Ducati draXter concept breaks cover in Italy

Ducati seems to be building buzz for its recently launched XDiavel, as it recently unveiled a sports-oriented interpretation of the cruiser, christened the draXter. Conceived at the Ducati Design Center, Italy, the draXter is a completely performance-focussed cruiser, a 1299 Panigale equivalent of cruisers, if you may.

The cycle parts including the Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes have been lifted off from the Panigale superbike, while the stock exhaust has been ditched in favour of a free-flow Termignoni unit. The clutch has also been converted into a dry unit. Every part that wasn't 'necessary', like the headlamp, indicators and the other cosmetic components, were ditched to achieve lightness. The tail section has been raised, clip-on handlebars lowered and the footpegs moved rearwards to give it a front-biased riding position. The draXter rides on slick Pirelli tyres and lightweight alloys. Enclosed   in the trellis frame is the same Testastretta L-Twin engine, borrowed from the Ducati Multistrada.  This state of the art 1262cc liquid-cooled mill delivers 155bhp and 129Nm of torque through a six-speed transmission.

Showcased at the Motor Bike Expo in Verona, the Ducati draXter celebrates the Italian marque's 90th anniversary. Well, we sure can't wait to see what the 100th anniversary special will look like.