Ducati’s Diavel launched at EICMA in 2010 to a great reception. Ducati took low slung, almost cruiser like styling and ergonomics, into a chassis with big power, great suspension and pretty good handling. For 2019 Ducati fits its up-spec Testastretta DVT 1262 engine to both the standard and new S editions.
The Testastretta DVT 1262 engine combines strong acceleration with smooth low-rev power delivery. This engine has already made a previous appearance on the Diavel platform in the XDiavel but now boasts more grunt for 2019.
An upgraded chassis set-up aims to make the Diavel 1260 more responsive on mixed-road routes – ideal for many Australian roads – while performance, braking and electronics provide performance akin to something much more sporting, including Bosch Cornering ABS.
Naturally comfort levels for rider and passenger remain a strong focus with an upright riding position and a large, generously padded seat.
1260 Ducati Testastretta DVT
The heart of the new Diavel 1260 is the 1262cc Ducati Testastretta DVT engine with variable cam timing. Already featured in the XDiavel, it has now been upgraded to output 159 hp (117 kW) at 9500rpm and 129 Nm (13.1 kgm) at 7500 rpm, providing good pulling power right from the low-medium rev range.
The variable timing system acts continuously on the intake and exhaust camshafts, meaning the engine adjusts power delivery to suit riding conditions, with smooth delivery at low revs, and sporty performance at high revs.
Power cruiser ergonomics & style
The riding position and ‘power cruiser’ ergonomics so popular with first-generation Diavelisti remain unchanged, however the new Diavel sports a prominent new tubular steel Trellis frame.
Anchored to the frame is an aluminium swingarm, designed to give cornering agility, feel and easy riding, while the rear wheel is shod in a wide 240 mm hoop – a Diavel hallmark.
Sophisticated electronics include the 6-axis Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU) which instantaneously detects bike speed and acceleration and is crucial to the many electronics systems on the Diavel 1260. These systems includes Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control EVO, Ducati Power Launch EVO and Cruise Control.
The Diavel 1260 will be available in Sandstone Grey with a black frame.
Diavel 1260 S
A sportier S version of the Diavel 1260 will also available, featuring fully adjustable Öhlins suspension at both ends, dedicated wheels and an up-spec braking system.
Compared to the standard Diavel the 1260 S boasts radially mounted Brembo monobloc four-piston M50 callipers and a PR16/19 radial master-cylinder. The upspec suspension is a 48mm Öhlins adjustable USD fork with TiN treatment, while the rear is a Öhlins fully adjustable monoshock. The custom wheels are machined but share the same dimensions as those found on the standard.
The S version also mounts the Ducati Quick Shift up & down EVO system as standard to allow clutchless shifting.
The Diavel S offers two livery options: Thrilling Black & Dark Stealth (motorcycle surfaces feature two contrasting blacks with different finishes, with red frame) and Sandstone Grey (with black frame).
Diavel multimedia
This new Diavel 1260 is also compatible with the Ducati Link App: this lets riders set ‘journey mode’ (a combination of Load Mode and Riding Mode) and personalise the parameters of each individual Riding Mode (ABS, Ducati Traction Control, etc.) in a user-friendly manner via their smartphones. This App also provides comprehensive maintenance deadline info, a user manual and a Ducati Store locator.
Furthermore, the Ducati Link App lets riders record performance and routes so they can share their new Diavel experiences with the Ducatisti community.
Ducati have announced a host of updates to the Multistrada 950 for 2019, including a six-axis Bosch IMU and Cornering ABS, as well as the addition of Vehicle Hold Control and a hydraulic clutch.
Other updates include a lighter swingarm, lightweight alloy wheels including spoked versions, as well as an updated dash and auto-cancelling indicators, which also make use of the Bosch IMU.
In addition to updates to the standard 950, Ducati have also announced an up-spec Multistrada 950 S which feature’s the brand’s Ducati Skyhook Suspension system, an Up & Down Ducati Quick Shifter, full LED headlight, a 5-inch colour TFT with Hands Free system as standard, Cruise Control and backlit switchgear controls.
2019 Multistrada 950 updates
A host of additions in 2019 offer many of the advantages of the larger Multistrada 1260S, while retaining the 950’s more manageable package.
From a styling viewpoint, the new Multistrada 950 also inherits the side ‘wings’ from its bigger 1260 counterpart, making the front even cleaner and more aerodynamic.
