Ducati Diavel V4
2026 Ducati Diavel V4: 1,158 cc V4 muscle cruiser, 168 hp, 223 kg, €28,590. Full specs, RS version, press reviews and rivals.
At a glance
The Ducati Diavel V4 is a "muscle cruiser" with a 240 rear tyre, powered by a 1,158 cc, 168 hp V4 Granturismo engine shared with the Multistrada V4. Priced at €28,590 in France (€39,990 for the numbered Diavel V4 RS), it comes very well equipped as standard and sits at the price of the Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R and the Harley-Davidson Breakout. The press praises its engine, brakes and unexpected agility, but criticises its price, footpegs that limit ground clearance and less character than the old twin.
World press review
Meta-score
9 sources
Press ratings
Nimbler, sportier and more fun than the old one thanks to the V4 and the weight loss, race-grade brakes; niche and expensive, with suspension that is not very high-end for the price.
168 hp V4, huge brakes, handling better than the 240 tyre suggests; ground clearance limited by the footpegs, a big and heavy bike.
Review of the V4 RS: mind-bending acceleration, premium components and surprising comfort; very expensive when the Diavel V4 offers a similar experience, heavy, switchgear and dash a little basic.
A sportbike disguised as a cruiser: near-sportbike handling, superbike brakes and electronics, powerful V4.
Superb brakes and an engine that rips; still a niche bike in price and purpose, clutch that engages late according to the tester.
The V4 loses some of the 1260's booming character but is better everywhere else; handling close to Ducati's naked bikes, Stylema brakes; expensive.
Refined, strong engine, excellent brakes, comprehensive electronics, comfortable position; high price, footpegs scrape when riding very hard.
No overall score (category scores: brakes 9/10, engine 8.5/10, budget 5.25/10). Effective, easy and surprisingly agile but "civilised", with less character than the 1260 S; price deemed outrageous, plastic covers on the engine.
Video review: the written page gives no verdict and only raises the question of the character lost with the end of the twin.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
Most reviews date from the Diavel V4’s launch in February 2023; the bike has not changed technically since. MCN rates it 4/5 and Motorcycle.com 91.5/100. MCN also gave the Diavel V4 RS 4/5 in 2026. The overall score of 84/100 shown on this page is the average of these three scores, including the RS’s, a version in this page’s range. Cycle World, RevZilla, Visordown, 1000PS and Caradisiac (category scores only) tested it without an overall score; Moto Magazine published a video review, with no written verdict.
What reviewers like: for Cycle World, it is “a sportbike disguised as a cruiser”; MCN finds it nimbler, sportier and more fun than the old one, Motorcycle.com “the best one yet”. The brakes are universally praised, as are the comprehensive electronics. 1000PS likes an engine that is strong from low revs and a comfortable riding position, Caradisiac a bike more accessible than it looks.
What they criticise: the price, cited by MCN, Visordown, 1000PS and Caradisiac. Motorcycle.com and 1000PS note footpegs that limit ground clearance, MCN suspension that is not very high-end for the price. Visordown and Caradisiac miss the booming character of the 1260 twin, and RevZilla a clutch that engages late. For the RS, MCN finds the price gap hard to justify against the Diavel V4.
Key quotes
"Unquestionably niche and unapologetically expensive, the new Diavel V4 won’t be for everyone, but it’s more than just a shiny red cruiser."
"If you think you may be of the Diavel persuasion, the V4 is the best one yet."
"Is Ducati’s new Diavel V4 RS worth £35k? Realistically, the cheaper £24,595 model will give you more or less the same riding experience, but if you want the ultimate in luxurious, brain-melting acceleration, the RS can’t be beaten."
"Ducati chose the perfect road to describe what the Diavel is: a sportbike disguised as a cruiser."
"Instead, the new Diavel’s style, tech, bravado, and jewel of an engine make a combination you won’t get anywhere else."
"While some of that booming character has been lost with the new V4, what you get in return is an engine that is dynamically better in every other way, yet easier to live with, in the real world."
"The switch from V2 to V4 is also less dramatic than feared: the V4 has enough pleasant vibrations and pulls enormously from low down across the entire rev range."
"More accessible and better behaved, the Italian devil has indeed become civilised, and one may miss the beastly character of the Diavel 1260 S."
