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Ducati XDiavel Engine
The twin-cylinder Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262 is a completely new, Euro 4 type-approved engine featuring the DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) system. First introduced on the Multistrada 1200, it has been re-thought and recalibrated to put out high torque even at low revs, ensuring fluid, low-rpm power delivery and a full toque curve all the way to the high revs. The Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262 has a maximum power of 156 hp at 9,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 13.1 kgm at 5,000 rpm.
The DVT system independently varies the timing of both the intake valve camshaft and the exhaust valve camshaft thanks to the adoption of a valve timing adjuster applied on the ends of each of the two overhead camshafts. The DVT system is divided into two parts: an external part rigidly connected to the pulley driven by the timing belt and an internal one connected to the camshaft, coaxial to the first and which, with respect to the latter, can rotate earlier or later depending on the oil pressure in the special chambers. This oil pressure is adjusted by dedicated valves and the timing of each cam is controlled dynamically by a sensor in the cam covers.
The twin-cylinder Ducati engine on the XDiavel has a displacement of 1262 cm3 with bore-stroke measurements of 106 x 71.5 mm (as opposed to the 106 x 67.9 mm on the Ducati Testastretta DVT 1200). Compared to the Multistrada 1200 engine, it has a higher compression ratio, now 13:1 (as opposed to12.5:1); however, it shares the same Bosch electronic injection system, featuring elliptical throttle bodies with a 56 mm-equivalent diameter and a Ride-by-Wire system that has, of course, been recalibrated.
The top end of the Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262 has been given a thorough overhaul. Both cylinder heads have frame attachments and the horizontal one has been redesigned so it can also support the further-forwards rider footpegs. The crankshaft features a new balancing system that, instead of the classic pads, uses ground steel plates.
The DVT also features the Dual Spark (DS) system (i.e. two plugs per cylinder) and employs a secondary air system; the latter introduces fresh air into the exhaust duct to complete oxidation of unburned hydrocarbons and reduce the levels of pollutants such as HC and CO without affecting engine performance.
Of course, the Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262 uses the Desmodromic engine valve closure system that has made Ducati famous all over the world. Thanks to this system the intake and exhaust valves are closed positively with the same precision and similar technique as to be found during valve opening.
Ducati engineers have worked in close collaboration with the designers at the Style Centre to reposition the water pump. On all liquid-cooled Ducati engines this component is placed on the alternator cover on the left side of the engine. This solution involves complex pipe routing that covers a good part of the cylinders. On the XDiavel, instead, the engine is designed to be a core characterising feature of the vehicle and, for this reason, the water pump has been positioned in the ‘L’ between the two cylinders. Engineers and designers have striven to produce an engine as aesthetically clean as possible, leaving it in clear view at the centre of the bike.
The new water pump is driven by an auxiliary belt that is, in turn, powered by the one of the timing belt pulleys. It has also been sized to improve on the performance of its predecessor; flow has been optimised to ensure perfectly balanced coolant flow between the horizontal and vertical cylinders. Connection pipes and hoses have been hidden while the cylinders, which host the pump couplings, have a new internal circuit, the result of complex research into fluid dynamics.
The enormous attention to detail that allowed engineers and designers to build the Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262 can also be observed in the repositioning of the blow-by pipe which on other Ducati bikes exits from the base immediately behind the vertical cylinder: on the XDiavel, instead, it has been integrated into the belt covers. Moreover, the surface finishing of all engine parts has been completed meticulously.
The XDiavel mounts a 6-speed gearbox and features the same gear sensor first seen on the 1299 Panigale; the clutch, instead, is of the oil bath type with slipper function.
For the very first time on a Ducati, transmission is of the belt type. To mount the front pulley the engine cover has been specially redesigned. The final 28/80 ratio corresponds to a drive ratio of 15/43.
The XDiavel exhaust is a 2-in-1 system with a chamber-type body and two tail pipes. Exhaust pipe routing deliberately leaves the engine in view; likewise, the central body has been positioned in front of the rear wheel, making it practically invisible.
Ducati XDiavel – Long service intervals
Constant investment in quality – ensured by design, advanced materials and cutting-edge engineering – has allowed Ducati to provide highly competitive maintenance scheduling; routine maintenance intervals have been extended to 15,000 km (9,000 miles) – or one year – and valve timing adjustment to 30,000 km (18,000 miles), providing clear advantages for customers This has been achieved by employing special materials for the valve seats, improving combustion efficiency and limiting the running temperature of the Ducati Testastretta DVT engine. Moreover, the innovative DVT system does not in any way complicate the valve timing adjustment procedure.
