Ducati Diavel 1260 vs V4: Which Is Better?! 

An almost side by side comparison is cool. 99.9% of us live in a place where there are speed limits and laws of the streets, so may as well go for the charm and looks of the older model.

I own an Xdiavel 1260, an absolutely amazing bike. I went for it because at my age my knees just don't bend the way they used to. I still wanted to power and performance and it was by far the best one I tried in that riding position. I just test rode a new version. TBH I found the engine to be too smooth, it's lost a lot of the 1260 caricature. I love the rumble of that L-Twin. I won't be exchanging mine. Also own a very old Rocket 111 as well, I call them scalpel and sledge hammer.

It is important to note that the Ducati Diavel 1260 is a COMPLETELY different bike than the Ducati X Diavel. The Diavel 1260 is more akin to a Yamaha VMax or Honda VFR 1200 (yes i know their both shaft drive) but the X Diavel truly is a magnificent class to its own.

The XDiavel is a total different experience than the Diavel 1260. Not only foot pegs position is different but handle bars, absence of a quick shifter and so much more. A fairer comparison would have been a Diavel 1260s vs Diavel V4.

Always wanted a Diavel & the moment the V4 debuted I immediately went out and bought the XDiavel S. Also once the V4 came out the XD are now becoming rarer to find. For me its the aesthetics! The XDS looks so sexy and elegant. The V4 looks cartoonish/anime-ish to me. Foot position wise I bought centre pegs which literally turned it into a Diavel with nicer aesthetics so felt more confident leaning in the twisties. If I feel like I am in a “cruising season” I can always get the old forward foot controls reinstalled. Literally 2 in 1. XDiavel all the way!Great review by the way! Loved how you transitioned from where you were to Dubai like its around the corner 😂

Probably one of the best videos I've seen on the channel! Also I liked how both the models were pitted against each other, objectively. Good stuff.

The 1260 Diavels were special machines. I’m holding on to mine. After seeing the specs on the V4 Diavel, I picked up a V4S Streetfighter. It’s a better platform for that engine, and you get the real V4. Now my garage is complete.

I think V4 looks fantastic, but the price is just outrageous! So the V2 might actually be better to buy for the same experience!

I am quite happy with my Diavel 1260S and think is not worth the change now 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

My perfect motorcycle garage - BMW 1250 GSA, Honda Goldwing DCT, and a Ducati Diavel V4

2m 51s I have spotted a spider on the front suspension ;-) Very good review btw, MOTOBOB !!!

I own a regular V2 and while the engine is probably smoother the biggest down side of the bike hasn't been sorted - the lean angle and suspension. Mine is now upgraded with Öhlins suspension and lifted the rear to gain about 6 cm more ground clearance.

I am still confused wasn’t able to decipher which one you were referring too, but impressed with them both! Wish I could say this was helpful because I do like them but other then price I was hoping to be able to make a better decision after watching your video😢

I had a 2015 Diavel for a few years and enjoyed the ride, short or long distance. I really like the look of the 1260 but the V4 has a few different aspects that are really cool as well. Haven't rode the 1260 yet but would like to as well as enjoy a stroll with the V4.

Thanks for this thorough inside into the new Diavel v4! I would absolutely love to have this bike!! I just think the price is way to much and to think about the cost of maintenance steers me away form actually springing for one. I'll still visit the showrooms and idolize her! I lived in Abu Dhabi for a while and miss those well-built and well-maintained highways they have. The only problem is the mobile speed cameras that actually got me a couple of times and cost me BIG money!

So just .... adjectives. Out of an expanded press release. Wow that's so really helpful.

I had a XDiavel S, that was an awesome bike.The 1260 has got more bottom end grunt than that new v4, if I wanted a sporty ride I'd get a naked rather than a V4 Diavel.

Wouldn't the regular 2020+ Diavel (vs xDiavel) be a closer comparison especially with the seating position?

Hey Bob You cannot compare the Diavel with an X Diavel they are two different bikes...🤔 made for different riders ; get it right brother.

I’ve already put down a deposit on the new v4, so not scared of the price. Considering i’am coming out of a Harley Breakout,which with options cost the same or more. I’am all about the tech,power and handling! Can’t wait for April to get here!

I bought my 2023 Ducati Diavel V4 in March of 2023. I have ridden It over 12,000 miles so far and I love it. The only change I made is I installed the Termignoni Dragster exhaust and up map. Now it also sounds like a Mega Monster. Slow Rider Ducati out.

I have had my xdiavel S for 3 yrs now and still looks in showroom condition I love just looking at it and the quality . Although I have had my fair share of problems with it! It's a 2016 now and cannot see me changing it as the 2022 models still look the same. I just cannot find another bike that can do it all like this one.

