2025 Ducati XDiavel V4 First Look

The percentage of non-desmo-powered models in the Ducati inventory increases, slowly but steadily. The natural question that storms the hearts of the hardcore Ducatisti is: Will Ducati ever abandon the historical symbol of its supreme mechanical finesse? The answer is “no way,” in the desmodromic distribution is an essential story of Borgo Panigale. Together with the V-4 Panigale, the V-2 Testastretta with keep the Ducati desmo flag flying for many more years since it has been constantly refined in terms of thermodynamic efficiency to respond to the ever tighter exhaust emission standards while keeping its performance at the top of its displacement class. But times are changing.

The market has become more sensible to pricing and to value-for-money, responding very positively to a new generation of attractive mid-displacement twins that appear accessible, easy to ride, and easier to live with while offering performance. In this, Ducati’s 1,158cc Granturismo V4 debuted in 2020, replacing desmo for traditional springs and finger-follower valve actuation. In 2022, the Diavel V4 joined the Multistrada V4 as Ducati’s Granturismo-powered models. However the XDiavel 1260 S continued with the desmo Testastretta V2. Now, Ducati has given the XDiavel the Granturismo treatment.

The Diavel line is unique in styling and in its vocation—impressive cruisers that go beyond the natural standards of its class by matching powerful engines with very refined chassis settings that make them some of the hottest-performing cruisers in production. The adoption of the Granturismo V4 on the XDiavel V4 delivers a radically evolved bike that not only was more powerful with plenty of torque over a vast range of revs, but is also 13 pounds lighter, for a more spirited ride.

The XDiavel V4 is the more cruiserlike of the Diavels, with forward controls and long, lower lines. But make no mistake, it’s a light-to-bruiser with a 3-second 0–60 mph time.

The 1,158cc Granturismo V4 is compact and light, and it features a MotoGP-derived counterrotating crankshaft that takes some of the gyro effect off the front wheel, for a more agile and more responsive front end. At low speed in traffic, the rear cylinders can be switched off for reduced emissions and smoother ride. The Granturismo V4 here delivers claimed 168 hp at 10,750 rpm with 93 lb.-ft. peak torque at 7,500 rpm. More than 80% of that torque is available before 4,000 rpm. The performance qualities of the V-4 Granturismo are associated with very solid reliability and low maintenance costs that are much lower than those of the Panigale V4. Here, the valve clearance check interval is up to 38,000 miles and the adjustment operation is as simple as on a Chevy V-8. And this counts more than the lack of the desmo magic to the typical customer of a cruiser bike.

The Granturismo V4 is mated to an aluminum monocoque frame and that contributes to bringing the curb weight down to a claimed 505 pounds. Seat height is low at just 30.3 inches for an easy reach to the pavement. The seat has been redesigned and equipped with a new padding that offers superior comfort over the long hauls.

Just as new and impressive is the exhaust system featuring a massive resonator with four massive exits that make the mighty V-4 growl aggressively even at low rpm. The chassis now features a 50mm upside-down fork, while at the rear the massive aluminum single-side swingarm cooperates with a cantilever monoshock. Both suspension units are fully adjustable.

Given the power and the weight, braking is handled by twin 330mm Brembo rotors with Stylema four-piston calipers at the front and a 265mm disc with a twin-piston Brembo caliper at the rear. The five-spoke star-shaped wheels are elegant and the rear is very impressive, shod by that 240/45-17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tire.

Ducati invested a lot in the lighting equipment, all LED technology and very powerful for safe night riding. New is the 6.9-inch TFT dashboard that integrates Bluetooth for the infotainment system. The electronic suite is top class in the best Ducati tradition and offers a selection of three power modes and four riding modes. A six-axis inertial measurement unit manages all electronics systems that include: cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, Power Launch, up-and-down quickshifter, and cruise control.

The 2025 XDiavel V4 looks sleeker than the previous editions and deserves the official definition of sport-cruiser and comes in two attractive colors: Burning Red and Black Lava. Pricing starts at $28,995. Summer 2025 is slated for the XDiavels arrival.