Ducati Diavel 1260 S

From a press release issued by Ducati:

Unconventional, unique, unmistakeable. As soon as it was launched at EICMA 2010, the Diavel stunned with its personality, design, sport naked handling and thoroughbred engine.

The second-generation Diavel 1260 remains faithful to the original spirit of that incredibly special bike, drawing on its key styling elements yet bringing them decidedly up to date.

Now, the Diavel has more assertive outlines and higher performance, is more fun on mixed-road routes and even more comfortable, for rider and passenger alike. Its sport naked soul is magnified by a Testastretta DVT 1262 engine that combines breath-taking acceleration with the smooth low-rev power delivery that is ideal for everyday rides or longer-lasting tours. An upgraded chassis set-up makes the Diavel 1260 more responsive on mixed-road routes while high grade technology and electronics provide braking performance on a par with that of a sport bike (and does so safely, thanks to Bosch Cornering ABS) and user-friendly engine performance control. Comfort levels for rider and passenger remain outstanding thanks to, first and foremost, an upright riding position and a large, generously padded seat.

A sportier S version of the Diavel 1260 is also available. Features include fully adjustable Öhlins suspension at both front and rear, dedicated wheels and an even higher-performance braking system.

Design

This second-generation Diavel draws on the key aesthetic concepts of its predecessor and brings them up to date: on the Diavel 1260 styling hallmarks include the forward-flung mass that gives the bike its aggressive stance, the streamlined tail and the prominent 240 mm rear tyre.

The three covers that make up the tank are made of sheet metal. These have been slimmed down in the seat contact zone to improve ergonomics for the rider. Two large brushed aluminium air intakes, which connect up the tank via a differently coloured C-frame, provide additional character (again, the concept derives from the first-generation Diavel). The short, compact tail houses an extractable passenger grab rail and the lights, giving the back of the Diavel 1260 a lightweight sport look that contrasts sharply with the beefy front.

Another key Diavel 1260 trait consists of the water radiator side covers; these incorporate vertically arranged indicators that use “light blade” technology, a feature that required an in- depth lighting design effort. Embedded in the indicators is a transparent “blade”. This features graphics that, when the indicator comes on, generate a 3D effect that makes the Diavel 1260 instantly recognisable.

The modern headlight with its distinctive upside-down horseshoe-shape DRL (S version) merges perfectly with the smoke-tinted nose fairing that shields the instrumentation, making the front end of the Diavel 1260 strikingly assertive.

Engine and frame play a major side-on styling role thanks to inimitable uncluttered outlines. Once again, seamless integration of parts is evident in the details: for example, the air intake for the horizontal cylinder belts, incorporated in the belly fairing, contains numerous electronic components and acts as an oil radiator cover.

What’s more, the Thrilling Black & Dark Stealth livery of the Diavel 1260 S offers an eye-catching contrast between the ‘total black’ look of the bike and the red frame at its centre, making the classic Ducati Trellis frame the aesthetic hub of the bike.

Engine

The Diavel 1260 is powered by the twin cylinder 1262 cm³ Ducati Testastretta DVT with Desmodromic timing that made its debut on the XDiavel. The mappings now ensure sportier power delivery and final transmission is of the chain type. Thanks to Desmodromic Variable Timing (DVT) this twin cylinder Ducati engine ensures extremely linear torque delivery even at low revs and sport bike performance at high revs. This is because the DVT system independently varies the timing of both the intake and exhaust valve camshafts thanks to the adoption of a valve timing adjuster, applied on the ends of each of the two camshafts.

Engine bore and stroke on the twin cylinder Ducati Diavel 1260 engine are 106 and 71.5 mm respectively. The compression ratio is 13:1. Maximum power is 159 hp at 9,500 rpm* and maximum torque is 129 Nm at 7,500 rpm. Fuelling – performed by a Bosch electronic injection system with elliptical throttle bodies (56 mm diameter equivalent) – is managed via a full Ride- by-Wire system.

