Ducati XDiavel Dark 2024 — Specifications

The XDiavel begins its execution in Dark trim now. This allows it to take a little more distance from the enriched S and Nera versions.

A name that adorns it entirely with matte black paint, an effort on the price tag, and a desire to go for the essentials: big watts, custom styling, sensation, and feet forward.

Euro5 regulations could have dampened its ardor, but Ducati has recalibrated the engine settings to extract even more horsepower than before. There’s a crowd, you can feel a valiant quantity of shields, responding to the 160 horsepower cavalry. This evolution of the XDiavel is recognizable by its new exhaust, less reminiscent of “American sports cars with oversized V8 engines” and more akin to that of the Diavel. Under this update, the motorcycle retains its soul, its identity, and the majority of its specifications. Let’s dive in to fully grasp them.

The XDiavel – a clash of genres.

Why X? Because it’s a motorcycle at the crossroads of several universes? Because it wants to be of a forbidden register? Because you can’t exactly define in which category to place it? Everyone is free to form their own opinion on this XDiavel. It is much more than a derivative of the Bolognese diabolical roadster. An engine carrying the DNA of the brand but operating in a multi-card register... but above all American.

A striking design. It will please, no doubt. Everyone? Not sure! Ducati enthusiasts will not be as divided as for the machines of the Pierre Terblanche era (999 and 974, first Multistrada, 900 MHe) but will they recognize themselves in this power-cruiser!? The technology is reassuring, with a sporty twin, the desmodromic valve actuation, and the steel trellis frame. The silhouette is more striking, more able to show the steel muscles. The exhaust manifolds are hidden, the engine overflows, the rage is anguished. We are in the exercise, with effects that jump out at you. A short rear end, a very compact dual exhaust, radiator ducts, and rear footpegs detached from the whole – manifestly, it has to be impressive. And then... advanced foot controls, a belt drive, a mechanical setup that favors torque. Ok, the XDiavel is calibrated perfectly for Americans. And that’s a good thing. Given the decline of the sports market over the last 15 years, Ducati wouldn’t have significantly developed its sales if it had stuck to selling sportbikes, models that have nevertheless contributed, and still contribute, to building its reputation.

We have just seen some specifications of the XDiavel. But limiting ourselves to that would be to conclude without knowing, to miss its potential. The engine is full of tricks. Starting with its engine, even bigger and fatter than that of the Diavel. First, the engine specialists grafted on the DVT variable valve timing system from the old Multistrada, revised to offer more torque. Then, a longer piston stroke (from 67.9 to 71.5 mm) increases the displacement to 1262 cm3. The compression ratio increases from 12.5:1 to 13:1. Enough to satellite power the crew? No, just enough to spread your arms. Although this twin is almost as powerful as its cousin, it has a significant advantage here in its torque management. The latter has the advantage of being at its peak much earlier. We obtain a maxi of 13 mkg at 5000 rpm when the Diavel has to wait 8000 rpm to send the same dose. Poor rear tire, which will have to grip all this traction almost all the time. Above 2000 rpm, or 10 meters after starting, the engine already sends 10 mkg. More than just turning the throttle to tear a piece of road.

The mechanics are abundant, but not only that. It also plays an essential role in the design, cleaning up the maximum number of peripherals necessary for its operation. Try to find a hose that sticks out! Everything is hidden in the cases, and the water pump has moved within the cylinder L, in order to be invisible. The steel trellis frame has shrunk since the Diavel, simply accommodating the steering column and, above all, freeing up even more visual space around the engine. The left side has not been able to absolve itself of a few spark plug wires and other trinkets; the right side looks like a clinic.

A power-cruiser is designed to push with style, not necessarily to take an angle. The XDiavel attempts to reconcile the values of the category by combining them with its impertinence. Since the Diavel, the wheelbase is increased to 1615mm against 1590, the steering column angle prolongs the opening (30° against 28°) but the lean angle is almost the same, with 40° of inclination announced. Nevertheless, you will not turn the X as easily as the Diavel. This geometry favoring stability will be an asset during hard acceleration; and the bike is just waiting for that. The suspension setup, a 50 mm Marzocchi inverted fork and Sachs shock absorber, is adjustable in rebound and preload. The shock is pushed above the swingarm to make room for the gas chamber. By compacting as many elements as possible in the rear central part, the XDiavel completely reveals the superb spoke wheel fixed to the aluminum monobrach.

Big watts of creamy, not light at all, and plenty of electronics. The XDiavel will shock its owner. With the Bosch IMU inertial sensor, this custom has nothing to envy to the latest sportbikes. The riding aids are on call: 8-level traction control, ABS braking taking into account the angle, three riding modes (Sport - Touring - Urban), cruise control, and a launch assist called Ducati Power Launch (DPL) with 3 levels of adjustment. To be consumed in moderation? The electronics cut the system at 120 km/h or when the third gear is engaged; and above all, takes into account the launch rhythm in dragster to limit its successive number, in order to avoid a clutch massacre. Conversely, to tame the beast, a Brembo braking system consisting of 320 mm discs and M4-32 monoblock calipers will execute to stop its 247 kilos.

There was a time when Ducati demanded a certain declaration of faith from those who wanted to settle on them. The XDiavel is of a completely different philosophy. The footpegs can be adjusted in 4 positions, with a swing of more or less 22.5 mm. It is possible to fine-tune an ergonomics with small onions with 5 saddle heights and 3 handlebar positions (+ 25 mm, standard, - 25 mm); or 60 different positions. Devoted to the rider, the Ducati is less friendly to the passenger. Given the space allocated to him, the passenger will be satisfied... not to get on the bread crumb seat. The key is in your pocket; you don’t need to take it out. The XDiavel feels its presence and allows you to start. Two instrumentation blocks welcome you, including a beautiful TFT slab attached under the handlebar, seeming to float above the tank. Once your hands are on the handlebar, the eye is amazed by the color screen but if it deviates to the controls, the enlightened enthusiast is surprised by the more than average integration of cables and other hoses.

Long, low, powerful, expressive in the visual as in the twin, the XDiavel could be likened to what American brands could have manufactured in a technological development dimension sporty (each nuance is to be seized). A kind of super V-rod, however patinated by the Italian pencil stroke and a charming and temperamental taste. For those who seek even more finish and requirement, the XDiavel is also available in S version, with better brake calipers, a surface treatment for the engine, more dynamic rims, on-board Bluetooth and other goodies.

M.B - Images constructeur