We often talk here about rationality and versatility. Well, the new Ducati Diavel V4 has none of that! It’s true that it’s easy to drive in the city or on a day-to-day basis, but this Diavel has two places of choice: a road full of curves to go really fast and a beautiful living room to show off all its aesthetic attributes!
This is another of those Ducati models that has undergone a major transformation. Previously the Diavel was equipped with a 2-cylinder engine, but now it has a V4 engine. But there are more new features on this incredible bike!
4 CYLINDRES
First shown to the public at the end of 2010, the Ducati Diavel soon became the dream bike for many motorcyclists. An imposing motorcycle with fantastic details that haven’t changed much over the years during the model’s various evolutions. Now, at a time when practically all the higher displacement Ducati bikes are fitted with 4-cylinder engines, which more easily comply with Euro 5 environmental standards, the Diavel has also received the V4 Granturismo engine, although that wasn’t the only change. The frame is an aluminum monocoque, where the engine is an integral part of the chassis, and compared to the previous 2-cylinder Diavel 1260, this bike has been reduced by 13 kg, 5 in the engine and 8 in the bike, which is remarkable.
This is still a muscle bike, huge, exaggerated, but elegant at the same time. The single-spoke rim is already a tradition, as is the giant 240 rear tire, and we can say that this bike could be in any Hollywood movie. In this generation, the rear lights are also fantastic.
NUMBERS AND ELECTRONICS
Speaking of numbers, we now have a displacement of 1,158 cc, for a maximum power of 168 hp and torque of 126 Nm, with a curb weight of 236 kg. A muscle cruiser with unmistakable lines that, in this generation, are even more eye-catching due to the huge front air intakes and the 4 exhaust outlets, which offer a look never seen before. As for the electronics, we have everything you could imagine, or this wouldn’t be an Italian bike. There are 3 Power Modes and 4 Riding Modes: Sport, Touring, Urban and Wet, all of which allow the rider to adapt the power delivery and the intervention of the driving assistance systems, including traction control, cornering ABS and anti-roll. There’s also cruise control to help on the highway, launch control for MotoGP-style starts and a bidirectional quickshifter for easy gear changes.
The controls are backlit, the instrumentation consists of a 5-inch TFT screen and there is Bluetooth connectivity to pair your smartphone, which can even serve as turn-by-turn navigation. And of course, the keyless ignition makes it easy to use this bike in all situations. As for the passenger, he benefits from a good seat, protected by this cover, and where the retractable footrest and hidden handle greatly benefit the aesthetics of the Diavel, details that have been present since the first generation of the model.
ADAPTATION
I’ve never hidden the fact that this has always been one of my favorite motorcycles, but it has to be said that the riding position is a bit awkward and takes some getting used to. This is because the seat is somewhat low and the handlebars are high, plus the footpegs are further forward than you’d expect on a bike of this power. This means that the first few meters with this bike aren’t incredible and require adaptation. What’s more, if the first few kilometers are spent in the city, the sensations won’t be the best either. Here the engine runs at low revs and comfort doesn’t benefit from the various vibrations, so the V4 is “out of water” at low revs, as it even has a system that shuts down the rear cylinders at low revs.
THE BEST Brutal aesthetics, performance, dynamics TO BE IMPROVED Price, engine at low revs, driving position
Everything happens gradually and we don’t even notice it, but what we do know is that the fun is different from 4,000 rpm onwards, especially on a good curvy road. Then the monster comes to life, and although it’s a rather physical bike, due to its weight, dimensions and rear tire, the engine’s recuperation is incredible, in the medium and high ranges, and the bike handles very well, due to the fully adjustable suspension and top braking, with Brembo Stylema calipers. In the field of dynamics, only the rear suspension “wobbles” a little at faster speeds, but the overall efficiency is high and the ground clearance sufficient for great cornering moments.
LESS EMOTIVE?
We’d have to go back to the two-cylinder version, but apparently, even with 168 hp, this V4 seems to be a little smoother and less emotional than its predecessor, but it also has qualities and lots of electronics that increase safety.
And we say it might be a little less emotional because the exhausts can’t escape the Euro 5 loopholes, so in sound terms this Diavel deserved a little more. But the fun was constant on the many curvy roads we rode, especially in Sport mode, where the V4 breathes better and the throttle responds more immediately, for excellent riding moments.
It’s not a very practical bike in everyday life, it doesn’t offer aerodynamic protection and it’s not the most economical either (average consumption is around 6.5 / 7 l/100 km), but it’s all about two things: aesthetics and riding pleasure!
We’re almost betting that an S version will soon arrive, with even more competent suspension, but for now this is already an incredible bike that can be fitted with many optional extras, as fans of the brand like so much. Too bad about the price, but you know Ducati doesn’t mess around here!