.

Retaining the core features of the standard Diavel, including the cast aluminum monocoque chassis, advanced lean-sensitive electronics, and a distinctive side profile, the special edition distinguishes itself through design elements inspired by the exclusive Bentley Batur.

The color ‘Scarab Green,’ sourced from Bentley Mulliner, adorns the bodywork, while bespoke forged rims finished in ‘Dark Titanium Satin’ emulate those found on the Bentley Batur.

The two-tone front grill, fairing, and upper tank elements take cues from Bentley’s powerful production car. The four-exit exhaust of the standard bike has been replaced with elongated, flatter tips.

Carbon fiber accents grace elements such as the headlamp covers, engine covers, radiator covers, and the rear bodywork, which can be interchanged between double and single seat designs.

This collaboration echoes Ducati’s previous venture into luxury car partnerships, exemplified by the release of the Diavel 1260 Lamborghini in 2020.

Both Bentley and Lamborghini are part of the Volkswagen Group, hinting at potential future collaborations with Audi or Porsche.

Adding an extra layer of exclusivity, 50 ‘Diavel for Bentley Mulliner’ bikes will be exclusively produced for existing Bentley customers, offering them the epitome of garage luxury at a price of £71,000 (MYR420,000).

These buyers can personalize their motorcycles in collaboration with Ducati’s Centro Stile styling team, choosing different colors for the seat, front brake calipers, carbon components, and rims. For a matching aesthetic, the bodywork can be painted in the same color as their Bentley car.

Each of these special Ducatis comes with a certificate of authenticity, featuring the model’s name and production number engraved on a plate on the right side of the bike. Upon startup, a special animation graces the TFT dashboard.

For those who prefer display over ride, the bike will be delivered in a personalized wooden crate. A matching jet helmet and jacket are also available, with further details at ducati.com.

Episode 6 of the Ducati World Premiere 2023 takes us to the unveiling of the all-new 2023 Ducati Diavel V4.

Since there is a lot to write about Ducati’s latest take on its latest mega cruiser, here are five things you need to know about the all-new Ducati Diavel V4.

  1. Engine

The Diavel has moved from its V-Twin setup to Ducati’s latest V4 engine. 

Ducati has been synonymous with the V-Twin for quite some time but due to performance limitations, the Italian firm decided to move to the new V4 configuration that began with the Panigale V4 before naturally trickle down to the Streetfighter and the Multistrada. 

However, the one fitted on the new Diavel is the Granturismo V4 engine found in the Multistrada V4. As a result, it features longer service interval and offers a mid range grunt. 

According to Ducati, the Diavel V4 makes 168hp and 126Nm, making it more powerful than the Diavel 1260S although the latter makes higher peak torque at 129Nm. 

  1. Weight

Thanks to the new engine, it allows Ducati to ditched the steel trellis frame on the previous generation Diavel for a new lightweight aluminium monocoque chassis for the Diavel V4. 

As a result, Ducati saved 5kg from the engine and 8kg from the bike’s overall weight. That said, Ducati shed 13kg from the previous model.

  1. Comfort

This is the part where things got interesting because while it may be a cruiser, the Diavel V4 seat height registered at  790mm which is tall for a cruiser yet is low for a sporty naked bike. 

Nonetheless, the handlebar is now 20mm closer to the rider which helps to improved riders ergonomics and comfort.

On top of that, Ducati adds more rear travel to the rear suspension which now sits at 145mm, 15mm more than the 1260. Ducati claimed that the longer rear travel allows for more comfort not just for the rider but also for pillions. 

  1. Tech

There’s 5-inch TFT instrument display which you can access four riding modes including Sport, Touring, Urban and (newly added) Wet mode.

Also added is an up and down quickshifter, wheelie control and launch control as well as cruise control.

  1. Styling

The Diavel range is known for its striking looks and the V4 continues the general vibe with a similar stance. 

That said, the new engine creates a slightly different bodywork and maybe not quite as aesthetic as the previous 1260. You could also argue about the missing trellis frame.

However, the biggest talking point are at the back, starting with the quad exit exhaust which is probably to signify the V4 configuration. 

Also, the Diavel V4 features a new honeycomb taillight which looks absolutely bonkers. However, we couldn’t help but imagine the struggle of cleaning the tail light once you are done riding. 

So what do you think about the 2023 Ducati Diavel V4? Will it be as amazing as the 1260 or better? Do tell us what you think at the comment section!

