After Nicky Hayden, it's our turn to sample the all-new and devilish 2011 Ducati Diavel. As a roadster/dragster, this machine ventures into a whole new territory for the Italian brand.

It comes in Glossy and Matte Carbon or Red and Matte Carbon, accenting the front mudguard, fuel tank panels and single-seat cover. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Moto123.com)

While styling gets mixed reviews, no one can deny the Diavel's character. The base model may look like your typical Ducati, but the Carbon edition literally blows your mind. First of all, it comes in Glossy and Matte Carbon or Red and Matte Carbon, accenting the front mudguard, fuel tank panels and single-seat cover. Marchesini wheels enhance the overall look and shave three kilograms off the standard Diavel's weight.

Meanwhile, the instrument panel features two displays, one sitting atop the fork head and the second on the tank. The latter is a light-sensing, full-colour TFT display with high-resolution graphics that provides an incredibly clear account of current riding mode, gear selection and DTC setting as well as total mileage and trips. The LCD display above it provides basic information such as speed and rpm, in addition to warning lights, time and temperature.

A pact with Satan
Heavenly or wicked? One thing's for sure: Ducati engineers seem to have made a pact with Satan during the development process. The result speaks for itself, particularly the spec sheet: 162 horsepower, 94 lb-ft of torque, a short final drive, a dry weight of only 207 kilos and all the electronics from its Superbike sibling.

The Testastretta twin-cylinder is a spirited beast you can harness with Ducati Traction Control (DTC), which offers three preset engine management modes. ''Urban'' limits output to 100 hp, and on a scale of 1 (least intrusive) to 8 (most intrusive), DTC is rated at 5. ''Touring'' drops it to a 4 while boosting power to 162 hp, although the delivery remains progressive. Finally, the ''Sport'' mode offers the least intrusive DTC setting (3) and unleashes the same amount of horses but in more aggressive fashion.

162 horsepower, 94 lb-ft of torque, a short final drive, a dry weight of only 207 kilos and all the electronics from its Superbike sibling. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Moto123.com)