The Ducati’s upcoming Diavel-based cruiser has once again been spotted testing in Europe. With the move towards belt drive and a more laid-back riding position, it seems like Ducati has turned its attention towards a completely new segment, targeting the likes of Harley-Davidson V-Rod and the Indian Chief Dark Horse.
The completely redesigned tubular trellis frame of the new Diavel houses Ducati’s new 1198cc Desmodromic Variable Timing (DVT) engine. First seen in the 2015 Multistrada, this engine delivers 160bhp and 136Nm of torque through a six-speed transmission. With the switch to a belt drive, we can expect a significant change in the bike’s power delivery characteristics and electronics. The short twin outlet underbelly exhaust gives the bike a compact look, while the new offset suspension has helped lower the stance.
The makeover for the new Diavel seems to be a move aimed at improving the company’s sales in the US market, where belt-driven cruisers have a huge share of the total motorcycle sales. Though the company hasn’t confirmed this, we think that Ducati might start offering the next-generation Diavel in two versions – a cruiser like the one in spy shots and a standard power cruiser version akin to the current model.
