XDiavel and Touring?

16570 Views 31 Replies 23 Participants Last post by Rockitman, 8 d ago

shazbot996

Discussion Starter · Jul 29, 2017

Hi All,

New to forum, as I'm about two shakes from buying an XDiavel, so I've been lurking & learning. Long-time Ducati Superbike rider - went through 916/996/998 - stopped riding about 9 years ago because family.

Cut to 2017, and I have the ITCH again. But I'm 45 now. The back. She eez not so young. I won't be tracking anytime soon (I'll dust off an SV650 for that kind of fun again)

I'm torn.

I just can't do a superbike again as a main rider. I am absolutely in love with this sexy machine, the XDiavel. I test rode one locally, and had my mind blown. It was an erotic blast. I've no question I would enjoy this machine. MOST of my riding will certainly be day trips, local fun, and some regional jaunts, so in this regard I have no qualms about this style of bike fitting my need, and solving for my midlife crisis need sex appeal. This bike simply drips awesomeness, and I'm self-actualized enough to know that I want to feel badass on my ride.

But I think I'd like to start taking some longer rides - and ideally even take my daughter with me. This gets into real adventure touring territory, and I'm curious if any owners can tell me if this is simply not reasonable to plan for on an XDiavel. I can imagine getting creative with some luggage - packing light, and making a go of it. But boy, I sure did hit one pothole on my test ride, and it surely drives all bumps squarely into the spine. I think I could solve the windage - I felt like a spinnaker sail facing the wrong way.

But I also wonder if I might not get hooked on some touring. I have no doubt that if I wanted to cross country tour - i should be looking Multistrada et al. I rode a 1200s - and man that bike is nice to ride. It's also ugly, to me. But just lovely to ride.

Not looking for advice on my existential crisis - that is mine to solve. But has anyone really toured on an XDiavel? Can it be done? Aside from comfort - I simply loved my test ride on the XDS. I felt like my arms were being pulled from their sockets and f***ing loved it. If I could tolerate an 8 hour ride on it here or there, I feel like it could still be the way to go.

Talk to me, Goose...

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Crussell

· #2 · Jul 29, 2017

I love the topic Shazbot. I've been playing around with my Xdiavel S since I bought it. I already have a good long distance tourer so I'm trying to make mine a comfortable weekend tourer which I can revert back to the badass hot rod that it is with minimal work. In my opinion it needed the following for a comfortable weekend jaunt: a decent windscreen, a comfortable seat with a little more height and an optional backrest, electrical connections for heated gear, GPS and USB ports, a little more pull back in the bars and a decent size tail bag or saddle bags. I don't like tank bags for this bike because the tank scratches so easy.

I went with the Puig touring windscreen and then added a Puig visor which took care of the wind and the buffeting on the helmet. I had Corbin make a slightly taller but vastly more comfortable seat with a slide in backrest. I used the existing navigation plug for my GPS wiring and also for the USB port and ran another connection directly to the battery for my heated gear. I added Ducati's rearward bar.
I'm waiting to see if the aftermarket comes up with more saddle bag options. I like the Hepco Becker C Bow setup but only if the brackets come off easily and quickly. I don't want the hardware on the bike when not in use.

I think the biggest problem you will have is finding a way the make your passenger comfortable. The OEM passenger seat won't do the trick. I never even considered two up touring on mine so I can't offer to much there.

Good luck with it. Its fun playing around with this bike as it can be taken in so many different directions and is not stuck in single genre.

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Reactions: 1

jawain08

· #3 · Jul 30, 2017

Crussell said:
I love the topic Shazbot. I've been playing around with my Xdiavel S since I bought it. I already have a good long distance tourer so I'm trying to make mine a comfortable weekend tourer which I can revert back to the badass hot rod that it is with minimal work. In my opinion it needed the following for a comfortable weekend jaunt: a decent windscreen, a comfortable seat with a little more height and an optional backrest, electrical connections for heated gear, GPS and USB ports, a little more pull back in the bars and a decent size tail bag or saddle bags. I don't like tank bags for this bike because the tank scratches so easy.

