Ducati Diavel Strada

Overview

This year, Ducati is expected to bring the touring version of its famous naked bike, Diavel. This new bike is known as Diavel Strada and will target a different segment of buyers. Let’s check out this new bike in detail.

Design and Style

This new bike is based on the same platform of original Diavel and thus resembles a lot its sibling. The deep positioned headlight of Diavel Strada comes with a LED strip which gives it a unique identity. The bike lacks any type of front cowl but features a transparent windscreen which differentiates this bike from original Diavel. The up-raised handlebar features the black colored rear view mirrors which complement the front styling of this bike. The short front forks and fender add visual bulk to this bike while its front disc plate and black colored alloy wheels makes it look macho. The radiator covers come with integrated LED side indicators and look aerodynamic on this bike. Its steel trellis frame, dual fatty mufflers and engine follows the all black color theme on this bike. The new split seat and edgy fuel tank of this bike merges well together and gives it a proportionate look. Diavel Strada also comes with a passenger backrest and luggage bags on both sides. The naked chain, fatty rear tyre and rear cowl gives sporty look to this bike. There are twin LED strips at the back of this bike which acts as its tail light. The interesting positioning of number plate at the back also grabs your attention easily.

Instrument Console

Diavel Strada uses split level instrumentation which looks quite futuristic. The upper LCD mounted on the bar riser displays its digital speedometer, bar type tachometer, odometer, 2-tripmeter and fuel gauge. Other warning lights are also integrated in this LCD. The lower part of this instrument console is placed on its fuel tank and informs the rider about Riding Mode, gear selection and DTC settings. This TFT automatically chooses color for illumination according to the situation. Diavel Strada also features two 12V accessory sockets, one each side below rider’s seat.

Engine and Gearbox

The powerful L-twin cylinder, liquid-cooled 1198cc engine of Diavel makes it way to this bike. This fuel injected engine churns out a maximum power output of 162 bhp at 9500 rpm. The maximum torque output of this 8valves engine is of 127 Nm which arrives at 8000 rpm. This engine is mated with a six-speed manual gearbox with gear shift pattern of one gear down and five gears up-shift.

Acceleration and Performance

The bike has a class leading power to weight ratio and that’s quite evident in its performance. This engine is known for its high level of refinement and performance. It takes even less than 5 seconds to reach 0-100 km/hr. The added windscreen and raised height makes it a bit slower than original Diavel though but that’s hardly noticeable in its performance. The bike comes with three riding modes which differently supplies power to this engine. It’s Sport and Touring mode gives you complete access to its power while the Urban mode only gives you 100bhp of power which makes it safe to drive this bike in city traffic. All three modes come with different DTC level and ABS settings. The engine makes negligible sound when rev hard and there are no signs of vibrations and harshness. The effortless gear transition also add right feel to the drive of this bike. The bigger gears have tall gear ratios and as a result of which the bike can easily cross the speed of 250 km/hr.

Mileage

The actual fuel figures are not out yet but you can expect a mileage of around 12km/ltr.

Comfort while Driving

The new touring version of Diavel is very comfortable for two people. The split seats come with high quality of padding which can easily hold you for hours and gives you nice under thigh support. The up-raised handlebar is quite easy to hold and gives you firm palm grip. The rider also gets clear view of road and instrument console. The knees of rider stick around its fuel tank while your feet find it comfortable on its foot pegs. The bike now comes with fixed rear foot pegs and grab rail which gives optimum comfort to the pillion rider. Diavel Strada features easy to use controls on its handlebar. The hands free ignition is a premium comfort feature which automatically locks/unlocks the bike by detecting the movement of its electronic key.

Storage Space and Safety Features

Diavel Strada has two 41 litres luggage bags on both sides. The bike comes with a powerful headlight with double reflectors which gives you bright vision of roads at night. The bike also has a vital safety feature of DTC.

Suspension and Brakes

Diavel Strada comes with fully adjustable 50mm telescopic forks at its front and Sachs mono shock with single sided swing arm at the back. The braking system features twin disc brakes of 320mm at its front with 4-piston callipers and single rear disc brake of 265mm with 2-piston calliper. The bike also features ABS.

Ride and Handling

The bike has a wheelbase of 1590mm which gives stability to this bike at high speeds. The broad tyres and powerful suspension system keeps this bike grounded at extremely high speeds. The turning abilities of the bike improve with its ground clearance of 135mm. The touring riding position allows you to get complete control over this bike. The light handling is a big USP of this bike as it stays confident in every situation. It can frequently change lanes and can also be steered accurately in city traffic. The efficient braking system with ABS gives you immense control over this bike and boosts your confidence at high speeds.

Tyre Size, Shades and Variants

The bike uses 17 inches alloy wheels. Ducati is likely to offer one variant of this bike in one shade.

Verdict

After launch, Diavel Strada will become Ducati’s most expensive touring bike in India. The bike will be even costlier than original Diavel and will target only few lucky buyers.