As the most potent weapon in Ducati’s arsenal, the XDiavel has single handedly kept its segment alive. With cruiser styling, dragster power, and street bike attitude, it’s a trio of badassery. Now it’s upgrade time…
2021 Ducati XDiavel Black Star
Engine: Liquid Cooled 1,262 cc, Testastretta Dvt 1262
Transmission: 6 Speed Primary Drive
Power: 118 kW @ 9,500 rpm
Torque: 93.7 lb ft @ 5,000 rpm
Dry weight: 221 kg
Seat height: 755 mm
Fuel capacity: 18 litres
Price: $37,590
Similar to its Death Star namesake, the 2022 Black Star joins the dark side, with a heavy black finish. A nice contrast of matte gray is added, along with attention- grabbing red accents on the valve covers.
Power comes in hits from the Testastretta DVT 1262 motor, sending the traction control into extra duty to control the rear rubber. A solid 118 kW kick and 127 nm of torque sends your backside into the bucket saddle in any gear.
The long wheelbase and huge rear Pirelli give the impression it just wants to go straight; but the light forged-alloys say different — allowing it to steer with market leading agility.
They’ll never be a need to rev like there’s no tomorrow; the Black Star produces more peak torque at 2000 rpm than Ducati’s legendary 916 ever did. This is no chilled American V-twin, this is from a legendary Italian stable — and all those horses are keen to trot.
In Sports mode, when the rear tyre hooks up, it has enough ticker to lift the front. Urban mode switches on rider aids like ABS and traction control, reducing power to 75 kW. But even then it has more power than most Harleys — a subtle message to all competitors this is a savage not a sleeper.
Triumph’s updated Rocket 3 and Harley-Davidson’s Fat Boy are similarly priced, but neither can match the Ducati’s power, handling or tech. If you need a dash that is the size of an iPad, this may not be your ride of choice. Otherwise, sell one of your kidneys if you have to.
By Bill Varetimidis
For the full article grab the September 2021 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
