Ducati Diavel: Report on the 2010 Launch

In 1964, Ducati dipped a toe into the large cruiser market with the mighty Apollo, a 1,256cc vee-four heavyweight designed to take on Harley-Davidson in the police market. The Apollo never made it into production, but 46 years later, its spiritual successor has appeared. First, the stats: the power output of the Ducati Diavel is listed at 162hp, with 94lb/ft of torque. There’s a slipper clutch to prevent rear-wheel lockup. Suspension is fully adjustable front and rear. The front brakes are 4-piston Brembo Monoblocs, and ABS is standard. Instruments are split between a bar-mounted display and a tank unit. And...