Diavel V4 vs XDiavel V4
The Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati has long been synonymous with performance, passion, and distinctive design. When the brand ventures into the muscle cruiser segment, the results are predictably spectacular—motorcycles that refuse to conform to convention while delivering unmistakable Ducati character. The Diavel V4 and XDiavel V4 represent two different interpretations of what a power cruiser can be, each offering unique approaches to combining cruiser aesthetics with superbike performance.
As we navigate through 2025, both these V4-powered beasts continue to blur the lines between cruisers and sport bikes, offering riders experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. This comprehensive comparison will explore every facet of these Italian masterpieces, helping you determine which Ducati devil deserves a place in your garage and your heart.
Table of Contents
The Ducati Philosophy: Italian Excellence
Diavel V4: The Sport Cruiser Rebel
The Diavel V4 represents Ducati’s bold reimagining of the muscle cruiser concept. When the original Diavel launched, it shocked the motorcycle world by combining cruiser styling with superbike performance and handling. The V4 evolution takes this formula to extraordinary new heights.
This motorcycle refuses to be categorized easily—it’s too powerful and agile to be a traditional cruiser, yet its stance and presence clearly distinguish it from sport bikes. The Diavel V4 is for riders who refuse to choose between performance and presence, demanding both in equal measure.
Ducati has equipped the Diavel V4 with the same Granturismo V4 engine found in their Multistrada, creating a power cruiser that can legitimately challenge sport bikes while maintaining the muscular aesthetic and commanding road presence that defines the segment.
XDiavel V4: The Cruiser Purist’s Choice
The XDiavel V4 takes a different approach, leaning more heavily into traditional cruiser territory while maintaining unmistakable Ducati DNA. It features a more relaxed riding position, forward controls, and proportions that align more closely with classic cruiser expectations.
However, this is still a Ducati, which means the XDiavel refuses to sacrifice performance for style. It’s a motorcycle designed for riders who want cruiser comfort and aesthetics but demand the performance, quality, and technology that only Ducati can deliver.
The XDiavel V4 represents Ducati’s vision of what a modern luxury cruiser should be—combining Italian style, sophisticated technology, and enough performance to remind you that this is, first and foremost, a Ducati.
Design and Presence: Italian Artistry
Diavel V4: Aggressive Muscular Stance
The Diavel V4 is visually stunning with a design that’s simultaneously aggressive and sophisticated. The front end is dominated by the distinctive LED headlight that gives the Diavel its predatory appearance. The muscular fuel tank flows into a sculpted seat, creating a profile that’s pure Italian design excellence.
Every angle reveals thoughtful design details—from the exposed trellis frame to the single-sided swingarm that showcases the rear wheel. The exhaust system is a work of art, with beautifully crafted pipes that contribute significantly to the Diavel’s distinctive character.
The riding position is more upright than a sport bike but far more forward-leaning than traditional cruisers. The wide handlebars provide excellent leverage, while the mid-mounted footpegs allow a riding position that’s both comfortable for cruising and aggressive enough for spirited riding.
At approximately 221 kg wet weight, the Diavel V4 is substantial but not overwhelming. The mass is centralized, making the motorcycle feel lighter and more agile than its specifications suggest. The proportions are perfect—long enough to look imposing, yet compact enough to feel manageable.
Available in multiple color schemes and special editions, the Diavel V4 offers personalization options that allow owners to express their individual style. The build quality is exceptional with attention to detail that justifies the premium pricing.
XDiavel V4: Cruiser Elegance Refined
The XDiavel V4 embraces cruiser proportions more fully with a longer wheelbase, lower seat height, and more relaxed geometry. The design is clean and uncluttered, emphasizing long, flowing lines that create a sophisticated appearance.
The front end features a distinctive LED headlight arrangement that’s different from the Diavel, creating unique visual identity. The fuel tank is more traditionally cruiser-shaped, while the seat is low and accommodating, making the XDiavel accessible to riders of various heights.
The forward-mounted footpegs create the classic cruiser riding triangle, allowing riders to stretch out and enjoy relaxed touring. The handlebar position is more neutral, reducing strain during long-distance riding while maintaining control authority.
Weighing approximately 233 kg wet, the XDiavel is heavier than its sibling, but the weight is carried low, contributing to stability and planted feel. The longer wheelbase enhances straight-line stability, particularly at highway speeds.
The single-sided swingarm is present here too, maintaining visual connection to Ducati’s sport bike heritage. The belt final drive is clean and maintenance-free, adding to the premium ownership experience.
