2023 Ducati Diavel V4 First Look

Ducati announced a brand new Diavel V4, replacing the previous 1,262cc V-Twin model with one powered by its 1,158cc V4 Granturismo engine.

The Diavel is the latest Ducati model to go from two to four cylinders, leaving the XDiavel and Scrambler 1100 as the only two Ducati models larger than 1,000cc to remain with a Twin. It now seems likely we’ll see an XDiavel V4 for 2024, while we should get some idea of the future of the Scrambler family on Nov. 7.

On the new Diavel, the V4 Granturismo engine (which debuted on the Multistrada V4) claims a peak output of 168 hp at 10,750 rpm, an upgrade over the 162 hp at 9,500 rpm claimed by the Euro-spec Diavel 1260, and an even bigger improvement on the claimed 157 hp at 9,250 rpm on U.S. models. Peak torque, however, sees a 2 lb-ft. decrease to a claimed 93 lb-ft. at 7,500 rpm.

Fuel economy also takes a hit, with the Diavel V4 chugging a claimed 36.8 mpg compared to the Diavel 1260’s claimed 42.8 mpg. An extended deactivation system which shuts off the rear cylinder bank at a stop or at low engine speeds does help. A larger 5.3-gallon fuel tank actually increases the range to an estimated 195 miles between fill-ups. Impressively, valve check intervals for the Diavel V4 are every 36,000 miles, or twice as long as the Diavel 1260, thanks to being the first modern Ducati engine with valve springs instead of Desmo-actuated valves.

Of course, the engine isn’t the only thing that has changed. The Diavel V4 received a style makeover while still retaining some key design elements like the forward concentration of masses, the large air scoops, pointed tail, and 240/45 rear tire.



The lighting system is all LED, with a new double-C shape daytime running light surrounding the main headlight. In some markets, where it is legal, the DRL changes shape, with different segments lighting up separately. The overall headlight design is an evolution of previous lights, and intriguingly, Ducati says the double-C design will be a stylistic feature of all of its upcoming naked models, so we can expect it will be present on future Monster and Streetfighter models.

The taillight also adopts a similar double-C motif, except it is formed from a cluster of multiple LEDs that can illuminate sequentially (while also further alienating the trypophobic). The forward turn signals are integrated into the handlebars ahead of the brake and clutch reservoirs. In markets where they are allowed, the turn signals are dynamic, lighting up in the direction of the signal.

Instead of a tubular steel trellis frame, the Diavel V4 employs a lightweight aluminum monocoque frame fixed to the cylinder head. The rear subframe however still uses  the traditional trellis, and the swingarm remains a single-sided cast aluminum unit. Ducati says the new engine and chassis contribute to an overall weight savings of 28.7 pounds, with the Diavel V4 coming in with a claimed curb weight of 520 pounds.

The Diavel V4 has a slightly shorter wheelbase than the 1260 at 62.7 inches, while the rake and trail are now 26° and 4.4 inches compared to the previous 27° and 4.7 inches.

The seat is 31.1 inches from the ground, which is 0.4 inches taller than the Diavel 1260, and wider than the previous design, providing added support when accelerating. The handlebars are wide and raised, and are now positioned 0.8 inches further back compared to the previous Diavel. Passengers are accommodated with retractable footrests and a telescopic rear grab bar.

The suspension is comprised of a 50mm inverted fork with compression and preload adjustment on the left tube and rebound adjustment on the right, plus a fully-adjustable monoshock with piggyback reservoir. The suspension is similar to the Diavel 1260, with 4.7 inches of travel up front, though the rear now offers 5.7 inches of travel, an extra 0.6 inches than the previous model.

Oddly, Ducati did not announce a Diavel V4 S model with Öhlins suspension like it did with the 1260. We suspect an S model will join the line up next year.

The front brakes consists of dual Brembo Stylema four-piston monoblock calipers and 330 mm discs with a PR16/19 radial brake master cylinder with an integrated aluminum reservoir, while the rear uses a two-piston caliper and 265 mm disc. The five-spoke alloy cast wheels come shod in Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tires.

The Diavel V4 offers three power modes and four ride modes: Sport, Touring, Urban, and a new Wet mode. The ride modes adopt different settings for the power delivery, lean sensitive traction control, cornering ABS, and wheelie control. Cruise control, launch control and an up-and-down quick shift all come standard.

The electronics are managed with a new 5″ TFT dashboard that also offers Bluetooth connectivity. Turn-by-turn navigation is available as an accessory.

The 2023 Ducati Diavel V4 will be offered in two colors: Ducati Red and Thrilling Black. Expect it to arrive in U.S. showrooms in February with pricing starting at $30,795.

2023 Ducati Diavel V4 Specifications
Engine Type	V4 Granturismo, 90° V-Four, 4 valves per cylinder, counter-rotating crankshaft, Twin Pulse firing order, liquid cooled
Displacement	1,158 cc (71 cu in)
Bore x Stroke	83 mm x 53.5 mm
Compression Ratio	14.0:1
Power	168 hp at 10,750 rpm (claimed)
Torque	93 lb-ft. at 7,500 rpm (claimed)
Fuel Injection	Electronic fuel injection system, Øeq 46 mm elliptical throttle bodies with Ride-by-Wire system
Exhaust	Stainless steel exhaust muffler with 4 exit pipes, 2 catalytic converters and 4 lambda probes
Gearbox	6 speed with Ducati Quick Shift up/down
Primary Drive	Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.80:1
Ratio	1=40/13, 2=36/16, 3=34/19, 4=31/21, 5=29/23, 6=27/25
Final Drive	Chain, front sprocket z16, rear sprocket z43
Clutch	Hydraulically controlled slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch
Frame	Aluminum monocoque frame
Front Suspension	Ø 50 mm fully adjustable usd fork; 4.7 inches of travel
Rear Suspension	Fully adjustable monoshock, aluminum single-sided swingarm; 5.7 inches of travel
Front Brake	2 x Ø 330 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Stylema monoblock 4-piston calipers, radial master cylinder PR16/19, Cornering ABS
Rear Brake	Ø 265 mm disc, Brembo 2-piston floating caliper, Cornering ABS
Front Wheel	Light alloy cast, 3,5″ x 17″
Rear Wheel	Light alloy cast, 8,0″ x 17″
Front Tire	Pirelli Diablo Rosso III, 120/70 ZR17
Rear Tire	Pirelli Diablo Rosso III, 240/45 ZR17
Instrumentation	5″ TFT colour display
Dry Weight	465 pounds (claimed)
Kerb Weight	520 pounds (claimed)
Seat Height	790 mm (31.1 in)
Wheelbase	1,593 mm (62.7 in)
Rake	26°
Trail	112 mm (4.4 in)
Fuel Tank Capacity	20 l (5.3 US gal)
Number Of Seats	2
Safety Equipment	Riding Modes, Power Modes, Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Daytime Running Light*, Ducati Brake Light
Standard Equipment	Ducati Quick Shift, Ducati Power Launch, Cruise control, Hands-Free, 5″ TFT colour display, Ducati Multimedia System, Backlit handlebar switches, Full-LED lighting system, Dynamic turn indicators*
Ready For	Turn-by-Turn navigation system
Warranty	24 months, unlimited mileage
Maintenance Service Intervals	15,000 km (9,000 miles) / 24 months
Valve Clearance Adjustment	60,000 km (36,000 miles)
Standard	Euro 5
Co2 Emissions	154 g/km
Consumption	36.8 mpg (claimed)

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