The Ducati Diavel is a high-performance vehicle that oozes strength, comfort and agility, making it a popular choice for people who want a versatile piece of machinery. Named after the Bolognese dialect word for 'devil', the Diavel received its name during an early viewing of its first prototype among engineers and technicians. When wheeled out, one bystander said: "Ignurant comm' al Diavel!" This is translated in English as "Evil, just like the devil!" and it lives up to this name with aplomb. Ducati motorbikes are well known for their adrenaline-pumping engines, so it should come as no surprise that the Diavel offers much of the same, with an impressive list of technical specifications to go with its muscular aesthetics. Fans of the brand will notice that this particular model is lower and longer than other bikes produced by the company, with a road-hugging, front-heavy appearance that the designers have likened to an athlete hunched at the starting blocks. Towards the rear, the motorcycle narrows significantly but is still underpinned with a huge 240-section back tyre for support. Available in both red and matt carbon colours, the Diavel certainly conveys a devilish appearance, making it an eye-catching addition to the road. However, the bike offers more than just appealing aesthetics and has a range of features that facilitate its high-performance reputation - starting with the engine. The Testastretta 11° is an L-Twin cylinder model with four valves per cylinder and innovative liquid-cooling technology that was developed from the Ducati Corse. Offering the strength and power of the superbike, it has been modified to combine this with a smooth, comfortable ride. The engine utilises a desmodromic valve and generates 94 lb per foot of torque, with 162 horsepower. This is underpinned by a lightweight chassis, enabling the bike to achieve acceleration of zero to 62 miles per hour in just 2.6 seconds. Made up of large-diameter light-qauge tubing with die-cast aluminium sections flowing into the rear subframe, the chassis is built to provide maximum torsional strength despite the bike's otherwise lightweight design. To combat the heat generated by this powerful engine, there are twin lateral radiators on both sides of the bike. A 64 mm water pump impeller reacts to higher rpm by boosting the flow rate by 35 per cent, effectively cooling the vehicle down. The Diavel is not just about the engine though, as it has numerous other high-end technologies, including its split-level instrumentation panel. While the upper LCD display is a traditional screen with primary performance data - speed, rpm, time, temperature and warning lights - the lower is a Thin Film Transistor screen with full-colour capabilities. Gear selection and riding mode are just a taste of the information provided, with the panel also able to judge whether to use a black or white background by detecting surrounding light conditions. Furthermore, the riding modes themselves are a useful addition to the bike, with touring, sport and urban options. The latter modifies the Diavel to deal with the start-stop nature of inner-city traffic, while the touring and sport modes are perfect for long-distance comfort and speed maximisation respectively. Whatever mode riders choose, the bike is supported by its 50 mm Marzocchi front forks - fully adjustable and tweaked to enhance compression, spring-preload and rebound dampening. The forks also have a slash-cut triple-clamp that allows 70° of total steering lock, ensuring a smooth ride and maximum manoeuvrability. If you're a fan of Ducati motorbikes, you will love the Diavel. Find the perfect motorcycle clothing to go with your bike at P&H Motorcycles, the specialist in motorcycle sales and accessories.
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