“Flamänko” Dragster: Ducati XDiavel Sprint Racer

Miami-Themed XDiavel from Vengine x Helmade…

Launched in 2016, the Ducati XDiavel is a more cruiser-oriented version of the Diavel (Italian for “Devil”), with a stretched-out riding position and belt-drive. Don’t let the forward controls fool you, however, as the XDiavel is a pure-blooded Italian thoroughbred at heart, boasting a 156-bhp eight-valve V-twin and surprisingly good handling, braking, and performance.

“It’s very, very fast… If you’ve always liked the idea of a cruiser but were never prepared to put up with the performance, handling and braking compromises most entailed, then the XDiavel is perhaps perfect for you… Along the way the XDiavel won a number of design accolades, including the prestigious Red Dot award.” –MCN

Ahead of the 2016 Motorbike Expo in Verona, Ducati unveiled their XDiavel “draXter” concept bike, born from the Advanced Design area of the Ducati Style Centre and produced in the factory’s prototype department.

“The spirit of the draXter is the one of an extreme dragster, with racing components of the highest level. For example, the suspension and brakes are those of the Panigale Superbike. The lines and proportions of the XDiavel become even more extreme and make the draXter a unique sports bike which will take your breath away.” -Ducati

Recently, we caught up with Adrian Majewski of Berlin’s Vengine, who previously teamed up with his friend Christian Möhring of Frankfurt’s Helmade to create their Ducati 999 “Noir” as featured in Return of the Cafe Racers. However, Adrian has had a hankering for his own XDiavel “draXster” since he saw the 2016 concept bike, and the 1/8-mile sprints at this year’s Glemseck 101 were the perfect venue to unleash the build.

Nicknamed “Flamänko” (Flamingo) for obvious reasons, this 1/8-miler is sporting a full titanium exhaust courtesy of Shark, shedding a good bit of weight while boosting horsepower, and the power is put to the pavement through a massive Hankook Ventus F200 drag slick. The rear shock absorber is from a Ducati 1099, and the fueling was tuned for optimum power delivery in the 1/8 mile.

Of course, the Glemseck 101 races are as much about custom culture and style as straight-line performance, and “Flamänko” was possibly the most eye-catching machine in attendance this year. Adrian says the Miami-esque colorway was inspired by a hotel room he and his girlfriend stayed in.

His friend Christian Möhring is the man behind Helmade, a shop that allows you to create your own unique helmet design online and have it custom-painted on an assortment of models from Arai, Bell, and others. Helmade handled the full painting of the bike and medieval-style helmet.

Meanwhile, the folks at Berlin’s Motocrew handled the unique rear tail fin that appears clear until illuminated by red LED lights — trick! The black suede saddle is courtesy of Polsterwerk Berlin, and the foot controls were moved back for better ergonomics on the track. The LED headlight is mounted on a custom bracket, while CNC and powder-coated parts abound.

While the “Flamänko” didn’t win its class this year, it was quite a hit at Glemseck and beyond. It’s most definitely a bold and polarizing design, but so was the original Ducati “draXter” that inspired it. Below, we talk to Adrian for full details on the build, along with more photos from his shoot with Gilli Graphics.

XDiavel Sprint Racer: Builder Interview

• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.

I started with Ducati 999 models. I built a few of these. Always in a similar style. At some point, friends wanted to bikes built exactly like mine.

I have built my own parts since I started crafting. At some point I started building my own carbon parts. Then things like accessories and small furniture made of carbon were added.

I’ve always wanted my own XDiavel DraXter since Ducati introduced the concept in 2016.

• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?

Ducati XDiavel, 2017.

• Why was this bike built?

I built the XDiavel because I saw the 2016 Ducati XDiavel draXter concept and wanted one of my own.

• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?

I was with my girlfriend in a hotel room with exactly these colors. After that, I talked to @helmadewithpassion and they made the color dream come true!

• What custom work was done to the bike?

LED lamp + self-made bracket
CNC tail fin tail light acrylic
CNC handlebar stub custom-made
Various parts coated black
Relocated custom footrest system
Shock absorber 1199 + thrust strut 999s
Blinker motogaged
Motogadget mirror
Rear conversion + seat from Motocrew
Shark titanium exhaust system
Homemade carbon speedometer mount
Painting of the bike and helmet by Helmade (!!!)
Rear wheel only for drag race (!!!)

• Does the bike have a nickname?

Yes: Flamänko.

• Any idea of horsepower, weight, and/or performance numbers?

152 HP
Approximately 170kg including liquids

• How did Flamänko perform at Glemseck?

Unfortunately we didn’t win any races. Visually, however, the Rosanne XDiavel Mega was well received. We have become very polarized. And the helmet was also a huge eye-catcher.