It’s no secret that the Honda Rebel 1100 is one of the most approachable liter-class cruisers on the market. It also carries a reputation for reliability and accessibility, while being one of the most value‑for‑money options you can buy brand new. Look at the used market, though, and you’ll realize it has a way of surprising riders with opportunities to own exotic machines at attainable prices.
Among these is a luxury cruiser from Italy. It blends superbike muscle with a relaxed cruiser attitude, delivering a ride that turns heads while keeping you comfortable on long stretches. Here’s how this Ducati, once considered a premium dream, has become a bargain that challenges the Rebel’s value proposition.
The Ducati XDiavel S Is Now Cheaper Than A Honda Rebel 1100
Ducati first showed off the XDiavel at EICMA 2015 in Milan, calling it their first true cruiser. It was a bold move, combining Italian sports bike DNA with cruiser ergonomics, featuring luxury, performance, advanced electronics, and jaw-dropping design. However, it arrived at the US shores in early 2016 with a price tag of $19,995, positioned against the likes of the Harley-Davidson VRSC V-Rod and the Yamaha V-Max.
The S version took things up another notch. It stood apart with exclusive styling, premium finishes, upgraded components, and luxury detailing that cost around $22,995. Since then, the lineup has evolved, leading to the latest XDiavel V4 with the Granturismo V4 engine and a price tag of $28,995.
The Typical Listing 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 somewhere between $8,500 and $10,000. Kelley Blue Book even lists its typical trade‑in value at just over $6,730, with a typical listing price of $9,594. That means the bike that launched at nearly $23k now costs less than a brand‑new Honda Rebel 1100.
This isn’t just about saving a little money. It is about the value you receive for that investment. For the same cost as a practical Japanese twin, you can step into Italian performance and luxury that usually demands a far greater outlay. Where you can stretch your legs forward, sink into a low seat, and still unleash horsepower numbers that make the Rebel look modest.
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Testastretta DVT Italian Muscle Meets Cruiser Attitude On XDiavel S
Underneath the XDiavel S sits Ducati’s Testastretta DVT, a reworked version of the L‑twin from the Multistrada. With a 106 mm bore and 67.9 mm stroke, it adds up to 1,262 cc of displacement. The real magic comes from Ducati’s Desmodromic Variable Timing system, which adjusts both intake and exhaust cam timing. That means the bike can deliver smooth, easy power when you are cruising at low to midrange rpm, and then open up with maximum performance when you push it higher.
Nearly Double The Horses For Less Money Than Honda
Here’s where things get exciting. The XDiavel S puts out 152 horsepower, compared to the Rebel 1100’s 87 horsepower. Torque is just as impressive, with 93 pound‑feet right where you want it for relaxed cruising and quick roll‑ons. In other words, you are getting nearly double the muscle of Honda’s big twin.
You also benefit from ride‑by‑wire throttle control with three riding modes that let you tailor the bike’s response to your mood or the road ahead. A slipper clutch and six‑speed transmission keep things smooth, while power is sent to the rear wheel through a belt‑type final drive. That detail is worth noting 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.
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Steel Trellis Elegance Of XDiavel S Meets Premium Suspension
Ducati built the XDiavel around an exposed tubular steel trellis frame, using the engine as a stressed member and eliminating the traditional downtube and cradle sections. This design lightens the frame while balancing rigidity 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 added strength.
Rake and trail measure 30 degrees and 5.1 inches, giving the bike stability even when pushed through corners. The wheelbase stretches 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 a bit higher than that of your usual American cruiser.
Ducati Precision That Blends Stability And Agility
Even though the XDiavel S looks every bit the low‑slung cruiser, it can handle corners. The suspension setup plays a big role here. Up front, you get a fully adjustable 50 mm upside‑down fork treated with Diamond‑Like Coating (DLC) to cut down on wear and friction. Out back, the monoshock offers preload and rebound adjustments so you can fine-tune the ride to your liking.
Braking performance is strong and gets an upgrade over the standard XDiavel. Bosch Cornering ABS manages dual Brembo four‑piston M50 calipers gripping a pair of 320 mm discs at the front, while a twin‑pot caliper works with a 265 mm disc at the rear. Add in the exotic look of a massive 240 mm 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 curve.
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Relaxed Ergonomics Sweeten The Pot
From the start, Ducati made a clear distinction between the sports bike-leaning Diavel and the XDiavel’s true cruiser identity. The XDiavel comes with forward foot controls, relaxed ergonomics, pull‑back handlebars, and a low seat height. Ducati also designed the ergonomics to be adjustable. You can choose from multiple footpeg positions and handlebar options, and altogether, the XDiavel allows for 147 different rider triangle configurations to fine‑tune comfort and posture to match your comfort.
Ride Modes, Cornering ABS, And Cruise Control Tech Edge Over Honda
Even though the 2016 XDiavel S has been around for a decade, the tech 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, glossy black engine covers with machined belt details, a premium seat, machined aluminum mirrors and wheels, and upgraded front brakes all come standard. For Honda’s money, you are really upgrading to a luxury cruiser with premium components and advanced technology.
Sources: Ducati