Ducati XDiavel – Electronics
The Ducati XDiavel makes use of Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) inertial platform technology. This dynamically measures roll and pitch angles and the speed of relative changes in attitude, thus raising performance and safety standards even further. The IMU allows the Riding Modes (Sport, Touring and Urban) to give the bike three distinct personalities. Each Riding Mode has different engine delivery, maximum power, Ducati Traction Control and Cornering ABS settings. All electronic control systems can be adjusted to intervene as desired and, thanks to the Default function, all values (or just some of them) can be returned to their standard settings.
Furthermore, on the XDiavel engine power delivery is controlled via a Ride By Wire system. Torque is no longer adjusted directly by a throttle cable but electronically: a signal is read and processed by the engine control unit which then modulates throttle body aperture. The Ride by Wire system allows three different engine power delivery mappings to be used.
Sport
Selecting Sport Riding Mode transforms the XDiavel into a high-adrenaline 156 hp machine. This mode gives the rider full control over the throttle response to maximise acceleration. This is combined with reduced DTC intervention (Level 2), perfect for riders who want to push it to the edge and enjoy the unbridled power of the Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262. ABS, instead, is set to interaction Level 2.
Touring
For the Touring Riding Mode, Ducati has provided enjoyable power delivery, again at 156 hp, but this time in a travelling configuration that offers softer, easier-to-handle torque. Rear traction is controlled by the DTC, set at a level designed to ensure stable, relaxed riding (Level 4), just perfect for maximum rider and passenger comfort on long journeys. The ABS is set to interaction Level 3.
Urban
Urban mode instantaneously transforms the personality of the XDiavel, changing it into an easy-to-handle bike that instils confidence. Urban Riding Mode limits power to 100 hp and sets a high level of traction control (Level 6), allowing the rider to take on even the heaviest city traffic in complete safety. The ABS is set to interaction Level 3.
DTC (Ducati Traction Control)
Ducati Traction Control is a competition-derived system that acts as a filter between the rider’s right hand and the rear tyre. Within the space of just a few milliseconds the DTC can detect and, subsequently, control any wheelspin, improving bike performance and active safety considerably.
This system has 8 different intervention levels. Each one has been programmed to provide a rear wheelspin tolerance that matches progressive levels of riding ability (classified from 1 to 8). Levels 1 and 2 are specifically intended for sports-style riding and allow for high levels of rear wheelspin. Levels 3 to 6 ensure excellent grip on dry asphalt while levels 7 and 8 are designed to maximise grip on wet tarmac.
DPL (Ducati Power Launch)
The “Dragster” coiled within every XDiavel can be unleashed thanks to Ducati Power Launch (DPL). This system guarantees breathtaking – yet safe – starts thanks to the IMU, which adjusts fuel delivery, and DTC intervention as per the selected setting. DPL has three different modes, Level 1 being the one that provides maximum performance.
The DPL is activated by pressing the dedicated button on the right switchgear. Once it has been activated the rider then sets the intervention level via a menu on the dashboard. Once the level has been selected, the rider has to squeeze the clutch lever, engage first gear and twist the throttle wide open. At this point, simply by releasing the clutch gradually, it’s possible to experience the most awesome starts.
The system is automatically disengaged once the bike tops 120 kph (75 mph), or once third gear is selected or when the bike slows to below 5 kph (3 mph). To protect the clutch, a specially developed algorithm allows only a limited number of consecutive starts. One by one, the number of ‘launches left’ are re-enabled once the motorcycle returns to being ridden normally.
Bosch Brembo brake system with Cornering ABS system
The XDiavel features a Brembo braking system with the ABS 9.1MP Cornering device, an integral part of the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP). Cornering ABS makes use of the Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) platform to optimise front and rear braking power even in critical situations and with the bike at considerable lean angles. Through interaction with the Riding Modes, the system provides solutions suitable for any situation or riding condition.
Designed to improve rear tyre control during hard braking, wheel lift detection is enabled at Level 3 but remains disabled at Levels 1 and 2. Nevertheless, the ABS can also be fully disabled from the instrument panel in any Riding Mode, and settings can be saved and recalled at the next Key-On.
The system integrates perfectly with the Ducati Riding Modes and has three different intervention levels. Level 1 offers maximum sports riding performance by eliminating rear wheel lift detection and allows rear wheel drifting by applying the ABS at the front only. Level 2 ensures equilibrium between front and rear without rear wheel lift detection but with the Cornering function on and calibrated for sports-style riding. Level 3 allows, in Touring and Urban modes, optimisation of the combined braking action with rear wheel lift detection on and the Cornering function on and calibrated for maximum safety.