I went with the Puig touring windscreen and then added a Puig visor which took care of the wind and the buffeting on the helmet. I had Corbin make a slightly taller but vastly more comfortable seat with a slide in backrest. I used the existing navigation plug for my GPS wiring and also for the USB port and ran another connection directly to the battery for my heated gear. I added Ducati's rearward bar.
I'm waiting to see if the aftermarket comes up with more saddle bag options. I like the Hepco Becker C Bow setup but only if the brackets come off easily and quickly. I don't want the hardware on the bike when not in use.

I think the biggest problem you will have is finding a way the make your passenger comfortable. The OEM passenger seat won't do the trick. I never even considered two up touring on mine so I can't offer to much there.

Good luck with it. Its fun playing around with this bike as it can be taken in so many different directions and is not stuck in single genre.

Would love to see a pick of the Corbin seat and the bike all together.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

TexasCruiser

· #4 · Jul 30, 2017

All I can say is I've never turned a cruiser into a tourer successfully. To me the X is even more limited than the Diavel with the rider positioned to take all the shock with their butt. After tons of money spent for nothing, I wound up buying more bikes instead of stuff to stick on the same bike to make it do things it wasn't designed to do.

I went into a dealer a few weeks back and saw a used Vmax for sale with handlebar risers, windshield, saddlebags and sissy bar. I just shook my head and laughed.

ddd269

· #5 · Jul 31, 2017

A way to fix the jarring ride is to tighten the preload and adjust the rebound setting according to your weight.

I ended up tightening the spring 1.5 turns and backed off 1.25 turns from all the way tight on the rebound.

I weight 210lb. 6'1"

Best thing to do... Which I'm considering at the moment... Is to change to a higher rate spring if you weigh anything north of 190lb.

I did this for my old Diavel and it changed the bike completely.

As far as touring... I would leave that job to a different bike. The XDiavel wasn't made for that.

Having said that, I love the XDiavel. Awesome bike for anything less than 2 hours. Wink wink.

Sent from my VKY-L29 using Tapatalk

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ReidMcT

· #6 · Jul 31, 2017

Have you considered a Diavel? The riding position is much better.

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Zoomie

· #7 · Jul 31, 2017

I have 9000 km on my XDS now, most of it was done touring through long weekends or a whole week. I've equipped my bike with the "super comfort" seat and bought the travel bags. I've adjusted the suspension settings (I'm not very heavy) and generally speaking the handle bar and foot rests are just perfect for my size. This will always depend on your body, of course.

If you compare it to, say a BMW R1200 R, it's obviously a bit rougher. The suspension is - typically for Ducati - quite hard, the engine is shaky and rough, but in a good way. I love the bike and I can ride for days without any problems. It's actually the most touring-friendly I've ever owned, but I always had naked bikes so far (Honda Hornet, Yamaha MT-09, and the sorts).

In summary, I love the bike for short cruising as well as touring. It's just perfect for me. And I like to ride "dynamic", or sporty.

If you're interested in the Multistrada, try the Pikes Peak version. It looks much better in my opinion!

Johnny Mo

· #8 · Jul 31, 2017

Not sure the true definition of touring since I have never been able to do it - coming from an SV1000S. I can unequivocally say - I LOVE the XDiavel. The lack of storage is troublesome for touring (although I mam seeing some guys are able to get a decent looking bag kit on it) and I have managed with a backpack for day trips - actually just did approx 300 mile round tripper this weekend with a mish mosh of other bikes, multistrada, sport bike, triumph ADV and one guy on an old EX500. I could've never done that long a ride on my SV - I'm in the same age bracket as you on this one. I have heard some complaints from guys on the XD setup being harsh on the back, the seat not being comfortable, bars not right etc - I can also say that from a fit perspective the XD is right in my wheelhouse (5'9" 185lbs) Even after all that time riding this weekend - i didn't "feel" like i had been riding if that makes sense. I find it to be a very comfortable bike and I am looking forward to the hopefully reduced wind resistance on my chest with the soon to be added roadster windscreen later this week.

