Exotic Bike of the Year: Ducati Diavel Strada

New Delhi: Dressed in all-black, the 2013 Diavel Strada looks more like a streetfighter on steroids than a cruiser. The new bike is a power-cruiser for the super-long rides on the highway. Ducati says, “the new model, specifically designed for longer journeys, has been factory-accessorized with touring-friendly components that enable all-day riding comfort for both rider and passenger.” The bike still holds tight to the Testastretta 162 horsepower V-twin Testastretta engine that produces 162 bhp of power and 127.5 Nm of torque. Mated to a six-speed transmission, the engine puts to work a Mitsubishi electronic fuel injection system with Mikuni elliptical throttle bodies and Ride-by-Wire. Standard features include ABS, Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Riding Modes. In order to improve overall rigidity, the Ducati Trellis frame has been employed. In terms of suspension, an aluminum single-sided swingarm takes care of the rear while adjustable 50mm Marzocchi forks deals with the hurdles at the front. The bike delivers unmatched stopping power due to Brembos at the front and rear. Dual 320mm discs with Brembo Monoblock four-piston calipers and a single 265mm disc with a two-piston caliper ensures firm brakes.The 2013 Ducati Diavel Strada sees the addition of a front windscreen and saddlebags for starters. The bags are top-loading and shaped to match the sporty design of the bike, providing a claimed 10 gallons (41 liters) of storage. The new touring Diavel has a bigger seat with more foam cushioning while the passenger area sees the addition of a back rest, grab rails and revised footpegs.In terms of styling, the bike flaunts massive lateral radiators on either side. “The technical solution employed for keeping the frontal lines of the Diavel clean was to place two highly efficient lateral radiators on both sides of the bike. These well-ducted units, located beneath the fuel tank, use aerodynamics to help draw air flow through the radiators and are assisted by high-flow electric fans when required.The design combines form and function to enhance the muscular shape of the bike,” says the Italian bike maker. In order to provide the bikers with easy and comfortable interstate roadtrip, the ergonomics of the bike have been revised extensively. The handlebar has been raised and pushed back offering a relaxed riding position. The grab-rails have been made within reach too. More comforts and amenities come in the form of heated grips, an enhanced generator and two auxiliary power outlets which can power your navigation device. The Diavel Strada destined for the U.S. will continue to feature 4.5 gallon fuel cells. The Ducati Diavel Strada joins the base Diavel, Diavel Dark and Diavel Carbon in Ducati's 2013 lineup. The 2013 Ducati Diavel Strada has a $19,495 MSRP and is offered in a Race Titanium Matte colorway with a black frame and wheels. All of the 2013 Ducati Diavel models come with an unlimited two-year warranty.Specifications:ENGINE TYPET: Estastretta 11°, L-Twin Cylinder, 4 Valve Per Cylinder, Desmodromic, Liquid CooledDISPLACEMENT: 1198.4ccBORE X STROKE: 106 X 67.9mmCOMPRESSION RATIO: 11.5:1POWER: 162hp (119kW) @ 9500rpmTORQUE: 94lb-Ft (127.5Nm) @ 8000rpmFUEL INJECTION: Mitsubishi Electronic Fuel Injection System, Mikuni Elliptical Throttle Bodies With RbWEXHAUST: Lightweight 2-1-2 System With Catalytic Converter And Two Lambda Probes. Twin Aluminium MufflersGEARBOX: 6 SpeedPRIMARY DRIVE: Straight Cut Gears, Ratio 1.84:1RATIO: 1=37/15 2=30/17 3=27/20 4=24/22 5=23/24 6=22/25FINAL DRIVE: Front Sprocket 15; Rear Sprocket 43CLUTCH: Light Action, Wet, Multiplate Clutch With Hydraulic Control. Self-Servo Action On Drive, Slipper Action On Over-Run.FRAME: Tubular Steel Trellis FrameFRONT SUSPENSION: Marzocchi 50mm Fully Adjustable Usd ForksFRONT WHEEL: 14-Spoke In Light Alloy 3.50 X 17FRONT TYRE: 120/70 ZR 17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso IIREAR SUSPENSION: Progressive Linkage With Fully Adjustable Sachs Monoshock. Remote Spring Preload Adjustment. Aluminium Single-Sided SwingarmREAR WHEEL: 14-Spoke In Light Alloy 8.00 X 17REAR TYRE: 240/45 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso IIFRONT WHEEL TRAVEL: 120mm (4.7in)REAR WHEEL TRAVEL: 120mm (4.7in)FRONT BRAKE: 2 X 320mm Semi-Floating Discs, Radially Mounted Monobloc Brembo Callipers, 4-Piston With ABSREAR BRAKE: 265mm Disc, 2-Piston Floating Calliper With ABSINSTRUMENTATION: Handlebar Mounted Instrumentation With LCD Display: Speed, Rpm, Time, Coolant Temp. Warning Lights For: Neutral, Turn Signals, High-Beam, Rev-Limit, DTC Intervention, ABS Status, Oil Pressure, Fuel Reserve. Tank Mounted Instrumentation With TFT Colour Display: Gear Selected, Air Temp, Battery Voltage, Trips 1 & 2, Fuel Reserve Trip, Average And Actual Fuel Consumption And Speed, Trip Time, Scheduled Maintenance. Full Status And/Or Management Of Riding Modes, DTC, RbW And ABS.DRY WEIGHT: 216kg (476lb)WET WEIGHT(KERB): 245kg (540lb)SEAT HEIGHT: 770mm (30.3in)WHEELBASE: 1590mm (62.6in)RAKE: 28°TRAIL: 130mm (5.12in)FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 17l - (4.5 US Gal)NUMBER OF SEATS: Dual SeatSTANDARD EQUIPMENT: Riding Modes, Power Modes, Ducati Safety Pack (ABS + DTC), RbW. 41 L (10.8 Gal) Side Panniers, Tourer Seat, Touring Windshield, Passenger Back-Rest, Heated Grips,Two 12V Power Outlets, რ Mm Higher HandlebarWARRANTY: 24 Months Unlimited MileageMAINTENANCE SERVICE INTERVALS: 12.000km (7.500m) / 12 MonthsVALVE CLEARANCE CHECK: 24.000km (15,000m)EMISSIONS STANDARD: Euro 3