Ducati is introducing a new touring-oriented version of its already genre-twisting Diavel sports cruiser. Unveiled at the 2012 EICMA Show in Milan, Italy, the new Ducati Diavel Strada joins the base Diavel, the Diavel Dark and the Diavel Carbon in Ducati‘s 2013 lineup.

The Ducati Diavel Strada adds a larger seat, touring windscreen, heated grips, revised rear lighting assembly, higher-output generator and two auxiliary power outlets for additional accessories.

The new seat is larger and with revised cushioning Ducati says should make for a more comfortable ride for long distances. With the windscreen offering better wind protection, Ducati was able to raise the handlebars by 0.6 inches and sweeping back 2.36 inches toward the rider to offer a riding posture better suited for touring. Passenger comfort has also been addressed with a back rest, grab rails and revised foot peg to fit around the 41-liter saddlebags. Continue Reading »

Valentino Rossi vs. Troy Bayliss is going to happen. One of the best MotoGP racers of all time and one of the best World Superbike racers of all time head a list of racing stars tabbed to take part in a drag race on Ducati Diavels as part of the World Ducati Week 2012 festivities.

Ducati MotoGP racers Rossi and Nicky Hayden, reigning WSBK Champion Carlos Checa, Effenbert-Liberty Racing’s Jakub Smrz and Sylvain Guintoli, former Superstock 1000 Champion Niccolò Canepa, WSBK racer Lorenzo Zanetti and three-time WSBK Champion Bayliss fill the star-studded roster for the Ducati Diavel drag race.

A similar event was held with Ducati Streetfighters during World Ducati Week 2010 with Noriyuki Haga declared the winner (check out the highlight video after the jump). This year’s event will feature the Ducati Diavel Carbon which claims a 0-60 time of 2.6 seconds. Continue Reading »