The second final 2021 Ducati World Premiere web series presented us with the very special and limited 2021 Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini edition, a collaboration between two giant Italian brands in the region with the Lamborghini Siàn FKP 37. (more…)

Ducati is currently on a role when it comes to releasing new colours and liveries for the current premium motorcycle line-up. It looks like that they’re going with that momentum in 2021 and according to some sources, Ducati is planning to reveal a Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini Edition next year. (more…)

After winning the prestigious Red Dot Award for best design, the Ducati Diavel 1260 S rise through the rankings yet again with another award under its belt. This time, it is from the Good Design Award. (more…)

  • The Ducati Diavel 1260S is more than just a fast bike, it is quite intelligent as well.
  • The Diavel 1260S offers award winning looks and an engine that puts out enough power to shame superbikes.
  • But it is the Pirelli tyres and Bosch electronic brain that create some real magic.
  • But there were some false neutrals, we asked Ducati why and they explained it perfectly in a video featured in this article. 

Reviewing the new Ducati Diavel 1260S reminded me of the original 1200. It was some time back in 2011 that I found myself at the World Expo Centre in Shanghai, staring at the then brand spanking new Ducati Diavel 1200 (below).

I remember being wide eyed. Completely awe struck.

The Diavel tore apart the conventional understanding of a cruiser, and Ducati quite literally stuck it to the motorcycling world with the Diavel.

Every cruiser since then has, in one way or another, been influenced by the Diavel. Maybe in power, handling, braking power or electronics, but the Diavel set the standards pretty high as far as power cruisers are concerned.

The Ducati Diavel 1200 Diesel.

I didn’t get to ride it much, probably about 3km around a square building which served as our “test-track”.

But it was enough for me to believe that Ducati had a winner in their hands, and that the era of the “power cruiser” had arrived.

10 Things You Need To Know About The New Ducati Diavel 1260S!

Nine years later, I am at the coastal town of Malaga and staring at the almost all-new Ducati Diavel 1260S.

It is still a stunning bike as it always has been. In fact, the Diavel recently won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award, click here to read about that.

What’s new?

I say “almost all new” because despite the new 1260 looking very much like the 1200 at first glance, only three things have been carried over from the first Diavel – the headlight, the tail light and the dash.

Ducati says 90% of the bike is new!

It is still a fantastic looking bike, and that 240 section rear tyre will never go out of style. It is just a cool bike but unlike other cruisers, this one has the performance to put sports riders to shame.

Riding Modes

I found this out after switching from Touring to Sport mode (the other mode is the sedated Urban mode, which I very quickly got bored of and I am sure you will too).

I had been riding in Touring since leaving the hotel, over highways and part of the coastal mountains. The roads ahead were wide with fast flowing corners, perfect!

Switching modes requires just two clicks of a switch with your left thumb, and about 3 seconds later and a quick roll off the throttle and the bikes goes from mile munching cruiser to F-15 fighter jet mode.

Power is instantaneous and the new 1262cc Testastretta DVT engine responds to the throttle at millimeter precision.

The engine features the Desmodromic Variable Timing (DVT) technology which made its debut on the XDiavel (click here to read more about DVT technology).

It offers a more direct response to your right hand and you feel it immediately.

Couple this to the new Ducati Quick Shifter and you have a bike that accelerates so hard that it takes your brain some seconds to register the onslaught, at which point you would already be traveling at over 200km/h.

Speaking of the DQS system though, there were a couple of time where the gear didn’t kick in, resulting in a false neutral. We did ask Ducati why this happened though and their reply is in the video above.

In Sport mode, the new Diavel needs your fullest attention. But it is not just the riding mode that makes it quick, in fact the Diavel 1260S represents the perfect harmony of superbike performance and cruiser like coolness.

Suspension

The suspension is supplied by Ohlins all round, though not electronically controlled but fully adjustable 48mm upside down front fork and a shock absorber for the rear.

Massive Braking Power

Brembo’s M50 monobloc are some of the best in the business this side of professional racing. Featuring face warping abilities, the front is managed by twin 320mm semi-floating discs with radially mounted 4-piston calipers, while the rear is kept in check by a 265mm single dish with a dual-piston Brembo floating caliper.

Of course, there’s a sprinkle of electronic magic here as well with smart electronics working behind the scenes to keep you safe.

