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Ducati Diavel Carbon



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Diavel Carbon Model Image
discontinued
Variant
Standard
City
Show price in my city
₹ 19,72,145
Last known Avg. Ex-showroom price
Ducati has discontinued the Diavel Carbon and the bike is out of production.

Explore Other Diavel Bikes

Diavel Carbon Key Highlights

Engine Capacity1,198.4 cc
Transmission6 Speed Manual
Kerb Weight234 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity17 litres
Seat Height770 mm
Max Power159.7 bhp

Ducati Diavel Carbon Summary

With the Diavel, Ducati has tried to approach cross-country cruising with a different angle. Calling it a power cruiser, the Diavel is a cross between the classic laid back cruisers and the modern sport tourers and sports a naked body style. Ducati also has introduced a more cruiser-like iteration and calls it the X-Diavel, but that is a different motorcycle.

In terms of design and styling, the Diavel stands out with its bulky and macho look. The exposed trellis frame makes it look raw while the smart curves around the tank and the fascia give it a sporty touch. The Diavel Carbon, the performance version of the Diavel, sheds some weight thanks to the lightweight composites (read carbon-fibre) and machined aluminium.

The Diavel gets a full LED headlamp, where there are two vertical LED positioning lights flanking the main illuminating beam. The bike is one of the few bikes that gets hands-free ignition. All the rider has to do is keep the key inside the pocket. The bike recognises the key code and is switched on. One of the most interesting aspects of the Diavel is its instrument cluster. It’s an LCD which is integrated into the fuel tank. It shows tons of information like the odometer, riding mode and gear indicator.

Powering this motorcycle is a 1200cc Testastretta liquid cooled engine that produces 160bhp at 9250rpm and peak torque of 130Nm at 8000rpm. This engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox that transfers power to the rear wheel via a chain drive. The bike is equipped with ride-by-wire technology and three riding modes – urban riding mode, touring riding mode and sport riding mode. The urban riding mode limits the power to 100bhp and the Ducati Traction Control is set at 5. In touring riding mode, the bike delivers 162bhp but the power delivery is smooth. In the sport riding mode, the bike delivers full 162bhp with precise and sporty throttle response for maximum acceleration.

The Ducati Diavel is sold as a completely-built-up (CBU) unit through all its showrooms in India. For the kind of motorcycle the Diavel is, it goes against the Yamaha V-Max. When you consider the price tag, it competes with the Triumph Speed Triple, the Kawasaki Z1000 and the Suzuki GSX S1000 in the Indian market.

Ducati Diavel Carbon Review

  • Good Things

    • Offers a comfortable riding position
    • Has a torquey engine
    • Is loaded with electronic aids
  • Could be Better

    • Difficult to ride in city traffic
    • Could do with wider service reach

BikeWale's Take

Ducati's version of a power cruiser, the Diavel has massive road presence. Moreover, it also gets a torquey 1198cc, L-Twin engine that suits its character too. While its riding ergonomics are good cruising, the Diavel's sheer size and large turning radius makes it difficult to ride in city traffic.

Ducati Diavel Carbon Expert Opinion

Beautifully thought-out, superbly executed and genre shattering; that’s the 2015 Ducati Diavel for you. And compared to the original that came out in 2011, it is more desirable as well. In terms of design, the new iteration of the Diavel might sport the same silhouette, but it now gets an all-LED headlamp, nicer looking wheels, revised radiator covers, new LED side indicators and a new seat. The latter is now larger...and more comfortable. The megaphone exhausts are new too. And they look menacing.

What is it?

Beautifully thought-out, superbly executed and genre shattering; that’s the 2015 Ducati Diavel for you. And compared to the original that came out in 2011, it is more desirable as well. In terms of design, the new iteration of the Diavel might sport the same silhouette, but it now gets an all-LED headlamp, nicer looking wheels, revised radiator covers, new LED side indicators and a new seat. The latter is now larger...and more comfortable. The megaphone exhausts are new too. And they look menacing.