The tubular steel Trellis frame is linked to the new lighter double-sided aluminium swingarm and the 19in front wheel offers ideal handling characteristics, with lighter wheels featured across the 2019 950 models.
Suspension offers a generous 170mm of travel to keep comfort levels high and the 20-litre tank puts plenty of miles between refuelling stops.
The electronics package now includes Bosch Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control, Vehicle Hold Control and, on the Multistrada 950 S, semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension, Ducati Quick Shift up/down (available as an accessory for the Multistrada 950), Ducati Cornering Lights and Cruise Control.
Both the Multistrada 950 and the Multistrada 950 S can mount the Ducati Multimedia System.
The 937cc twin-cylinder Testastretta 11° engine in its current iteration puts out 111 horsepower (83 kW) at 9000rpm and 96 Nm of torque at 7750rpm. It is equipped with a self-servo wet slipper clutch that now requires less on-lever effort thanks to the new hydraulic control system.
Maintenance intervals are set at 15,000 km or 12 months, with valve play inspection every 30,000 km offering good value servicing intervals.
The Multistrada 950 is available in Ducati Red while the Multistrada 950 S comes in Ducati Red and Glossy Grey.
Alongside the new Panigale V4 R, Ducati also announced the new Hypermotard 950, which will be available both in a standard and a more up-spec 950 SP edition.
Updates include revised ergonomics and chassis, an updated powerplant, extensive electronics and of course the special SP edition includes Ohlins suspension, forged Marchesini wheels, unique graphics, and the DQS system as standard.
2019 Hypermotard 950 features
937 cc Ducati Testastretta 11° engine
114 hp at 9000rpm
80% of peak torque (9.8 kgm) available at 3000 rpm
Twin under-seat silencers
Trellis frame with tapered tubing
Rear Trellis sub-frame
45 mm Marzocchi forks, fully adjustable, 170 mm of wheel travel
Adjustable Sachs shock absorber, 150 mm of wheel travel
Cast aluminium wheels with three Y-spokes
Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres
Brake and hydraulic clutch with radial pumps and separate fluid reservoirs
Colour TFT instrumentation
Latest-generation electronics package – 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU)
Bosch Cornering ABS EVO with Slide by Brake function
Ducati Traction Control EVO (DTC EVO)
Ducati Wheelie Control EVO (DWC EVO)
Riding Modes (Sport, Touring and Urban)
Daytime Running Light (DRL)
Front and rear LED auto-off indicators
Fuel tank capacity 14.5 litres
Kerb weight 200 kg (-4 kg vs previous model)
937cc Testastretta 11° engine
The heart of the new Hypermotard 950 is a revised 937cc Testastretta 11° twin with greater pulling power and new electronics to ensure smoother control. With 114 hp at 9000 rpm and a torque of 9.8 kgm – of which 80 per cent is available at 3000 rpm.
Improved performance stems from new pistons with a high 13.3:1 compression ratio (as opposed to 12.6:1 on the previous version), new exhaust cam profiles and a new exhaust system with under-seat silencers.
New 53 mm throttle bodies feeds the fuel to the Testastretta 11° while a new engine control unit and Ride-by-Wire throttle help manage the power delivery.
Both the Hypermotard 950 and the SP version also benefit from new, lighter clutch and alternator covers, a lighter gear shift drum, an aluminium (rather than steel) chain tensioner and magnesium cam covers.
The self-servo wet slipper clutch can now be operated with less on-lever effort thanks to the new hydraulic control system. The 937 cc Ducati Testastretta twin cylinder engine also has lengthy maintenance intervals: oil changes are required every 15,000 km while a Desmo Service is needed every 30,000 km.
Updated ergonomics & chassis
A revised riding position maximises control, thanks to wider handlebars, slimmer sides and a new seat that smooths movement during riding and ensures feet can be placed firmly on the ground thanks to an inner leg curve measurement that is now 53 mm shorter, with an 870 mm seat height on the standard version.
The seat on the new Hypermotard 950 is flat and long with a slightly raised passenger zone for greater comfort. On the SP version, instead, the flatness is more motard style to ensure even better longitudinal movement during riding. Again with an eye to maximising control, the handlebar tips are opened up by 7-degrees.
