Page 50 - HR-2017-C-Classical-Feb1617r
P. 50
ITALIAN MUSCLE
What is certain is that the revamped Audi purchased Ducati in April 2012.
Diavel is not just one of the quickest Ducati Diavel Carbon 1,198cc four-
bikes around but also one of the most stroke V-twin, six-speed 160bhp @
exciting. For such an aggressively 9,250rpm 96lb ft @ 8,000rpm 155mph
styled bike it is rider-friendly, (estimated) 130 miles @ 40mpg
especially in the softest of the three (estimated) Charismatic V-twin that
riding modes, Urban, which limits blends cruiser styling with power and
power output to 100bhp. But if you agile handling to create a supremely
press the indicator button to select entertaining bike that’s in a class of its
Touring or Sport mode, then crack own. Ducat i 1199 Super leggera The
It would be impossible for this open the throttle, you’ll need to hold 2014 1199 Superleggera starts at
updated Diavel to match the impact on tight as the Ducati thunders $90,000, which is a bit more expensive
of the original, launched only three forward at a rate that even the firm’s than the industry average for a
years ago. Few bikes have been as member of the 1200cc class of
controversial. Internet forums and supersport bikes (the average
magazine letters pages blazed with price is $30,995). Its components,
complaints that the Diavel was ugly, incredible as they may be on their
and that Ducati was betraying its own, become something even
sporting heritage by building a greater under the Superleggera’s
cruiser. Despite that, Ducati’s cohesive vision – to exceed every
boldness in creating the dramatically limit of light weight and
styled and cleverly engineered performance.
Diavel was rewarded when almost
everybody who rode it came back The 1199 Superleggera’s form
smiling; marvelling at the unique way expresses this goal perfectly. Sleek
that it combined a relaxed riding and aggressive, it is based on the
position and fat back tyre with award-winning design of other
thrilling acceleration and improbably Ducati Superbikes but features a
agile handling. It looked like a cruiser, modified front cowl shape for
performed like a superbike and has super-sports 1199 Panigale would increased aerodynamic
since sold respectably well, despite struggle to match. It also has performance at high speeds.
being far from cheap. The updates outstanding braking power, due to its Fashioned entirely in carbon fibre, the
are aimed at improving comfort and stability- enhancing length allied to bodywork wraps tautly around the
low-speed performance. That the ferocious bite of Brembo 1199 Superleggera’s muscular interior
brutalist styling is retained. In fact it is Monobloc calipers, allied to an and is finished in unmistakable Corse
exaggerated slightly, by larger air excellent ABS system. Detailing is Red to announce the performance
scoops on either side of the fuel tank. mostly good, especially on the more within.
expensive Carbon model tested
Other changes include an LED here. This gains a carbon-fibre front The end result is simply the most
headlight and indicators, reshaped mudguard and tank and seat covers, impressive Ducati ever offered. Fully
seat and a new exhaust system with along with forged aluminium wheels street-legal, it features ABS, mirrors,
“slash-cut” silencers. The engine is still and different silencers. Neat lights, and long standard
a 1,198cc, liquid-cooled, eight-valve components shared by Carbon and maintenance intervals; while being as
V-twin, but is updated with twin spark standard Diavels include the pillion light as a full World Superbike and
plugs per cylinder, new camshafts footrests and grab-rail, which retract making comparable power. An
and a higher compression ratio. The out of sight when not required. Those engineering dream made real, the
maximum output remains 160bhp, parts and the generously padded 1199 Superleggera sets new
roughly 20bhp up on the similar unit in dual- seat help make the Ducati standards of motorcycle
the new Monster 1200, but low-rev respectably practical. Its fuel construction, paving the way for the
torque is improved. Ducati claims a capacity is a modest 17 litres but entire Superbike lineup in Ducati’s
revised injection system gives a more most owners will improve on the sub- never-ending quest to advance
refined feel. That may well be true, 100-mile range dictated by the performance. Type: Sport Bike Engine:
although I’d need a back-to-back mountainous launch route, which 1198cc V-twin Price (MSRP): $90,000
test with the old version to confirm it. dragged consumption below 30mpg. End