There are changes to the engine as well. It is essentially the same 1198cc L-Twin liquid cooled Testrastretta 11 degree unit from the older Diavel, but with revised intake and exhaust ports, new cam timing, higher compression ratio and relocated injectors for better, fuller combustion. The end result is the exact same 162bhp of max power but a peak torque figure that’s about 10Nm higher at 130Nm. Ducati also claims, the torque arrives earlier and traces a flatter curve than before, making the Diavel more ride-able.

Time to find out if it is…

How does it ride?

The last time I rode a Diavel (it was the older iteration), it was in the Himalayas along with – how do I say this – lesser machinery, if you will. No wonder the Diavel stood out. And even today when it comes to this Ducati (and the Multistrada), I mostly have good things to say.

So imagine my surprise when I got on the newer bike and within minutes I didn’t like it all that much. The riding position is still great. It’s neither laid back (read cruiser), nor demanding (street naked), and it’s easy to grip that large tank. Overall, it’s a nice balance between control and comfort. The new Diavel also has a light and progressive clutch action; weight distribution that masks its 239kg kerb weight when on the move and a throttle action that’s light and linear but not sharp enough to cause jerkiness.

My problem then is with the Diavel’s ride quality. If you are based out of Delhi or Hyderabad where roads are smooth and nicely tarmac-ed, you needn’t worry. But, if you have concrete roads to deal with, especially those with low-amplitude-high-frequency undulations (like in Mumbai), you are in for some difficult times. The Diavel bounces about constantly, especially its rear, leaving you uncomfortable and a tad disappointed.

Disappointed because apart from the harsh ride (and the engine heat), the Diavel would make for such a lovely everyday commute bike. I also would have preferred a little less on-throttle shudder from the drivetrain at lower revs and a smoother operating gearbox. The current 6-speed unit is just too clunky to fit the bike’s price or positioning.

This apart, the new Diavel is a fun motorcycle. In the city, one needs to ride it to believe it as to how easy it is to filter through traffic with. Part throttle will take you past traffic in a jiffy as the bike rides its potent torque curve. Hit the open road and unless you check yourself, you will be sitting on the quicker side of 200kmph in no time…without trying! It’s crazy.

And if you open it up from a standstill, its sheer acceleration is bound to make you giggle like (pardon the cliché) a schoolgirl. Every time. Needless to say touring in the low hundreds on the Diavel is like munching chocolates; you can do it all day long, untiringly.

But, you’d expect that given the image the Diavel cuts, that of a ‘power cruiser’. However, the way it corners and brakes can shame many a street nakeds. It doesn’t like low speed corners like hairpin bends for instance given its heavy steering. But around long sweeping bends or even when tackling quick direction changes, the Diavel feels planted, eager and talkative.

The chassis, the front end and the tyres give you enough feedback and more to keep going at corners harder and faster with every run. And the brakes – Brembo twin discs with monobloc 4-piston calipers – have the bite, progression and feel and stopping ability that one would rarely associate with a motorcycle with a raked out front; this is proper supersports stuff.

Anything else I should know?

 

The Diavel with its low 770mm seat height is surprisingly manageable. It also gets a nicely concealed rear grab handle and smart luggage straps as standard riveted under the seat. But, the new Diavel’s highlight has to be its electronics and instrumentation. It gets ride-by-wire, a slipper clutch, 8-level traction control system, ABS, keyless start and go, and of course, an all-LED headlamp. An Audi effect or not, the LEDs work superbly in the dark with enough throw and range.

The Ducati also gets three pre-programmed riding modes. Urban: With power limited to 100bhp, it gets duller throttle response and traction control turned up to 5. Touring: All of the 162 horses are available, but with a duller throttle response, one can only feel them galloping close to the redline. The traction control is set to 3 here. Sport: With traction control set to the least intrusive setting of 1, and all of 162bhp of power available with sharp and quick throttle response, this mode really brings out the best in the Diavel. And the rider. The most entertaining. And the most rewarding mode, by far.

