Motorcycle specifications DucatiDIAVEL 1200 2015 Lifting de minuit

the Diavel isn't just a success story for Ducati. It's also one of the most spectacular machines the brand has ever created. Part roadster, part power-cruiser, surprisingly agile and fearsomely charismatic, it has won over the market and appealed to anonymous and famous alike. Does it need more to continue its career? Hardly. The 2015 version, which we'll call Phase II, arrives in spring 2014 with its share of evolutions.

a sign of change? The new Diavel was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. A heresy for fans; a tactical choice for Audi, Ducati's new owner. But let's leave politics to its own devices. Let's return to the Diavel II and dispel the fears of fashion victims. Does the new one make the old one look old? Absolutely not. A few styling touches, a more plush look, a touch of aggressiveness in the exhaust. The Diavel is still the Diavel! Only connoisseurs will notice the changes.
It's especially in the headlamp that the expression has been asserted. Full LED, the headlamp unit now forms a half-ring of light when switched on. More expressive, the headlight is highlighted by a finely redesigned hood in brushed aluminum. Near the other end, the double-gun is replaced by a pair of bevelled exhausts. We've mentioned the most visible changes; let's stay a while to see how far the stylists have gone to polish the plastic. The black aluminum air intakes have been enlarged, the shape of the radiator scoops simplified, the light bars more integrated into the scoops, and a new deflector has been inserted in front of the cockpit...

...A very special place, where the rider can enjoy two instrument panels (LCD + TFT), wide aluminium handlebars with variable cross-section - raised on phase II, a flatter, better padded seat, and a road that may seem intimidated by the Diavel's hectic muscle. This bike has so much personality, you'd almost forget where its engine came from. The twin Superbike from the late 1198. Deflated to 162 hp (still), this Testastretta II is enhanced in 2015 by a little technical treatment. By redesigning the intake and exhaust ducts and reintroducing the Dual Sark ignition system, the engine-makers did not seek to increase power, but to strengthen the torque curve from low revs onwards. Power thus remains at 162 horsepower, while torque gains a pinch of mkg, peaking at 130.5 Nm (previously 128). Bologna also takes the opportunity to extend the frequency of major overhauls, which will now be carried out every 30,000 km.

the Diavel II's chassis remains unchanged, but did it need a few improvements? Not really. Few criticisms can be levelled. The tubular steel trellis frame holds its own, the big 240 rear tire is a real eye-catcher and surprisingly agile, and the mechanical and electronic equipment hardly needs upgrading for the time being. The 1200 Diavel still boasts a fully adjustable 50 mm Marzocchi inverted fork and Sachs monoshock, 320 mm rollers with Brembo monobloc radial calipers at the front and a 265 mm track at the rearcombined ABS, keyless start (well, it has to be in your pocket), 8-step traction control, 3 riding modes*, and a very reasonable dry weight of 210 kg - 239 kg fully loaded.

the Diavel II is far from a clean sweep of the past. It retains everything that makes it what it is, its unreasonable and fascinating side, its powder-barrel burnt-out motorization. The evolution is noticeable, enough to give it a (slightly) more pronounced aplomb. The Carbon version benefits from the same evolutions, with a weight gain and the intrinsic characteristics of this version: carbon parts, forged rims, stitching on the seat for the red color, and more toned-down colors.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos

* sport
With 162hp, Sport mode offers the Diavel rider an adrenalin-fuelled ride, with full throttle opening for maximum acceleration. Ensuring total availability of the Testastretta 11° DS, Sport mode reduces DTC intervention to level 1 for riders who prefer performance a little closer to the limits of grip.

touring
The Touring mode is also programmed to develop 162hp, but with power delivered more smoothly and progressively. Rear grip is enhanced by increasing the DTC intervention level to 3, specially tuned for a pleasant, relaxing ride, ideal for long trips and ensuring maximum comfort for both rider and passenger.

urban
Since street riding requires more attention to the surrounding elements than to throttle performance, the "Urban" mode instantly transforms the Diavel into a maneuverable, easy-to-ride machine. Engine power is reduced to 100hp and DTC is increased to level 5 for greater system intervention in the most demanding traffic conditions.