Ducati India have been on a roll this month, first with the launch of the Multistrada 1200 Enduro and now they have come up with the XDiavel.
The XDiavel has evolved from Ducati’s manic Diavel power cruiser. While the Diavel had an agressive riding stance, the XDiavel comes with more relaxed riding controls. In fact, the seat, foot pegs and handlebars can be adjusted to achieve upto 60 different riding positions and that makes for a highly individualistic riding position and obviously an ergonomic delight.
The XDiavel gets the 1262cc Testastretta DVT L-twin motor derived from the Multistrada 1200 and imbibes the low torque characteristics of the ADV bike. In fact max torque of 130 Nm torque comes in at 5000rpm, 3000rpm lower than the Diavel.
The power output has been toned down and is 156bhp now, being delivered to the rear wheels via belt drive, another Ducati first along with the addition of a slipper clutch. In terms of handling, Ducati states a 40 degree lean angle which is quite good by cruiser standards.
The XDiavel’s ride-by-wire system enables three riding modes – Sport, Touring and Urban. Traction control and launch control are standard, to allow the bike to stay grounded on the road. The instrument cluster consists of a TFT based screen, as seen on the Diavel. While the XDiavel S also gets a Bluetooth control system that allows the rider to make calls or play music, without touching the phone, a feature being present on the Multistrada.
In terms of pricing, Ducati India seems to have got it right with the XDiavel coming at Rs 15.87 lakh (ex-Delhi) and the exotic XDiavel S retailing at Rs 18.47 lakh (ex-Delhi). For the extra premium being asked over the XDiavel, the S variant will get you USD forks with DLC treatment, machined bling wheels, M50 brake callibers, gloss-finished tank, Bluetooth system with infotainment display, glossy black engine with machined belt covers, a contoured seat and aluminium finished mirrors, all of which justifies the price pretty well.