Updated Ducati Diavel 1260, Diavel 1260 S announced

November 4, 2018

The long-expected Ducati Diavel 1260 update is here.

The XDiavel has already had the 1262 Testastretta motor, but now it is available in the standard Diavel model as well, along with an updated chassis.

The 1260 engine, of course, has variable valve timing and makes 159 hp at 9,500 rpm and 95 lb-ft of torque at 7,500 rpm. It’s quickshifter-compatible, but not equipped with quickshifter in standard trim.

The Diavel 1260 (pictured above) has a new steel tube trellis frame, with aluminum swingarm. The front forks are 50 mm with adjustable preload and compression damping in the left fork, rebound adjustment in the right. The rear shock is also adjustable for preload and rebound damping. Front brakes are Brembos, with 320 mm front discs and monobloc M4.32 calipers. The rear disc is 265 mm.

Like its predecessor, the new Diavel has a big, fat rear tire—a 240 mm tire, on a 17-inch rim. Wheelbase is 1600 mm.

The new Diavel has all-round LED lighting, a TFT dash, and of course, an electronics package with six-axis IMU. The electronic features include cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, launch control, cruise control, and Bluetooth integration with mobile devices. It also allows riders to connect to their bikes via the Ducati Link App, thereby enabling interface with the bike’s ride mode settings, offering maintenance information, recording bike performance and routes and other details.

So far, we haven’t seen any weight figures published for the new Diavel, or other dimensions, but Ducati says the new bike has similar power-cruiser riding ergos as the previous model.

Ducati Diavel S

The Ducati Diavel S improves on the standard model with an up/down quickshifter, improved brakes (Brembo M50 monobloc calipers), and fully adjustable front and rear suspension from Ohlins. It has the same engine and frame, but the wheels are different—they have a special machined finish, and run Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tires with dual-compound technology.

We haven’t seen Canadian pricing or availability on the 2018 Diavel models yet.