Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati, presents the latest 2016 products in Milan: seven new motorcycles unveiled on the eve of EICMA 2015
Improvements for models already in the range showcased alongside three new bikes that launch Ducati towards new worlds: the ‘Cruiser world’ with the XDiavel, the ‘Adventure world’ with the Multistrada 1200 Enduro and the ‘Pop world’ with the Ducati Scrambler Sixty2.
“In 2015 Ducati sold over 50,000 bikes: a huge success that was achieved without growth being a goal in itself: it was, rather, the result of our customers being extremely satisfied with our products”, stated Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding during the presentation press conference. “After a long period of shrinkage, the motorcycle market is now showing promising signs of recovery and this, together with the effects of continuous product innovation and geographical expansion into new markets, has allowed us to increase sales in the first ten months of 2015 by more than 20% with respect to last year. This is an outstanding result, thanks also to the success of the Ducati Scrambler, a brand that won over new fans immediately. The title of the Ducati World Première 2016 was ‘More than Red: Black, Wild and Pop’.
The message is clear: Ducati is strongly rooted in the sports motorcycle world and is continuing to extend its reach. And that means expansion into new segments: Black like the XDiavel, a true cruiser; Wild like the Multistrada 1200 Enduro, a bike to break down the barriers on any terrain; Pop like the Ducati Scrambler Sixty2, an even lighter Ducati Scrambler with all the appeal of its smaller 400 cc engine. In total we have 7 new bikes at EICMA 2015. These, together with the Monster 1200 R, already presented at Frankfurt, and a new Ducati Scrambler version developed jointly with Italian Independent to be presented at the end of the year, bring the number of new Ducati bikes for 2016 to nine.”
The Ducati World Première 2016 showcased several new bikes: two new Ducati Scramblers, the Flat Track Pro version and the all-new Sixty2; the new Hypermotard 939, Hypermotard 939 SP and Hyperstrada 939 family; the new Panigale 959; the Multistrada 1200 Pikes Peak; the new Multistrada 1200 Enduro and the eagerly awaited XDiavel.
One of the most eagerly awaited bikes at EICMA 2015 was undoubtedly the XDiavel: in short, the “black” world cited in the title of the Ducati World Première 2016. This intriguing new bike sees Ducati enter the Cruiser world in its own inimitable way by presenting a true cruiser that has all the design, technology and performance one expects from a Ducati thoroughbred. Called the XDiavel, it brings together two worlds: the Cruiser world – low speeds, relaxed riding and long journeys – and the Ducati world, characterised by Italian style, refined engineering and unparalleled performance. The XDiavel offers both the “low speed excitement” that comes from the relaxed riding and further-forward footpegs typical of a cruiser and the adrenaline rush of sports riding that Ducati has made its own. That’s what the X in XDiavel stands for: the merging of two apparently separate, distant worlds on one bike, a superb combination where both are accomplished without compromise.
5,000, 60, 40. Three numbers that sum up the XDiavel concept. 5,000 as in the rpm at which the new twin-cylinder 156 hp Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262 engine achieves maximum torque (13.1 kgm). 60 as in the number of different ergonomic configurations for the rider. Lastly, 40, as in the maximum attainable lean angle. The XDiavel is the first Ducati to use belt-type final transmission, a must within the Cruiser world. The Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), together with Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Riding Modes, Bosch Cornering ABS, Cruise Control and the innovative Ducati Power Launch (DPL) system, make the XDiavel a technological gem offering high performance and safety. An S version of the XDiavel is also available.
The “Pop” segment, the third of the ‘new worlds’ that Ducati has entered with its new 2016 bikes, just had to have a link to the Scrambler “Land of Joy”. The Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 doesn’t just extend the range on offer from the new Ducati brand: it opens the way for a new two-wheel segment that meets the requirements of those seeking an affordable bike that’s easy to handle and has low running costs, but simply can’t do without that unique Ducati Scrambler spirit: fun and shared thrills. The Sixty2 is a Ducati Scrambler that draws its inspiration from youth street culture, skateboards, street food, pop music and, above all, the pop art that, back in 1962 (the year the very first Ducati Scrambler was launched), was taking the United States by storm. That’s why the Sixty2, a true “people’s” Ducati Scrambler, is already a “pop icon”. With the Sixty2, the highly expressive Ducati Scrambler design takes on a fresh look thanks to a slimline steel tank with dedicated graphics and logos. This makes the Sixty2 immediately recognisable, as do its three exclusive colours. Anti-conformist, affordable and essential, the Sixty2 once again provides that perfect Ducati Scrambler mix of tradition and modernity, a mix now closer than ever to the essence of motorcycling: two wheels and a simple 399 cc engine that guarantees tons of fun. Wide handlebars and a long seat ensure a comfortable, relaxed riding position. The low barycentre and a new 160/60 x 17″ rear tyre with a slightly chunky surface pattern ensure great handling and pure enjoyment whatever the situation, not to mention confident braking thanks to the as-standard ABS.
Ducati is at EICMA 2015 in Hall 15, at Stand M04 and M30.
