Moto test: Ducati XDiavel S

With the gauges filled with various information, I double check that I have turned on all the relevant programs, take a deep breath, lean forward and look at a point 200 feet away from me. 3, 2, 1… vroooaamm, the tire squeaks, the clutch pulls out, and my heart rate jumps. My body is flooded with adrenaline, and when I shift into a higher gear, I get a little scared. This needs to be stopped. Uh, that's the experience you remember. Accelerating with the new Ducati XDiave S is something unforgettable. Sweaty palms and slightly soft hands are a sign of a hefty dose of adrenaline, and a glance at the rear tire is a warning that this is not the smartest thing to do economically. A bad Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tire has to withstand a lot of effort. I think that someone who has traveled more than three thousand kilometers on one motorcycle with one rear tire deserves special recognition for patience and a calm ride. He not only picks up tires, but also scratches them, pieces fly from them, and most importantly, he leaves his signature on the pavement.

The Ducati Diavel was already special when it arrived a few years ago, and the new XDiavel S is something of a kind. When I first sat down in a comfortable and wide seat, as befits a cruiser, I was struck by how I should be driving along the highway in this position, putting my feet forward, but a few kilometers towards the coast, when I drove to see the Harleys. In Portoroz, I realized that my hands would suffer a lot if I wanted to drive a little more dynamically. So it's fair to say that for a leisurely cruising trip, this position is perfect, and for anything going over 130 mph, you just need strong arms. The windshield is minimal to get the windshield down on such a beautiful bike, but it just doesn't work.

The seat is low and easy to reach, and surprisingly, the XDiaval S allows up to 60 seat adjustment combinations. It basically allows for four different pedal positions, five seat positions and three steering positions.

But the gist is the new Testastretta DVT 1262 twin-cylinder engine with Desmodromic variable valve system around which the entire bike is actually built. Leaving the aesthetics top-notch and eye-catching, the engine is brutal, extremely powerful as it delivers tremendous torque in all areas of operation. The maximum, 128,9 Newton meters, occurs at five thousand revolutions. It reaches a maximum power of 156 "horsepower" at 9.500 rpm. With an extremely flexible motor, it offers an exciting ride at any speed. It rides at low revs even harder than the 200-horse super-athletes. While it doesn't look light due to the extremely wide tires, seat and handlebars, like you can find on the Multistrada, it's not heavy. Dry weight of 220 kilograms for such a "cruiser" is clearly not enough. Therefore, the acceleration from the city to 200 kilometers per hour is unearthly. When I opened the throttle at XNUMX mph, leaning in a long corner, the rear wheel drew a thick black line behind it. Therefore, it is only correct and necessary that the power supply is controlled by electronics. Ducati Traction Control (DTC) intelligent rear wheel anti-skid has eight levels that allow the rear wheel to slide differently when accelerating. The rates are set at the factory for the three programs, but you can also adjust them yourself.

Since this is a premium motorcycle, it is up to the rider how much power and character to ride. All of this is configured while driving at the touch of a button. Various engine operating programs (urban, tourist, sports) allow instant adjustment of the power supply and sensitivity of the ABS and DTC systems. Individual settings programmed at the service are also possible.

Basically, each of the three programs offers such different engine characteristics that it can be driven either by a beginner who will drive safely or by a very experienced driver who will draw black lines on the asphalt with minimal electronic assistance. In the Sport program, it is capable of developing a power of 156 horsepower and has sporty characteristics of power and torque, in the Touring program the power is the same (156 horsepower), the difference lies in the more progressive transmission of power and torque. ... Therefore, it is best suited for travel. In the Urban program, power is limited to a hundred "horses", and it transfers power and torque very quietly and continuously.

Competitive drag racing-style quick starts from the city are most efficient with the new Ducati Power Launch (DPL) system. Depending on the gas metering method chosen and the rear wheel anti-skid system, the Bosch unit ensures that the optimum tractive power is transmitted to the asphalt. Activated by pressing a button on the right side of the steering wheel. You can choose from three levels. The process is simple, provided that you hold onto the steering wheel well: first gear, full throttle and release the clutch lever. The result is such explosive acceleration that I recommend doing it not in a traffic jam, but in a safe place on the asphalt, where there are no other road users. The system is deactivated when you reach 120 kilometers per hour or in third gear, or when your speed drops below five kilometers per hour. To keep the clutch in good condition, the system allows only a few starts in a row, otherwise it will be very frequent and expensive to visit the service center. Well, we can still praise the engineers who, influenced by Audi, have created a modern engine with long service intervals through careful design and selection of the best materials. The oil is changed every 15-30 kilometers, and the valves are checked every XNUMX XNUMX kilometers, which positively affects maintenance costs.

The Ducati XDiavel S is equipped as standard with the best Brembo M50 Monobloc calipers, which, in combination with the Cornering ABS system based on the Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) platform, ensure efficient and safe braking even on slopes. As with engine mode, it is possible to set up operation in three different stages. From very sporty with minimal impact to complete control when driving on very slippery asphalt.

The Ducati is built for sport and that is reflected in every detail we find in the XDiavel S. That sets it apart and that's what I love. The motorcycle is an utterly irrational, repulsive cruiser that is essentially a Ducati. Laughing at American-made cruisers or their Japanese counterparts, they designed it to be ridden around corners like a sports bike. It can drop to 40 degrees, and this is a fact that the rest can only dream of. And although it looks strange, maybe even a little cumbersome, the impression changes as soon as you leave the city. No, it's not light in the hands, it's not ideal for riding on rough pavement and I would like a little quieter on the descents and a stiffer suspension for sporty riding, but it's so special and special that it did not leave me indifferent.

text: Petr Kavčič, photo: Saša Kapetanovič

• Basic data

  Sales: Motocentr As Domžale

  Test model cost: € 24.490 XNUMX €

• Technical information

  engine: 1.262cc, 3-cylinder, L-shape, Testastretta, 2 desmodromic valves per cylinder, liquid cooled 

  Power: 114,7 kW (156 horsepower) at 9.500 rpm 

  Torque: 128,9 nautical miles @ 5.000 rpm

  Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, timing belt

  Frame: steel pipe

  brakes: 2 semi-floating discs 320 mm, radially mounted 4-piston Brembo monobloc calipers, standard ABS, rear disc 265 mm, twin-piston floating caliper, standard ABS

  Suspension: fully adjustable marzocchi usd 50mm forks with dlc finish, rear fully adjustable rear shock absorber, convenient spring preload adjustment, single link aluminum rear swingarm

  Tires: 120/70 sp 17, 240/45 sp17

  Growth: 775 mm

  Fuel tank: 18

  Wheelbase: 1.615 mm

  Weight: 220 kg

We praise and reproach

appearance

character

power and torque

sound

quality of components and workmanship

rear tire destroyer

price

uncomfortable sitting position at high speeds