Ducati unveil XDiavel dragster prototytpe

Author: Oli Rushby Posted: 22 Jan 2016

2016 is set to be a big year for Ducati as the Italian marque enters new waters with their all-new belt-driven cruiser, XDiavel.

When first presented in Milan last November, journalists were told the XDiavel was like no other cruiser on the market and it’s true; find me another cruiser with a 40-degree lean angle and almost 160bhp.

What’s more, the ‘S’ version of the 1262cc cruiser would come with launch control; imagine that at the traffic lights as you open the throttle to unleash those 156 ponies through the fat rear tyre.

In fact, forget the traffic lights because Ducati have stepped it up a level, revealing a brutal-looking dragster prototype to be displayed at the Verona Motorbike Expo.

Developed by a section of Ducati’s design centre purposed with exploring the future style and design concepts of Ducati’s bikes, the all-new draXter is a concept bike that interprets the XDiavel in a sporting guise.

This full-fat racing version of the XDiavel takes the Ohlins suspension and brembo brakes from Ducati’s Panigale superbike.

The number 90 emblazoned on the side of the draXster pays homage to Ducati’s 90^th anniversary, which the Bologna firm is celebrating this year.

The draXster, along with XDiavel and XDiavel S will be on display from 22 – 24 January at the Motorbike Expo in Verona, alongside Ducati’s full range of cruiser accessories.  

We’ll be riding the XDiavel for the first time later next week, check back then for the full review!

 or