1. Sketch

It all starts with the creative idea: in the beginning it’s the designer who takes the lead by first drawing sketches of the bike on paper. From here, the process transfers to the graphics tablet, where the designer performs the final renderings by completing and defining the details of the design, and developing the forms more clearly.

2. Virtual modelling and Proportion model

Now to the second phase: a 3D virtual model of the bike is created out of the designer’s sketches. Taking this virtual model, a scale model called preclay is milled. It is this model, the first on a scale of 1:1 that is used to evaluate the volumes, proportions and potentials of the designer’s proposal. After the proportion model model, the process continues with the return to the virtual modelling, which allows for modifications and refinements with the purpose of obtaining a second 3D virtual model to be used for milling the clay.

3. Fine-tuning and Clay

After the preclay model, the process continues with the return to the virtual modelling, which allows for modifications and refinements with the purpose of obtaining a second 3D virtual model to be used for milling the clay. From this last 3D virtual model a new model at a full scale is made with a malleable material similar to clay. Whereas the sketch expresses the design concept, the clay is used to bring the concept to life. This is a very important phase that continues for about two months, during which time the designer and model makers work closely to refine the forms and details to create what will be the definitive lines of the motorcycle.

4. Optical scanning of the clay, Reverse engineering and Master Model

After the improvements and fine-tuning of the clay and once the desired result is arrived at, a special machine performs the optic scan, made by using a point cloud to transfer the clay into a virtual environment in order for it to display on a PC. Based on the last virtual model obtained from the clay, the “skins” are then modelled. These are the virtual surfaces that represent the motorcycle in a unique and well defined way from a design perspective. Afterwards, the “skins” are used for milling the full-scale master model, which will serve as the final physical model for the motorbike. This model becomes the reference both for the Ducati Design Center and for the R&D, who will both use it as a basis for the design activity and technical definition of the project.

5. Colour and trim

The colour and trim phase now begins on the Master Model, a process that includes the definition of colours, finishings and materials. An evaluation is also made of the colour combinations and styling details, such as the seat covering and the positioning of the name plates of the bike.

When all these design development phases are completed – and this entails years of work and research - the new Diavel 1260 sees the light. Its unique, powerful and aggressive design is something that makes heads turn.