THESE spy shots show the new cruiser-inspired direction Ducati's Diavel is taking.

The footpegs are swept forward, the 1198cc V-twin engine is exposed and those giant exhausts have been lopped-off.

There's definitely something of the Harley-Davidson V-Rod about this new Diavel, and perhaps it's this inspiration that has led to the introduction of a belt-drive - which can be easily seen in the second photo.

The beefy Diavel has been slimmed-down and this new model lacks the front-heavy feel of its predecessor - it's certainly less of a statement but the lines are now much cleaner. Also, the engine gets a better billing in the centre of the bike with fewer distractions and fairing.

As Ducati's test rider pulls away it's obvious the new Diavel's seat is lower and the pegs are further forward, providing a much more traditional cruiser riding stance.

It's likely the engine will get the Multistrada 1200's Desmodromic Variable Timing (DVT) - this is what Ducati is calling its variable valve timing. It means independent control of intake and exhaust camshafts, which is said to optimise performance throughout the range.

Other than a missing belly-pan and a factory paint job the new Diavel looks ready to roll as a production model - expect to see it unveiled at the EICMA Show this November.Visordown really likes the moody matt-black paint of this test mule.

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