Pros
- 168 hp V4, strong from low revs
- Brembo Stylema brakes praised by the whole press
- Unexpected agility and handling for a cruiser
- Very comprehensive standard equipment (quickshifter, cruise control, cornering ABS, keyless ignition)
- Valve clearance checked every 60,000 km
Cons
- €28,590 price
- Less character than the old 1260 twin
- Footpegs limit ground clearance
- Suspension not very high-end for the price (MCN)
- Only a 2-year warranty
- No A2 version
Our review
Which Diavel V4 in France?
Ducati France sells the Diavel V4 in two colours: Ducati Red at €28,590 and the Black Roadster Livery (matt black, yellow and titanium) at €28,890 according to the configurator. Above it sits the Diavel V4 RS, a numbered series unveiled on 12 September 2025, at €39,990; an RS 100 livery is also listed, with no price shown. In the United States, the Diavel V4 sells for $27,995 and the RS for $39,995, plus a $1,295 destination charge. There is no A2 version.
Which model year?
Ducati France does not show a model year on its pages. The configurator lists 2024 for the Ducati Red colour, 2025 for the Black Roadster Livery and 2027 for the RS; the Diavel V4 owner’s manuals go up to the 2026 model year. Technically, the bike has not changed since its unveiling on 28 October 2022 (2023 model year), apart from Euro 5+ homologation from the 2025 model year, with no loss of power, and the new livery.
How good is the engine?
The 1,158 cc V4 Granturismo, shared with the Multistrada V4, makes 168 hp (124 kW) at 10,750 rpm and 126 Nm at 7,500 rpm. Its valves use spring return rather than desmodromic actuation, which pushes the valve clearance check out to 60,000 km. The rear cylinder bank shuts down at a standstill and at low revs under light load. Ducati quotes 0-100 km/h in under 3 seconds. Wet mode limits power to 115 hp. For Visordown and Caradisiac, this V4 has lost some of the booming character of the 1260 twin, but 1000PS finds it strong from low revs and RevZilla praises an engine that rips.
How does it ride?
The aluminium monocoque frame carries a 50 mm Marzocchi upside-down fork and a Sachs shock, both fully adjustable, with 120 and 145 mm of travel, and a single-sided swingarm. The wheelbase is 1,593 mm. Braking relies on twin 330 mm discs and Brembo Stylema calipers. Compared with the Diavel 1260 S, Ducati claims a 13 kg saving, for 223 kg kerb weight without fuel. Cycle World sees it as a sportbike disguised as a cruiser and Visordown as handling close to Ducati’s naked bikes. Motorcycle.com and 1000PS report footpegs that touch down early when riding hard; MCN finds the suspension not very high-end for the price. Ground clearance is not published.
What equipment?
Standard: 5-inch TFT screen, two-way quickshifter, cruise control, keyless ignition, Bosch IMU with 3-level cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, launch control, 4 riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet), full LED lighting and Ducati Multimedia System Bluetooth connectivity. Turn-by-turn navigation runs through the Ducati Link app, as an accessory.
The Diavel V4 RS
The RS swaps the V4 Granturismo for the Desmosedici Stradale V4 of the Panigale and Streetfighter V4, displacing 1,103 cc: 182 hp at 11,750 rpm and 120 Nm at 9,500 rpm. It gets a dry clutch, Öhlins suspension, forged wheels, carbon-fibre parts and a Race mode, for 220 kg without fuel. Its desmodromic engine requires a valve clearance check every 30,000 km. According to MCN, which tested it in 2026, the Diavel V4 offers a similar experience for much less money.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
Ducati France quotes 6.6 L/100 km (6.4 L/100 km in the owner’s manual), giving a range of about 303 km from the 20-litre tank. None of the reviews consulted publishes a measured fuel consumption. The manual calls for an oil change every 15,000 km or 24 months, an annual service and a valve clearance check every 60,000 km. The warranty is 2 years with unlimited mileage.
Who is it for?
The Diavel V4 targets riders who want the presence of a big cruiser with the performance and electronics of a sporty naked bike. It takes on the much heavier Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R, the more powerful and cheaper Kawasaki Z H2 SE, the Ducati XDiavel V4, a cruiser version with forward controls, and the Harley-Davidson Breakout.
Where does it come from?
The Diavel was born in 2011 with the 1,198 cc, 162 hp Testastretta 11° twin, was restyled in 2015, then moved to the 1,262 cc DVT twin in 2019. The V4 arrived with the 2023 model year. Published weights cannot be compared from one generation to the next: dry up to the 1260, kerb without fuel for the V4.
