New extra sporty Ducati Diavel spied in testing

New Ducati Diavel S spied with new engine, frame, swingarm, Öhlins suspension and better electronics

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When Ducati unveiled the Diavel in 2010, we were bowled over by the mad combination of cruiser stance combined with sporty handling and a superbike engine. Now spy pics show that Ducati are working on a brand new bike, which is set to be the fastest one yet!

Looking at the side profile of the bike, it’s evident the engine has changed. Although it’s obscured by camouflaging tape, the steel trellis frame has clearly changed and the exhaust routing mimics the X Diavel rather than the current model. All this points to the Diavel receiving the 1262cc Variable Valve Timing Testastretta from the X Diavel. Peak power and torque figures remain virtually unchanged, but the motor will have a stronger mid-range and it will also help Ducati stay ahead of the emissions curve. With more power comes more responsibility, so we imagine the engine isn’t the only change.

The current Diavel has basical electronics (traction control and ABS) but with the new motor, we expect it will take the X Diavel electronics including IMU based lean-sensitive traction control, cornering ABS and rider modes. There was a lingering question over whether the next Diavel may take the V4 engine from the new Pangiale, however Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicalli suggested the Multistrada would receive it first and these spy shots seem to confirm that.

New suspension

What else goes with a new frame and engine? Brand new suspension obviously. There are currently three different Diavel models, plus two X Diavels but even the expensive special editions come with Marzocchi suspension. This new model (that we assumed will be called the Diavel S) will come with fully adjustable Öhlins suspension front and rear. This should improve the ride quality no end and will help further reinforced the Diavel’s sporty credentials. There may even be a ‘Speciale’ version too with electronic semi-active suspension too. The eagle eyed may also have noticed that it appears to have a swingarm from a Panigale, as well as a chain drive (rather than the belt on the current model).

We’re expecting Ducati to unveil this model officially at the EICMA show in November, with the production bike to follow in early 2019. Assuming the rest of the spec remains unchanged, we expect the new Diavel S to cost around £18,500.