2015 Ducati Diavel Carbon

2015 DUCATI DIAVEL CARBON

CW FIRST RIDE

Performance-packed power cruising refined

Blake Conner

The Ducati Diavel has been defying categorization since its 2011 introduction. It's a little sportbike, a bit of a cruiser, and a decent dose of laid-back standard. All these traits add up to a lot of serious fun. In fact, the first two years the Diavel was on the road, we voted it Best Cruiser in Ten Best Bikes balloting. The bike also was a hit worldwide, with more than 20,000 Diavels sold. And now, just a few years into its life cycle, the early-release 2015 Diavel was subject to a significant technical and cosmetic revision. Instant power and torque are the Diavel's stock in trade. Changes to the 1,198cc Testastretta li-degree V-twin

engine are meant to build on those qualities. Included are new intake and exhaust ports that work with relocated fuel injectors, altered cam timing, and a full-point bump in the compression ratio to 12.5:1 to improve combustion and increase power, with particular emphasis on getting more oomph in the chunk of the rpm range you use most. The claimed 96.2 pound-feet of peak torque (up 2.2) comes at 8,000 rpm, but the whole curve is lifted; at 6,000 rpm, for instance, there’s a notable 4.5 percent improvement in torque. Peak horsepower remains a claimed 162, but it arrives at 9,250 rpm instead of 9,500 rpm and is also increased

slightly across the rev band. Another big improvement: Service intervals have been extended to 9,000 miles for oil changes and 18,000 for valveclearance checks. My first sampling of the 2015 Ducati Diavel took place in Monte Carlo, Monaco. An evening cruise to dinnerutilizing the Formula 1 trackprovided a great opportunity to sample the engine’s improved flexibility. Engine response and fueling are excellent from basement revs, making short work of city riding. For absolutely sublime (and mellow) cruising manners, a quick on-the-fly switch to the 100-hplimited Urban drive mode delivers what you need. Touring mode is more aggressive with full power and smooth throttle response, while Sport unleashes the most hard-core response. On our ride into the Maritime Alps the next day, I found many traits that destroy the notion that this Ducati is purely a cruiser. What other long-wheelbase (62.6 inches) bike snaps up incredibly easy wheelies? Or brakes like a Superbike, thanks to Brembo monoblocks? Or has cornering clearance for all but the craziest of paces? With its eight-level traction control at work, you feel like you can do no wrong. With TC off, the bike earns its “devil” name and reminds you that the

engine is a derivative of the one found in the previous-generation 1198 superbike. Suspension performance from the fully adjustable 50mm Marzocchi fork and Sachs shock is key to the Diavel’s handling, sucking up the rough mountain roads with no chassis upset. Great grip from the Pirelli Diablo Rossa II tires didn’t hurt, either. Other significant changes to the 2015 Diavel include the new LED headlight, which is visually stunning and filled the multiple mountain tunnels on our ride with light. Another upgrade is the seat, which has thicker foam and a new shape that is flatter and far more comfortable for longer rides.

The 2015 Ducati Diavel Carbon, which costs $20,995, is available in two color combinations: Red Carbon or the new Star White Carbon I rode in Monaco. A base Diavel in Dark Stealth costs $17,995. Bottom line? The Diavel defies category more broadly than ever. Fill

SPECS 2015 DUCATIDIAVEL CARBON

$20,995