Ducati XDiavel S Road Test Review

The future of motorcycling has arrived. It takes the shape of a bike which combines the best of the cruiser world with the DNA and racing heritage of Italian stalwart Ducati. Christened the XDiavel, this motorcycle looks and feels like a cruiser but packs a meaner punch, especially when you push it harder. But Ducati would not stop there. They launched a sportier looking version of an already exquisite motorcycle and called it the XDiavel S. It is the perfect blend of a cruiser and a sport bike. 

Essentially the XDiavel S is the very same motorcycle as the XDiavel and does not get any mechanical or functional changes. Ducati has designed it to look sportier and even more modish than it already was. It features a high gloss black paint job all around with the same finish on the engine as well. Contrasting the paint work are machined bits here and there which add to a rugged appeal. The XDiavel S also sports turbine like six fin alloys which give the motorcycle a distinct identity no matter where you go.  The bike is low slung, long and muscular in its appearance, all of this while being extremely comfortable to cruise on highways or ride in the city as well.

At the heart of the XDiavel S is a 1262cc, L-Twin, Liquid Cooled, Ducati Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) engine which whips out 156hp on the tarmac at a blistering 9500rpm. This new engine also enables the rider with smooth torque at a lower rpm and sports bike like performance at open throttle. The Testastretta DVT engine can bruise the road with a peak torque of 128Nm which comes in as low as 5000rpm. To further this mechanical prowess of the XDiavel S, Ducati has enabled the bike with three different riding modes -- Urban, Touring and Sport, the rider can chose any of these at the flick of a button.

While in urban mode, the throttle response is slightly sluggish and one can happily ride around town without too many jolts and jerks. The XDiavel S has also been equipped with a ride by wire throttle system which ensures smooth acceleration irrespective of throttle inputs. The Touring and Sport modes get a better throttle response which is more crisp and accurate. To milk the machine for all that its worth, one can simply select the Sport mode and the XDiavel S will not fail to deliver a prime performance. The linear power delivery ensures you hit your mark and a mid range peak torque will ensure the rider gets an adrenaline rush each time he opens up the throttle. Ducati has also ensured the XDiavel S gets adequate stopping power, the bike gets two 320mm discs upfront with two pot calipers each and a 265mm disc in the rear with a two pot caliper. Braking performance is progressive and definitely inspires confidence.

Like most cruiser motorcycles, the Ducati XDiavel S also provides a very ergonomic seating posture which maximises rider comfort. The rider seat height has been set at 755mm and the rider can also adjust the foot pegs in three different positions. A small niggle I have with the bike is the position of the pillion foot peg which has been placed right over the exhaust, on highways this will not be too much of an issue but in the city your pillion may just have his or her foot roasted. Speaking of a roast, the heat dissipation from the engine is also quite good and even while riding in the city no substantial amount of discomfort is experienced.

Continuing with the Ducati build tradition, the XDiavel S has been built on a steel trellis frame which provides the right amount of rigidity and control. Coupled with the frame are USD telescopic forks upfront and a one sided cast swingarm in the rear. The XDiavel S rides on 170/70 RZ 17 tires in the front and 240/45 RZ17 in the rear. Both are Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires which provide ample of grip on varying surfaces. The suspension setup along with the trellis frame and Pirelli tires empowers the rider to achieve a maximum lean angle of 40 degrees. So even if you are up in the mountains or riding on some winding scenic roads you can take this motorcycle to its limits and not worry about second guessing your every move. To further their engineering prowess, Ducati has also added Bosch Cornering ABS + DTC which comes in as a standard safety pack. Ducati has also fitted the bike with cruise control and DPL (Ducati Power Launch) to entertain, thrill and enable biking aficionados all over the world.

No matter where you go on this motorcycle, it is bound to drop jaws. The reason is quite simple; it's nothing like you have ever seen before. It is not really contemporary but rather futuristic in every sense and translates into a truly liberating ride. What is not liberating is its price tag of Rs. 19.48 lakh. But then again, not all good things in life come cheap.