The luxury cruiser that is now cheaper than a Honda Rebel 1100

It’s no secret that the Honda Rebel 1100 is one of the most approachable liter-class cruisers on the market. It also has a reputation for reliability and accessibility, while being one of the best value for money options you can buy brand new. However, take a look at the used market and you’ll realize that it has a way of surprising riders with the opportunity to own exotic machines at attainable prices.

Among them is a luxury cruiser from Italy. It combines superbike power with a relaxed cruiser attitude for a ride that turns heads and keeps you comfortable over long stretches. Here’s how this Ducati, once considered a premium dream, has become a bargain that calls into question the Rebels’ value proposition.

The Ducati XDiavel S is now cheaper than a Honda Rebel 1100

Ducati first showed the XDiavel at the EICMA 2015 in Milan, calling it their first true cruiser. It was a bold move, combining the DNA of an Italian sports bike with the ergonomics of a cruiser, with luxury, performance, advanced electronics and a breathtaking design. However, it arrived on American shores in early 2016 with a price tag of $19,995, compared to that of the Harley-Davidson VRSC V-Rod and the Yamaha V-Max.

The S version went one step further. It distinguished itself with exclusive styling, high-quality finishes, upgraded components and luxurious details that cost approximately $22,995. Since then, the range has evolved, leading to the latest XDiavel V4 with the Granturismo V4 engine and a price tag of $28,995.

The typical list price for the 2016 Ducati XDiavel S is $9,594

Fast forward to today, and you can find depreciated luxury motorcycles for a bargain, including the 2016 XDiavel S for anywhere from $8,500 to $10,000. In fact, Kelley Blue Book lists the typical trade-in value as just over $6,730, with a typical list price of $9,594. That means the motorcycle that launched at almost $23,000 now costs less than a brand new Honda Rebel 1100.

It’s not just about saving a little money. It’s about the value you receive for that investment. For the same price as a practical Japanese twin, you can step up to Italian performance and luxury, which usually requires a much larger investment. Where you can stretch your legs forward, sink into a low seat and still unleash horsepower that makes the Rebel look modest.

Testastretta DVT Italian muscle meets cruiser pose on XDiavel S

Underneath the XDiavel S sits Ducati’s Testastretta DVT, a reworked version of the L-twin from the Multistrada. With a bore of 106 mm and a stroke of 67.9 mm, it has a displacement of 1,262 cc. The real magic comes from Ducati’s Desmodromic Variable Timing system, which adjusts the timing of both the intake and exhaust cams. That means the bike can deliver power smoothly and easily when you’re cruising at low to mid-range revs, then open up with maximum performance when you crank it up.

Almost double the number of horses for less money than Honda

This is where things get exciting. The In other words, you get almost double the power of Honda’s big twin.

You also benefit from ride-by-wire throttle control with three riding modes that let you tailor the motorcycle’s response to your mood or the road ahead. A slipper clutch and a six-speed gearbox ensure smooth operation, while power is sent to the rear wheel via a belt drive. That detail is worth mentioning because the XDiavel family was the first Ducati line to use a belt drive, giving you quieter operation and less maintenance compared to a chain.

Steel trellis Elegance of XDiavel S meets premium suspension

Ducati built the XDiavel around an exposed steel trellis frame, using the engine as a stressed member and eliminating the traditional downtube and cradle sections. This design makes the frame lighter and combines stiffness with comfort, resulting in a wet weight of 545 pounds. The single-sided swingarm follows the same construction, reinforced with a removable forged steel section for extra strength.

The rake angle and track width are 30 degrees and 5.1 inches, making the bike stable even when pushed around corners. The wheelbase extends to 63.5 inches, creating the long, low stance that cruiser riders appreciate. With a seat height of just 29.7 inches, the saddle height is slightly higher than your usual American cruiser.

Ducati precision that combines stability and agility

Even though the XDiavel S certainly looks like a low-slung cruiser, it can handle corners. The suspension setup plays a big role here. Up front, you get a fully adjustable 50mm upside-down fork that has been treated with Diamond-Like Coating (DLC) to reduce wear and friction. Out back, the monoshock offers preload and rebound adjustments so you can tailor the ride to your liking.

Braking performance is strong and gets an upgrade over the standard XDiavel. Bosch Cornering ABS runs dual four-piston Brembo M50 calipers gripping a pair of 320mm discs at the front, while a twin-pot caliper works with a 265mm disc at the rear. Add to that the exotic look of a huge 240mm rear tire paired with 17-inch wheels, and you get the muscular stance of a fat-tire cruiser without losing the ability to lean confidently into a corner.

Relaxed ergonomics sweeten the pot

From the start, Ducati made a clear distinction between the sportsbike-leaning Diavel and the true cruiser identity of the XDiavel. The XDiavel comes with forward foot controls, relaxed ergonomics, retractable handlebars and a low seat height. Ducati has also designed the ergonomics to be adjustable. You can choose from multiple footpeg positions and handlebar options, and in total the XDiavel offers 147 different rider triangle configurations to tailor comfort and position to your comfort.

Riding modes, cornering ABS and Cruise Control Tech Edge compared to Honda

Even though the 2016 XDiavel S has been around for a decade, the technology is still impressive. You get a 3.5-inch TFT color display, riding modes, power modes, Ducati’s Safety Pack with Bosch cornering ABS and traction control, Ducati Power Launch (DPL), ride-by-wire throttle, cruise control, keyless ignition and backlit handlebar switches.

The S version adds even more premium touches. Full LED lighting with daytime running lights, a Bluetooth module, an infotainment system, gloss black bonnets with machined strap detailing, a premium seat, machined aluminum mirrors and wheels and upgraded front brakes are all standard. For Honda’s money, you’re really upgrading to a luxury cruiser with high-end components and cutting-edge technology.

Sources: Ducati