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shazbot996

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jul 31, 2017

2

Thanks for the solid feedback! Interestingly, I found an old thread on another Ducati forum (ducati.ms) whose back-and-forth PERFECTLY explains my dilemma! (http://www.ducati.ms/forums/179-diavel/608178-what-would-you-buy-xdiavel-s-multistrada-1200-s-touring.html) The OP on that thread very well described me

In the end - I think these comparisons are an infinite loop of "yeah but". Every solid point for one has a counterpoint for another. And the reasons all resonate with why I am conflicted. That XDS is just a sex machine, and such a blast to ride. I don't mind the forward pegs at all - it's the passenger ergonomics that I'm afraid may kill it.

I think the Multi may have to win out for me, since one main goal IS to do some 2-up touring with my Daughter, who is simply stoked to ride with me, and is the light of my life. I can't see her being comfortable with luggage, and I think the 2UP+Luggage factor that may have to sway me into a Multi now, and XDS for my second later.

Who knew picking a motorcycle during a mid-life crisis would be so hard?

You guys know your stuff!

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Crussell

· #10 · Jul 31, 2017

2

jawain08 said:
Would love to see a pick of the Corbin seat and the bike all together.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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meb11481

· #11 · Jul 31, 2017

Wich windshield do you have on the bike???

Crussell

· #12 · Jul 31, 2017

meb11481 said:
Wich windshield do you have on the bike???

It's the Puig touring windscreen in clear.

Zoomie

· #13 · Aug 1, 2017

For two people + luggage the XDS would probably not be the best choice.

Solution: get your daughter another bike

The Multistrada is definitely the way to go for your expectations.

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ddd269

· #14 · Aug 3, 2017

If you decide to get the Multistrada... Get the S. The on the fly adjustable suspension will be great for 2 up riding. I had both types and I highly recommend the electronic adjustment.

I did have a 2016 Pike Peak also and it's a monster of a machine but more for solo riding. The Ohlins is awesome for that. Adjusted it once and never had to touch it again on or off the road.

Sent from my VKY-L29 using Tapatalk

Air_Cooled_Nut

· #15 · Aug 3, 2017

shazbot996 said:
...
But I also wonder if I might not get hooked on some touring. I have no doubt that if I wanted to cross country tour - i should be looking Multistrada et al. I rode a 1200s - and man that bike is nice to ride. It's also ugly, to me. But just lovely to ride...

Agreed which is why I chose the Diavel Strada (this was two years before the X was announced). Not one person I spoke to had anything bad to say about their Multi but, man, it's a face only a mother could love! I took one for a test ride, too, and had no complaints from the driver's seat.

jawain08

· #16 · Aug 7, 2017

Wow that seat looks to be the most comfortable one I've seen thus far, thanks for the pic!

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yetimoto

· #17 · Aug 14, 2017

QQ for the person here who has the Puig touring screen - how is it with regard to helmet buffeting? Any comparison to other fairings on the xDiavel or other bikes?

About me - I am in the camp of people who think the xDiavel has potential to be a solid touring machine, and I just got back from a long weekend where I racked up 1000+ miles over 3 days - a combination of highway on the way to/from and then backroads for the rest of the time. I've owned more touring oriented machines (r1200gs, ST2) and find the seating position/seat of the xDiavel to be very comfortable for long days. Here is my setup:

Luggage: I have the c-bow system with a set of hepco becker street panniers (soft) and a small Held magnetic tankbag. With the panniers, I can put a duffel across the back seat and tie down to the c-bow (I have the passenger backrest installed). All in, it is plenty of luggage for a long weekend and even a week+ if I am careful.
Windscreen: I have the Ducati performance fly screen. It looks great, but I honestly don't find it that great for keeping wind off (it seems to deflect it up to the helmet). I am looking at the Puig touring, but, to my first Q, would like more feedback from current users about whether it helps deflect wind from the helmet.
Heated gear: I wired in a set of heated grips direct to the battery through a relay switched by the GPS connector (the marked heated grip connectors are 6V, so that was not helpful). I also have an SAE plug running under the tank and out at the top of the seat for my heated vest (aerostich).
GPS/Phone: I have a USB converter and keep my phone plugged in on the dash (right above the spedo in a RAM cradle) - that does GPS and music to my Sena BT headset.

