Ducati’s Diavel has always been a weird duck. First of all, it’s a cruiser built by a manufacturer known for its wild sport bikes, and although it has the proportions of a cruiser, it doesn’t look like one. .
Diavel previously came with a 1,260cc . L-Twin engine version That saw duty in the Multistrada and even the Panigale, and while that factory offered a ton of bad performance, Ducati decided that for the 2023 model year, that wasn’t enough, and because it has an absolutely lovely V4 engine, why not go all in.
Import Diavel V4, use The V4 engine found in the Multistrada V4 is absolutely brilliant. While there will certainly be eccentrics complaining about the folks from Borgo Panigale not using the Streetfighter V4 engine, the V4 Granturismo makes a lot more sense. First, it has less power but more torque, befitting the character of an electric cruiser. It will also require less maintenance and will be easier on the road, something Diavel dads riding Wild Hog are sure to appreciate.
In the Diavel V4, the Granturismo engine makes 168 hp and 93 ft-lb – 10 hp more and two lb-ft less than the 1260 – as specified, but what’s even better is the Diavel V4 weighs 29 lbs less than the outgoing model. That’s a significant drop in motor terms and should absolutely be noticed on a spirited ride.
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Other highlights for the new Diavel include the use of Brembo Stylema brakes, which you’ll also find on the brand’s sportier fare like the Streetfighter V4 and fully-adjustable suspension consisting of a 50mm fork and cantilever rear shock. Also notable is the return of the Diavel’s almost silly 240/45 section rear tire, which has always contributed significantly to the bike’s aggressive looks.
Like all modern Ducatis, the Diavel V4 has plenty of electronics to help you keep the bike’s rubber side on the road. This includes lean-sensitive traction control, ABS and wheelie control, and four ride modes – Sport, Touring, Urban, and in a first for the Diavel, a toned-down rain mode called, appropriately, Wet. Because the bike has ride-by-wire throttle control, you get cruise control. Finally, the Diavel V4 has launch control, so you can show that Dyna-riding nerd from bike night just how long a freeway onramp should really take.
The Diavel V4 is set to hit dealers this coming spring with a hefty starting price of $26,695 plus dealer fees for the Ducati Red version or $26,995 plus fees for “Thrilling Black.” There will naturally be a boatload of available accessories, too, so good luck getting out of the dealer for under $30,000.
