How do you like your muscle bike—with flashy paint and pricey trim? If that’s true of you, then Ducati wants to sell you on a new XDiavel Nera Edition.
In stock form, the XDiavel (Ducati calls it a “techno cruiser”) is an attention-grabbing bike with brute power (160 hp at 9,500 rpm and 93.7 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm) and sharp handling to back up its looks. The Nera Edition should grab even more eyeballs, though, as it was designed in conjunction with Poltrona Frau’s Interiors in Motion Business Unit. Not familiar with that name? That might be because you’re not European; Interiors in Motion specializes in luxurious vehicle interiors, as a transport-focused subsidiary of the Poltrona Frau Group. See here: “Founded in the mid-1980s, the Poltrona Frau Group’s Interiors in Motion division goes beyond the confines of residential living, specialising in the creation, production and supply of distinctive leather interiors in the premium automotive, air, rail transport and seafaring sectors.”
“But wait,” you shout: “Motorcycles don’t have interiors.” Apparently, Interiors in Motion is also now interested in Exteriors in Motion, and helped Ducati plan this bike’s look, with specialized black-on-black livery, along with a special seat. Ducati says this is made of Pelle Frau, “a soft natural leather saddled by hand, the result of years of research by Poltrona Frau. It is available in 5 different colors (Siam Red, Steel Blue, Cemento, India and Selva) and is customized with a series of ‘X’ engraved through a sophisticated laser process, in honor of the name of the bike.”
The pillion seat is also widened for comfort and also made of Pelle Frau, with a special backrest. Ducati also says “The 500 Ducatisti enthusiasts who order an XDiavel Nera will also receive an exclusive key ring and document holder made of Pelle Frau leather, in the color matching what they have chosen for their saddle.” How very classy. Oh, and did you catch the note that only 500 of these bikes will be made? They’ll be individually numbered, of course.
Giovanni Maiolo, a bigwig from Interiors in Motion had this to say: “There is great satisfaction for the work done together with Ducati on the XDiavel Nera. We are proud to be part of this 100% Italian project that has fascinated us from the very beginning and has given us the opportunity to once again demonstrate our know-how and our ability to design in co-design projects by combining innovation and craftsmanship.”
Mechanically speaking, it seems this special-edition XDiavel is the same as the standard model. Along with the powerful engine, expect high-spec brakes and a taut suspension that handles more like a sportbike than a wallowing traditional cruiser. Of course, the XDiavel also comes with a top-shelf electronics package, including ABS, traction control and other techno-help.
Want one of these bikes? They’ll be available in Canada in June, with MSRP starting at $33,895.
