Ductalk

The Eye - Forbes.com

Photograph: Michael Kraus

It may be designated a “cruiser,” but the DUCATI DIAVEL CARBON is anything but mild mannered. It sports a 1,198 cc V-twin engine with 162 horsepower and 94 foot-pounds of torque--which is to say it’ll go 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds. The bike’s 456 pounds are bolstered by a decidedly fat rear wheel stuck under the short tail of a sport bike--all the better for taking on unsuspecting challengers. Hands-free ignition, keyless locking, traction control, and adjustable ride modes underscore Ducati’s reputation as the most progressive motorcycle maker around. Carbon fiber fairing, polished-metal reservoir caps, and fastidiously painted trim lines complete the swagger. Just don’t call it a crossover. $20,000.