Unconventional, unique, unmistakeable. As soon as it was launched at EICMA 2010, the Ducati Diavel stunned with its personality, design, sport naked handling and thoroughbred engine. The second-generation Diavel 1260 remains faithful to the original spirit of that incredibly special bike, drawing on its key styling elements yet bringing them decidedly up to date.
1. The beating heart
The beating heart of the new Diavel 1260 is the 1262 cm3 Ducati Testastretta DVT engine with variable cam timing. Already widely appreciated on the XDiavel, it has now been upgraded to optimise performance and equipped with chain-type final transmission. This engine also provides a clean, classy side view with a quality finish, establishing it as the core of the bike also from a style standpoint. The twin-cylinder Diavel 1260 puts out 159 hp (117 kW) at 9,500 rpm* and 129 Nm (13.1 kgm) at 7,500 rpm, delivering steady pulling power right from the low-medium rev range to ensure a robust engine response as and when needed. Thanks to a variable timing system which acts continuously on the intake and exhaust camshafts, the engine adjusts power delivery to suit riding conditions: extremely smooth at low revs, assertively sporty at high revs.
2. The chassis set-up
The riding position and ‘power cruiser’ ergonomics so popular with first-generation diavelisti remain unchanged. What has changed is the chassis set-up. The new Diavel sports a prominent new tubular steel Trellis frame. Anchored to it is an aluminium swingarm, sized to give surprising cornering agility, superb ‘feel’ and easy riding. The rear wheel – 240 mm wide with a diameter of 17 inches – remains a Diavel hallmark and, together with the new chassis set-up, merges excellent handling and lean angles with outstanding comfort levels.
3. The sportier version
A sportier S version of the Diavel 1260 is also available. Features include fully adjustable Ohlins suspension at both front and rear, dedicated wheels and an even higher-performance braking system.