Recalls
One recall (NHTSA 23V-250, RappelConso A12/01199/23) covers the passenger footpegs, which could break. It only concerns Diavel V4 bikes produced between 16 January and 5 April 2023.
Specifications
| Displacement | 1158 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 168 hp (124 kW) @ 10,750 rpm |
| Torque | 126 Nm (12.8 kgm) @ 7,500 rpm |
| Weight | 223 kg (kerb, without fuel) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 1.33 |
| Seat height | 790 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 20 L |
| Fuel consumption | 6.6 L/100 km — 154 g/km CO2 (Ducati France figure; 6.4 L/100 km in the MY26 owner's manual) |
| Maintenance interval | Oil change every 15,000 km or 24 months, annual service — Valves: 60,000 km (Ducati owner's manual) |
| Engine type | 90° V4 "V4 Granturismo", 4-stroke, 4 valves per cylinder with spring return, counter-rotating crankshaft, Twin Pulse firing order, liquid-cooled |
| Cooling | liquide |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain drive, assist and slipper clutch |
| License | A |
| MSRP | €28,590 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 83 x 53,5 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 14,0:1 |
| Fuel system | Bosch electronic fuel injection, 46 mm elliptical throttle bodies, ride-by-wire, 1 injector per cylinder |
| Valve train | 4 valves per cylinder, spring return (not desmodromic), rear-bank deactivation |
| Max power RPM | 10750 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 7500 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric, keyless ignition (Hands-Free) |
| Euro standard | Euro 5+ |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Aluminium monocoque, tubular steel trellis subframe, aluminium single-sided swingarm |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 26 ° |
| Trail | 112 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1593 mm |
| Front suspension | 50 mm Marzocchi upside-down fork, fully adjustable, 120 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Sachs monoshock with remote reservoir, adjustable preload, compression and rebound, 145 mm wheel travel |
| Front brake | Dual 330 mm semi-floating discs, Brembo Stylema four-piston radial monobloc calipers, PR16/19 radial master cylinder |
| Rear brake | 265 mm disc, Brembo two-piston floating caliper |
| Front tire | 120/70 ZR17 (Pirelli Diablo Rosso III) |
| Rear tire | 240/45 ZR17 (Pirelli Diablo Rosso III) |
| ABS system | Bosch Cornering ABS, 3 levels |
Electronics & rider aids
| Riding modes | Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet |
|---|---|
| Traction control | Yes |
| Anti-wheelie | Yes |
| Quickshifter | Two-way, standard (Ducati Quick Shift EVO 2) |
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Dashboard | 5-inch colour TFT |
| Connectivity | Ducati Multimedia System Bluetooth (calls, texts, music); turn-by-turn navigation via the Ducati Link app (pre-wired, accessory) |
| Other features | Bosch 6-axis IMU, 3-level cornering ABS, DTC EVO 2 traction control (4 levels), DWC EVO wheelie control (4 levels), Ducati Power Launch EVO launch control (3 levels), 3 power modes, Rear cylinder bank deactivation, Keyless ignition (Hands-Free), Backlit switchgear, Full LED lighting, dynamic indicators, Emergency braking light (Ducati Brake Light) |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Muscle cruiser: upright, handlebars 20 mm closer than on the Diavel 1260 |
|---|---|
| Passenger comfort | Passenger seat with retractable footpegs and grab handle, seat cover supplied |
| Max total weight | 455 kg |
The Diavel V4 offers an upright muscle-cruiser riding position, with a 790 mm seat and handlebars moved 20 mm closer than on the Diavel 1260. 1000PS finds the position comfortable and Caradisiac finds the bike more accessible than it looks; MCN even found the RS surprisingly comfortable. When riding hard, Motorcycle.com and 1000PS note that the footpegs touch down early. The passenger gets retractable footpegs and grab handle; a seat cover is supplied for solo riding. The maximum permissible weight is 455 kg.
