CW FIRST RIDE 2017 DUCATI DIAVEL DIESEL
IGNITION
Devil distressed
Don Canet
If in need of quick separation from a post-apocalyptic zombie horde, I can think of no better weapon than the Ducati Diavel Diesel. Owner of the quickest zero-to-60-mph time of any production motorcycle Cycle World has ever tested, Ducati’s low-slung, fat tire muscle cruiser is even quicker to turn heads given the Diesel treatment.
Ducati Design Center has collaborated with stylists at Diesel, a premium denim retail and fashion brand. “Diesel has always been a very provocative brand,” explains Stefano Tarabusi, Ducati product manager. “We could never launch a bike like the Diavel Diesel as Ducati alone; it would be a little bit too disruptive and far from our brand values and approach. We can do very crazy things when we work with them.”
Crazy in this sense is a Mad Maxinspired retro-futuristic theme featuring steel tank cover, passenger seat cover, and fly screen with external welds and rivets. The hand-brushed finish is said to lend each of the 666 limited-production units an individual appearance unique unto itself. Other stylistic changes include a genuine leather saddle embossed with a triple D pyramid logo representing Ducati, Diesel, and Diavel. The exhaust header is coated in black ceramic Zircotec, and the mufflers wear billet-aluminum end caps. Red Brembo calipers, five red drive chain links, and red tint methacrylate (acrylic) inserts with the Diesel logo engraved on the backside are located on the leftand right-side air intakes. The upper LCD dash is also backlit in red to mimic a monochrome computer display.
Looks aside, the ride remains pure Diavel with its 62.2-inch wheelbase, 30.3inch seat height, relaxed 28-degree rake, and 5.1-inch trail combination adding up to impeccable stability and overall ease of use. The ride is sporty taut, and handling is light with a near-natural steering feel despite the 240/45ZR-17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso II at the rear.
A choice of Urban, Touring, and Sport power delivery modes and eight traction control settings suits the mood or road conditions. Touring mode provided an ideal balance of sensual throttle pickup and arm-stretching acceleration while blasting about the city of Bologna, Italy. Checking up for an erratic motorist quickly reminded me just how good the Diavel stops. Its low stance, sport-spec Brembos, and superb ABS makes this platform one of best braking performers in the entire Ducati model line.
While you may never encounter the walking dead, the appearance of preparedness is devilish fun.
2017 DUCATI DIAVEL DIESEL
ENGINE TYPE
Liquid-cooled V-twin
DISPLACEMENT
1198cc
SEAT HEIGHT
30.3 in.
FUEL CAPACITY
4.5 gal.
CLAIMED WET WEIGHT
527 lb.
BASE PRICE
$25,795
