2019 Ducati Diavel First Look

Ducati unveiled its vastly redesigned Diavel power cruiser at EICMA. The design looks sharper than the previous edition thanks to the new exhaust system that disappears from the right side of the bike, with only the twin outlets appearing low and behind the engine. The total black paint scheme makes the bike look mysterious, kind of like an alien spaceship and that, for the Diavel, is a great thing.

Add that now the power cruiser is propelled by the larger displacement and most sophisticated edition of the Testastretta L-twin, the 1,260cc DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) that delivers 159 hp at 9,500 rpm, with 95.2 pound-feet of peak torque at 7,500 rpm. In addition to desmo variable timing by Gigi Mengoli, this unit features twin spark ignition and secondary air induction to make it fully Euro 4 compliant while delivering massive power and torque.

The steel tubing trellis frame now makes full use of the massive engine structure and only connects the steering head to the front engine mounts. The steering geometry is slightly less radical, with the steering axis rake reduced from 28 to 27 degrees. Trail now measures 120mm and the new wheelbase spans 63 inches. The new Diavel retains its extreme tire combination, with 120/70-17 front and 240/45-17 rear Pirelli Diablo Rosso III radials.

The bike comes in two levels: standard and S, separated by the quality of finishing and, more important, of major components—namely the suspension units: Öhlins for the S with a fully adjustable 48mm fork and Öhlins rear shock absorber, versus a Marzocchi 50mm fork and rear shock that’s only adjustable in preload and rebound for the standard.

Like all Ducati models, the Diavel benefits from the very high capabilities of the Ducati electronics suite that includes all major functions such as three levels of riding modes and eight levels of traction control, plus power launch control and wheelie control. The Brembo braking system is complete with Bosch ABS Cornering EVO.