More teeth for third-gen Ducati Diavel

It’s out with the V-twin engine and in with a V4. That’s what Ducati has done with its Diavel powercruiser, of which they’ve sold almost 50,000 since its inception in 2011. The new engine gives it a sportier persona, and chassis changes make the extra urge easier to deploy.

The engineers at Ducati have kept a close eye on weight – they are kind of obsessed with it – and hard as it is to believe the V4 weighs in less than the outgoing V2. It’s more compact which helps. Overall, Diavel weighs 235kg ready to ride, around 80kg less than its primary rival, Triumph’s latest Rocket III. That’s why Diavel V4 can hit 100 in under three seconds, despite the engine being under half the size of the Triumph mill. 

Where the original Diavel wasn’t exactly a cornering demon, the new one tries to be and also has the stopping power of a superbike.

In place of the 1260cc Testastretta V-twin is the 166bhp/124kW 1158cc Granturismo V4 spring valve motor, borrowed from the Multistrada V4. The V4’s counter-rotating crank helps to cancel out the gyroscopic force of the wheels, making it seem lighter and more wieldy.

The new V4 also features displacement on demand, two cylinders doing the business on low loads. It is essentially a V-twin below 4000rpm in every gear but first. 

Moreover, it has less bike to propel, being 15kg lighter. Five kilogrammes are saved in the motor, and 8kg in the frame. The old steel trellis underpinnings make way for a cast aluminium monocoque suspended by light alloy wheels. Evidently the motor’s twin pulse firing order helps the 240 Diablo Rosso 3 rear tyre to find added traction.

Suspension is fully adjustable and there’s an extra 15mm of rear travel for added comfort and control. Braking power is said to be epic, with Brembo Stylema calipers clamping down on 330mm discs up front. The cornering ABS system evidently promotes a natural feel at the lever and little intrusion from the electronics.

A new seat also promotes extra comfort; it is 20mm longer while bars are 20mm closer to the rider. The pillion gets a generous pew, and there’s a retractable grab rail. In the aftermarket area, accessory panniers, screen, pillion backrest and heated grips make Diavel ready for that big tour. Or a titanium race exhaust if you plan on track day outings!

Colour options are the expected, red and black. Machined cast aluminium wheels and the quad-pipe exhaust can are notably interesting visual cues. A multifunction Bluetooth 5in colour dash and a plethora of fully adjustable rider modes and electronic aids are also to hand.

Expect the Diavel V4 here soon, for it is available to preorder now at a price of $45,500.