Now to the instrumentation. It’s a two-tier setup. The one on top is more conventional. It has a dot matrix like display and throws up info on speed, engine revs and coolant temperature. The lower deck is an all colour TFT screen with all the info you might ever want, but would rarely need. To name a few, there’s average speed and fuel economy; range and ambient temperature readouts; and of course mode display with the traction control level the bike’s running.

 

Why should I buy one?

Apart from maybe the Diavel Carbon White’s pricing (which touches Rs 20 lakh on the road) and its unnecessarily stiff ride, this Ducati has everything going for it. No wonder, the bike sells so well (at least for a bike that can easily be classified as exorbitant). But, it’s the base Diavel Black that sells most. And honestly, if we were to buy one we too would settle for the Black; it’s almost Rs 3.5 lakh cheaper than the Carbon White for the same thrills, same ability and similar street presence.

Where does it fit in?

The only competition we can think of for the Diavel is the Yamaha Vmax. But, since we haven’t ridden one and haven’t seen one on Indian roads and since it costs an even more ridiculous Rs 31 lakh on the road, we’d have to say, the Diavel really is in a class of its own.

Photography by Kapil Angane

Click here to read the Ducati Multistrada First Ride Review

Click here to read the Kawasaki ZX-14R First Ride Review

 

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Diavel Carbon Specifications & Features

Standard

Change Version

  • Specifications
  • Features
  • Specifications
  • Features

      Specifications

      • Power & Performance

        • Displacement
          1198.4 cc
        • Max Power
          159.7 bhp @ 9250 rpm
        • Max Torque
          130.5 Nm @ 8000 rpm
        • Mileage - Owner Reported
          -
        • Riding Range
          -
        • Top Speed
          -
        • Riding Modes
          -
        • Transmission
          6 Speed Manual
        • Transmission Type
          Chain Drive
        • Gear Shifting Pattern
          -
        • Cylinders
          2
        • Bore
          106 mm
        • Stroke
          67 mm
        • Valves Per Cylinder
          4
        • Compression Ratio
          12.5:1
        • Ignition
          -
        • Spark Plugs
          1 Per Cylinder
        • Cooling System
          Liquid Cooled
        • Clutch
          -
        • Fuel Delivery System
          -
        • Fuel Tank Capacity
          17 litres
        • Reserve Fuel Capacity
          -
        • Emission Standard
          -
        • Fuel Type
          Petrol
        • View More(+20)

      • Brakes, Wheels & Suspension

        • Front Suspension
          Marzocchi fully adjustable 50 mm usd fork with DLC
        • Rear Suspension
          Fully adjustable rear shock with progressive linka
        • Braking System
          -
        • Front Brake Type
          Disc
        • Front Brake Size
          320 mm
        • Rear Brake Type
          Disc
        • Rear Brake Size
          265 mm
        • Calliper Type
          Four-piston front, two-piston rear
        • Wheel Type
          Alloy
        • Front Wheel Size
          17 inch
        • Rear Wheel Size
          17 inch
        • Front Tyre Size
          120/70 ZR 17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso II
        • Rear Tyre Size
          240/45 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso II
        • Tyre Type
          Tubeless
        • Radial Tyres
          Yes
        • Front Tyre Pressure (Rider)
          -
        • Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider)
          -
        • Front Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion)
          -
        • Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion)
          -
        • View More(+15)

      • Dimensions & Chassis

        • Kerb Weight
          234 kg
        • Seat Height
          770 mm
        • Ground Clearance
          130 mm
        • Overall Length
          -
        • Overall Width
          860 mm
        • Overall Height
          -
        • Wheelbase
          1580 mm
        • Chassis Type
          Tubular steel Trellis frame
        • View More(+4)

