Power cruisers offer a more ‘muscle car’ take on the usual cruiser motorcycle. And it’s not just American motorcycle companies that offer them. British brand Triumph, for example, has the Rocket 3. And from Italy, there’s the Ducati Diavel 1260. Which, for 2022, is getting a new trim with a concept-inspired aesthetic.

Mechanically, the Ducati Diavel 1260 and 1260 S are unchanged for 2022

While the Monster was significantly revamped for 2021, the Ducati Diavel 1260 and 1260 S were updated back in 2019. So, for 2022, the power cruisers are essentially the same as the 2021 models, Bennetts notes. However, considering the Diavel 1260 beat its Harley-Davidson rivals in a recent Cycle World comparison, updates weren’t necessarily required.

Both the 2022 Ducati Diavel 1260 and 1260 S use a 1262cc liquid-cooled 90° V-twin (L-twin) engine. The engine makes 157 hp and 95 lb-ft of torque sent to the rear wheel via a six-speed transmission. And it’s a stressed member of the trellis frame. At 538 pounds fully fueled, these bikes aren’t necessarily light. But the seat height is only 30.7″, Motorcyclist notes, and the cruisers are noted for their agility.

In terms of technology, the 2022 Ducati Diavel 1260 comes standard with Brembo brakes, cornering ABS, traction control, cruise control, wheelie control, and launch control. The power cruiser also has multiple riding modes, a TFT display, keyless ignition, LED lighting, and fully adjustable front and rear suspension. An electronic quickshifter is available as an optional accessory, as is the smartphone-linking Ducati Multimedia System.

If you get the 1260 S, though, the quickshifter is standard, as is DMS. The Diavel 1260 S also comes with fully adjustable Ohlins suspension and lighter cast-alloy wheels. Plus, it gets an LED daytime running light.

Moreover, the Diavel 1260 S is the only one of the two Diavel models to get the Black and Steel trim.

The 2022 Ducati Diavel 1260 S Black and Steel, though, sports a fashion-inspired paint scheme

In 2020, Ducati partnered with Lamborghini to release a limited-edition version of the Diavel 1260. With its matte-green paint job and bronze-accent wheels, it honored the Sian hybrid hypercar. And while the 2022 Ducati Diavel 1260 S Black and Steel is also an appearance package, it’s not a car reference.

Instead, the 1260 S Black and Steel is an homage to a 2019 Ducati concept bike, the Materico, RideApart explains. The Materico commemorated the Milan Design Week and featured an asymmetrical gray-black-and-yellow paint scheme. And while it was never intended as a production model, the Materico’s look lives on in the Black and Steel bike.

What that means is the Diavel Black and Steel has yellow trellis frame elements, a matte gray-and-black paint scheme, and asymmetrical tank graphics. The bike’s seat’s underside is also yellow, as are a few smaller body panels and parts of the wheels. And speaking of the seat, it gets some unique stitching and upgraded materials, Cycle World notes.

How much does the Black and Steel model cost compared to the others?

Both the 2022 Ducati Diavel 1260 and 1260 S, Black and Steel included, arrive in US dealers in September 2021. But if you want the black-and-yellow power cruiser, there is a slight premium.

In base form, the 2022 Diavel 1260 starts at $20,295. The S model, with its extra equipment, starts at $23,395. Getting the S also lets you choose another color besides black. And as for the Black and Steel 1260 S, it starts at $24,395.

Given that it’s an appearance package, the value of the Black and Steel trim depends on individual preference. If you like it, go for it. But if you don’t, the Diavel 1260 S doesn’t need a special paint scheme to be a solid power cruiser.

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