I have to say....the V4 doesn't look that premium when looking at the engine. Something probably Ducati will improve with future iterations. The Black V2 looks like the bike Darth Vader would ride...looks amazing. As is, although I love red, I'd go for the V2 without any reservations. But for me from the get go, the Diavel models were always jaw-dropping!

The styling of that new bike is proper badass. Where's the cabin version 😍

I love the “super naked muscle cruiser type thing” description 😂

I’m looking forward to seeing what the aftermarket can do to open up that V4 sound.

Can we change the handle bar into straight bar, after market,?

The XDiavel 1260 V2 is the way to go! Hopefully they keep it in the line-up! The new V4 model looks kinda weird in my eyes.... The abandonment of the iconic trellis steel frame makes no sense on this bike.

Between the 2023 Honda Goldwing DCT(the one without the top case) and the 2023 Ducati V4 which one do you guys think looks better? I think Ducati V4 is much better looking, I actually think it's the best-looking Ducati so far. I used to like the x Diavel and V2 but now I think the red and black V4 is their best looking bike plus I like all the high tech stuff.

V2 has more low down torque and probably less engine related hassles… but the aluminium frame is such an awesome feature, people tend to underestimate it

Something about my Xdiavel S I still love my 2018 I can’t let it go yet for this. I’ll stick to the looks and style and V twin of the Xdiavel S for me.

Comparing the X Diavel S to the V4 isn’t really a 1:1. The X Diavel S foot positioning is forward and is belt driven. V4 is the mid engine position. Huge difference in my experience. Personally, not a fan of the V4 in the platform. However, jealous you got to ride one. Safe Travels 🤙🏽

I'd go for the 1260. I don't find gadgets on a bike useful at all. I got my phone mounted on my handlebar which gives me navigation info, time, weather but mostly I'll just look at the speedometer, taco and the fuel gauge. I'd love some bluetooth control for my phone on the handlebar though. A button to receive and end calls, and music controls. What I prefer a high tech helmet instead of a high tech bike and controls for that helmet should be on the handlebar. Safety features like ABS and traction control are okay but you shouldn't need a big display and menus inside menus to control all that. I love the BMW R18s implementation. A tiny old LCD shows you the riding modes, Rock and Roll and that's it. No complicated colorful menus to distract you from your ride.

How do you like the ls2 challenger helmet?

Diavel or Multistrada, the answer is the same for me - 1260S over the V4. I fell in love with Ducati because of the L-Twin engines, currently own one of the last models of Monster with the air-cooled 2-Valve engines, so that's were I'm staying.

I just sold a 2016 XDS and is a great bike but not too much for long rides IMO. Thanks

I would like to know if is there big differences when riding on rainy conditions, since I live on a rainy environment . I’ve seen the V4 has rain mode. Id a HD night road special and it could be a real danger to ride in those rainy days. 💀💀

Both models in my opinion are pure cruisers because of rake angle and 240 rear tyre but I hope new v4 doesn’t have engine vibration of v2 😊 I also heard that Ducati won’t produce S model to keep weight savings as low as possible. With Acrapovich exhaust the weight can be reduced to 200 kg and plus 14 HP, also carbon fibre wheels can reduce it even more 😊 but all this stuff is £££.

XD I noticed all the edits. Good job. Both are lovely bikes. Whatever fits the wallet :D

Nice video! Think you made a mistake when talking about the weight of the V4. Text said 211 kg dry, you said 223

Given the choice, I’d round up one of the 1260’s Better power-band, steel trellis frame and most certainly, the cost Cheers

I wish you could see more of the V4 engine

1260 S all day. This bike is so sexy with an attitude!!2023 can't wait to get one asap...Ducati ❤

Older model looks better✌🏽

Wish I could have the Bentley edition 🏆 V4 is the one I’d pick. For me, just looks better. That new tail light is awesome as well

hey man, what about the V4 heat? is it an oven like the panegali or did they fix that

So does the xdiavel comes with a v4 engine

Great review as usual. Over-priced, over powered bikes. Not for me, but from the two, I preferred the V2

what, no sounds from V2, or did I just miss them on FF?

Can a person who is 5.3 feet tall reach the flat-feet ground level on ducati xdiavel s?

A power cruiser still needs bottom end torque which you usually get with a V twin.

Well, I have a first gen Diavel, and a 22 V4s! While I’m in love with my Panigale, I couldn’t love without my Diavel! If there’s a gun to my head, and I had to choose, (honestly just pull the trigger) The Diavel makes the most sense, easy to ride got saddled bags, and has enough power to keep up, or smoke most Things, in comfort

Thanks man

Always really liked the looks of the V2, but it would be the V4 that would temp me over from my Panigale.

