Next Bike Sdn Bhd (Ducati Malaysia) dazzled Ducati owners at the official launch of Asia Ducati Week this evening as the Ducati Corse MotoGP riders revealed the 2015 Ducati Diavel. The launch was held at the KL Tower Megaview Banquet Hall and coincided with the start of the 3rd Asia Ducati Week (ADW2014).
Present at the event were Datuk Wira HJ SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, NAZA Group of Companies Joint Group Executive Chairman, Mr. Pierfrancesco Scalzo, Ducati Asia General Manager and Mr. Juan Chow Wee, Associate Vice President, Next Bike Sdn Bhd.
Ducati Corse MotoGP riders, Andrea Dovizioso, Cal Crutchlow and the Ducati Corse Team surprised the ADW2014 participants with a special appearance at the event, arriving in official cars arranged by Ducati.
Bold and muscular with a fat rear tyre and a somewhat relaxed riding stance with pulled-back handlebars, the second generation Diavel has the look of a sturdy sport cruiser. However, via various subtle enhancements to the original, including a modified Testastretta engine and exhaust, this latest Diavel offers the dynamic performance of a superbike, with electrifying acceleration complemented by surprisingly agile handling.
“The Diavel plays an important role in our line up in Malaysia and the 2015 model would further capture hearts of Malaysians as we continue to increase our market share in the premium bike segment and remaining our top position in this category. At Ducati Malaysia, we continue to incorporate lifestyle elements in our product offering to ensure our customers get the best,” said Datuk Wira HJ SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Joint Group Executive Chairman.
“In 2015, we would officially be bringing in the internationally recognized Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) training and certification program that would improve the riding skills of our owners. The programs starts from beginner to advance courses,” added Datuk Wira HJ SM Faisal.
Ducati has managed to harness the immense power of a superbike with the 1198cc Testastretta 11° Dual Spark (DS) engine it placed at the heart of the Diavel. The engine generates 162 horsepower – peaking at 9,250rpm – for breathtaking performance, but at the same time is able to be tame and docile when requested. Its enormous power reserves are perfectly regulated by the full Ride-by-Wire system, to ensure that they are always at the rider's disposal.
The Diavel makes a bold statement and strengthens Ducati’s Performance Redefined mantra by using latest technologies to produce super-smooth performance with enhanced comfort and usability. A more enjoyable, smoother ride at part-throttle and low speeds, the Diavel is now more practical for everyday use yet has retained the thrilling high-performance qualities of the previous model. Revised engine intake and exhaust ports, together with a radical adjustment of the cam timing, has enabled the Bologna company to improve the torque curve at low rpm while remaining strong through a wider range.
The new Diavel has thoroughly revised split-level instrumentation. The upper LCD display is mounted on the handlebar riser and conveys key information. The lower, full colour Thin Film Transistor (TFT) unit is integrated into the fuel tank and provides an incredibly clear display of the currently selected Riding Mode, gear, and DTC level as well as trip mileage and side-stand warning light.
The 2015 Diavel has an LED headlamp to match its twin vertical LED strips in back, which, by serving as taillight, brake light, and directional signals, help keep the look of the bike clean and uncluttered.
Increased passenger comfort is provided by the longer twin-level seat with horizontal ribbing, the slender passenger footpegs that ingeniously fold down from the rear sub-frame, as well as the innovative, confidence inspiring grab-rail assembly, which slides out from the rear of the seat.
With its laid-back street ergonomics, blistering performance and commanding style, the Diavel rolls out dressed in stylish Dark Stealth livery, a black trellis frame and black wheels. The Diavel Carbon offers the choice of traditional Ducati Red over Matte Carbon with red frame or the stunning Star White over Matte Carbon with white frame, both with black, forged wheels by Marchesini, turned and milled to expose the natural aluminium.
The Diavel launch celebration was made possible by the sponsors of Asia Ducati Week; Tourism Malaysia, San Pellegrino and Volkswagen (the official car for the event).
The Ducati Diavel is competitively priced at RM 109,888 (net selling price) while the Ducati Carbon is priced at RM126,888 (net selling price).