Premier components
Built around Ducati's signature Trellis frame, the 2011 Diavel inherits several elements from its sportier stable mates, including a fantastic single-sided swingarm, radially-mounted Brembo monobloc callipers with ABS, a beefy 50-mm front fork black-finished in super low-friction, diamond-like carbon (with fully-adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping), and a premium Sachs rear suspension.

Other highlights and innovations include twin lateral radiators, a unique license plate mount, folding footpegs, and last but not least, keyless ignition.

Prepare for thrills... and chills
As far as riding dynamics are concerned, engineers are no doubt proud to have built a genuine Ducati with such radical specs and components. Part cruiser, part tourer, part superbike, the Diavel package really is one of a kind.

Accelerations from 0 to 100 km/h are completed in under 3 seconds... and with a bit of a scare. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Moto123.com)

With the electronic key still in your pocket, the engine starts and vibrates through your entire body for a delightful sensation. These vibrations won't fade away as you hit the road, but they're not unpleasant, either – that's the joy of a true dragster.

The Diavel spins its way out of the gates then ferociously bites the pavement to send the front wheel flying. Accelerations from 0 to 100 km/h are completed in under 4 seconds... and with a bit of a scare. You must learn to rein the machine in order to exploit its full potential.

A docile steed?
Thanks to painstaking work on the swingarm, ride height and steering angle, the ebullient chassis handles admirably. The Diavel feels somewhat reluctant to lean into corners, but once you pick up speed, it proves surprisingly agile and sharp. Of course, the specially-developed Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires (240/45-17 in the back) deserve plenty of credit as well.

This monster swallows twists and turns with the same ease and poise as a grand touring bike. You can have some real fun on winding roads, going as far as tickling the tarmac with your knees. The twin-cylinder shows vitality and docility at the same time, while DTC keeps everything under control when powering out of corners. The footpegs may scratch the ground, so stay cool – you're not riding an actual sports bike.

You can have some real fun on winding roads, going as far as tickling the tarmac with your knees. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Moto123.com)