      • Manufacturer Warranty

        • Standard Warranty
          -
        • Standard Warranty
          -

      Features

        • Touch Screen Display
          -
        • Instrument Console
          -
        • Odometer
          Digital
        • Speedometer
          Digital
        • Fuel Guage
          Yes
        • Digital Fuel Guage
          Yes
        • Hazard Warning Indicator
          -
        • Average Speed Indicator
          -
        • OTA Updates
          -
        • Call/SMS Alerts
          -
        • Geo Fencing
          -
        • Distance to Empty Indicator
          -
        • Tachometer
          Digital
        • Stand Alarm
          Yes
        • No. of Tripmeters
          2
        • Tripmeter Type
          Digital
        • Gear Indicator
          -
        • Low Fuel Indicator
          Yes
        • Low Oil Indicator
          Yes
        • Low Battery Indicator
          Yes
        • Clock
          Yes
        • Service Reminder Indicator
          -
        • Battery
          Maintenance Free
        • Front Storage Box
          -
        • Under Seat Storage
          -
        • Mobile App Connectivity
          -
        • DRLs (Daytime Running Lights)
          -
        • AHO (Automatic Headlight On)
          -
        • Shift Light
          Yes
        • Headlight Type
          -
        • Brake/Tail Light
          -
        • Turn Signal
          -
        • Pass Light
          Yes
        • GPS & Navigation
          -
        • USB Charging Port
          -
        • Riding Modes Switch
          -
        • Traction Control
          -
        • Cruise Control
          -
        • Hazard Warning Switch
          -
        • Start Type
          Electric Start
        • Killswitch
          Yes
        • Stepped Seat
          No
        • Pillion Backrest
          No
        • Pillion Grabrail
          No
        • Pillion Seat
          No
        • Pillion Footrest
          No
        • Front Suspension Preload Adjuster
          -
        • Rear Suspension Preload Adjuster
          -
        • Additional Features
          -
        • View More(+45)

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      Ducati Diavel Carbon User Reviews

      5.0/5

      (7 Ratings) 4 Reviews

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      5

      Service Experience

      One of the fastest on earth

      5 years ago


      Satyendra Prasad

      It has 1198 cc engine, 130mm ground clearance, 6 speed gearbox, 770mm seat height, 17.0 litres of fuel tank, weight is 239 kg.It has a very fast speed and a very great control. It feels like you are in air when you ride it. Superb sound and brakes and too good. It's mileage is 10 kmpl. It has a great speed.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      5

      Service Experience


      4

      Maintenance cost

      3

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Everything

      Owned for

      Never owned

      Got mileage of

      8 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      Use good quality engine oil.

      Was this review helpful?

      1


      2


      Best power cruiser

      5 years ago


      Prabhu C

      Powerful cruiser in its segment with ample amount of torque which we could feel within our veins. Suitable for both touring and city provided less traffic. On an average it offers 18kmpl on highway which is the best mileage which any other bike could not offer provided no other class is more powerful than this beast.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      5

      Service Experience


      2

      Maintenance cost

      4

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Tours

      Owned for

      6 months-1 yr

      Ridden for

      5000-10000 kms

      Got mileage of

      17 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      Tyre change to be done every 8000 kms for both. For second service 26 to 28k would estimate including oil filter, air filter, oil change and disc pads.

      Was this review helpful?

      1


      0


      Nice bike

      6 years ago


      Susanta Dalai

      Nice bike...and very beautiful style...Heavy bike..Speed is awesome...Bikes of king more ability power ..I feel very comfortable...Honest prices of this bike i have to tell you something about ..You should know that an indigo dyed bike ..Cannot be combined with white or light colored sofas..

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      5

      Service Experience


      5

      Maintenance cost

      5

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Occasional Commute

      Owned for

      Never owned

      Got mileage of

      30 kmpl

      Was this review helpful?

      5


      3

      Diavel carbon

      6 years ago


      Girija Shankar Pattanaik

      As it's very costly but the power and the comfort is more trustworthy than any other bike.It looks gorgeous and extravagantly awesome but it's maintenance is costly it has a good looking features and is comfortable and the lucrative beauty of this beast attracts everyone towards it but it's fuel consumption is more than any other bike

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      5

      Service Experience


      2

      Maintenance cost

      5

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Tours

      Owned for

      > 1 yr

      Ridden for

      10000-15000 kms

      Was this review helpful?

      8


      1

      Ducati Diavel Carbon Expert Reviews

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      Ducati Diavel Carbon News

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