Page 20 - August 2025 Edition

Rewriting the Cruiser Playbook

high-power, advanced technology, Rivals
and Italian design.” Where the XDiavel truly separates

The strategy is clear: offer a from traditional V-Twin cruisers is in
m o t o r c y c l e t h a t h a s t h e its electronics:
appearance and ergonomics Bosch Cornering ABS,
familiar to cruiser riders, but with · Ducati Traction Control
the performance, electronics, and
EVO, Wheelie Control
finesse of a superbike.
· Launch Control (DPL),
3. Powertrain: The Sportbike QuickShift 2.0 up/down,
Heart Behind Cruiser Looks
Cruise Control
The 2025 XDiavel V4 swaps out
· 6.9 ″ TFT display with
the older V-Twin for Ducati's Bluetooth, Ducati Link App,
1 , 1 5 8 c c V 4 G r a n t u r i s m o navigation
e n g i n e — s h a r e d w i t h t h e
· Multiple Ride/Power modes
Multistrada. It produces 168 hp and
(Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet;
93 lb-ft (126 Nm) of torque, High/Medium/Low)
1. Introduction — Rewriting the peaking around 7,500 rpm.
Cruiser Playbook · Harley offerings lack such
Though Ducati claims tuning for a d v a n c e d f e a t u r e s ,
D u c a t i i s n o s t r a n g e r t o low-end grunt, torque delivery
performance motorcycles, but a r r i v e s l a t e r — a r o u n d especially launch control
with the XDiavel, especially its 4,000–6,000 rpm. Harley lovers and full connectivity, giving
2025 V4 variant, it's aiming expect grunt from idle, so riders Ducati an edge with tech-
squarely at traditional cruiser may feel a learning curve—but savvy customers.
exhaust pipes—most notably o n c e t h e r e v s c l i m b , t h e
Harley-Davidson. As recently acceleration is addictive. 6. Riding Impressions — Where
covered by Autoweek, the Italian Sport Meets Cruiser
brand is boldly positioning the Acceleration is brisk—0–100 km/h Test rides along Colorado's Peak to
XDiavel as a techno-cruiser in under 3 seconds when using Peak Highway highlighted the
hybrid designed to appeal to launch control—with a mega-fat XDiavel's dual nature as both
Harley's core demographic: 240 mm rear tire and low center of cruiser and sportbike. Riders
riders loyal to big twin torque but gravity ensuring grip and stability. mentioned the need to stay above
c u r i o u s a b o u t s p o r t b i k e ~4,000 rpm to feel alive, yet once
refinement and tech-forward 4. Styling & Ergonomics — there the bike flows through corners
riding. Italian Muscle Meets Cruiser and speeds with superbike
Poise
This article explores how the venom—something few Harley
XDiavel blends cruiser cues with Visually, the XDiavel V4 dominates. riders experience often.
superbike DNA, the bike's key Its low-slung, muscular form Its light curb weight (505 lb dry),
features and riding experience, and includes supercar-inspired LED combined with a wide rear tire and
why Ducati believes Harley riders designs, single-sided swingarm, stable geometry, enable corner
and imposing rear wheel styling.
are ripe for conversion. speeds and handling habits more
Ducati says the aesthetics combine
2. Origins & Strategy — The common in naked sports bikes than
Cruiser Redefined musclecar essence and Italian traditional cruisers.
design flair.
Ducati first entered the heavy- Some testers noted the feet-
cruiser market with the original Ergonomically it's true cruiser form: forward position limits ability to
Diavel debuting at EICMA 2010. In forward-set pegs, low seat, and a stand up over bumps and shifts
2016, the company introduced the relaxed riding posture. Yet the rider weight during aggressive
XDiavel, bringing in true feet- chassis is more agile than typical riding—but many still embraced the
forward controls and cruiser cruisers. Reviewers called it “the styling and ergonomics.
ergonomics while retaining Ducati's most dynamic cruiser on the
performance pedigree. Ducati NA market” and praised its comfort and 7. Comparing Rider Worlds —
CEO Jason Chinnock summarized visual impact. Harley vs. XDiavel
this intent as: “It sits at the
intersection of sport and cruising. 5. Electronics & Rider Aids — A Torque Delivery & Character
I t ' s r e l a x e d , c o n fi d e n t … Tech Advantage over V-Twin · Harley twin-cylinder cruisers

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LHR Motorcycle Magazine Issue 16 AUGUST 2025