154 http://www.evoIndia.com | July 2019
Facing page, top:
Bespoke 245-section rear
Pirelli Diablo Rosso III add
to the sinister looks.
Middle: Tank-mounted
cluster has been shifted to
the handlebar. Bottom:
The 1262cc motor
also does duty on the
Multistrada 1260 and the
XDiavelD U C AT I
DIAVEL 1260 SEngine 1262cc, L-twin,
liquid-cooled, DOHC
Transmission 6-speed
Power 157bhp @ 9500rpm
To r q u e 129Nm@7500rpm
Weight 244k g
0-100kmph NA
Top speed NA
Price `18 lakh
(estimated)cent rearwards for optimal weight distribution
which now stands at an ideal 50:50, says Ducati,
which also means the overall geometry has been
altered. The ergos, on the other hand, remain the
same with the exception of the handlebar which is
now closer to the rider.
Fast, faster, fastest!
The Diavel 1200 was able to hit 100kmph in less
than three seconds. The 1260 is definitely quicker
not only to 100kmph, but throughout the range.
Imagine if you were hit by Thor’s hammer at its full
potential. The sensation of power delivery is very
similar on the 1260, especially after 6500rpm. In
the emancipated Sport mode, the power is relentless
and it takes big b***s to keep the throttle wide open.
And of course, like Thor or Captain America, you
need to be worthy (read capable) enough to lift the
hammer because the Diavel can pick up terrifying
speeds in no time. The limiter comes in at about
9500rpm but you’ll rarely need to get there, unless
on a race track. Characteristic of a Ducati L-twin, it
does struggle below 3500rpm and expects you to
hurry up and get to 6500rpm, even in Touring mode.
The torque curve is flatter than its predecessor
which means there’s less requirement of downshifts
and thank God for that bi-directional quickshifter!
The clutch is super heavy and if you are opting for
the base variant, we suggest you spend the extra
bucks on the optional quickshifter.Why would you call it a Monster?
It doesn’t really seem so visually, but I can stick my
neck out and say that it is agile. With a rear tyre
wider than the Mahindra XUV500’s, you don’t
really expect it to turn at will but the Diavel 1260
is shockingly nimble. And the grip from the Pirelli
Diablo Rosso III (specially developed for the Diavel
1260) is limitless, literally. The maximum lean
angle stands at 41 degrees, which is astonishing for a
cruiser. Don’t get me wrong, it is no superbike but it’s
very close to the Monster in terms of handling. The
longer wheelbase and precise weight distribution
makes it super stable in corners, thus boosting your
confidence. The Ohlins at both ends seemed to be set
up slightly on the firmer side, even for the Spanish
roads but them being fully adjustable gives you
peace of mind.