Ducati’s Diavel returns

Plus two new Panigales and Hypermotard’s going back to its roots, too. It’s a busy time from the Italians.

We first brought you photos of the new Diavel undergoing pre-production tests a few months ago and now the factory has unveiled the model in full.

Confirmed is our information that the latest Diavel gets the 1262cc Testastretta DVT motor which has been recently fitted to its feet-forward XDiavel cousin. Where the new Diavel differs is that 159bhp @ 9500rpm and 126Nm @ 7500rpm powerplant and that the brilliant muscle cruiser doesn’t use a belt drive like on the XDiavel but goes back to a chain drive instead.

With a variable timing system which acts continuously on intake and exhaust camshafts the engine adjusts power to suit riding conditions. On top of that, the S version of the new Diavel also gets Ducati Quick Shift Up & Down as standard for clutchless shifting.

The S version also gets fully adjustable Ohlins suspension front and back, dedicated wheels and more track-oriented front brakes.

Hypermotard

When we showed you the spy shots of the Hypermotard we said that the bike was going back to it’s beginnings, and that’s been confirmed now by Ducati.

The exhausts now move back to being an under-seat item, like they were on the original bike. A revised riding position with wider handlebars, slimmed down chassis and a new seat means that more riders will now be able to place feet on the floor easily.

The inseam measurement on the bike is 53mm shorter. Overall the Hypermotard is 4kg lighter than the bike it replaces.

There’s a 114bhp @ 9000rpm, 937cc Testastretta twin with 96btlb of torque – 80% of which is available at 3000rpm for plenty of grunt low down the rev range.

The Hypermotard gets a Bosch six-axis IMU to feed information to the cornering ABS, Slide by Brake, Ducati Traction Control, Wheelie Control and (as standard on the 950 SP version) Quick Shift Up and Down Evo set-up, too.

Panigale V4 S Corse and V4 R

Details of the two new versions of the Panigales joining the already-packed superbike family from Ducati weren’t available as MCM went to press, but as we managed to get our mitts on these photos (below); we thought you’d like to see them. Pretty aren’t they?