The Testastretta DVT 1262 features the Dual Spark (DS) system (i.e. two plugs per cylinder) and employs a secondary air system; the latter introduces fresh air into the exhaust duct to complete oxidation of unburnt hydrocarbons and reduce levels of pollutants such as HC and CO without affecting engine performance.

The Diavel 1260 exhaust is a 2-in-1 system with a chamber-type body and two tail pipes. Exhaust pipe routing deliberately leaves the engine in view; likewise, the central body has been positioned in front of the rear wheel, making it practically invisible.

*116 kW (157 hp) @ 9,250 rpm for the USA version.

Long service intervals

Constant investment in quality – ensured by design, advanced materials and cutting-edge engineering – allows Ducati to provide highly competitive maintenance scheduling; routine maintenance intervals have been extended to 15,000 km (or one year) and valve timing adjustment to 30,000 km, providing clear advantages for customers. This has been achieved by employing special materials for valve seats, improving combustion efficiency and containing the running temperature of the Testastretta DVT engine. Moreover, the innovative DVT system does not in any way complicate the valve timing adjustment procedure.

Electronics

The Diavel 1260 mounts a 6-axis Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that dynamically measures roll and pitch angles and the speed of relative changes in attitude, raising performance and safety standards even higher.

Riding Modes (Sport, Touring and Urban) give the bike three distinctive personalities. Each one has different Power Mode (i.e. power delivery and maximum power), Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control and ABS settings. Moreover, intervention levels on each of the electronic control systems are adjustable.

Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO

Ducati Traction Control (DTC) is a race-derived system that acts as a filter between the rider’s right hand and the rear tyre. Within the space of just a few milliseconds the DTC can detect and subsequently control any wheelspin, improving bike performance and active safety considerably. This system has 8 different intervention levels. Levels 1 and 2 are specifically intended for sports-style riding and allow for high levels of rear wheelspin. Levels 3 to 6 ensure excellent grip on dry asphalt while levels 7 and 8 are designed to maximise grip on wet tarmac.

Ducati Power Launch (DPL) EVO

The “Dragster” coiled within the Diavel 1260 can be unleashed thanks to Ducati Power Launch (DPL). This system guarantees awesome – yet safe – starts thanks to optimised control of the maximum available torque with DTC always on and constant monitoring of the pitch angle by the IMU. DPL has three different modes, Level 1 being the one that provides maximum performance. DPL is activated by pressing the dedicated button on the right switchgear. Once it has been activated the rider can select the intervention level via the settings menu on the dashboard. After selecting the desired level the rider has to squeeze the clutch lever, engage first gear and twist the throttle wide open. Simply by releasing the clutch gradually the bike will perform a lightning-fast start as the DPL system controls engine throttle aperture. To protect the clutch, a specially developed algorithm allows only a limited number of consecutive starts. The number of ‘launches left’ returns to its normal status once the user rides the bike normally.

Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO

This adjustable 8-level system analyses vehicle attitude (wheelie status) and consequently adjusts torque and power to ensure maximum yet safe acceleration without any imbalances in the set-up. Like the DTC, this feature has 8 different settings and is integrated into the Riding Modes.

Brembo braking system with Bosch Cornering ABS EVO

The Diavel 1260 mounts a Brembo braking system and a Bosch 9.1MP Cornering ABS control unit. Cornering ABS uses signals from the Bosch IMU platform to optimise front and rear braking power, even in critical situations and when leaning into bends. Through interaction with the Riding Modes, the system provides solutions suitable for any situation, riding condition or rider preference. The system has three different intervention levels. Level 1 offers maximum sports riding performance, disables the Cornering and rear wheel lift detection functions and allows rear wheel drift during braking as ABS is applied at the front only. Level 2 ensures a balance between front and rear: rear wheel lift detection is disabled but the Cornering function is applied and calibrated for sport riding. Level 3 optimises braking action: rear wheel lift detection is enabled and the Cornering function is on and calibrated for maximum safety (safe & stable configuration).

