Ducati Cruiser Details Revealed To US Dealers

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

Motorcyclist magazine has revealed that a ‘confidential’ letter has gone out to Ducati dealers in the US confirming some details about the forthcoming cruiser.

The letter apparently confirms that the name will be Diavel (sorry Wes @Hell for Leather), which is a variation on the Italian word for devil.

The source of the name allegedly comes from a statement made by one of the Ducati engineers when they saw the first designs of the bike, in particular the 240mm rear tyre, and stated “ignorant comm. Al diavel!” which roughly translates to “evil, just like a devil!”.

The engine will be a higher-specification version of the Multistrada’s liquid-cooled 1200cc Testastretta V-twin and is anticipated to have 140 bhp helped by an improved exhaust system with equal length headers.

The Diavel will have the same electronic wizadry as the Multistrada, such as selectable traction control and variable drive modes.

The letter also alludes to a dry weight of just 440 pounds which, if true, would outstrip the Yamaha V-Max in power-to-weight ratio terms.

The bikes inverted forks will be taken from the World Superbikes as will the Monobloc brakes. Together with ABS, single side swingarm and a riding position that looks distinctively relaxed, the Diavel is lining up to make quite an impact.

Ducati are also planning a whole range of accessories and, rather cryptically, the letter states that there will be a few items that will “depart from what may be perceived as traditional motorcycle apparel”. Not sure what this means!

As always, treat this with a pinch of salt as what Motorcyclist magazine have failed to do is actually print the letter, which you would have thought would be a good idea? Or is that just us?