Italy’s third-generation power cruiser gets a new engine and a fresh look.
Ducati has been on a tear with its new V-4 engine, stuffing it into everything from the Panigale V4 R superbike to the Streetfighter (in no less than three variants) to the Multistrada V4 Rally. Surprising as it may seem, now that four-cylinder powerplant has trickled all the way over to the Diavel, the Italian brand’s asphalt-shredding power cruiser, which was proudly displayed at EICMA 2022. As you’d expect, giving the mighty Diavel two extra cylinders boosts its lofty performance figures even higher, but what you might not expect is that the new Diavel V4 weighs less than the previous-gen Diavel 1260 S too. The new model also received a styling update that is likely to be polarizing—you know, just to stay on-brand.
But the new Diavel’s key feature is a 1,158cc vee-four mill that’s derived from the V4 in Pangale and Streetfighter, with a claimed output of 168 hp—though you’ll have to spin up to 10,750 rpm to get there. That surpasses the already head-snapping 157 hp of the Gen 2 bike packing the Testastretta DVT L-twin, though torque is down slightly in the V4, going from 95 lb.-ft. on the 1260 S to 93 lb.-ft., at a more accessible 7,500 rpm. And as we’ve seen on previous Ducati V4s, the rear two jugs can be switched off at lower speeds to reduce fuel consumption and lessen heat buildup; doing so results in a different sound character, says Ducati, as the frequencies become higher when all four cylinders are operating.
Attached to the revised aluminum frame is the Diavel’s signature single-sided swingarm (also aluminum) that combined with the lighter engine, results in a weight loss of more than 25 pounds compared to the Diavel 1260 S. The new foundation and more compact engine also makes room for a larger, redesigned gas tank (now 5.3 pounds) as well as a few tweaks to the geometry, with a steeper rake (from 27 degrees previously to 26 degrees) and 4.4 inches of trail; the V4′s wheelbase is also a wee bit more compact than the Diavel 1260′s, at 62.7 inches.
Suspension comes in the form of a beefy, inverted 50mm fork (still fully adjustable) and a fully adjustable monoshock (with slightly increased travel), with the braking system getting an upgrade to supersport-level Brembo Stylema Monoblock calipers acting on 330mm discs to do the stopping up front.
Up top, seat height goes up a touch to 31.1 inches, while the handlebars are moved 20mm closer to the rider. The new Diavel V4 also enjoys a new 5-inch TFT dash unit to better display its three power modes and four riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, and the new Wet). You can also access Bluetooth connectivity and navigation here, as well as manipulating the full suite of electronic rider aids like traction control, ABS cornering, quick shift, and cruise control.
The Diavel V4 also gets new front and rear LED light clusters with a double C shape.
The new Diavel also features a slightly sharper steering angle, with seat height going up a bit as well. Fork is still fully adjustable, while brakes are upgraded to Brembo Stylema units.
A removable passenger seat cover comes standard, making it easy to change the Diavel V4 from a two-seater to a solo ride.
The front snout and DRL is new but the can’t-miss 240/45 rear tire remains a distinctive element.