The Electronic Brain

Backing up the Brembo braking hardware is a Bosch 9.2MP cornering ABS control unit. It has three intervention levels with Level 1 being the most sporty with zero cornering and rear wheel lift detection. If you like backing it into a corner, this is the level you want.

The ingenious electronics package consists of – Ducati Traction Control EVO, Ducati Power Launch EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control EVO and Cornering ABS EVO.

The brains of it all is a 6-axis Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit that measures roll and pitch angles as well as speed. You can also fully control the level of interference for each parameter – the traction control and wheelie control for example have eight different interference levels.

Sticky Tyres

But despite its power and cleverness, the Diavel 1260S relies on its tyres to deliver every bit of its power. And the tyres are more than a match to the Diavel’s brain and powertrain.

Pirelli’s high-acclaimed Diablo Rosso III are tasked with grip management. And measure in at 120/70 at the front and 240/45 at the back.

This huge variation in tyre section makes the bike feel nervous to lean at first, a typical character of fat-tyre cruisers – the front always seems keener to lean than the rear.

But after a while you get to really dig deep into the tyres for some massive lean angles.

The tyres are dual compound – soft on the outside and hard on the inside.

Despite some damp patches and cold weather, I was able to get on the throttle mid-way of the corner, much earlier than you would on other cruisers.

The Diablo Rosso III is known to have one of the wildest amount of grip, and it complements the character of the bike perfectly well.

So how does it ride?

Comfort is top notch because of the suspension and the wider and perfectly contoured seat that clasps your bum perfectly. No sore bum after that long ride through the mountains and in wet and dry conditions.

The sitting position is sporty with its centre mounted controls, while the X-Diavel is and will be with the new XDiavel 1260, more reminiscent of a cruiser with its forward controls.

The engine and the tyres are really the centrepiece of the new Diavel.

The engine for its mad power and instantaneous response to the slightest input and the resulting massive explosion of power. And the tyres for their ability to keep up with the engine’s brute power.

The electronics are there for check and balance and also for safety that requires thousands of calculations at a fraction of a second. And it is this combination that makes the Diavel feel like a superbike in a cruiser’s clothing.

Our test route was about 220km long along some beautiful roads, a mix of wide, fast and winding and tight and challenging.

The Diavel made mince of it all – of the distance, of the road, of the corners, and even the sections of rain we experienced.

I was too chicken shit to go balls out in Sport mode in the rain, and that too while riding on the wrong side of the road, so it was back to Touring mode, which I find to be the best balance for the Diavel.

Criticisms? Limitatios? I don’t have anything to criticise but some say that there is one limitation you would probably face if you buy the Diavel, and that would be that massive rear tyre. Suffering a rear puncture in a remote area could be a nightmare.

Well, having some experience with touring with the Diavel 1200 during the Ducati China Strada ride in 2013 (pictured above), the tyre never gave way during the near 3000km ride (read about our trip with Ducati in China by clicking here).

In fact, the only problem we faced with the Diavel during that ride was it bottoming out around the off-road section. But that’s to be expected though.

The first-generation Diavel was already fantastic to begin with. A good combination of everything, and the new Diavel 1260S just takes it to an all new level of awesomeness.

Sure it may have taken eight long years for Ducati to improve it, but it is so good, that I actually believe that Diavel 1200 owners may not recognise its riding character.

The new Ducati Diavel 1260S is due to be launched in Malaysia at some point in April or early May of 2019.

  • Motosikal Ducati Diavel 1260 S Materico adalah sebuah motosikal konsep rekaan yang dihasilkan bersempena dengan “Milan Design Week”.
  • Ia lahir dari pertemuan antara pereka, Tom Dixon, dan para pereka dari Ducati, Lamborghini, Pirelli, dan VW.
  • Ianya sebuah model ‘one-off’ istimewa dan diperagakan di restoran milik Tom Dixon.

(more…)

1. The Ducati Diavel 1260S is 90% new.

That’s right, almost the entire bike is new, only the headlight, tail light and the dash has been carried over, and that too from the X-Diavel. Everything from the mud guards to the swing arm and even the tyres are all new.

2. The bike is longer than before.

Just by a few mm, but the longer wheelbase makes a world of difference especially in long sweeping corners. The bike feels more stable and more like a cruiser, but with a mighty engine to match its power cruiser persona.

3. The standard is only available in one colour while the S is available in 2 colours.

Ducati found that the Diavel was hugely popular in black colour and then chose to offer it only on the high-spec S version. The standard version is available in the sandstone grey colour seen here, which is also available on the S version. Disappointed? Don’t be. The sandstone grey is a stunning colour, even when it is totally dirty.

