WHEN DUCATI INTRODUCED ITS FIRST DIAVEL IN 2011, THE GOAL WAS CLEAR: TO DELIVER A CLASSIC CRUISER EXPERIENCE WITH A LUXURY TWIST. THE LATEST DIAVEL RELEASE, THE XDIAVEL V4, REVAMPS THE ICON, PAIRING IT FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH A V4 GRANTURISMO ENGINE
BY ERIK SCHONING
The XDiavel is Ducati’s ultimate cruiser, featuring a longer wheelbase and lower profile than the standard Diavel. That V4, derived from the Desmosedici Stradale, the crown jewel of Ducati’s supersport bikes, brings that same high-end performance and beef into a more versatile package. The 168-horsepower V4 engine performs exceptionally well at lower RPMs, in keeping with the cruiser influence; this is a choose-your-own adventure kind of motorcycle, capable of toggling between relaxed, Sunday morning sauntering and face-melting adventure at a moment’s notice.
The XDiavel took a year off in 2024, and it shows. Every feature of the motorcycle has been overhauled. The steel frame has been replaced with an aluminum monocoque frame, a nod to lightweight, high-performance motor cycles. Despite its hard-edged, muscle car-inspired look, the 2025 XDiavel V4 is deeply invested in rider comfort: the classic, spoon-shaped cruiser seat is given extra padding and the riding position is relaxed, thanks to widened and lowered handlebars. Ducati also paid special attention to the XDiavel V4’s suspension, bringing back the fully adjustable 50mm fork from previous models and boasting an improved (thus smoother) wheel travel of 5.7 inches. Borrowing from Grand Prix racing prototypes developed by Ducati, the crankshaft is counter rotating, meaning that it rotates in the opposite direction to the wheels: this maximizes handling and agility through changes in direction.
In the cockpit, Ducati has overhauled the XDiavel V4’s TFT color display, expanding it to 6.9 inches and integrat ing it into the forged body of the handlebar. Optical bonding technology has also been included to provide greater visibility in all lighting conditions. Ducati has long been on the forefront of electronics in motorcycles, a pedigree that’s evident when considering the electronic suite on the XDiavel V4, which brings back four riding and three power modes, plus a six-axis inertial measurement unit, allowing riders to keep abreast of cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, power launch, up-and-down quickshifter, and cruise control.
Despite its souped-up engine, the overall visual impression of the XDiavel V4 is slimmer and sleeker than previous models. This motorcycle is all about the details: the double-C designed front LED headlight with integrated turn signals, five-spoked wheels, two available iridescent colorways, Black Lava and Burning Red, each eye-catching in its own way. If the hallmark of a cruiser is easy riding that’s built for the long haul, the XDiavel V4 is proof that comfort need not come at the expense of style.
Ducati