Pirelli confirms 100% supply partnership with Ducati, first fitment of new Diablo Rosso II on 2011 Diavel in unique size

Pirelli Moto and its Diablo Rosso II share in the recent announcement of the 2011 Ducati Diavel, the newest sport lifestyle model from the Borgo Panigale factory matched with Pirelli's latest tyre of the Rosso Generation in new 240/45ZR17 sized rear and 120/70ZR17 front. This original equipment fitment comes as part of a three year supply agreement with the Italian bike manufacturer; however this new tyre model and its specific dimensions required a deeper understanding of vehicle dynamics demanded by the new motorcycle's Superbike-derived engine and 207kg (456lb) weight. The Diavel is among a number of collaborative special projects with Ducati, and therefore joins the 2010 Ducati Multistrada introduced one year ago and its Pirelli Scorpion Trail tyres in model-specific sizes. Diablo Rosso II is Pirelli Moto's newest radial tyre for all supersport riding conditions, even the wet, taking on certain WSBK technologies as well as the concept of Personalisable sidewalls. Due to particular needs of the motorcycle, Ducati and Pirelli concluded that a range extension of the Diablo Rosso, fitted to the Ducati Monster, was not as practical as working towards a new product to address the particular handling dynamics, power and speed of the Diavel in the dry and even more so under wet conditions. Thus a project was born to develop both a new tyre model that is also available as the first supersport solution in this tyre width and dimension. The Diablo Rosso II is the ideal tyre choice for the Diavel with a WSBK developed Bi-compound tread and EPT (Enhanced Patch Technology) matched to Pirelli's patented 0° steel belt structure. The newly sized 240/45ZR17 Diablo Rosso II rear tyre features a Bi-Compound tread for maximum grip at full lean and long lasting performance on road; the Grip compound covering a slick-like shoulder area of the tread (12.5% on either side) and a second compound in the central zone (75%) evolved from the Diablo Rosso. Both have undergone extensive testing with Ducati Traction Control for fast warm-up capabilities, high traction under straight acceleration and confident grip at all lean angles to suit the many different riding styles of the Diavel. The new profile comes from ICS (Ideal Contour Shaping) design, adopting a new "45" section height on a 240 mm wide, 17" dimension rear tyre matched to a 120/70ZR17 front for both a stability under hard acceleration and ease of lean-in while cornering. Pirelli's patented 0° degree steel belt beneath the tread optimizes tyre shapes and elasticity for progressive feedback at lean, optimal bump absorption. Together with these new compounds and structural elements, a maximum braking stability is able to compliment the Diavel's precise ABS braking system. Diablo Rosso II helps compliment and define the 2011 Ducati Diavel as a comfortable sport lifestyle motorcycle. The Diavel fitment of this new tyre joins the Ducati Monster 1100 Evo, which will fit Diablo Rosso II tyres in 120/180 sizes. Like the Diablo Rosso Corsa, Diablo Rosso II has the possibility to apply personalized labels to dedicated areas on its sidewalls, allowing motorcyclists to design their own labels with various fonts, colors, flags, circuits and other logos on a special section of www.pirelli.com.