Cruiser or Racing Bike? How ‘Bout Both?

The Ducati XDiavel packs comfort, a serious punch

By The Editors
November 17, 2015 9:00 am

Not every man is cut out to be a hog owner.

But every man should aspire to be a hog ogler.

Today’s subject: the 2016 Ducati XDiavel, just unveiled at EICMA Milan and set to release in US markets early next year.

Better known for their racing bikes, the Diavel is Ducati’s second foray into cruisers, long the darling of the American two-wheeling community. The X represents their effort to combine the kick of the former with the comfort of the latter: the bike comes equipped with a 156-horsepower Testastretta L-Twin engine that does 95-lb/feet of torque at 5,000 RPM (the standard Diavel, in comparison, hits peak torque at 8,000 RPM).

Like all cruisers, the feet are forward and the handlebars wide, though owners have the ability to ride the bike in 60 different “ergonomic configurations” by repositioning the pegs, seat and handlebars. No matter which one you choose, this beast can still take a turn at a 40-degree lean, and its belt drive is smoother, cleaner and quieter than a chain drive.

The other bells and whistles — a proximity key, traction control, cruise control, LED lights and titanium parts a la Roland Sands — bring all the muscle, chrome and elegant lines you’d expect of the Italian moto-lith.

Did we mention it comes in black?

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