When it comes to motorcycles, at least one of two primary elements holds us in their thrall. For some, it’s the performance, that exhilarating sense of acceleration and the connection it forges between the rider and the road. For others, it’s the design, which acts as a potent expression of the rider’s own style, aligning with their unique sense of self and making an emphatic statement to others. Some of us have a particular affinity for one or the other of these factors, but for most, it’s an intoxicating combination of the two that makes motorcycles an irresistible proposition.
If there’s one example that sees these elements come together to supreme effect, it’s the Ducati Diavel V4. A unique blend of muscularity and sportiness that’s both bold and elegant, its design offers an undeniable spark of personality matched only by the astonishing performance of its V4 Granturismo engine. A head-turning beast of a machine, Ducati’s winning formula combines power and panache to create a ride that’s as compelling as they come. Let’s take a closer look.
Award-Winning Design
The Ducati Diavel V4 is a thing to behold, but don’t just take our word for it. This motorcycle has been the recipient of numerous design awards, including the prestigious “Best of the Best” Award in the 2024 Red Dot Awards Product Design category. Plus, it received the Good Design Award, courtesy of the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, and also secured a Special Mention in the Excellent Product Design at the German Design Awards 2024.
Even at a glance, it’s not hard to see why this is the case. The Diavel aesthetic has always been a cut above, but the V4’s update elevates things even further. It takes the Diavel’s signature lines and enhances them by replicating the proportions of a lean, athletic physique — almost like the V4 has been putting in time at the gym.
From the front view, it serves up broad shoulders that taper to a slim waistline with the sporty V-shaped tip. We’re also big fans of the LED headlamps, while the rear-light cluster consists of a matrix of punctiform LEDs positioned under the tail. This almost insect-esque aesthetic is reminiscent of a wasp nest, which adds to the bike’s wonderfully aggressive look. Building on this further is the muscular appearance of the bike’s larger 20-litre fuel tank, the prominent quad exhaust, and the signature 240/45 section rear tyre, which adds the perfect finishing touch to the bike’s delightfully menacing stance.
What’s more, the Diavel V4 is surprisingly light, thanks in part to a chassis boasting a monocoque frame and single-sided swingarm, both constructed from aluminium. Combined with the reduced weight of the V4 Granturismo—more on that in a moment—this sees Ducati’s latest weigh-in with a kerb weight without fuel of just 223 kg, giving it a spryness that can’t be denied.
Spine-Tingling Performance
While the Diavel has always offered an adrenaline-inducing riding experience, the V4 Granturismo’s 1,158 cc motor generates even more power, delivering 168 hp and 126 Nm of torque. According to Ducati, the engine has been designed to improve performance, dynamics, and riding enjoyment by using a counter-rotating crankshaft, which reduces the gyroscopic effect while further increasing the bike’s agility.
The engine has been tuned to be laden with torque even at very low speeds—a very welcome addition—and it offers three power levels and four riding modes to choose from. These modes include Sport, Touring, Urban, and the new Wet mode, which delivers increased traction in slippery conditions.
The new V4 as been designed to go further with additions that include the new motor requiring less servicing—with an unmatched valve clearance check every 60,000 km and a scheduled oil change every 15,000 km or two years—and the Extended Deactivation System. This shuts off the V4’s rear bank when the vehicle is stationary and while riding at low speeds, reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and heat, the last of which delivers more comfort for the rider.
Finally, sound has always been an integral part of the motorcycle experience, and the V4’s audio offering perfectly reflects its high-performance pedigree. Ducati claims the bike’s Twin Pulse firing order and dedicated exhaust system were developed with the sound element very much front of mind. The aforementioned Extended Deactivation System for the rear cylinders allows the engine to operate as a twin-cylinder or four-cylinder, generating a change in the exhaust’s tone as it switches from one mode to the other: a deeper sound when only the two front cylinders are activated and thrilling higher frequencies when all four are operating.
A Complete Adrenaline Package
Ducati designed the Diavel V4 to deliver the ultimate riding experience and has undoubtedly fulfilled its ambitions. Combining looks and performance, all soundtracked by a sonic offering that truly sings, it’s a definitive riding experience. While the Italian brand can always be relied upon to deliver the goods, this incarnation of the Diavel goes even further, acting as a potent reminder as to why so many of us fall in love with motorcycles in the first place.
