Often we talk here about rationality and versatility. Well, the new Ducati Diavel V4 has none of that! It is true that it can be easily driven in the city or on a daily basis, but this Diavel has two favorite places: a road full of curves to drive very fast and a beautiful living room to show off all its aesthetic attributes!
This is another one of those Ducati models that has undergone an important transformation. Before, the Diavel was equipped with a 2-cylinder engine, but now it has a V4 engine. But there are more news about this incredible motorcycle!
4 CYLINDERS
First shown to the public at the end of 2010, the Ducati Diavel quickly became the dream motorcycle for many motorcyclists. An imposing motorcycle with fantastic details that have not changed much over the years during the various model evolutions. Now, in a phase where practically all higher displacement Ducati motorcycles are mounting 4-cylinder engines, which more easily comply with the Euro 5 environmental regulations, the Diavel has also received the V4 Granturismo engine, although that was not the only change. The frame is a monocoque in aluminum, in which the engine is an integral part of the chassis, and compared to the previous 2-cylinder Diavel 1260, this motorcycle has a reduction of 13 kg, 5 in the engine and 8 in the chassis, which is remarkable.
This continues to be a muscle bike, huge, exaggerated, but also elegant at the same time. The single-sided swingarm is already a tradition, as well as the giant 240 rear tire, and we can say that this motorcycle could enter any Hollywood movie. In this generation, the taillights are also fantastic.
NUMBERS AND ELECTRONICS
Talking about numbers, we now have a displacement of 1,158 cc, for a maximum power of 168 hp and a torque that reaches 126 Nm, with a curb weight of 236 kg. A muscle cruiser, with unmistakable lines that in this generation stand out even more due to the enormous front air intakes and the 4 exhaust outlets, which offer a never-before-seen visual. As for electronics, we have everything you can imagine, as this is an Italian motorcycle. There are 3 Power Modes and 4 Riding Modes: Sport, Touring, Urban, and Wet, all of them allowing the rider to adapt power delivery and the intervention of the driving assistance systems, including traction control, cornering ABS, and wheelie control. There is also Cruise Control to assist on highways, Launch Control for MotoGP-style starts, and a bidirectional quickshifter for easier gear changes.
The controls are backlit, the instrumentation consists of a 5-inch TFT screen, and there is Bluetooth connectivity to pair with a smartphone, which can even be used for turn-by-turn navigation. And of course, the keyless ignition makes it easier to use this motorcycle in all situations. As for the passenger, they benefit from a good seat, protected by this cover, and the retractable footrests and hidden grab handle greatly enhance the aesthetics of the Diavel, details that have been present since the first generation of the model.
ADAPTATION
I have never hidden that this has always been one of my favorite motorcycles, but it must be said that the riding position is a bit strange and takes some getting used to. This is because the seat is somewhat low and the handlebars are raised, in addition to the footrests being further forward than one would expect on a motorcycle with this power. This means that the first meters with this motorcycle are not incredible, requiring adaptation. Furthermore, if the first kilometers are done in the city, the sensations will not be the best either. Here, the engine operates at low revs and comfort is not favored due to various vibrations, so the V4 is “out of its element” at low speeds, as it even has a system that shuts off the rear cylinders at low revs.
THE BEST Brutal aesthetics, performance, dynamics TO IMPROVE Price, low-end engine, driving position
Everything happens gradually and we don’t even realize it, all we know is that the fun starts at 4,000 rpm, especially on a good curvy road. That’s when the monster comes to life, and despite being a somewhat physical bike due to its weight, dimensions, and rear tire, the engine’s recoveries are incredible in the mid and high ranges, and the chassis performs very well thanks to fully adjustable suspensions and top-of-the-line braking with Brembo Stylema calipers. In terms of dynamics, only the rear suspension wobbles a bit at faster rhythms, but overall efficiency is high and ground clearance is sufficient for great moments in curves.
LESS EMOTIONAL?
We would have to go back to the twin-cylinder version, but apparently, even with 168 hp of power, this V4 seems to be a bit smoother and less emotional than the previous one, but it also has qualities and a lot of electronics that increase safety.
We say it might be a bit less emotional because the exhausts can’t escape the Euro 5 regulations, so in terms of sound, this Diavel deserved a bit more. But the fun was constant on the various curvy roads we rode on, especially in Sport mode, where the V4 breathes better and the throttle responds more immediately, providing excellent driving moments.
A not very practical bike for everyday use, it also doesn’t offer aerodynamic protection and it’s not the most fuel-efficient (average consumption around 6.5 / 7 l/100 km), but it focuses everything on two aspects: aesthetic component and driving pleasure!
We almost bet that a S version with even more competent suspensions will arrive soon, but for now, this is already an incredible bike that can receive many optional features, as the brand’s fans like. It’s a shame about the price, but here we already know that Ducati doesn’t play around!
DUCATI DIAVEL V4
MOTOR V4 Granturismo at 90º, liquid cooling
DISPLACEMENT 1,158 cc
POWER 168 hp (124 Kw) @ 10,750 rpm
TORQUE 126 Nm @ 7,500 rpm
GEARBOX 6 speeds
FRAME monocoque aluminum
TANK 20 liters
FRONT SUSPENSION adjustable 50 mm inverted fork, 120 mm travel
REAR SUSPENSION adjustable monoshock, 145 mm travel
FRONT BRAKE 2 330 mm discs, Brembo Stylema radial monobloc calipers with 4 pistons
REAR BRAKE 265 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
FRONT TIRE 120/70-17
REAR TIRE 240/45-17
WHEELBASE 1,593 mm
SEAT HEIGHT 790 mm
WEIGHT 236 kg
MSRP (from) €26,795