The “equivalent” Harley is the Sportster S and this doesn’t have double the power.

i've owned my Ducati XDiavel S for almost 3 years now and love it. So, every time the reviewer calling it a Diavel 1260, I got annoyed. I am more annoyed that those responding that actually own a 1260 that didn't actually notice the difference. To the reviewer, I understand you do a lot to present this material. To the owners that actually own a Ducati Diavel bike..... I'm disappointed in you.

I'm not a Diavel guy, but I'm not sure why I would buy this instead of just getting the SFV4. Maybe the Diavel will go away like the Monster 1200 ...

I was stuck between these 2 bikes and the Triumph Rocket 3 for my first bike. Think I'll go for the Rocket

So it’s official, Ducati is dropping the trellis frame across the entire range. Ferrari did the same thing with the round rear lights, why would a company drop their defining feature? I think both decisions or a mistake.

V4 for me. Could attach some fake trellis frame panels to the top of the V4 - that's all I miss. V4 is red(vip),mid controls,mega brakes,power to weight ratio,better seat. You should put it up against a Tesla, Rocket 3 for a drag race.

Cruiser? V twin or big triumph P twin for me

A shame you haven’t tried the 1260S as it’s a lot sportier than the XD, complete with Ohlins, and a better comparison to the new V4 Rob 🤔 I do like the look of the XDiavel but my favourite was the Gen1 carbon, hooligan, raw 😎

On the 3 reason i would pick the maintenance, on the new its every 60k km

Both bikes are beautiful… but the V4 is just sublime.

Not a fan of the styling. Some of the older V2’s look good though.

V4 pluses - smoother V2 pluses - better looking, less plastic, less electronic nonsense like cylinder shutoff, same performance, 50% cheaper for low mileage used. I’ll keep my dark stealth XDiavel.

Aye , great , did superbike factory not have a 1260 !! The obvious bike to compere it too, not a diavelx, I’m a bid diavel fan owning a gen 1 and a gen 3, personally I wouldn’t want a diavelx! 🏍🏍👍👍

Compare to vmax 1700?

You can not compare the Xdiavel to a normal diavel. You Should take the normal 1260s DIAVEL…

Checked the v4 out today - waited for it but probably gonna try to find a black steel now. Main reason is looks - money wise the same - engine and seating positing is better on the v4 - but the looks man - I d be kinda ashamed when riding through town. It lost its „damn wow“ factor sorta

Picked up my V4 Diavel on Saturday. 40 miles in and I’m done with it. I’ve had a Gen 1 Diavel, X Diavel S, and a Gen 2 Diavel. I loved all three of them but this V4 is such a different bike they should have given it a different name. I’m so disappointed that I’d rather take the financial hit than keep it. I’ve had so many Ducatis and even rode their WSB bike a few years ago but this engine has no soul, feels no different to a bland Japanese sports tourer. And the lack of torque and low end power means you have to be in exactly the right gear or you’re almost stalling as you exit a roundabout.

V4 looks, power delivery

I would buy the new v4 model. As a former Ducati Monster owner, the maintenance was a killer. A valve adjustment should not cost $1,000. The new Diavel has a 36,000 KM service interval.

O comparativo deveria ser entre diavel 1260s x diavel v4.

Creio que a Ducati deveria atualizar a xdiavel, e com o motor v4

I own a XDiavel S. Not the best comparison in this video as XDiavel is a 1262. Diavel a totally different bike and has the 1260 and that is what’s updated. Hope XDiavel is next to be updated and keep the L twin but maybe in 1299 platform. I’m sure Euro emissions won’t let it but I can dream! My SFV4 decked out in carbon doesn’t get nearly the looks my XDiavel gets unless we are talking other riders.

The new Diavel V4 seems like a great bike, but I just dont get what Ducati are trying to do here, Its certainly not a cruiser in my mind, whereas the xdiavel to me is a cruiser with performance! So now Ducati have a street muscle bike in the Diavel V4 format, and a street naked in the Streetfighter V4 format - not much of a difference if you ask me. Hope they still keep making the XDiavel.....

I prefer the v twin way more which has more than enough power,plus it just looks better

I much prefer the 1260! 👍👍

I preferred the 1260 to the V4 in looks and sound. The newer bike doesn’t look like a cruiser. If I were going to get a V4 I’d have the Streetfighter. Much better looking and sportier.

The Monster then this. These 2 bikes really seem like they are going the wrong direction. For my money, both models went from would own to would not own. I like Ducatis with a Ducati style not additional plastic while trying to convince me the bikes are better on paper. Is there a new design team at Ducati?

