Brawn, muscle and street smarts, together with a saucy dose of Italian attitude, combines to create what can only be described as a power cruiser, in the form of the 2024 Ducati Diavel V4.
Featuring significant upgrades over its predecessor, the new model lands a more useable and performance orientated package, highlighted by the mighty V4 powerplant. It replaces the previous iteration’s 1260cc twin engine.
The 1158cc V4 motor produces a respectable 124kW of power and a healthy 126Nm of torque, with power readily available from the first turn of the wrist, lifting the front wheel with ease in first and second gears.
An updated electronic suite of rider aids feature Ducati’s 6-axis inertial platform (6D IMU), capable of instantly detecting the roll, yaw and pitch angle of the motorcycle. Four riding modes are available, including Sport, Touring, Urban and Wet.
Each mode directly influences available power, throttle response and intervention of the various control systems. Power isn’t the only notable upgrade either, with the Italian Diavel shredding 15kg of heft.
A lighter powertrain and new cast aluminium monocoque chassis decrease weight, along with a suite of lightweight componentry. The Diavel still tips the scales at 223kg plus fuel, but definitely feels much lighter than that when moving at speed.
To complement the weight loss, the unique looking Ducati’s muscular stance is enhanced by a character-enriching quad pipe, which bellows out this machine’s brutal soundtrack. An Akrapovič option can be had if your pockets are deep.
The 2024 Diavel V4 is draped in rich Ducati Red, with a new Black Roadster livery to be available early this year (2025). LED lights feature all round in a package that is like nothing else on the road.
The wheel package for example sees a 120mm wide front and 240mm wide rear wrapped in sticky Pirelli rubber that allows the bike to corner nicely enough, although it isn’t quite as compliant as some of the brand’s other models.
Premium suspension componentry features, with a fully adjustable 50mm Marzocchi fork up front for a firm ride with plenty of feel through the handlebars. At the back, the Diavel sports a fully adjustable single shock.
Stopping power is provided by twin 330mm discs with four piston radial monobloc Brembo Style callipers with cornering ABS at the pointy end. It delivers almost sports bike-like stopping power.
The single 265mm disc with twin-piston Brembo callipers and cornering ABS at the tail does a stand-up job too. From an ergonomic perspective, the Diavel V4 feels more roadster than cruiser.
You find yourself leaning over the fuel tank to the handlebars, while the foot pegs are positioned more like a naked bike. All the controls feel quality and are easy to reach and engage.
The 5.0-inch colour TFT display offers a plethora of options and is reasonably easy to navigate, once you have the hang of it. It’s Bluetooth compatible too. Its rivals include the Triumph Rocket 3, and other bikes from within Ducati’s own stable.
With pricing starting from $44,000 ride away, before you add any accessories or options, it is significantly more expensive than the Multistrada V4 S and only slightly cheaper than the Streetfighter V4.
What it offers in comparison though is a genuinely mean looking street brawler that’s loaded with pedigree and sports bike like performance – which makes for a very unique combination.
It will appeal to riders who are performance oriented but want a bike that stands out from the crowd. The 2024 Diavel V4 is backed by a 2-year unlimited kilometre warranty. You can find out more on the Ducati website or by talking to your local dealership.
Our test bike was supplied by Ducati Motorcycles ANZ for independent review purposes.
