2017 Ducati Diavel Carbon Owner’s Manual

The 2017 Ducati Diavel Carbon is the best example of a modern power cruiser because it has the right mix of performance and style. As a limited edition version of the famous Diavel, the Carbon model has a unique and eye-catching look. Its bodywork is made of carbon fiber, which not only makes it lighter but also gives it a touch of luxury that goes well with its muscular shape. The Diavel Carbon has a powerful 1198cc Testastretta 11° Dual Spark engine that puts out 152 horsepower and 93 lb-ft of torque, making for an exciting and dynamic ride. Its agile frame and high-tech features like Ducati’s riding modes, traction control, and anti-lock brakes (ABS) make it easy to ride and keep you safe on every trip. With its unique mix of raw power, cutting-edge technology, and stunning looks, the 2017 Ducati Diavel Carbon is a gem that captivates both the rider and onlookers. It sets a new standard for high-performance cruisers.

Riding the motorcycle

Running-in recommendations Maximum rotation speed
Rotation speed for running-in period and during standard use (rpm):

1. up to 1,000 km;
2. from 1,000 to 2,500 km. Up to 1,000 km

During the first 1000 km, keep an eye on the rev counter. It should never exceed: 5,500÷6,000 rpm. During the first hours of riding, it is advisable to run the engine at varying load and rpm, though still within the recommended limit.
To this end, roads with plenty of bends and even slightly hilly areas are ideal for a most efficient running-in of engine, brakes and suspensions.
For the first 100 km use the brakes gently. Avoid sudden or prolonged braking. This will allow the friction material on the brake pads to bed in against the brake discs. For all mechanical parts of the motorcycle to adapt to one another and above all not to adversely affect the life of basic engine parts, it is advisable to avoid harsh accelerations and not to run the engine at high rpm for too long, especially uphill. Furthermore, the drive chain should be inspected frequently. Lubricate as required.

From 1,000 to 2,500 km
At this point, you can squeeze some more power out of your engine. However never exceed 7,000 rpm.

Important
During the whole running-in period, the maintenance and service rules recommended in the Warranty Card should be observed carefully. Failure to follow these instructions releases Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. from any liability whatsoever for any engine damage or shorter engine life.
Strict observance of running-in recommendations will ensure longer engine life and reduce the likelihood of overhauls and tune-ups.

Pre-ride checks

Warning
Failure to carry out these checks before riding, may lead to motorcycle damage and injury to rider and passenger.
Before riding, perform a thorough check-up on your motorcycle as follows:

• FUEL LEVEL IN THE TANK
  Check the fuel level in the tank. Fill tank if needed (page 191).
• ENGINE OIL LEVEL
  Check oil level in the sump through the sight glass. Top up if needed (page 219).
• BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
  Check fluid level in the relevant reservoirs (page 195).
• COOLANT
  Check coolant level in the expansion reservoir. Top up if needed (page 194).
• TYRE CONDITION
  Check tyre pressure and condition (page 217).
• CONTROLS
  Work the brake, clutch, throttle and gear change controls (levers, pedals and twistgrip) and check for proper operation.
• LIGHTS AND INDICATORS
  Make sure lights, indicators and horn work properly. In case of light malfunction, contact a Ducati Dealer or Authorised Service Centre.
• KEY LOCKS
  Ensure that tank filler plug (page 163) and seat (page 165) are properly locked.
• STAND
  Make sure side stand operates smoothly and is in the correct position (page 168).

ABS light
After Key-ON, the ABS light (9) stays ON.
When the motorcycle speed exceeds 5 km/h, the warning light switches OFF to indicate the correct operation of the ABS system.

Warning
In case of malfunction, do not ride the motorcycle and contact a Ducati Dealer or authorised Service Centre.

Engine start/stop

Warning
Before starting the engine, become familiar
with the controls you will need to use when riding.

Warning
Never start or run the engine indoors. Exhaust gases are poisonous and may lead to loss of consciousness or even death within a short time.
In the presence of the active or passive key, perform a Key-On (turning on the “Hands-free” system and all onboard electronic devices) by pushing the red switch (1), on the right side of the handlebar, downward.
The instrument panel on the handlebar will perform the initialization and will control the onboard systems, turning on all lights in sequence, from the outside to the inside, for a few seconds. After this control, only the green light N (2) and the red light (3) must remain on.

