2016 Ducati XDiavel Dyno Tested
More power everywhere!
The spinning steel drum does not lie: Ducati claims 156 horsepower at 9500 rpm for the XDiavel’s new 1262cc DVT (Desmo Variable Timing) L-Twin, and the MotoGP Werks Dynojet bears that out. The old rule of thumb is that rear-wheel hp (what the dyno measures) is generally about 10% less than crankshaft hp (what the manufacturers claim) on a chain-driven bike, and if that still applies then the Ducati is actually a few horses ahead of the game. Compared to the old Diavel, which never felt anything like slow, you’re looking at 10% more horsepower and 9% more torque.
In attempting to out-Harley Harley, though (the XDiavel is the first Duc with forward-foot controls and belt drive), the low-rpm torque’s the thing. The previous Diavel was no slouch, but outfitting the new engine with 63cc more displacement (via 3.6mm longer stroke) and DVT has the intended effect of shifting a big wallop of torque down into the 5000 rpm range.
Our bike’s torque peak occurred at 7800 rpm, but it’s already humping over 80 lb-ft at just 4000 rpm, with an initial torque peak of 83.7 at 4500 rpm. Though the gray torque plot looks a tad concave on screen, from the saddle there is no let-up in acceleration from 4000 onward, and if you’ve got the stones to keep the throttle pinned in the lower gears, you’ll be glad there’s wheelie control and Ducati Power Launch and whatever else you can get.
Meanwhile, Harley-Davidson’s latest Twin Cam 110, as delivered in bikes like the new Low Rider S we’re scheduled to ride next week, is supposed to produce 115 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm – though it can’t come close to matching the XDiavel’s peak hp number.
Does anybody care? More importantly, does anyone with $20k disposable motorcycle income care? Stay tuned as we stand back and enjoy watching whether the X can get a bite of H-D’s huge slice of the American power-cruiser pie. The fun’s just getting started.
More by John Burns
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this Xdiavel is for the middle age man in his midlife crisis that wants a panigale but his wife wont let him get a crotch rocket because she says those are too fast so he has to settle with this. that middle age man will go on to brag to all his harley friends and coworkers about how his new ducati is faster than their harleys. yet this middle age man will not take this Xdiavel to its limits ever because the group he rides with all ride cruises and they all go on straight lines and follow the speed limit. unfortunately that middle age man will only put about 1k miles on it before he sells it because he just doesnt have the time or energy to ride anymore..
Only 144 HP to the rear wheel, Another ducati poser bike.