While the riding position, with rear-mounted pegs and relatively high seat, make it clear this is a Diavel, the engine and chassis are actually borrowed from the more cruiser-style XDiavel. The big giveaway is the underslung exhaust system, which is identical to the XDiavel’s, as are the engine cases.
That means this bike is using the 1262cc, variable valve timing Testastretta DVT engine that debuted in the 2016 XDiavel and spread into the 2018 Multistrada 1260. The old Diavel still uses the 1198cc Testastretta 11-degree motor.
In outright performance terms, the newer Testastretta DVT doesn’t add much, but the DVT engine’s 126Nm of torque peaks at 5000rpm, compared to the Testastretta 11-degree’s 123Nm at 8000rpm. That makes a big difference in the real world.
The new engine and its exhaust also mean the Diavel needs to adopt the XDiavel’s frame design, with the rear shock mounted relatively high behind the rear cylinder instead of being slung under the swingarm, as on the original Diavel.
But this prototype is more than just an XDiavel with rear-set pegs. The seat is higher and the tank shape is more like the Diavel than the XDiavel. There are also new Ohlins forks at the front, gripped by Diavel-style triple clamps rather than XDiavel ones. Also notice a new swingarm, and a chain final drive instead of the XDiavel’s cruiser-style belt.
Logically the Diavel, which dates back to 2011 and was updated in 2015, is due for replacement in 2019. But this prototype looks pretty raw, hinting of a 2020 showroom appearance.
By Ben Purvis