Color options range from sophisticated dark tones to bold statement colors, with special editions offering unique aesthetic treatments. The XDiavel’s finish quality is exceptional, with details that reward close inspection.
Engine Performance: V4 Symphony
Diavel V4: Granturismo Power
The Diavel V4 is powered by Ducati’s Granturismo V4 engine—a 1,158cc masterpiece producing approximately 168 PS at 10,750 rpm and 126 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. These are staggering figures for any motorcycle, let alone one with cruiser styling.
The V4 configuration delivers power with incredible smoothness across the entire rev range. Low-end and mid-range torque is substantial, providing effortless acceleration from virtually any rpm. Yet the engine continues building power enthusiastically to redline, rewarding riders who explore the upper reaches.
The engine note is distinctively Ducati—a mechanical symphony that evolves from a purposeful rumble at idle to an intoxicating howl at high rpm. It’s an aural experience that enhances the emotional connection between rider and machine.
Ducati’s ride-by-wire throttle system offers multiple power modes that dramatically alter the motorcycle’s character. Urban mode tames the beast for city riding, Touring provides smooth progressive power, and Sport unleashes the full fury of 168 horses.
The six-speed transmission is smooth and precise with well-spaced ratios. The quickshifter allows clutchless up and down shifts, adding to the sport bike feel. Gear changes are smooth yet mechanical, maintaining connection to the riding experience.
What makes the Diavel V4 extraordinary is how accessible this performance is. Despite intimidating specifications, the power delivery is manageable and progressive, making it suitable for experienced riders while not being overwhelming for those transitioning from less powerful motorcycles.
XDiavel V4: Torque-Focused Character
The XDiavel V4 shares the same Granturismo V4 engine, but Ducati has tuned it differently to suit the cruiser character. It produces the same peak power figures, but the mapping emphasizes low and mid-range torque delivery rather than top-end screaming.
The result is an engine that feels even more muscular at typical cruising speeds. Roll-on acceleration is devastating, with the XDiavel surging forward with minimal throttle input. This makes highway passing effortless and creates a riding experience that’s both relaxed and exciting.
The engine note is tuned slightly differently with exhaust characteristics that emphasize the V4’s bass notes. It’s still distinctively Ducati but with character that aligns more closely with cruiser expectations—deep, resonant, and satisfying.
Power modes on the XDiavel are calibrated for cruiser riding. They still offer significant variation in character, but even Sport mode prioritizes smooth, accessible power delivery over aggressive throttle response.
The transmission is identical to the Diavel’s, offering the same smoothness and quickshifter functionality. However, most XDiavel riders use the transmission differently, shifting earlier and maintaining lower rpm ranges to maximize the cruiser experience.
Despite producing identical peak power, the XDiavel feels less frantic than the Diavel. The engine encourages relaxed riding while always maintaining reserves of performance for when you want to remind everyone—including yourself—that this is still a Ducati.
Handling and Ride Quality: Dynamic Differences
Diavel V4: Sport Bike Agility
The Diavel V4’s handling capabilities are extraordinary for a motorcycle with cruiser styling. Ducati has equipped it with fully adjustable Marzocchi USD forks and a Sachs rear monoshock, both offering high-quality damping and adjustability.
The Diavel can genuinely be ridden like a sport bike through corners. The geometry, suspension quality, and chassis rigidity allow aggressive lean angles and precise control. Ground clearance is sufficient for enthusiastic riding before footpegs touch down.
Despite its 240mm rear tire, the Diavel turns with surprising ease. The steering is neutral and intuitive, inspiring confidence in corners. The wide handlebars provide excellent leverage for quick direction changes.
The ride quality balances sportiness with comfort. The suspension is firm enough for aggressive riding but compliant enough for all-day touring. It absorbs typical road imperfections without harshness while maintaining control during dynamic riding.
Braking is handled by top-shelf Brembo Stylema calipers gripping dual 330mm discs up front, with a 265mm rear disc. The braking power is exceptional—strong, progressive, and confidence-inspiring. The ABS system is sophisticated with cornering capability.
The Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires provide excellent grip in all conditions. They balance cruiser aesthetics with sport bike performance, offering confidence in corners and stability in straight lines.
XDiavel V4: Cruiser Comfort with Capability
The XDiavel V4’s handling priorities differ, emphasizing stability and comfort over outright agility. The suspension is tuned softer with more compliance, making it ideal for long-distance cruising and typical road conditions.
