The Diavel Not Simply Converted Into a Cruiser

The Ducati XDiavel isn’t a Diavel with footpegs moved forward and bars stretched wide, it’s a completely new motorcycle. From the tubular steel trellis frame to the engine itself, this bike is built from the ground up for a different kind of riding. And yet, it still carries the soul of Ducati, sharp, purposeful, uncompromising. The engine at the heart is the 1262cc Testastretta DVT V-twin. It doesn’t just purr; it snarls, like a big cat disturbed from slumber. With 156 horsepower and 129 Nm of torque at a modest 5,000 rpm, it defies cruiser conventions. Most bikes in this segment make their power in a linear surge. The XDiavel? It delivers torque in thick slabs, one twist of the throttle in second gear, and I found myself sliding toward the rear fender. In Kullu, this wasn’t just a machine, it was a force. The narrow, serpentine roads around Naggar were the first real test. Leaning the XDiavel into each switchback felt counterintuitive at first. A cruiser shouldn’t corner like this. And yet, the fat rear 240mm Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tire stuck with uncanny precision. It danced over imperfect tarmac and swept through corners at lean angles no cruiser has business achieving.

Suitable for Every Size – The 60 Adjustment Options

One of the true marvels of the XDiavel is how Ducati has made such an aggressive machine feel utterly ergonomic. I’m 6’2″, and finding comfort on most cruisers either means hunching or reaching uncomfortably. Not here. Ducati offers 60 different ergonomic configurations. That’s not a typo,60. Four footpeg positions, three handlebar settings, and five seat options. I had mine set up with the mid-forward pegs, slightly pulled-back bars, and a comfort saddle. It felt molded to my frame. Even during the 200-kilometer day ride through the Kullu Valley, winding from Bhuntar to the heights of Jalori Pass and back down through the autumn-stained forest canopies, I didn’t feel fatigued. The foot-forward riding position didn’t compromise control, and the tank shape allowed my knees to lock in beautifully during downhill braking. For the pillion,well, I wouldn’t recommend long journeys unless you install the optional backrest. But this bike isn’t really about two-up touring. It’s about that primal, individual experience of power and control.

Cruising or Sport, the Mode Makes the Difference

Three modes. Three personalities. All within one beast. Urban Mode: Riding through Manali town in early morning fog, I toggled into Urban mode. The throttle response tamed itself. Power was limited to 100 hp. The big twin softened, humming more gently through alleys lined with cafés and prayer flags. Traction control was aggressive here, perfect for wet roads and tourist-ridden traffic. Touring Mode: Heading up Rohtang Pass, with broad sweepers and room to stretch the gears, Touring mode was the sweet spot. Full power was available, but delivered with silk. The engine became more linear, more poised. It allowed me to sink into the ride, using the cruise control to let the scenery take the foreground for once. Sport Mode: This is where the devil in the XDiavel comes alive. Back down through twisting descents and open plains of Bajaura, I flicked into Sport and let the bike off its leash. Throttle was razor sharp. Response immediate. At just 3,000 rpm, it felt like a rocket. I rolled the throttle hard and felt the front get light, yes, a wheelie from a cruiser. That’s when you realize this isn’t a cruiser. It’s a superbike in disguise. And let’s not forget Ducati Power Launch. I tested it on a short straight outside Kullu, and it’s no gimmick. It grabs traction, manages lift, and hurls you forward like a dragster. Even in the thin mountain air, the XDiavel launched clean and hard.

Superbike Technology in a Cruiser

The marriage of cruiser attitude and sportbike tech is what defines the XDiavel. It’s not just about raw power, it’s about how you manage it. The 50mm Marzocchi fork is fully adjustable, offering excellent front-end feel. It can feel a tad stiff at low speeds or over bad roads, but at pace, it’s precise and planted. The rear Sachs monoshock, while plush enough for general use, could use just a touch more give for true long-distance cruising comfort. Brakes are a standout. On the standard model, Brembo M4-32 calipers provide immense bite. But on the S? The M50s from the 1299 Panigale bring race-spec braking power to a power cruiser. I tested them hard on a downhill run into Tirthan Valley, two fingers on the lever, and the bike hauled down from 120 to 40 in seconds, with zero fade. And safety? Top shelf. Bosch Cornering ABS and Ducati Traction Control (DTC) work seamlessly with the IMU. Whether it was a dusty corner or a surprise cow at the edge of a turn, the electronics had my back, always.

XDiavel or XDiavel S – Could You Afford Something a Little More?

This was the hardest question for me. The standard XDiavel, at around €19,890, is everything you need. But the XDiavel S? It’s everything you want. With turbine-cut wheels, polished aluminum accents, Bluetooth infotainment, and that seductive gloss-black finish, the S feels like a work of mechanical art. Performance-wise, the DLC-coated fork and upgraded brakes make a noticeable difference if you ride aggressively. I did, and I loved it. But if you’re content with brooding matte black, and plan to spend more time cruising than carving canyons, the standard model is no compromise.

Technical Specification

Feature	Specification
Engine	1262cc Testastretta DVT L-Twin
Max Power	156 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque	129 Nm @ 5000 rpm
Transmission	6-speed manual
Final Drive	Belt
Frame	Tubular steel trellis
Front Suspension	50mm adjustable Marzocchi fork
Rear Suspension	Adjustable Sachs monoshock
Front Brakes (Standard)	Brembo M4-32 Monobloc calipers
Front Brakes (S model)	Brembo M50 calipers
Rear Brake	265mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Tires	Pirelli Diablo Rosso II (120/70 & 240/45)
Riding Modes	Urban, Touring, Sport
Electronics	Cornering ABS, DTC, DPL, IMU
Weight (Wet)	247 kg
Seat Height	755 mm
Wheelbase	1615 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	18 liters

Conclusion

The XDiavel isn’t just a Ducati with its boots off. It’s a bold vision, an uncompromising fusion of cruiser comfort and sportbike savagery. It’s the kind of motorcycle that takes you by surprise, every single ride. Riding it through the raw beauty of Kullu Valley wasn’t just a road test, it was a visceral, soul-shaking experience. If you want a cruiser that lets you chill and cruise, the XDiavel does that with poise. But when the road opens and your pulse quickens, it becomes a snarling Italian stallion eager to destroy preconceptions, and tires. I rode it. I leaned it. I launched it. And I’d do it all again tomorrow.