Not a lot of motorcycles deliver sport bike performance with cruiser-like comfort. Proof of that is how much buzz the future Buell Super-cruiser is causing, precisely for those reasons. But it’s not necessary to wait that long for a bona fide power cruiser, and from an already well-established brand nonetheless. Ducati managed to deliver the full package with the new 2023 Ducati Diavel V4.

Ever since it was released to the market in 2011 the Diavel turned heads everywhere, got good reviews, and won awards. Its Testastretta L-Twin engine was vibration-free and provided a lot of power on tap for a most exhilarating ride. But now new for 2023, Ducati upped the ante with the beautifully designed, monstrous-powered Diavel V4. With other improvements that go beyond a better engine and design, like an aluminum monocoque frame and single-sided swingarm, reducing its weight and improving handling, Ducati can rest assured the new model will carry on the Diavel legacy and be a profitable product for the Italian brand.

RELATED: 2023 Ducati Diavel V4 Redefines Power-Cruising In Stunning Fashion

The Diavel Finally Adopts The Acclaimed Ducati V4 Engine

A side right shot of a 2023 Ducati Diavel V4
Ducati
A side view of a black 2023 Ducati Diavel V4

The 1,158cc V4 engine makes a claimed 168 horsepower @ 10,750 rpm and 93 pound-feet of torque @ 7,500 rpm, and it is so powerful that it can operate as a parallel twin under low-demand scenarios to save some gas and prevent excessive heat from reaching the rider. The V4 engine is named Granturismo by Ducati and was first introduced in the Ducati Multistrada. Now featured on the Diavel, it pushed its performance and riding dynamics even further. The V4 Diavel can easily be singled out by the expertly crafted 4-tip exhaust system that looks stunning and conveys the power of the motorcycle really well.

A close up shot of the 2023 Ducati Diavel V4 exhaust tips
Ducati
A shot of the exhaust tips of the 2023 Ducati Diavel V4

The only real competitor for the Ducati Diavel V4 is so unlike the Diavel you could argue that it currently sits alone in a very specific niche. You can only really pit it against the much larger, and heavier Triumph Rocket 3. The Ducati Diavel V4 is far more sporty. It has an upright, comfortable riding position, a tremendous amount of power and torque from its engine, and a light and nimble chassis, despite it still tipping the scales at 491.6 pounds dry.

RELATED: This 1-in-630 Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini Is Your Ticket to Unlimited Bragging Rights

The Diavel V4 Has A Great Chassis To Go With All That Power

An action shot of a 2023 Ducati Diavel V4 on a corner
Ducati
The 2023 Ducati Diavel V4 leaning on a corner

The front suspension features beefy 50 mm inverted front forks that are fully adjustable while the brakes are powerful Brembo 330 mm dual front discs. Ducati claims the deceleration provided by the Diavel V4’s braking system is similar to that of a sport bike, and that is also obtainable thanks to a refined calibration of the bike’s ABS. When it comes to acceleration, the bike can go from 0-60 MPH in less than 3 seconds.

Ergonomics have been revisited since the last model, the Diavel 1260, for more comfort. The Seat height is low, at 31.1 inches, and foot pegs are positioned in the center, which helps support the weight of the rider, as well as shifting it from side to side in corners and low-speed maneuvers, and the handlebars are high and set closer to the rider. Ducati claims these changes create a riding position that is comfortable while at the same time conveying a feeling of control and confidence to the rider.

RELATED: 10 Reasons Why The Ducati Panigale V4 Is The Best Sport Bike

A Cruiser Equally At Home On The Highway And Blasting Through Canyons

A front 3/4 shot of a red 2023 Ducati Diavel V4 parked

The pillion seat is spacious and well-padded. Its retractable foot pegs and rear grab bar are also hidden while not in use. That, along with the standard supplied pillion seat cover accessory allows the Diavel V4 to be changed from a two-seater to a mean single-seater motorcycle with ease. There are other accessories available from Ducati’s parts catalog that allow for a good level of customization, including enhancing its touring capabilities. Options such as side cases with a storage capacity of 12.7 gallons, a passenger backrest, and a better touring windshield are some of the accessories available.

A driving 2023 Ducati Diavel V4
Ducati
Side view of a 2023 Ducati Diavel V4 leaning on a left corner

The Ducati Diavel V4 is a premium motorcycle that comes with all the expected electronics a bike like this should have to help riders safely explore the V4's capabilities. There are four Power Modes to choose from ranging from: wet, urban, touring, and sport. These adapt not only the power delivery but also parameters from the traction control system and ABS, which, by the way, are lean-angle sensitive. The bike also features cruise, and launch control and an up-and-down quick-shifter.

Starting MSRP for the Diavel V4 is $26,695 in Ducati Red or $26,995 for Thrilling Black. It’s an expensive bike and that will surely limit its sales, but for those who can afford one, its exhilarating performance, ease of use and exclusivity might just make it one of the best motorcycles available in this price range.