REINVIGORATED POWER-CRUISER

V4 power and sophisticated rider aids, wrapped in Italian styling: Ducati has reintroduced the XDiavel, utilising technology and components from the standard Diavel, as well as fresh, muscular new bodywork and styling. We travelled to the south of France to test-ride the new V4 XDiavel, which has more power than the outgoing 1260 model, is lighter, and laden with state-of-the-art technology

- Adam Child 'Chad

BACK IN FEBRUARY 2023, Ducati revealed the then-new Diavel V4.

It was a big move for the Italian manufacturer as it ditched the bike’s V-twin power plant in favour of the new Granturismo V4. That was not the only shakeup, either. There was a new chassis, now a monocoque design, uprated Brembo Stylema racing brakes, and, as you would expect of Ducati, superbike levels of electronic rider aids. Faster, more nimble, and responsive than before, Ducati’s sports cruiser was morphing into a full-on naked street bike.

While all eyes turned to the new Diavel, the XDiavel, essentially a feet-forward cruiser sibling of the Diavel, slipped into the background somewhat.

Is there anywhere better to ride a cruiser than the south of France? From Cannes to Nice to Monaco, the jaw-dropping coastline is littered with millionaire pads and celebrities looking to show off their trappings of success. And in the hills above the coast, the wonderful and winding Route De Napoleon awaits.

In short, the new XDiavel V4 is in its perfect surroundings. Totally at home. Ducati does not generally make ugly bikes, and it looks right at home among the beautiful people. It is immaculately styled and detailed, oozes muscle as well as class, and, in the way it sits lightly on its wheels, is unmistakably a Ducati. The only problem is that all that beauty and desirability comes at a price: £25,995 (Rs 30.67 lakh) in the United Kingdom. Cruisers are expensive, but even Triumph’s ginormous Rocket 3 is cheaper, while the competition from the United States of America in the shape of Harley-Davidson and Indian is cheaper, even if you add a few extras.