Had a test drive today on the S model and just thought I would post a few thoughts, the bike only had 40 miles on the clock so was reasonably sensible. The Good Amazing brakes and handling even with that big rear tyre, although the tyres were not fully scrubbed in the bike cornered predictably and safely. Quite a revelation. Engine was as smooth (Currently drive a Multistrada) (Bought new in September) with plenty of power through the range. This engine felt better than the Multi. Clutch light and predictable, and a good instrument panel. The forward pegs takes a little getting use to but you soon adapt. Revving at a standstill produces a wonderful growl which fades away going along. The seat is amazingly comfortable. I have never rode a bike that made me feel like this did, It is just a fabulous cruiser, Should mention I have had 3 Harleys in the last 4 years. Super impressed. The Bad Suspension was great on smooth roads but harsh over poor surfaces, I would adjust this and dial it out to be a bit more forgiving, looking at the settings it seems to have plenty of adjustment. Never tried it with the optional screen but that will make it even more enjoyable over 70mph. Would have liked to see Skyhook on at the price. Pillion is ok - just. That was it for me - it really is that good. Final thoughts Forget mid controls, that is not what this bike is about. If you want a normal riding position buy something else in the Ducati range. Would I trade my Multi in for one - no. This is not a touring bike & I like touring. If you want one of the best looking bikes on the market and want a bike for day trips stopping off for coffees and enjoying the view then this is as good as it gets for now. As I tour I need the Multi but if I did not this bike would be in my garage now. If I could afford this as a second bike this would be it. Actually I think I must find a way to get one. I love the Multi and it does it all but the XDiavel brings something else to the party and that is that this bike has a soul - it really is that good. Will post some pictures later. Regards Paul
I looked at an XDiavel today at Aylesbury Ducati and to be honest... Disappointed. I'd still take a well spec'd up Diavel any day. If I could get the XDiavel S exhaust on the old Diavel I'll be buying one next week!
This may sound daft, and a bit camp.. It's just not beefy enough! lol It's just too small. It's actually a small bike. I expected it to be a big, beefy cruiser/crossover. It looks like a baby Diavel and it looks messy with wires and hoses everywhere. Really disappointed because I was lined up to buy this May. If you're at Aylesbury Ducati, check out the custom Diavels in the corner, they're lovely.
Went to ducati Aylesbury today. Saw the xdiavel. I do like that exhaust. Apparently the termi exhaust has an exit on either side of the bike. Saw the other diavels that maxdec10 mentioned. A lovely limited edition titanium version and one with tricked wheels, loads of carbon, frame bungs, termi's, and tail tidy etc looked lovely. There was a lovely d16 Desmond there as well in the car park. Was going to have a good look at it but it zoomed off. Lovely sound.
I'm booked for a test next Saturday at Hyside. Not sure I'd swap the Multi though. Don't have the room for 2 bikes
I think more means wiring and brake hoses does look a bit messy in places, I noticed the display was slightly lop sided to that would annoy me lol
Have an XDiavel S on order. My previous bike was a '13 plate Diavel. There's the usual accessory pack options, although not easy to find out details on them. Would like to see what the nose fairing looks like for example. Was able to get a decent (1 hour+) test ride on one. I'd never ridden anything feet forward before so I was a bit concerned. But I needn't have worried. Despite a few 'air bicycle' moments pulling away, going for a non-existent peg, the thing is completely comfortable. It had standard bars, with the footrests in the furthest forward position. I've asked them to set mine up the same. I'm 6ft 2in. Engine is more refined, exhaust a bit quieter. Both my Diavel and this XDiavel are complete rocketships, so no issues there. Handling wise, the X feels a lot more neutral. With my Diavel, it took a fair amount of counter steer to get it turned in, but there's none of that on the X. Anyway, it's due in March apparently, so I'll post more when it gets here...
Had a 100 mile runaround on an XDS yesterday - agree with all of pauls comments - I have a Multi PP and would not swap - but as Bike 2 definitely - I had a gen 1 Diavel and this is pretty close but not as sporty - apart from the DPL - which is ridiculous fun !!I will wait to see what changes they make to the Diavel for 2017 as it is pretty much at the end of its lifespan and will have to have changes for Euro4 compliance - so expect it will get the DVT engine - dealer tells me that they want to separate the models more so that the XD is not seen as a Diavel replacement so maybe they will go more extreme sports on the Diavel ?
Merely sat on one for the second time today. I have to say I love the idea / look / riding position of it at least. Quite a step change from an 1199 (having ridden only sportsbikes for years) but I really do fancy the idea of it.
I had a good look at Moto Rapido's demo this morning and through a leg over it. In theory it ought to leave me cold- this isn't my sort of thing. But I think it looks fantastic. Not keen on all that brushed aluminium look on the yokes, rad guards, headlight surround etc, but even so.. Rode the original Diavel and thought it was a hoot if a touch claustrophobic because the seat locks you in place, but I just can't grow to love the look of it. The X draws the eye in all the right ways though. Its one of those bikes that says "ride me". Haven't heard one running. It ought to have a ground shaking thud but I don't suppose it has. I can't/won't be buying one but I'll have to have a go on one.
ive swapped my 2014 dark for new xdiavels 70 miles still running it in but general comments so far diavel dark still a real stunning looking bike i put Zard end can on mine which made it sound sweet and great 1st second gear mingers off the throttle but new S diavel is a super model next to it riding its as smooth as a baby compared to old clunky gears and the engine in touring mode on damp roads up to 5 thou lovely so far soon as its run in ill thrash the cr@p out of it and let you know how it goes in sports mode and the launch control experience / how it wheelies compared to dark (on a private road officer) need to get new exhaust as well as sounds like a sewing machine Largey View attachment 65903 View attachment 65904 keep you posted Update to all bike run in and was fine until last Sunday was tootling along 70 ish and without any warning it cut power then all the dash warning / engine warning fuel gauge speedo cut out - 1-2 seconds of power loss engine was still running after I slowed down stopped no oil blowing / sounded like a bag of spanners so engine was fine etc road the bike home on urban mode without incident - called the Ducati french breakdown (thats were your calls go)who conacted the AA, top draw bloke - he road tested bike removed battery cable, left for 5 min reconnected to see if the electrics had a build up of static (no idea but seams a common fault!) without sucess road bike to Coventry Ducati (these guys are brillant and can not say any more praise but thanks chaps for fixing my Italian stallion) dianostics shows 20 - 30 line item and they had to send info back to Italy (useless) 5 days later after numerous attemps with Italians - Cov guys traced it to a broken cable near the battery terminal (so guys be aware it Cov Duc say the bike was put together correct but they sometimes re-route the cable so they are not so tightly stretched) bike was not purchased buy them but they serviced this and my other duc so thanks again fellas Bikes been fine until Ive had a call on Thurs this week by Cov Ducati there is a recall something about shim and back wheel thats all i know Again ill keep you posted when i take bike for re call work PS bike wheelie soo easy in 1st but bitch to get into 2nd with your feet dangling up front aint used the launch control as it dont need it - its a duc and nothing ive come across has got near me yet to need to use it keep you posted View attachment 71480
