Ducati XDiavel 2016–2020: Specs, Facts & Known Issues

The Machine's Character

Ducati built the XDiavel around one idea: keep the L-twin's output and wrap it in a cruiser's stance. The 1262 cc liquid-cooled twin makes 156 hp at 9,500 rpm and 95 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm, and it drives a 240-section rear tire through a belt. The chassis is long and low, 63.6 in of wheelbase over a 29.7 in seat, with an upside-down fork and 320 mm front discs. Ducati Ride-by-Wire Power Modes, traction control, ABS and Ducati Power Launch are standard, so the output arrives in the dose you pick rather than all at once.

Ride it and you get a cruiser that sits still at speed and only wakes up when you ask it to. It is genuinely elegant in a segment where hardware often ends up looking bolted on, and the finish rewards a close look instead of punishing one. It suits a rider who wants cruiser posture, presence and sound without surrendering real speed. The honest caveat is ownership: 545 lb wet, 4.8 gal of fuel, and a desmo service schedule. Put the maintenance intervals and the recall history on your checklist before you sign anything.

Hard Numbers

Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.

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Key specifications
Power	156 hp (115 kW) @ 9,500 rpm
Torque	95 lb-ft (129 Nm) @ 5,000 rpm
Displacement	1262 cc
Engine	L-twin
Cooling	Liquid-cooled
Gearbox	6-speed
Final drive	Belt
Fork	Upside-down (USD)
Front brake	320 mm
Front tire	120/70-17
Rear tire	240/45-17
Wheelbase	63.6 in (1615 mm)
Seat height	29.7 in (755 mm)
Wet weight	545 lb (247 kg)
Fuel capacity	4.8 gal (18 L)

Equipment check

Chassis

Rear Suspension Adjustable Standard
Cruise Control Standard

Connectivity

Keyless System Standard

Lighting

LED Headlight Standard

Safety

ABS Standard

Signature Tech

The named systems that set this bike apart — and what each one does for you.

Fueling

Ducati Ride-by-Wire Power Modes Standard
- Selectable ride modes
- Refined throttle response

Rider aids

Ducati Power Launch (DPL) Standard
- Consistent launches
- Controlled wheelie prevention
- Lean sensitive traction

Known issues

Rear brake hose air permeation

brakes occasional Recall

Air permeates the original rear brake hoses over time, causing a soft pedal and reduced braking efficiency. Ducati issued a recall to install updated hoses.
Final drive pulley nut may loosen

drivetrain rare Recall

Insufficiently tightened retaining nut on the final drive pulley can result in loss of power transmission. A recall was issued to install an improved washer and increase torque.
Water pump leaks

cooling occasional

Some owners report coolant leaks from the water pump, often discovered during desmo service and requiring seal replacement.
Fork seal oil leaks

suspension rare

Premature fork seal seepage has been reported by a small number of owners.

The Expert Benchmark

Where this Ducati XDiavel pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.

What kind of bike this is — character vs. the class

Metal-and-Muscle Presence

Rumble & Character

Low-Speed Confidence Despite Mass

Relaxed Boulevard Ergonomics

Living-Machine Feel

Relaxed Torque Authority

This bike Class average

The shape of the Ducati XDiavel — numbers and character vs. the average Cruiser

Head-to-head: Ducati XDiavel vs. its rivals

Power

156 hp This bike 90 hp Harley-Davidson CVO Breakout FXSBSE 165 hp Triumph Rocket 3 GT 96 hp Moto Guzzi Eldorado 87 hp Honda CMX1100 Rebel

Torque

95 lb-ft This bike 112 lb-ft Harley-Davidson CVO Breakout FXSBSE 163 lb-ft Triumph Rocket 3 GT 89 lb-ft Moto Guzzi Eldorado 72 lb-ft Honda CMX1100 Rebel

Displacement

1262 cc This bike 1802 cc Harley-Davidson CVO Breakout FXSBSE 2458 cc Triumph Rocket 3 GT 1380 cc Moto Guzzi Eldorado 1084 cc Honda CMX1100 Rebel

Wet weight

545 lb This bike 701 lb Harley-Davidson CVO Breakout FXSBSE 699 lb Triumph Rocket 3 GT 692 lb Moto Guzzi Eldorado 494 lb Honda CMX1100 Rebel

Seat height

29.7 in This bike 25.8 in Harley-Davidson CVO Breakout FXSBSE 29.5 in Triumph Rocket 3 GT 29.1 in Moto Guzzi Eldorado 27.6 in Honda CMX1100 Rebel

The 'Should I Buy It?' Score

Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the XDiavel is actually built for.

Aerial view of a winding asphalt road cutting through volcanic terrain on La Gomera, Canary Islands. The road curves through sparse green vegetation with rocky volcanic peaks visible in the background and a settled valley to the left. Clear lane markings, dry climate, partly cloudy sky.

Best cruiser for Sturgis?

You get presence, a sound that carries and speed nobody expects from a cruiser. If your rally identity is tied to one specific brand world and its beat, ride this one before you commit to it.

Made for A1A — Florida Atlantic Coast · Black Hills / Sturgis Rally Hub · Daytona Main Street / Bike Week

Best retro motorcycle for road trips?

The stance and the finish suit slow historic routes and small-town main streets. Just know this is a modern liquid-cooled Ducati underneath, and 4.8 gal keeps the fuel stops coming.

Made for Acadia National Park · Austin / Handbuilt Motorcycle Show · Blue Ridge Parkway

Best touring motorcycle for long distance?

Cruise control and real high-speed stability make a long interstate day easy. But 4.8 gal of fuel and a feet-forward cruiser seat set the limits; loaded two-up touring is not what this bike is for.

Made for Beartooth Highway · Blue Ridge Parkway · Going-to-the-Sun Road

Variants, Models & Special Editions

The Ducati XDiavel also comes in these variants, models and special editions. Each has its own page covering only what differs from the standard XDiavel — equipment, electronics, specs and used price.

S

Ducati XDiavel S

Alternatives to the Ducati XDiavel

If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.

Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this Ducati XDiavel. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.