The new one looks nice in standard Duc red. Would have liked to seen you sit on both of them to see the difference in riding position. W/O any wind protection, I can't see the use of so much power. Even with wind protection, it'd be overkill to the extreme. Be more appealing to me with a smaller, lighter power plant and regular size tires. Comparing these to a HD is like comparing a Ferrari to an SUV. The Ferrari is way faster, but you're never going to be in a position to utilize the power w/o blowing off the thing. My Road King will happily run down the freeway at 90 mph all day long with my wife and a weeks worth of luggage in comfort behind a windscreen. I suppose if you can afford something like this it may not matter, but another thing reviewers typically overlook is the maintenance. You should check the manual to see what 25k miles or so will cost you on the Ducs. Not that these bikes will probably ever see that mileage, but many HDs do and their only costs are oil & tires.

Always been intrigued by your content. But this time I am Quite surprised that you got the bike wrong , completely. This is Xdiavel not a diavel. This comparison would be so wrong .

The 1260 is the better looking bike. I'm sure Ducati will add some more billet details to the V4 to punch it up. I'd pick the V4 for the lower weight and updated tech.

I have a 2019 X Diavel S as well as a2022 Rocket 3. I am sorely tempted by the new V4 but I must say there is nothing like the feel of that torquey 1260 V twin! I find the X to be an absolute pleasure to ride and I'll take the looks of it over the new V4 any time. The 29" seat height and the forward controls just add to the blast the X is!

the V4 Diavel looks like a decepticon

There not like for like bikes, the diavel 1260 compared to the diavel V4 is. So I don't get it.

Fan of your work......... normally. Was 'slightly' misled by the title! Not a Diavel, but a XD that's being used, and one that's 7 years older than the V4!! Different platform, different experience, different parts, different eras (tech development etc) - when SBF get a Diavel 2022 in I'd suggest redoing this video, that's the right comparison and be more compelling viewing. Perhaps you were hamstrung by your agreement with SBF and had to use what they had available at the time of filming 🤔.

Which is better? The Rocket 3.

Why are we doing a comparison between the 1260 XDiavel and the V4 Diavel? Shouldn’t we be comparing the 1260 Diavel to the V4 Diavel?

The xDiavel was already on the edge of beauty and elegance. But this V4 looks overdone everywhere 😑. The rear alloy design, the exhaust, the teardrop shaped tank, the visible trellis frame chassis, the headlamps the tail lamps everything was just beyond perfection, but this thing got weird, chasing the beauty.I even started loving the Diavel 1260 after watching the v4 although I never liked the 1260 that much before 😌 1260 twins still looks fresh and I love them ❤️🙂✌️🇮🇳

Why not compare it to the diavel 1260 rather than the Xdiavel?!?!

V4 is better just because of the valve adjustment intervals. That price though is silly.

Unless Yamaha bring back the V-Max these things are in a class of their own. I think the 1260 X-Diavel would be the one for me with the V4 in second and the "standard" 1260 in third. Not that I would say no to any of these bikes. They all offer their own spin on the formula. The V4 is more of a Super Monster and the X-Diavel closer to a true cruiser and I'm old enough that I'd rather have the cruiser over the sportiness.

V4 for me!

Ducati should have re named the Diavel the Apollo. Ducati built a v4 1200cc bike in the late 60s.

I don’t understand this comparison considering the diavel 1260 is the old version of the new v4 and yet you’re comparing the new v4 to the X diavel which is a very different bike all around than the 1260. The X Diavel has forward controls different suspension and body to make it more of a traditional cruiser where the 1260 has almost the same ergonomics as the v4 because its the true predecessor yet you compared it to its predecessors cousin. basically this video should be titled x diavel vs diavel v4 because that’s what it is lol

the latest Diavel looks much better IMO

To me the V twin looks so much better. The trellis frame is reminiscent of the monster, so to me that is a super monster. The V4, although a better bike on paper, lacks....fizz, soul, ya know what I mean, and at 23k is a piss take. It probably rides amazingly but you could buy a used diavel, a used africa twin for wet days and still have change for a Mediterranean cruise. I'd have the twin....what about you Bob?

After owning and switching to Harleys, there is just nothing better then cruising on the highway with big ole 1900cc v twin engine while listening to the radio. My low rider st makes plenty of power and the tq is so much fun, while still being able to have fun in corners. I never been more comfortable riding on the street. I do miss my monster 1200s but I think I’m done with other manufacturers for street riding. I love ducati but Harley’s are amazing bikes, before someone talks smack about the brand, take one for a ride. There is a reason why its the most sold Motocycle in the USA. Also check out king of bagger series, absolutely amazing.