It would have been easier to just change the footpeg position of the Diavel V4, christen it the XDiavel V4 and call it a day. After all, that’s what the new bike essentially is, right? But that’s not the Ducati way of doing things. And hence, the XDiavel is almost an entirely different motorcycle than the Diavel.
The XDiavel is more like a strongman in a tailored suit. The swooping, chiselled 20-litre fuel tank is complemented by clean brushed aluminium-finished tank shrouds that house the indicators. This tank flows into a wider, plusher seat that sits 20 mm lower than the Diavel’s. Even the pillion seat is bigger than that of the Diavel.
The Diavel’s honeycomb-pattern tail-lights looked sinister, so Ducati has swapped it with an elegant horseshoe-style unit. Even the massive 240-section rear wheel is now wrapped around a graceful 10-spoke alloy wheel. Lastly, being a cruiser it features a taller handlebar and forward-set footpegs with the option to get mid-set ’pegs. Ducati has also altered the chassis to make it more cruiser-ish with a relaxed rake and a longer trail.
Being a cruiser also required a unique state of tune for the 1158cc Granturismo V4 engine. It still delivers 168 bhp and 12.8 kgm, but focuses on delivering that torque in the lower end of the rev range. It even deploys a counter-rotating crankshaft that should compensate for the gyroscopic effect of the wheels and aid quick direction changes. It should also enhance front-wheel stability under acceleration.
But, of course, Ducati has a full suite of electronic nannies to keep the XDiavel from doing unholy things. From a quickshifter to launch control, traction control and wheelie control, the XDiavel has it all; and a new 6.9-inch TFT display to toggle through the settings.
The XDiavel V4 isn’t just about stretching out in comfort — it also stretches the limits of performance, design, and, of course, your budget.