4. The seat is 10mm higher than before.

That’s right, the seat of the new Diavel is slightly taller which is great news for tall riders. If you are vertically challenged, don’t worry, Ducati has you covered with a low seat option.

5. The electronics package has been substantially upgraded.

The riding modes are brilliant, especially Sport mode as it makes the bike feel like a full on sports bike. You get 3 riding modes – Sport, Touring and Urban – a vast array of parameters like ABS, Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Cornering ABS, Ducati Power Launch (for those MotoGP-ish traffic light drag wars), a hands-free system that operates the keyless start and connects your bike to a dedicated mobile app, and a whole bunch more. And best thing is, you can tune these electronic safety nets down to the tiniest detail. Don’t like ABS interference but you want full the wheelie control on full alert? The bike will do that for you. No issues there.

6. There is no Carbon edition, just a standard model and a S model.

Just two models for now, and a X-Diavel later on for those who prefer a more cruiser-ish feel to their Diavel. The standard 1260 with no Ohlins and limited electronics and a 1260S which gives you all the toys, and some.

7. The Daytime Running Light is only available on the S model.

Yes that’s right. If you want the ultra-cool DRL headlight, that will cost you more moolah.

8. Ducati Quick Shifter is available as standard on the S, and as an option on the standard 1260.

Even you are thinking of buying the standard Diavel, opt for the DQS. It is the most amazing feeling to be banging home the gears with no loss of power and speed, no down time as you engage the clutch to hit the gears. You will thanks us for it later.

9. The tyres on the new Diavel are super sticky and work brilliantly in both wet and dry conditions.

The Pirelli Diablo Rosso III features dual compound technology (soft on the outside and hard on the inside). The outer, softer area is wider than before which gives you more grip even from mid-lean. The tyre gives you so much confidence in both dry and wet situations that it makes you feel like a better rider than you actually are, as this writer found out.

10. It is going to be launched in Malaysia next month – price unknown! Yet.

We are not sure of the exact date, but the new Diavel will be here very soon. And if you are in the market for a power cruiser that has performance to hunt down a sports bike, then this will be worth the wait.

Full review coming soon!

  • Ducati telah memulakan pengilangan bagi model Ducati Diavel 1260 2019.
  • Motosikal Diavel 1260 ini menggunakan enjin DVT 1,262cc 159hp yang sama seperti model Multistrada 1260.
  • Ia juga dilengkapi dengan kawalan cengkaman sensitif sudut condong dan ‘Cornering ABS’. (more…)
  • Ducati has started production on the 2019 Ducati Diavel 1260.

  • The Diavel 1260 shares the 159 bhp 1,262cc DVT engine of the Multistrada 1260.

  • It also features lean sensitive traction control and Cornering ABS.

The first 2019 Ducati Diavel 1260 has rolled off the production line in Bologna, Italy. It was greeted at the entire factory with a toast and official speech by CEO Claudio Domenicali.

The Diavel 1260 was just unveiled last year and it will be delivered to the first customers by February.

It is the second generation Diavel. Ducati claims it is now more comfortable for the rider and passenger alike, besides being designed for “mixed roads.” The main highlight is the 1262cc Testastretta DVT 90oV-twin engine which it shares with the Multistrada 1260. It produces 159 bhp at 9,500 RPM and 129 Nm of torque at 7,500 RPM. The DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) gives the engine smooth and predictable power throughout its rev range.

Apart from DVT, Ducati has also equipped the bike with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). The component enables the addition of lean sensitive traction control and cornering ABS.

As per Ducati’s tradition, the 2019 Diavel 1260 is offered in both standard and “S” model trims. The higher-spec’ed Diavel 1260S model features Öhlins suspension and Quick Shift Evo for up- and downshifts.

Both models still feature the Diavel’s signature 240mm-wide rear tyre.

  • Generasi terkini Ducati Diavel 1260 2019 telah diperkenalkan dengan lebih banyak kuasa dan keanggunan.
  • Tarikan terbesarnya adalah enjin ‘L-Twin’ Ducati Testastretta DVT 1,262cc yang menghasilkan 159hp dan 126Nm tork.
  • Pakej elektroniknya telah dipertingkatkan dengan ketara, dengan spesifikasi seperti Cornering ABS, Wheelie Control, Power Launch Control, dan bermacam-macam lagi.

(more…)

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