Warning
The side stand must be fully up (in a horizontal position) as its safety sensor prevents engine from starting when down.
After Key-On, but with the engine not yet started, the system will perform a Key-Off automatically if the presence of the active key is not detected within 10 seconds.

Note
It is possible to start the engine with side stand down and the gearbox in neutral. When starting the motorcycle with a gear engaged, pull the clutch lever (in this case the side stand must be up).
Move the red switch (1) up to uncover the black button (4).
Push the button (4) to start the engine.

Important
Do not rev up the engine when it is cold. Allow some time for oil to be heated and reach all points that need lubricating.
The red oil pressure warning light should go out a few seconds after the engine has started.
The engine will shut off by turning the red button (1) on the handlebar to RUN OFF.

Moving off

1. Squeeze the control lever to disengage the clutch.
2. Push down on gear change lever sharply with the tip of your foot to engage the first gear.
3. Speed up the engine by turning the throttle twistgrip while gradually releasing the clutch lever; the motorcycle will start moving off.
4. Let go of clutch lever and speed up.
5. To shift up, close the throttle to slow down engine, disengage the clutch, lift the gear change lever and let go of clutch lever. To shift down, proceed as follows: release the twistgrip, pull the clutch lever, shortly speed up to help gears synchronize, shift down (engage next lower gear) and release the clutch.

The controls should be used correctly and timely: when riding uphill do not hesitate to shift down as soon as the motorcycle tends to slow down, so you will avoid stressing the engine and the motorcycle abnormally.

Warning
Avoid harsh acceleration, as this may lead to misfiring and transmission snatching. The clutch lever should not be held in longer than necessary after a gear is engaged, otherwise friction parts may overheat and wear out.
Prolonged wheelies could deactivate the ABS system.

Braking
Slow down in time, shift down to use engine brake and then brake by operating both front and rear brakes. Pull the clutch before the motorcycle stops to avoid engine from suddenly stalling.

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Using the brakes correctly under adverse conditions is the hardest – and yet the most critical – skill to master for a rider.
Braking is one of the most difficult and dangerous moments when riding a two wheeled motorcycle: the possibility of falling or having an accident during this difficult moment is statistically higher than any other moment. A locked front wheel leads to loss of traction and stability, resulting in loss of control. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) has been developed to enable riders to use the motorcycle braking force to the fullest possible amount in emergency braking or under poor pavement or adverse weather conditions. ABS uses hydraulics and electronics to limit pressure in the brake circuit when a special sensor mounted to the wheel informs the electronic control unit that the wheel is about to lock up. This avoids wheel lockup and preserves traction. Pressure is raised back up immediately and the control unit keeps controlling the brake until the risk of a lockup disappears.
Normally, the rider will perceive ABS operation as a harder feel or a pulsation of the brake lever and pedal. The front and rear brakes use separate control systems, meaning that they operate independently.

Likewise, the ABS is not an integral braking system and does not control both the front and rear brake at the same time. If desired, the system can be deactivated from the instrument panel, using the
“ABS setting function” page 114.

Warning
Using the two brake controls separately reduces the motorcycle’s braking power. Never use the brake controls harshly or suddenly as you may lock the wheels and lose control of the motorcycle. When riding in the rain or on slippery surfaces, braking will become less effective. Always use the brakes very gently and carefully when riding under these conditions. Any sudden maneuvers may lead to loss of control. When tackling long, high-gradient downhill road tracts, shift down gears to use engine braking. Apply one brake at a time and use brakes sparingly. Keeping the brakes applied all the time would cause the friction material to overheat and reduce braking power dangerously. Underinflated and overinflated tyres reduce braking efficiency, handling accuracy and stability in a bend.

Stopping the motorcycle
Reduce speed, shift down and release the throttle twistgrip.
Shift down to engage first gear and then neutral. Apply the brakes and bring the motorcycle to a complete stop.
Stop the engine by pushing the red switch (1) down.

FAQ