A Cruiser That Scraps the Rulebook
Roll the Ducati XDiavel V4 onto any boulevard—from Tokyo’s neon arteries to the switchbacks above Lake Como—and watch the usual cruiser clichés scatter like startled pigeons. This machine doesn’t rumble politely; it stalks the asphalt with a low-slung silhouette, a teardrop tank that could pass for modern sculpture, and twin color schemes—Burning Red or Black Lava—that shimmer like hot magma under streetlights. At $28,995, you’re not buying a bike; you’re commissioning a public spectacle.
Design: Elegance in Heavy Metal
Every line on the Ducati XDiavel V4 feels carved by wind tunnel rebellion. The cast-aluminum tail floats above a 240 mm Pirelli, while star-spoke wheels nod to Detroit muscle without the chrome nostalgia. Out back, a four-exit exhaust stares traffic in the face, its Twin-Pulse soundtrack switching from deep bass to snarling tenor the instant throttle meets intent. Up front, the double-C LED DRL slices through darkness, bookended by turn-signal blades that glow like molten steel.
Heart of the Beast: V4 Granturismo
Under the sculpted shell lives the 1,158 cc V4 Granturismo—168 hp and 93 lb-ft of torque served without turbulence. A counter-rotating crankshaft flips physics on its head, trimming wheelies and sharpening direction changes. Quick Shift 2.0—lifted straight from the Panigale—lets you hunt apexes clutch-free, while rear-bank cylinder deactivation saves fuel when you’re idling at a red light in Rio. Ducati even stretched maintenance intervals to 9,000 miles for oil and 36,000 miles for valve checks, so the road stays open longer.
Cruiser Comfort, Sport-Bike Soul
Forward foot-pegs, a generous 30.3-inch seat height, and a handlebar drawn closer to the rider craft a lounge-chair posture—yet the Ducati XDiavel V4 sheds 13 pounds versus its predecessor and punches through hairpins with disarming ease. A fully adjustable 50 mm fork and reservoir shock deliver 4.7 and 5.7 inches of travel, smoothing potholes from Manhattan to Manila. Brembo Stylema calipers clamp twin 330 mm discs, ensuring the scenery stops when you decide—not a heartbeat later.
Tech That Vanishes Beneath the Experience
A 6.9-inch bonded-glass TFT keeps vital stats crisp under desert glare or monsoon gloom. Four Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet) pair with three Power Modes to match mood and weather, while cornering ABS, traction, and wheelie control work backstage like loyal roadies. Hands-Free ignition, Bluetooth calls and playlists, plus optional turn-by-turn navigation mean the cockpit feels more starship than saddle.
Tailor Your Legend
Whether you bolt on the Akrapovič titanium racing exhaust, STM dry clutch, and single-seat tail for the Power Boastpersona, or fit semi-rigid cases, comfort seats, and backrest for the Open Road vibe, the Ducati XDiavel V4 morphs to suit the narrative you plan to write across continents.
Final Word
Some bikes help you blend in; the Ducati XDiavel V4 makes anonymity impossible. It’s a passport to the unfiltered edges of the map—part muscle car, part grand-touring missile, all wrapped in unmistakable Italian audacity. If your idea of freedom involves skyscrapers one day and salt-flat horizons the next, park the usual cruiser brochures. Point your compass at the Ducati XDiavel V4 and awaken that revelation for yourself.
Pros
- Electrifying V4 Granturismo engine (168 hp, 93 lb-ft) delivers superbike thrust with cruiser smoothness, aided by a counter-rotating crankshaft that tames wheelies and sharpens direction changes.
- Versatile ergonomics—forward foot-pegs, a generously cushioned 30.3-inch seat, and closer handlebars—blend laid-back comfort with confident control, while optional mid-controls let aggressive riders dial in a sportier stance.
- Fully adjustable 50 mm USD fork and reservoir rear shock provide 4.7 in/5.7 in of travel, granting surprising composure over broken pavement and long-haul comfort for rider and passenger alike.
- Brembo Stylema braking system (dual 330 mm front discs) supplies fade-free stopping power that matches the engine’s ferocity.
- Advanced electronics suite—four Riding Modes, three Power Modes, cornering ABS, traction and wheelie control, cruise control, and Hands-Free ignition—lets you tailor performance to weather, mood, or traffic with a thumb tap.
- 6.9-inch bonded-glass TFT display remains crystal-clear in any light and integrates Bluetooth calls, music, and optional turn-by-turn navigation for a cockpit that feels more jet than bike.
- Distinctive design language—teardrop tank, star-spoke wheels, and quad-exit exhaust—ensures instant curb appeal, especially in exclusive Burning Red or Black Lava.
- Long 9,000-mile oil-change and 36,000-mile valve-check intervals reduce running costs compared with many high-performance rivals.
- Modular accessory catalog (Power Boast and Open Road configurations) makes it easy to swing between track-leaning showpiece and touring workhorse without sacrificing factory fit or warranty.
Cons
- $28,995 base price—before accessories—pushes it into luxury-toy territory, limiting accessibility.
- 505 lb wet weight is lighter than its predecessor yet still noticeable during slow-speed maneuvers or tight parking-lot turns.
- Fuel economy suffers when all four cylinders fire in anger; even with rear-bank deactivation, riders chasing range may find the tank drains quickly.
- Pirelli Diablo Rosso III 240 mm rear tire looks spectacular but is costly to replace and can tramline on grooved pavement.
- Quad-exit exhaust and Twin-Pulse firing order create a signature soundtrack that some urban jurisdictions—and early-morning neighbors—might consider too loud even in stock form.
- Limited wind protection at highway speeds means sustained high-velocity touring demands an aftermarket screen or a strong neck.
Verdict
The Ducati XDiavel V4 rewrites the cruiser playbook by welding Italian sport-bike ferocity to lounge-chair ergonomics and a design language that stops pedestrians mid-stride. It rewards the rider with explosive power, sophisticated electronics, and comfort that lasts from dawn blast to dusk cruise, all while turning every fuel stop into a photo op. High buy-in, hefty mass, and thirsty habits remain, but if you crave a motorcycle that blurs muscle-car swagger with grand-touring finesse—and you’re willing to pay for the privilege—the XDiavel V4 stands at the fiery intersection of style, speed, and sheer road-owning presence.
From $28,995
If the Ducati XDiavel V4 is out of reach or you’re looking for a sport cruiser that blends classic attitude with modern sensibility—at a price that leaves plenty of gas money—take a hard look at the 2025 Harley-Davidson Nightster. Priced under $10,000 for the Billiard Gray model, the Nightster delivers that unmistakable Harley silhouette, now sharpened with a liquid-cooled Revolution Max 975T engine kicking out a lively 91 horsepower and 72 ft-lbs of torque. Its approachable 27.1-inch seat height and manageable 481-pound running weight make it an inviting choice for newer riders and seasoned urban explorers alike, while three selectable ride modes, ABS, and traction control ensure the tech matches the muscle. If you crave open-road freedom, classic lines, and want a brand-new Harley experience without breaking the bank, the Nightster stands ready to surprise—offering genuine sport cruiser excitement at a price that’s hard to beat.
