2016
Ducati Diavel Carbon
Ducati
continues to trickle out information on its 2016 product line, this time
releasing information on the latest carbon-fiber clad version of the Ducati
Diavel.
While
changes are incremental, the one that stands out the most is a redesigned seat
said to improve comfort. Ducati didn’t state specifically what those changes
were, but it looks like it comes up more in back for extra lumbar support. The
relaxed riding position and 30.3-inch seat height remain the same. The 2016
Diavel Carbon sees a few tweaks to its exhaust, new features including Zirotec
ceramic coating on the exhaust manifolds and stainless steel silencer covers
with a brushed-steel effect. The tubular steel trellis frame is painted in a
Dark Chrome and the Marchesini 10-spoke forged wheels have machined highlights.
To complement the carbon fiber, the 2016 Diavel Carbon is slathered in an
Asphalt Grey paint but is also available in a Dark Stealth version with a matte
black tank, black frame and wheels.
The
latest Diavel Carbon is offered with three different trim packages, Sport,
Touring and Urban. The Sport Pack includes a carbon rear mudguard, carbon fiber
instrument and headlamp covers, billet aluminum brake and clutch fluid
reservoir caps and a rear brake fluid reservoir cover. The Touring Pack sees
the addition of a set of panniers, a back rest and a Plexiglass windshield. In
Urban form, the pack features lightweight forged aluminum wheels, racing billet
aluminum footpegs, a carbon fuel tank protector and billet aluminum frame
plugs, front sprocket casing and clutch casing cover.
One
of the benefits of the carbon fiber trim and forged wheels is weight reduction,
the 2016 Diavel Carbon claimed to tip the scales at 205 kg (452 pounds)
compared to the 210 kg (463 pounds) of the standard 2015 Diavel.
The
genre-bending motorcycle will continue to be powered by the Ducati Testastretta
11° Dual Spark engine, the powerplant sourcing Ducati superbike DNA delivered
in a smoother and more linear manner. Said mill is good for a claimed 162
horsepower @ 9250 rpm and 96 lb-ft torque @ 8000 rpm.
Of
course, the amount of power is variable thanks to riders being able to choose
from three different maps (Sport, Touring, Urban). Besides horsepower, the
different maps also adjust Ducati Traction Control levels and responsiveness of
Ducati’s Ride-by-Wire system. The motorcycle is outfitted with Ducati’s Thin
Film Transitor (TFT) display to help riders manage all that data. The TFT also
senses ambient light conditions and will change the background color of the
display to black or white to ensure the best visibility.
Plenty
of high-end goodness continues to complete the package, suspension duties
provided by a fully adjustable 50mm Marzocchi fork and a Sachs rear that offers
compression and rebound adjustability. Brembo Monobloc 4-piston calipers with
twin 320 mm discs anchor the front while a 2-piston Brembo caliper teamed to a
single 265 mm rear disc is mounted on the rear. ABS is standard. The 10-spoke
wheels are wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires, a slim 120 front
juxtaposed against a fat 240 rear.
