The Diavel uses black-bodied 50mm Marzocchi front forks. These forks are fully adjustable for spring pre-load, compression and rebound damping. The forks are gripped by a slash-cut triple-clamp - cast aluminium for the lower and forged for the upper - with a rubber-mounted riser to tapered alloy bars.
Both versions of the Diavel have a Sachs rear suspension unit slung low under the chassis in a horizontal position, operated by a progressive pull-rod linkage from the swingarm.
The Diavel front brakes use Brembo’s Monobloc 4-piston, twin radially-mounted callipers that grip 320mm discs, while a single 265mm disc on the rear gripped by a two piston calliper, also by Brembo.
The ABS system is developed in conjunction with Bosch. This means you have Brembo components combined with Bosch ABS, and Pirelli’s Enhanced Patch Technology (EPT), all as standard.
The Diavel’s ignition is actuated by an electronic key in the rider’s pocket, which communicates with the motorcycle when within a distance of approximately 2 metres (6.5ft).
The motorcycle recognises the dedicated key code and automatically enables the bike’s systems.
Pressing the key-on switch then activates all systems to “on” and the engine is ready to be started. The electronic key, which internally consists of a radio circuit, externally doubles as a mechanical flip-key, required to open the seat and fuel tank cap.
When parking the motorcycle, an electronic lock can be actuated on the steering simply by applying full steering-lock and pressing the ignition-off button a second time.
There are three riding modes to choose from on the Diavel:
The Sport Riding Mode provides the Diavel rider with the full 162hp ride and enables the rider to have full-on throttle response for maximum acceleration. The Sport mode also lowers the DTC system intervention to level 3 for riders who prefer their performance a little closer to the traction limit.
The Touring Riding Mode also delivers 162hp, however Ducati say the delivery is smoother and more user-friendly. Rear end traction is enhanced by increasing DTC system intervention to level 4
The Urban Riding Mode instantly changes the Diavel power output to a reduced 100hp and DTC is further enhanced to level 5 to provide a higher system intervention.
To keep that massive, expensive, rear-tyre in check you get racing-derived Ducati Traction Control (DTC) which acts as a filter between the rider’s right hand and the rear tyre. DTC is able to detect and control rear wheel-spin.
The system offers eight levels of “sensitivity”, each programmed with an amount of rear wheel-spin tolerance.
These levels are in line with progressive levels of riding skills classified from one to eight. Level one is programmed to offer the least amount of interaction for sport-oriented riders, while level eight uses the most amount of interaction.
DTC levels are factory pre-set in each of the three Riding Modes, but can be individually customised and saved to suit the rider by accessing the set-up menu. A “default”option is available to easily return all settings to factory pre-sets.
For the Diavel Carbon edition, carbon fibre is used for the tank panels, single-seat cover and front mudguard to reduce weight and apply a race-like feature.
Ducati say a low friction ‘diamond-like’ carbon finish is applied to the Marzocchi fork sliders which isn’t just aesthetic but also performance-enhancing.
Helping the Diavel Carbon to accelerate faster, stop sooner and change direction with more agility, the bike loses 5.5lb (2.5kg) of “unsprung weight”.
Ducati achieved this by using lightweight Marchesini wheels. The wheels, which are finished in black, are machine-turned and milled for maximum weight reduction.
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