Is it a 1200RT or a Goldwing? No. But it is a TON more fun on the backroads (I marveled all weekend about how solid it is in tight turns, and how much fun it is when you open it up in 3rd or 4th gear... obviously, I stayed at the posted speed limits

)

Happy riding/touring.

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Bill Higgins

· #18 · Aug 14, 2017

yetimoto said:
QQ for the person here who has the Puig touring screen - how is it with regard to helmet buffeting? Any comparison to other fairings on the xDiavel or other bikes?

About me - I am in the camp of people who think the xDiavel has potential to be a solid touring machine, and I just got back from a long weekend where I racked up 1000+ miles over 3 days - a combination of highway on the way to/from and then backroads for the rest of the time. I've owned more touring oriented machines (r1200gs, ST2) and find the seating position/seat of the xDiavel to be very comfortable for long days. Here is my setup:

Luggage: I have the c-bow system with a set of hepco becker street panniers (soft) and a small Held magnetic tankbag. With the panniers, I can put a duffel across the back seat and tie down to the c-bow (I have the passenger backrest installed). All in, it is plenty of luggage for a long weekend and even a week+ if I am careful.
Windscreen: I have the Ducati performance fly screen. It looks great, but I honestly don't find it that great for keeping wind off (it seems to deflect it up to the helmet). I am looking at the Puig touring, but, to my first Q, would like more feedback from current users about whether it helps deflect wind from the helmet.
Heated gear: I wired in a set of heated grips direct to the battery through a relay switched by the GPS connector (the marked heated grip connectors are 6V, so that was not helpful). I also have an SAE plug running under the tank and out at the top of the seat for my heated vest (aerostich).
GPS/Phone: I have a USB converter and keep my phone plugged in on the dash (right above the spedo in a RAM cradle) - that does GPS and music to my Sena BT headset.

Is it a 1200RT or a Goldwing? No. But it is a TON more fun on the backroads (I marveled all weekend about how solid it is in tight turns, and how much fun it is when you open it up in 3rd or 4th gear... obviously, I stayed at the posted speed limits

)

Happy riding/touring.

I have a puig touring screen smoke tint on my xds and it's damn near perfect, slight pressure at high speeds, and it looks great as well, I also have a Harley road king and that screen is like sitting in house it's so large, The Puig screen can be adjusted while moving..........WARNING while installing make sure you mark the handle bar height to the same position........any slight lowering may result in scratching the tank when the bars are turned either way, Bill

Reactions: 1

ETrider

· #19 · Aug 14, 2017 (Edited by Moderator)

The handlebars have two indentation marks that you align with the center of where the handlebar clamps meet for correct horizontal and vertical alignment.
Found the Puig touring screen to be pretty effective.

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Crussell

· #20 · Aug 14, 2017

Yetimoto. I am extremely happy with the Puig Touring Screen. It is big enough to block most of the wind off your chest and helmet without being intrusive. There is still some buffeting depending on the helmet you wear but it can be neutralized by changing the angle of the screen. That is the real beauty of this windscreen. You can change the angle while riding. I went with clear which I think makes it less noticeable than the tinted ones. It looks fine in my opinion but I do not want to draw attention to a windscreen if I have a choice. I also bought a Puig clip on visor for the top of the screen and use it on long rides. The visor does a great job of reducing what is left of the buffeting. Like you I have added plugs for heated gear, navigation and a USB port.
This bike will never be a smooth as my Moto Guzzi California 1400 Touring or the touring bikes you mentioned but who cares? It's comfortable enough and a hell of a lot more fun on the twistys. Also.... Bill made a good point about installation. Do yourself a favor a lay a towel over your tank.

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