A new steel Trellis frame with tapered tubing, reduces weight by one kilogram compared to the previous model. With 25° of rake, 104 mm of trail and a 30 mm offset, control is claimed to be safe and stable but without compromising the characteristic agility of the bike.
A generous steering lock of 70° assists handling, while the 1493 mm wheelbase (1498 mm on the SP version) maximises high speed stability. A 14.5L fuel tank gives the Hypermotard 950 reasonable range. The Hypermotard 950 features a single-sided aluminium swingarm.
Tapered aluminium handlebars mount radial pumps with separate front brake and clutch fluid reservoirs (a hydraulic clutch replaces the previous cable-operated one); while the design and interface of the colour TFT display take their cue from the panel on the Panigale V4.
Brake and clutch lever-handlebar gaps are adjustable. Passenger foot pegs are removable. The seat features a passenger grip strap which can be hidden when not in use. The Hypermotard 950 also has an under-seat USB socket.
Suspenders & stoppers
The Hypermotard 950 mounts new, fully adjustable 45 mm Marzocchi forks with aluminium fork bodies/tubes which give a wheel travel of 170mm. This set-up is half a kilo lighter than the unit mounted on the previous version.
The rear of the 950 is suspended by an adjustable Sachs shock with a wheel travel of 150 mm.
Front braking is managed by a pair of Brembo M4.32 4-piston radial monobloc calipers, actuated by the radial brake pump and 5-position adjustable lever. Front discs have a diameter of 320 mm and aluminium flanges (saving a total of 600 grams), while the rear sports a single 245 mm disc gripped by a Brembo caliper.
Hypermotard styling
The Ducati Hypermotard is characterised by the beak, which is joined by a compact headlight with Daytime Running Light (DRL).
The design of the Hypermotard 950 includes twin under-seat tailpipes and a minimalist structure, ensuring features like the rear Trellis sub-frame – are kept in clear view.
An overall weight saving of 4 kg (the engine alone accounts for a 1.5 kg saving) has been made compared to the previous model.
Weight savings have been achieved thanks to the new frame made up of tubes of varying diameter, new rims, brake discs with aluminium flanges and lightweight Marzocchi forks with aluminium fork bodies/tubes.
The light, compact headlight assembly features a Daytime Running Light (DRL), while at the rear, a LED strip acts as both tail light and stop light. Auto-off LED indicators have been incorporated into the hand guards to keep the lines of the Hypermotard 950 clean.
Extensive electronics
Performance is kept under control by the modern electronics which uses a Bosch 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU) to detect the bike’s roll, yaw and pitch angles instantly.
The Hypermotard 950 electronics package includes Bosch Cornering ABS with the Slide by Brake function (with setting 1), Ducati Traction Control EVO (DTC EVO), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO (as standard on the 950 SP version and available as an accessory on the 950).
Ride Modes
The performance-oriented Sport Riding Mode settings – suited to sports-style riding on both track or twisting roads – unleash the full 114 hp of the twin-cylinder Ducati engine. DTC is set to level 3, DWC to level 3 and ABS to level 2.
Touring Riding Mode is ideal for inner city hops or out-of-town runs or simply for those who prefer a fluid riding style. It still uses the full 114 hp of the Ducati twin-cylinder engine but delivers it more gently thanks to more safety-oriented electronic settings. That why DTC is set to level 4, DWC to level 5 and ABS to level 3.
Urban Riding Mode is intended for daily around-town use or when road conditions offer little grip. This Mode limits the power of the twin-cylinder Testasretta to 75hp and all electronic settings are dialled towards maximum safety. DTC is set to level 6, DWC to level 6 and ABS to level 3.
Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO
The DTC EVO on the Hypermotard 950 is based on an algorithm that ensures faster, more precise intervention. The DTC EVO interfaces with the Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), constantly measuring the lean angle and using it to accurately calculate the degree of intervention needed to ensure suitable rear wheelspin (according to the DTC EVO level setting).
Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO
The Hypermotard 950 is also equipped with the latest version of Ducati Wheelie Control EVO (DWC EVO). Using the data feed from the Bosch 6D IMU, this system keeps wheelies in check while maximising acceleration and safety. DWC EVO provides more accurate wheelie readings; offering more precise control to ensure the bike responds faster to rider input.