Dashboard
The XDiavel dashboard consists of a TFT screen with a separate warning light module positioned above the handlebars. The dashboard has four different display modes. New to Ducati, the Default mode provides a minimal must-have level of information, presented in an attentively styled manner. The other three, instead, are the classic Track, Full and City display modes associated with the Riding Modes.
The XDiavel has dedicated switchgears with red-backlit keys. Under static conditions it is possible to use the left switchgear to access a setting menu to activate and adjust various functions such as personalised DTC and DPL settings and the three Cornering ABS intervention levels. Moreover, Cruise Control has dedicated keys to activate and manage the speed setting. It’s also possible, under either static or dynamic conditions, to choose between the Sport, Touring or Urban Riding Modes.
The XDiavel S is, moreover, equipped with a Bluetooth module. Connecting a smartphone to the dashboard allows the rider to see incoming calls and text messages on the screen and display any music being listened to.
Lights
The XDiavel light assemblies are the result of intense, meticulous design work. Both the front and rear are full-LED units (in countries where they are permitted) and have been designed to give the bike instantly recognisable appeal. Lights automatically shift from their daytime configuration to their night-time one thanks to a sensor on the dashboard. This function can, where desired, be deactivated to allow manual operation.
Moreover, the headlight on the XDiavel S features the DRL (Daytime Running Light) (in countries where it is permitted). The DRL is a special side light that ensures perfect vehicle visibility during the day while providing the XDiavel with yet another uniquely distinguishing feature.
Hands Free Ignition
The XDiavel can be started without inserting a mechanical key. Just come within 2 metres of the bike and the system automatically reads the electronic key code; this allows ignition without even having to remove the key from your pocket. At this point pressing the key-on button will power up the control panel and allow the engine to be started. The key consists of an electronic circuit and a mechanical flip key to open the seat and remove the filler cap. This system includes an electrical steering lock actuator: when the bike is parked, the steering lock can be engaged at the press of a button. When you return to the bike, the lock is automatically released at key-on.
Frame
The XDiavel features a steel tubular Trellis frame that employs the Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262 as a stressed chassis element. The frame is attached to the engine at the two cylinder heads, as is the shell-cast aluminium subframe. Also attached to the engine are two forged aluminium plates (these are machine-finished on the S version) that embrace the swingarm. The lower part of the swingarm is cast, while the upper Trellis section with a forged, removable part allows extraction of the transmission belt .
Although the XDiavel has a 1615 mm wheelbase, its agile chassis geometry and the possibility of reaching lean angles as high as 40° on mixed-road routes ensure pure Ducati performance.
Suspension
At the front the XDiavel mounts 50 mm Marzocchi forks with black anodised sleeves, with fully adjustable rebound and compression damping and spring pre-load (the S version also has fork tubes with DLC coating). Damping compression and spring pre-load adjustment are on the left fork tube, while rebound adjustment is located on the right tube. The XDiavel has cast aluminium slanted fork yokes with risers that support aluminium alloy handlebars having a diameter of 32 mm with external rubber-mounted tubes having a diameter of 22 mm. With a headstock rake of 30° and an offset of 130 mm, the XDiavel offers excellent front-end agility and feel, ensuring exceptional handling and a generous steering lock.
At the rear, instead, the XDiavel mounts a Sachs monoshock – with adjustable spring-preload and damping rebound – with a separate reservoir. Mounted almost horizontally, the shock absorber works in concert with progressive linkage.
Brakes
At the front end of the XDiavel excellent braking performance is provided by Brembo brakes with M4 32 radial monobloc callipers (M50 on the S version); actuated by a PR18/19 radial brake pump featuring an integrated aluminium reservoir; the calipers grip two 320 floating discs. At the rear, instead, a 265 mm disc is braked by a 2-piston PF 30/32 calliper, again made by Brembo.
Tyres and wheels
The XDiavel mounts 14-spoke wheels. At the front end the bike sports a 3.5” x 17’’ wheel, at the rear an 8” x 17’’ one. On the XDiavel S, instead, exclusive machine-finished 12-spoke wheels bring design even further to the fore.
The front wheel mounts a traditional 120/70 ZR17 tyre with a tread redesigned to maximise wet weather performance. The rear tyre is a 240/45 ZR17. The bike comes with Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres. To provide increased grip when leaning hard into a bend yet still ensure excellent mileage, the impressive rear tyre features both dual compound technology and EPT (Enhanced Patch Technology) to maximise the contact area at any lean angle. Tread design and carefully selected compounds ensure exceptional performance whatever the road conditions, especially in the wet.