Ownership & maintenance
~~303 km (calculated from Ducati France's figure: 20 L tank / 6.6 L/100 km)
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 15,000 km or every 24 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 60,000 km |
| Coolant change | every 60,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 60,000 km |
| Chain | Checked and lubricated at every service; replace chain kit before 20,000 km (Ducati advice) |
Warranty
2 years / Unlimited mileage
Ducati’s owner’s manual specifies a first service at 1,000 km or 6 months, then an oil and filter change every 15,000 km or 24 months, and an annual service every 12 months. Valve clearance, spark plugs and coolant come every 60,000 km (48 months at most for the coolant). The air filter is replaced every 30,000 km, fork oil every 45,000 km, brake and clutch fluids every 24 months, and Ducati advises replacing the chain kit before 20,000 km. The Diavel V4 RS, with its desmodromic engine, requires a valve check every 30,000 km. In France, the warranty is 24 months with unlimited mileage; the 4-year “4Ever Ducati” warranty does not apply to the Diavel. No average service cost is published.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducati Diavel V4 | €28,590 | 168 hp (124 kW) @ 10,750 rpm | 223 kg (kerb, without fuel) |
| Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R | €27,195 | 182 hp | 317 kg (wet) |
| Kawasaki Z H2 SE2025 | €21,949 | 200 hp | 240 kg (wet) |
| Ducati XDiavel V42027 | €30,990 | 168 hp | 229 kg (without fuel) |
| Harley-Davidson Breakout2026 | €28,290 | 103 hp | 309 kg (in running order) |
Generations
- Diavel (1re génération)2011 – 2014
1,198 cc · 162 hp · 127.5 Nm · 210 kg (dry)
Birth of Ducati's "muscle cruiser": Testastretta 11° twin from the Multistrada, 240 rear tyre, ride-by-wire, traction control, ABS and riding modes. Figures from Ducati's press release as reported by Ultimate Motorcycling: 210 kg dry (207 kg for the Diavel Carbon).
- Diavel (restylage 2015)2015 – 2018
1,198 cc · 162 hp · 127.5 Nm · 210 kg (dry)
Testastretta 11° DS twin-spark engine, new exhaust, LED headlight and styling updates. According to Ultimate Motorcycling: 210 kg dry, 239 kg wet; torque quoted at 127.5 Nm but converted as 96.2 lb-ft (130.5 Nm), an inconsistency in the source.
- Diavel 1260 / 1260 S2019 – 2022
1,262 cc · 158.7 hp · 129.2 Nm · 218 kg (dry)
1,262 cc Testastretta DVT twin with variable valve timing, new frame, subframe and swingarm, radiator moved to the front; 1260 and 1260 S versions. Ducati's manual gives 218 kg dry and 244 kg in running order with 90% fuel.
- Diavel V42023 – today
1,158 cc · 168 hp · 126 Nm · 223 kg (without fuel)
V4 Granturismo engine with rear-bank deactivation and valve checks every 60,000 km, aluminium monocoque frame, 13 kg lighter than the 1260 S according to Ducati, Wet mode; Euro 5+ since the 2025 model year. Weight is kerb without fuel, not comparable with the dry weights of earlier generations.
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diavel (1re génération)2011 – 2014 Birth of Ducati's "muscle cruiser": Testastretta 11° twin from the Multistrada, 240 rear tyre, ride-by-wire, traction control, ABS and riding modes. Figures from Ducati's press release as reported by Ultimate Motorcycling: 210 kg dry (207 kg for the Diavel Carbon). | 1,198 cc | 162 hp | 127.5 Nm | 210 kg dry |
| Diavel (restylage 2015)2015 – 2018 Testastretta 11° DS twin-spark engine, new exhaust, LED headlight and styling updates. According to Ultimate Motorcycling: 210 kg dry, 239 kg wet; torque quoted at 127.5 Nm but converted as 96.2 lb-ft (130.5 Nm), an inconsistency in the source. | 1,198 cc | 162 hp | 127.5 Nm | 210 kg dry |
| Diavel 1260 / 1260 S2019 – 2022 1,262 cc Testastretta DVT twin with variable valve timing, new frame, subframe and swingarm, radiator moved to the front; 1260 and 1260 S versions. Ducati's manual gives 218 kg dry and 244 kg in running order with 90% fuel. | 1,262 cc | 158.7 hp | 129.2 Nm | 218 kg dry |
| Diavel V42023 – today V4 Granturismo engine with rear-bank deactivation and valve checks every 60,000 km, aluminium monocoque frame, 13 kg lighter than the 1260 S according to Ducati, Wet mode; Euro 5+ since the 2025 model year. Weight is kerb without fuel, not comparable with the dry weights of earlier generations. | 1,158 cc | 168 hp | 126 Nm | 223 kg without fuel |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
Right and/or left passenger footpegs may break when getting on the bike or while riding. Only affects Diavel V4 bikes produced between 16/01/2023 and 05/04/2023 (293 bikes in the United States); dealers inspect and, if necessary, replace the footpegs free of charge.
Voir le rappel →