Hypermotard 950 SP
For those who want a bike with even higher performance there’s the Hypermotard 950 SP. With dedicated graphics giving it an even sportier look, the SP version features a flat seat, increased-travel Öhlins suspension (+15 mm at the front and +25 mm at the rear) that increases the lean angle (+3°), Marchesini forged wheels and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO.
The Hypermotard 950 SP mounts lightweight forged Marchesini wheels with three Y-spokes that have a cross-section of 3.5’’ at the front and 5.5’’ at the rear. The SP mounts Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres, 120/70 ZR7 at the front and 180/55 ZR177 at the rear.
Suspension as mentioned features fully adjustable 48mm Öhlins fork (185mm travel) while a fully adjustable Öhlins shock gives a rear wheel travel of 175mm.
Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS) EVO
The DQS EVO with up/down function, developed as an accessory for the Hypermotard 950 (as standard on the SP version), uses lean angle data to maximise bike stability when shifting gears on bends. In addition to minimising shift times, the DQS EVO allows clutchless down-changes, making hard braking more effective than ever.
2019 Hypermotard 950 SP features
SP colour scheme with red frame and black wheel rims
Fully adjustable 48 mm Öhlins fork, with 185 mm of wheel travel
Fully adjustable Öhlins shock absorber with 175 mm of wheel travel
Forged Marchesini wheels with three Y-spokes
Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO
Flat seat
Carbon fibre components: front mudguard, belt covers
Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres
Inner leg curve 1,980 mm (-53 mm vs previous model)
Seat height 890 mm
Lean angle 47°
Kerb weight 198 kg (-3 kg vs previous model)
Multimedia ready
The Hypermotard 950 can mount the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS). This lets riders connect the bike to a smartphone and manage key multimedia functions (incoming calls, text messaging, music) via switchgears, and display the relative information on the TFT instrument panel.
998c Desmosedici Stradale R 234hp at 15,500 rpm – 193kg
Ducati have unveiled the headline act of the new 2019 model line-up at EICMA, with the Panigale V4 R breaking cover.
This is the machine designed to take on World Superbike and that will also likely hit the racetracks of Australia in the hands of Ducati legend Troy Bayliss.
Josh Brookes will also be lighting up the tracks of British Superbike in 2019 onboard this new Desmo demon.
For this road registrable homogolation special the Desmosedici Stradale 1103cc engine of the regular Panigale V4 is downsized to a 998cc version. This is to comply with race regulations and is tuned to a higher state of competition readiness.
A host of lighter internal engine components reduce weight by 2kg to bring the Panigale V4R down to 193kg wet.
Greater air intake efficiency also allows for more rapid engine rev-up, with a higher rpm ceiling along with peak power being moved 2250rpm higher than on the 1103cc V4.
A staggering 221hp is on offer at 15,250rpm, while a full-racing Ducati Performance exhaust by Akrapovič boosts power to 234hp at 15,500rpm.
Alongside the race specific engine, and modified suspension set-up the 2019 V4 R also boasts a new fairing designed by Ducati Corse in collaboration with the Ducati Style Centre, further improving aerodynamic efficiency.
Particularly notable is the inclusion of the aerofoil appendages that stem from the MotoGP prototypes, with carbon-fibre construction for increased stability, with Ducati claiming they further help reduce the reliance on electronic controls, while also aiding rider confidence.
Claudio Domenicali introduced Ducati’s most powerful factory motorcycle, with the brand boasting this new machine as a road-legal WSBK category competition bike, which will constitute the technical foundation for the official Ducati Superbikes that will compete in the World Championship from the 2019 season.
Claudio Domenicali – CEO of Ducati Motor Holding
“Ducati has achieved a striking degree of maturity. It is a global flag bearer of some of the best aspects of Made in Italy excellence. Based on core values of Style, Sophistication and Performance, our company now offers a range as broad as it is state-of-the-art. This year sees the first major overhaul of the entire Scrambler range since its inception, plus a complete renewal of the Diavel and Hypermotard, two bikes that are firm favourites with Ducatisti. Today, safety and rider-friendliness have hit new heights, yet the brand’s sporting soul is as evident as it has ever been. The Panigale V4 R, in fact, is the most powerful factory motorcycle ever built by Ducati. We’re also delighted with our online presence, an area that has enjoyed excellent growth, thus confirming the extraordinary appeal of the entire Ducati product range.”