Dashboard

The Diavel 1260 dashboard consists of a TFT screen with a separate warning light module, positioned, respectively, below and above the handlebars. The dashboard has four different display modes. The Default mode provides a minimal must-have level of information, presented in an attentively styled manner. The other three, instead, are the classic Track, Full and City display modes associated with the Riding Modes. The Diavel 1260 has dedicated switchgears with red-backlit keys. Cruise Control has dedicated keys to activate and adjust the speed settings. With the bike at standstill the rider can use the left switchgear to access a setting menu and adjust various functions such as DTC, DWC and ABS. It’s also possible, with the bike parked or on the move, to choose between the Sport, Touring or Urban Riding Modes. The Diavel 1260 S also features the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS): Bluetooth-connecting a smartphone to the dashboard lets the rider see and handle incoming calls/text messages on the screen and display info on any music being listened to.

Lights

The Diavel 1260 lights are the result of meticulous design. Both front and rear – full-LED units on the S version (in countries where they are permitted) – have been designed to maximise lighting efficiency. The headlight automatically shifts from its daytime configuration to the night-time one thanks to a dashboard-mounted sensor. This function can, where desired, be deactivated to allow manual operation. Moreover, the Diavel 1260 S headlight features the DRL (Daytime Running Light) system (in countries where it is permitted). The DRL is a special side light that ensures perfect vehicle visibility during the day while making, thanks to its upside- down horseshoe shape, the XDiavel instantly recognisable even in broad daylight.

Hands Free Ignition

The Diavel has a Hands Free system that allows ignition without a mechanical key. All you need to do is have the electronic key in your pocket… and walk up to the bike. Once you’re about 1.5 m away, the bike recognises the key code to allow ignition. At this point just press the key-on button to power up the control panel and then start the engine. This system includes an electrical steering lock actuator.

Frame

The Diavel 1260 features a steel tubular Trellis frame that employs the Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262 as a stressed chassis element. It is attached to the engine at the two cylinder heads, as is the cast aluminium subframe. Also attached to the engine are two forged aluminium plates that embrace the die-cast aluminium single-sided swingarm.. With its 1,600 mm wheelbase, agile chassis geometry and ability to reach lean angles as steep as 41°, the Diavel’s mixed-road performance is just what you’d expect from a Ducati thoroughbred.

With a headstock rake of 27° and an offset of 120 mm, the Diavel 1260 offers excellent front-end agility and feel, ensuring exceptional handling and a generous steering lock.

Suspension

Up front, the Diavel 1260 mounts fully adjustable 50 mm forks. Damping compression and spring pre-load adjustment are on the left fork tube, while rebound adjustment is located on the right tube. At the rear, instead, the Diavel 1260 mounts a monoshock with adjustable spring-preload and damping rebound.
The Diavel 1260 S, instead, is equipped with a fully adjustable Öhlins 48 mm fork and a fully adjustable Öhlins shock absorber, also fully adjustable.

Brakes

At the front end of the Diavel 1260 excellent braking performance is provided by Brembo brakes with M4.32 radial monobloc calipers (M50 monobloc on the S version); actuated by a PR18/19 radial brake pump (PR16/19 on the S version) with an integrated aluminium reservoir, the calipers grip two 320 floating discs. At the rear, instead, a 265 mm disc is braked by a 2-piston caliper, again made by Brembo.

Tyres and wheels

The Diavel 1260 mounts 14-spoke wheels. The Diavel 1260 S, instead, has 10-spoke wheels with an exclusive design and machine-finished surfaces.

At the front end the bike sports a 3.5” x 17’’ wheel, at the rear an 8.0” x 17’’ one. The front wheel mounts a 120/70 ZR17 tyre, the rear a 240/45 ZR17. The bike comes with Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres. To provide increased grip when leaning hard into bends yet still ensure excellent mileage, the impressive rear tyre features both dual compound technology and EPT (Enhanced Patch Technology) to maximise the contact area at any lean angle. Tread design and carefully selected compounds ensure exceptional performance whatever the road conditions.