The longer wheelbase and relaxed geometry create excellent straight-line stability, particularly at highway speeds. The XDiavel tracks predictably and feels planted, reducing fatigue during extended rides.
While not as agile as the Diavel, the XDiavel still handles far better than traditional cruisers. It can be leaned over confidently, and the chassis provides adequate feedback. The wide rear tire contributes to stability and presence.
Ground clearance is adequate for typical cruiser riding, though aggressive cornering will scrape the forward-mounted footpegs before the Diavel’s pegs touch. This is intentional—the XDiavel is designed for relaxed riding rather than track days.
Braking components are identical to the Diavel’s—the same Brembo Stylema calipers and discs. The stopping power is exceptional, though most XDiavel riders use the brakes more conservatively, matching the relaxed riding style.
The ride quality is plush and comfortable, perfect for all-day riding. The suspension absorbs bumps and imperfections gracefully, maintaining comfort for both rider and passenger. The XDiavel excels at eating miles in supreme comfort.
Technology and Electronics: Cutting-Edge Features
Diavel V4: Comprehensive Electronics Suite
The Diavel V4 is packed with Ducati’s latest electronic rider aids, creating a comprehensive safety and performance package. The full-color TFT display is clear, customizable, and provides extensive information.
Riding modes include Urban, Touring, Sport, and a customizable Individual mode. Each mode adjusts power delivery, traction control intervention, ABS settings, and electronic suspension (where equipped).
Cornering ABS uses a six-axis IMU to monitor lean angle, providing sophisticated braking intervention that works even when the motorcycle is leaned over. This represents cutting-edge safety technology.
Ducati Traction Control (DTC) is adjustable across eight levels, allowing riders to customize intervention from aggressive to minimal. The system is sophisticated enough to allow controlled slides while preventing dangerous losses of traction.
Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) prevents excessive front wheel lift, allowing controlled wheelies while preventing dangerous situations. The system can be adjusted or disabled entirely.
Launch Control optimizes acceleration from standstill, managing power and traction for maximum performance. It’s a feature borrowed directly from Ducati’s superbikes.
Cruise control, cornering lights, and smartphone connectivity through the Ducati Link app round out the technology package. The electronics enhance the riding experience without overwhelming riders.
XDiavel V4: Focused Functionality
The XDiavel V4 shares most of the Diavel’s electronic systems but with tuning that prioritizes cruiser riding. The TFT display is identical, offering the same clarity and customization options.
Riding modes are calibrated differently to emphasize smooth power delivery and comfort. Even Sport mode on the XDiavel is less aggressive than the Diavel’s equivalent setting.
The cornering ABS, traction control, and wheelie control systems are present with identical functionality. However, XDiavel riders typically use more conservative settings, matching the relaxed riding style.
Launch Control is available, though it feels slightly incongruous on a cruiser. It’s there for riders who want to explore the XDiavel’s performance potential.
Cruise control is particularly valuable on the XDiavel, given its touring orientation. The system works flawlessly, reducing fatigue during highway miles.
The XDiavel includes all the connectivity and convenience features, making it a thoroughly modern motorcycle despite its cruiser styling.
Price Comparison: Premium Investment
Diavel V4 Pricing
The Ducati Diavel V4 commands premium pricing reflecting its performance, technology, and Italian pedigree. In India, pricing starts from approximately ₹26-28 lakhs (ex-showroom) for the standard variant, with special editions commanding additional premium.
This significant investment buys extraordinary performance, build quality, and exclusivity. The Diavel V4 is relatively rare, making it distinctive and maintaining strong resale values.
XDiavel V4 Pricing
The XDiavel V4 is priced similarly, starting from approximately ₹27-29 lakhs (ex-showroom). The slightly higher pricing reflects the XDiavel’s additional cruiser-specific features and longer wheelbase construction.
Both motorcycles represent serious investments requiring genuine commitment. However, they offer experiences that can’t be replicated by any other manufacturer, justifying the premium for passionate enthusiasts.
The Final Verdict: Choosing Your Devil
Choose the Diavel V4 if:
- You want sport bike performance with cruiser presence
- You prioritize handling and aggressive riding capability
- You prefer more upright, sporty riding position
- You want the most versatile motorcycle
- You plan to ride aggressively on twisty roads
- You value agility and lighter weight
Choose the XDiavel V4 if:
- You want traditional cruiser comfort and ergonomics
- You prioritize long-distance touring capability
- You prefer relaxed, laid-back riding position
- You want maximum straight-line stability
- You appreciate classic cruiser aesthetics
- You value low-seat accessibility
