Semi-active Öhlins suspension is available for the first time on Ducati’s mental power-cruiser, helping tame the 168bhp V4 motor on the new Diavel V4 S
When Ducati released its mighty Diavel V4 power cruiser back in 2023, there was one thing missing – a fancy ‘S’ version. Last year saw a super-expensive limited-edition RS variant, which partly addressed the situation.
But for 2027, fans of the Bolognan hot rod can relax – the ‘normal’ posh ‘S’ variant is back in the firm’s lineup, adding high-tech semi-active Öhlins suspension while keeping the same 168bhp 1,158cc V4 Granturismo powerplant.
The Diavel made its name as a cruiser which could hustle almost as well as a ‘proper’ sportsbike. Before it appeared, bikes like Triumph’s Rocket III and the Honda Valkyrie had offered smoking straight-line speed and fantastic styling – but the original V-twin Diavel added a dash of handling ability into the mix.
Ducati used its superbike chassis know-how to add brakes, suspension and frame technology that meant its cruiser could show plenty of lazily-ridden sportsbikes the way down a twisty back road.
Relatively light weight and a superbike-spec engine meant it was also largely unbeatable off the line. And the ‘S’ variant of the 1260 V-twin Diavel added even-fancier running gear to the mix.
The new V4 Diavel ratcheted up the performance even more when it appeared, and for 2027, buyers get the option of even more. The new Diavel V4 S features semi-active suspension for the first time, adding the Öhlins artEC-3 semi- active suspension.
Using data from the on-board IMU-assisted ECU, it continuously adjusts the motorcycle’s behaviour during braking, acceleration and cornering. Spool-valve technology allows for a wider range of adjustment compared to traditional systems, while three suspension modes—Dynamic, Comfort and Low Grip—let you tailor response to different riding conditions.
Ducati says that means greater precision during sporty riding, combined with enhanced comfort for touring. That’s supported by new control strategies that improve precision when entering and navigating corners in the sportier suspension modes, while also increasing comfort via Cruise Detection, which softens the suspension during long-distance travel on straights.
The V4 S also has different wheels from the base bike, heated grips, and a lithium battery to save some weight. Both versions of the 2027 Diavel V4 get a new 6.9” TFT colour dashboard, which features a real-time graphical display of Traction Control and Wheelie Control interventions – nice.
The 2027 Diavel V4 costs £24,995, and the V4 S is £25,295 – making the S a bit of a bargain tbh. More info: www.ducati.com.
2027 Ducati Diavel V4 S Tech Highlights
o V4 Granturismo engine, 1,158 cc
o 168bhp (124 kW) at 10,750 rpm, 126 Nm (12.8 kgm) at 7,500 rpm
o Valve clearance check every 60,000 km
o Aluminium monocoque frame
o 20-litre steel fuel tank
o Single-seat tail section (passenger seat included)
o Retractable passenger grab handle and footpegs
o Headlight with double-C DRL
o Multi-point LED taillight integrated under the tail section
o Integrated dynamic turn signals
o Fully adjustable Öhlins NIX30 Smart-EC 3.0 event-based fork with 48 mm stanchions and TiN coating
o Fully adjustable Öhlins ARX40 Smart-EC 3.0 event-based monoshock
o Aluminium single-sided swingarm
o Braking system with dual 330 mm discs and Brembo Stylema® monoblock calipers at the front
o Diablo Rosso IV rear tyre, size 240/45
o Cast aluminium wheels with machine-finished spokes
o 6.9” TFT dashboard with an 8:3 aspect ratio, Bluetooth integration, and Ducati Link App
o Integrated Turn-by-Turn navigation system
o Coming Home function
o Lithium battery
o Wet weight no fuel: 222 Kg
o 3 Power Modes, 4 Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet)
o State-of-the-art electronic package featuring a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU):
Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Ducati Power Launch (DPL), Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS) 2.0, and Cruise Control.
Diavel V4
Standard equipment same as the Diavel V4 S, with the following exceptions
o Kerb weight (without fuel): 225 kg
o 50 mm fully adjustable fork
o Fully adjustable monoshock
o Five-spoke light-alloy wheels
o Non-heated grips
o Lead-acid battery