WHY would a beast like the XDiavel S exist? My take on the Diavel story would be that Ducati decided that it would a “fun” thing to do on a slow day at Borgo Panigale. Hence, the existence of these Diavels.
It’s probably wrong (my hypothesis) but it helps me accept the very existence of these bikes.
Ducati being Ducati, it can’t release any bike without it being the maximum it can be. Thus, it is with their sportbikes and also with the XDiavel S. It absolutely, justifiably had to be the fastest cruiser ever to be built. Whether the bike would be usable or not, that was secondary.
The original 2011 Diavel used the 1198cc L-twin motor from the Multistrada just as the XDiavel and XDiavel S uses the 1,262cc variable-valve-timing version from the current Multistrada. The Testastretta DVT powerplant peaks at 152hp @ 9,500rpm but the more telling figure is 12.8 kg/m of torque at just 5,000rpm.
From around 50kph, the XDiavel feels like it will out-accelerate a Bugatti Veyron (if your arm sockets will allow it). The only fly in the ointment is the riding position.
Ducati claims that there are 147 different ergonomic configurations for the XDiavel. But the way the XDiavel S goes, you would have to go through all of them to find a position that would allow full utilisation of its performance.
Basically, the XDiavel S is a feet-forward machine, quite like many Harley-Davidsons. The drag style handlebars are wide and provide great leverage and the single seat is wide and comfortable. But those forward controls take some getting used to.
The hard acceleration makes it difficult to engage the next gear and conscious effort is needed to slot the next cog in smoothly and quickly. It feels much better to just slot it into top gear as soon as possible and use the (copious) acceleration in just that gear.
That said, the running gear on the XDiavel S is right up to par. Upside down 50mm forks (with Diamond-Like Coating black stanchions) and a single sided swingarm in the rear controlled by a monoshock are fully adjustable.
The humongous rear tyre (240mm) is twice the size of the front. Brembo M50 monoblocks adorn the front discs and perform flawlessly. One departure from the Ducati norm is the belt-drive to the rear wheel. It remains to be seen whether the XDiavel S’s power would overwhelm it but so far it seems to be holding up admirably despite its narrow profile.
The XDiavel S is capable of 40 degrees of lean according to Ducati and while you may be doubtful of any handling prowess with a 240 rear tyre, the XDiavel S actually does turn with finesse and seems up to scratching up narrow mountain roads.
It will not worry any sportsbikes but then while the other cruisers wallow and scrape to the top, you can revel in the superior suspension and grip they don’t have.
The other cruisers also may not have the Ducati Safety Pack consisting of rider aids such as cornering ABS and TCS, riding modes, launch control (dubbed Ducati Power Launch) and wheelie control.
The riding modes consist of Urban (which cuts power and maximum traction and ABS interference), Touring (full power and a softer power delivery) and Sport (maximum power and maximum response with minimum ABS and TC). Most of the time, Touring was sufficient to see off any hot hatches or Evos but Sport may be necessary for that Bugatti lurking in your mirrors.
The XDiavel S also comes with a fairly decent TFT instrument panel despite its size. Most information is quickly accessed from the left switchgear and both switchgears are backlighted as well. Nice. The cruise control is a standard item and much used on the highway since the riding position suits it well.
Keyless ignition is also standard although the fuel cap is accessed with a hidden key in the keyfob. All lighting fixtures are LED and the S comes with daytime running lights as well. The only item to be improve the XDiavel S would be a quickshifter (preferably on the handlebar, please, Ducati).
If the XDiavel S looks like your cup of espresso, there is no contest. This is the ultimate Ducati cruiser cum dragster. There is no doubt that the looks are killer (especially in black) and if you have RM120,899 burning a hole in your pocket, the XDiavel S is waiting for you at the Ducati showroom.