First Look: 2023 Ducati Diavel V4

The V4-ification of Ducati’s big-bore range continues, with a new four-cylinder version of the mighty Diavel power cruiser.

The new Ducati Diavel V4 (snappy name!) does all that you’d expect from a machine set to replace the old 1260 V-twin design: it has a lighter, more powerful engine – the 1,158cc V4 Granturismo engine first seen on the Multistrada V4, complete with 168bhp peak output, massive 60,000km major service intervals, and no desmodromic valve operation. Peak torque is 92.6ft lb – and Ducati reckons the beefy muscle cruiser can hit 62mph/100kph in less than three seconds.

As well as the new engine, the 2023 Diavel has a refined, lighter chassis, giving a new kerb weight (without fuel) of 223kg, which is 13kg down on the previous Diavel. And it’s festooned with premium running gear. Brembo Stylema calipers and 330mm discs up front would grace many a full-on superbike, the 50mm USD forks are fully adjustable and phully phat – but are then out-phatted by the 240/45 rear Pirelli tyre. Erk.

The chasis is helped out by all of the electronic rider aids of course: three power modes, four riding modes: Urban Sport, Touring and Wet. There’s cornering ABS and traction control of course, as well as wheelie control, quickshifter, launch control and cruise control. It’s all controlled via a slick 5” full colour LCD dash, that also features Bluetooth connection to your smartphone and the Ducati Link app.

There’s a cheeky new exhaust system, with a sweet quad-outlet silencer, as well as an optional inline-exit ‘Spitfire’ racing exhaust that drops 11kg of mass and adds 12bhp peak power. We imagine it will also sound like a fully-loaded B52 has crashed on top of you as it roars past: lovely stuff.

We’ve always loved the Diavel: it was by far the best performer of the power cruiser breed, and genuinely had the chassis to match its stunning straightline grunt. Replacing the old-school V-twin motor is a bit of a shame for fans of enormous pistons. But the Multistrada V4 motor is a proper weapon of a powerplant, and will no doubt kick hell out of the competition in the sector. The tech levels are as high as ever, and though it’s pricey at around £23,500, that sadly is the price of a high-end Ducati these days.

2023 Ducati Diavel Tech Highlights

• V4 Granturismo engine, 1,158 cc
• 168 hp (124 kW) at 10,750 rpm, 126 Nm (12.8 kgm) at 7,500 rpm
• Valve clearance check every 60,000 km
• Monocoque aluminium frame
• 20-litre steel fuel tank
• Retractable handle and passenger footrests
• Omega DRL headlight
• Multi-point LED rear light unit under the tail
• Integrated dynamic flashers
• 50 mm fork, fully adjustable
• Mono-shock absorber, fully adjustable
• Braking system with double 330 mm discs and Brembo Stylema® monobloc calipers at the front
• Diablo Rosso III rear tyre in 240/45 size
• Cast aluminium wheels with machined spokes
• 5” TFT dashboard with Bluetooth connectivity, Ducati Link App
• Accessory turn-by-turn navigation system
• 3 Power Modes, 4 Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet)
• Latest generation electronic package with 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU): ABS Cornering; Ducati Traction Control (DTC); Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC); Ducati Power Launch (DPL); Ducati Quick Shift up / down (DQS), Cruise Control.