2018 EICMA: Ducati Diavel 1260, Hypermotard 950 and Multistrada 950

As well as Ducati’s highly anticipated Panigale V4 R, Ducati unveiled two other all-new machines at this year’s EICMA show in Milan, as well as a few decent updates to existing models.

As expected, the Italian marque is rolling out a new Diavel for 2019, in both standard and S-model guises, this time powered by the firm’s 1262cc V-twin engine complete with variable-valve timing already found in the less sporty XDiavel cruiser. The 64 extra cubes compared to the ongoing 1198cc version translates to seven extra horsepower and five more newton metres of torque, but also tipping the scales 5kg higher than the outgoing model 244kg (wet).

Both version benefit from lean-angle sensitive traction control and ABS, the S version uses M50 Monobloc calipers versus a lower-spec Brembo caliper on the base model. Similarly, Öhlins suspension and a multi-directional quickshifter adorns only the S model, while cruise control, wheelie control and a 3.4-inch TFT dash is standard across both.

The Hypermotard 939 gets a name change and a handful of tweaks for the new model year. Now going by the Hypermotard 950 moniker (though still powered by the 937cc engine), it gains a 5hp boost in horsepower over the 2018 version and now sports an underseat exhaust. To make room for the new design, the cast aluminium subframe has been replaced with a tubular steel affair and the whole shebang now weighs four kilograms less.

The SP model is carried over into the new model year, again using an Öhlins suspension package over the base model’s unnamed units which results in 20mm more ground clearance, and it’s 2kg lighter again at 198kg thanks to lighter wheels.

Like the rest of the range, the Hypermotard 950 machines cop cornering ABS and traction control on top of switchable engine maps and while control.

The base-model Multistrada 950 also gains the lean-angle sensitive ABS system as well as some minor tweaks to its styling for the 2019 model year, but the up-spec S-model benefits the most with electronic semi-active suspension, a full-colour TFT dash a bi-directional quickshifter and cruise control.