2011 Ducati Diavel vs 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2011 Ducati Diavel 2011 Ducati Diavel

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
119 kW / 162 hp / @ 9500rpm
Top Speed
252.4 km/h / 156.8 mph
Weight
239 kg / 527lbs
2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
612.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2011-
Colours-Black
Make ModelDucati Diavel-
Dimensions
Seat Height770 mm / 30.3in686 mm / 27.0 in.
Wheelbase1590 mm / 62.6 in1,646 mm / 64.8 in.
Height1192 mm / 46.9 in1,120 mm / 44.1 in.
Length2235 mm / 87.9 in2,405 mm / 94.7 in.
Width860 mm / 33.8 in894 mm / 35.2 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight210 Kg / 463 lbs278 kg / 612.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 4.5 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal20.06 litres / 5.30 gallons
Wet Weight239 kg / 527lbs-
Performance
Top Speed252.4 km/h / 156.8 mph-
Max Power119 kW / 162 hp / @ 9500rpm-
Max Torque127.5 Nm / 13.0 kgf-m / 94 lb-ft / @ 8000rpm78.00 Nm (8.0 kgf-m or 57.5 ft.lbs) @ 3700
Standing Start ¼ Mile10.7 sec-
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.5 x 2.9 inches
Fuel Control-SOHC
Bore x Stroke (mm)-88.0 x 74.2 mm
Displacement (cc)-903.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-55.10 cubic inches
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Displacement1198.4 cc / 73.1 cu in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder. -
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke106 x 67.9 mm-
Compression Ratio11.5:19.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
ExhaustLightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and two lambda probes. Twin aluminium mufflers-
Fuel Consumption5.2 L/100 km / 19.4 km/l / 45.6 US mpg / 54.8 Imp mpg-
Fuel InductionMitsubishi electronic fuel injection system, Mikuni elliptical throttle bodies with RbW-
IgnitionMarelli electronicTCBI with Electronic Advance
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchLight action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.-
Final DriveChain Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 43Belt
Gear Ratios1st 37/15 / 2nd 30/17 / 3rd 27/20 / 4th24/22 / 5th 23/24 / 6th 22/25-
Gearbox-5-speed
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel Trellis frame-
Suspension - FrontMarzocchi 50mm fully adjustable USD forks41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
Suspension - RearProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm,Uni-Track swingarm, seven-way adjustable spring preload / 4.1 in.
Rake28°-
Steering Angle70°-
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.72 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear120 mm / 4.72 in-
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationTank mounted instrumentation with TFT colour display: Gear selected, air temp, battery voltage, trips 1 & 2, fuel reserve trip, average and actual fuel consumption and speed, trip time, scheduled maintenance. Full status and/or management of Riding Modes, DTC, RbW and ABS.-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-300 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-11.8 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-270 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.6 inches
Brakes - Front2 x 320 mm Semi-floating discs, radially mounted Monobloc Brembo calipers, 4-piston with ABSSingle disc
Brakes - RearSingle 265 mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper with ABSSingle disc
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR 1780/90-21
Tyres - Rear240/45 ZR17180/70-15

Verdict

Winner on specs

2011 Ducati Diavel

The 2011 Ducati Diavel edges out the 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom thanks to its lighter kerb weight, liquid cooling and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2011 Ducati Diavel - Advantages

  • Lighter: 239 kg vs 278 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 686 mm vs 770 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2011 Ducati Diavel vs 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2011 Ducati Diavel and 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom?
The 2011 Ducati Diavel uses Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder., while the 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2011 Ducati Diavel or the 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom?
The 2011 Ducati Diavel is lighter at 239 kg compared to 278 kg for the 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom - a difference of 39 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2011 Ducati Diavel or the 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom?
The 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom has the lower seat at 686 mm, making it more accessible. The 2011 Ducati Diavel sits higher at 770 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2011 Ducati Diavel or the 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom?
Both are strong choices. The 2011 Ducati Diavel has the edge in lighter kerb weight and liquid cooling, while the 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.