2017 Ducati xDiavel review, test ride

Thrill or chill?

This is the second motorcycle from Ducati’s stable to use its clever DVT variable valve timing system after the Multistrada 1200. However, on the XDiavel Ducati has stroked out the motor from 1,198cc to 1,262 cc. Power matches the old Diavel’s 152hp, but torque has increased by 3Nm to 126Nm. Interestingly, the torque peaks at a significantly lower 5,000rpm instead of the earlier 8,000rpm.

Low-end torque is what cruisers are about, but like most big V-twins, the XDiavel doesn’t like the revs to drop too low. DVT has smoothed the engine by a tangible margin from 2,000-4,000rpm but dropping the revs below that results in the typical unhappy clunking and chugging from the motor. The six-speed gearbox runs the same tall ratios from the Diavel, further highlighting the motor’s dislike for low revs. The inclusion of belt drive has vastly improved low-speed refinement, resulting in a smooth, quiet operation where the Diavel's chain used to constantly clatter against the swingarm. The usual Kevlar-infused belt drives as seen on the average cruiser aren’t strong enough to handle the XDiavel’s ferocity, so Ducati developed a special carbon-fibre reinforced unit. And boy, does it have a lot to handle.

With this level of power, a fat 240 section rear tyre and a long, stable chassis, the Diavel was one of the hardest accelerating motorcycles on the planet. The new XDiavel operates at the same level, but now offers DPL, or Ducati Power Launch – a three-stage launch control system that makes launching the bike a little less scary. The system allows the rider to keep the throttle wide open, smoothly release the clutch and lets the electronics handle the rest.

Needless to say, performance is thrilling, bordering on frightening. Tested in damp conditions, we set a 3.4s 0-100kph time. All through the entire run, the front wheel was trying to meet the sky, only to be reined in by the eight-level adjustable traction control. 200kph arrives so ferociously, you only realise it when your brain registers the wind force trying to peel you off the fairing-free motorcycle.

Thankfully, the XDiavel isn’t all aggression. Of the three riding modes on offer, Urban mode restricts power to 100hp and offers milder responses through the ride-by-wire throttle. Here, the XDiavel is mild mannered and quite friendly to potter around town. Touring mode continues to offer a mild throttle response, but gives the rider access to the full 152hp, while Sport mode sharpens engine response and offers reduced intervention from the electronic safety net. Each mode configures traction control and ABS function, with the TFT screen displaying a different theme depending on the mode.

In the city, we found that the XDiavel runs hot, but not quite as much as the older Diavel. Outright performance is at the same insane level, but the XDiavel does low-speed riding a good deal better than its sibling.