2011 Ducati Diavel

 

 “Diavel!” blurted the Ducati engineer upon his first sight of the prototype that would become Ducati’s new power cruiser. His reaction was so convincing, Ducati decided that the Bolognese expression for devil would make a good name for their daring new project.

Prior to the unveiling of the Diavel at this year’s EIMCA show in Milan, Italy, Ducati President Gabriele Del Torchio reflected on the company’s positive sales in 2010 and hinted at the genesis of the new motorcycle. “It has been a year of great opportunity for Ducati and despite the difficult market environment, our market share doubled in the last three years from 4.3% to 8.6%. By the end of 2010 we expect a sales growth of 6% compared to last year. This has enabled us to expand into new market segments like the Diavel.”

The introduction of the 2011 Diavel to the world stage was accompanied by another new model, the 2012 Monster 1100EVO, but it was clear that the Diavel was destined to monopolise the spotlight. “The Diavel is, without doubt, the most exciting innovation in our 2011 line-up” said Ducati General Manager Claudio Domenicali. “It represents a new concept of motorcycle. It is a naked because it is essential, light and agile; a cruiser because it is imposing and also comfortable with a passenger; and a sports bike because it has a powerful heart, muscles, and levels of performance that take your breath away.”

Domenicali’s description sounds like the basis of a power cruiser to us, although one look at the Diavel’s specs suggests that it will be unlike any power cruiser we’ve come to know. Heavy on technological features, the Diavel comes loaded with ABS, DTC (Ducati Traction Control), DRM (Ducati Riding Modes) and a three-tier instrument panel. However, it’s the Diavel’s Testastretta engine claimed to provide 162 horsepower and its 240 section rear tire that will draw initial interest. Feathery by cruiser standards, the 207 kg (456 lb) motorcycle is said to have a chassis capable of providing exceptional handling and substantial lean angles.

Adding oil to the fire, there will be a second model in the Diavel range, the Diavel Carbon. The Carbon copy of the Diavel has aesthetic as well as performance extras such as carbon fibre bodywork and lighter, forged Marchesini wheels.

Both versions of the Diavel should land in Canadian dealers around mid-February. Expect an $18,995 price tag on the standard model and $20,995 on the Carbon.

Scheduled to arrive sometime in the summer of 2011 as an early 2012 release, the Monster 1100EVO gets the Desmodue Evoluzione engine rated at 100 horsepower. Changes to the full-size Monster include a redesigned exhaust system, a more comfortable seat, higher bars, a Marzocchi front suspension, and a re-styled tail-end. Keeping this Monster on a leash is the new Ducati Safety Pack (DSP) that consists of ABS brakes and the four-level Ducati Traction Control (DTC). Although pricing for the Monster 1100EVO is subject to change, Ducati is estimating it will retail for around $13,500.