Ducati Diavel V4 (2023 - ) review

The original 2011 V-twin Diavel was an astonishing piece of design for two reasons. Firstly, it brought previously unseen levels of equipment, electronics and performance parts to a cruiser class which suddenly seemed full of old relics. Secondly, for all its cruiser-style fat 240-section rear tyre and kicked out front forks, it handled so sportily it seemed to defy the laws of physics. This new V4 takes all of that to an even higher level. The hot-rod style is broadly unchanged but given more visual heft (the four-exit exhaust, multi-bulb LED tail light and exquisite, cast rear wheel being just three examples) and slick refinement. The new Diavel is not just a fabulous performer but it’s also a gorgeous lump of metal. The only downside is its expense and, given the choice of other V4 Ducatis, inevitably limited appeal.

Although ostensibly a ‘cruiser’, the Diavel V4, like its V-twin predecessor, is milder and more upright than some, so if you want the full-on feet-forward experience you’ll have to wait for a likely XDiavel version. So, footpegs are mounted comfortably under your knees, the broad, deeply padded seat is comfortable and an accessibly low 790mm high and the reach to the flat, wide-ish bars easy and intuitively manageable. In that sense, the Diavel is much like a naked roadster to ride, with all the pros and cons that go with that, the main latter one being a lack of weather protection. On top of that, its cruiser style means it’s long and low, which isn’t a problem on the move but can make manoeuvring at slow speed or a standstill tricky. And while the rider’s seat is ample, pillion provision is minimal and made seemingly more precarious by the lack of any bodywork behind.

No cruiser is the most practical due to the lack of weather protection and luggage – which is exactly why ‘bagger’-style cruisers (which have both) became so popular. At the same time, high-performance machines aren’t the most practical, either, due to their hunger for tyres, fuel, generally high running costs and so on. Both of those act as a double whammy against the Diavel V4. That said, it’s surprisingly docile and easy to ride, comfortable and better around town than it has any right to be. It can also take a pillion, although they need to be committed. Overall, though, the Diavel V4 is no distance machine and is so precious and pricey to run you’d be mad to use it as a year round commuter.

No cruiser (with the exception of Triumph’s latest Rocket 3 and the now defunct Yamaha VMAX) has ever gone – or stopped – as fiercely as the Ducati Diavel V4. Its 168 horsepower, 1,158cc V4 ‘Granturismo’ engine is developed from that in Ducati’s hugely impressive Multistrada V4, produces a meaty 126Nm of torque and, simply, has the performance of a superbike with the thrilling acceleration and top speed to match. But it’s also sophisticated, with four switchable riding modes, an economy and cooling feature which sees it run on only two cylinders below 4,000rpm (except in first gear) and all the slick electronic riding aids – traction control, cornering ABS, launch control, etc – you’d expect of a high-end Ducati. Braking-wise, the Diavel V4 is equally impressive. A pair of massive superbike discs up front are grasped by top-notch Brembo M50 radial calipers for immense stopping power. At the same time, thanks to the bike’s long and low stance, stability under hard braking is exceptional.

It’s not perfect – no cruiser can be – but the Diavel V4’s handling (and ride) is so good it makes a mockery of all previous examples of the type and is fully deserving of the perfect score here. No, it’s not as nimble as a short and stumpy pure sports bike. Instead twisty turns have to be set up for then ‘tillered’ through. But the taut but smooth ride is excellent, the Diavel’s ability to keep up with more sporting machines through the turns is truly impressive and, overall, the fun factor of riding it confounds expectations. Want a classy cruiser but also a bike that can occasionally show all other road users a clean pair of heels? You want the Ducati Diavel V4 you do…

While the Diavel’s performance and spec is dotted with lots of big numbers, mostly for good reasons, the same goes for the big Ducati’s running costs. But then it was never going to be cheap. Breaking that down the starting price is a long way the wrong side of £20,000, tax and insurance is about as pricey as bikes get and all that performance and superbike-style braking ability is going to take a toll on consumables like fuel, pads and tyres. Especially tyres, given we defy any Diavel owner not to be tempted into the odd burnout even if that fat 240-section rear is going to be expensive to replace.

The days of Ducatis being slated for iffy build quality, erratic electrics and wobbly reliability have now long gone, thankfully, and the Diavel oozes quality and class. On top of that, the new Diavel also uses the new Granturismo engine, which debuted earlier on the new Multistrada and has some proven miles under its belt. Ducati itself is so confident of its own reliability service intervals, at 15,000 miles, are among the widest in the whole of motorcycling. Overall, although a new model, we see no reason to have major concerns about the new Diavel V4’s reliability.

Ducati service intervals have improved generally in recent years. The same is now true of the V4 models, though you have to take into account the services when they do come are very involved and potentially expensive. Warranty-wise, the Diavel V4 comes with a standard, manufacturer-backed, two year/unlimited mileage warranty covering all parts and labour.

The new Diavel V4 may not be quite as ‘loaded’ as its Multistrada V4 sister bike which has pretty much everything imaginable but it’s certainly not bad. The electronics are impressive, as is the twin cylinder deactivation gizmo, there’s a quality five-inch TFT dash with Bluetooth compatibility, items such as the multi-LED rear lights and smart cast wheels are nice touches and there’s a vast range of extra costs accessories available. But, no, there’s no screen or luggage.

If you’re after sportsbike performance and exotica but your old bones are telling you to get a more upright, laid-back and comfortable machine the Diavel V4 might be for you. Alternatively, if you’re a cruiser fan but feel you’ve been missing out on superbike performance and technology it will probably appeal, too. Beyond that, it gets a little tricky. Yes, the Diavel V4 is a fantastic machine and pretty much in a class of one. But if you want a Ducati V4 naked the Streetfighter V4 has much to commend it at a lower price, while the Multistrada V4 has just as much performance but with far greater practicality. But if you like the Diavel look and want a sophisticated hot rod, the Diavel won’t disappoint…