2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod vs 2011 Ducati Diavel

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
643.7 pounds
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
Full Specifications
General
Year-2011
ColoursVivid Black, Pewter Pearl, Flame Blue Pearl, Red Hot Sunglo, Vivid Black and Pewter Pearl; Flame Blue Pearl and Pewter Pearl-
Make Model-Ducati Diavel
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)5.0 inches-
Ground Clearance (mm)127 mm-
Seat Height660 mm / 26.0 in.770 mm / 30.3in
Wheelbase1,715 mm / 67.5 in.1590 mm / 62.6 in
Height-1192 mm / 46.9 in
Length2,455 mm / 96.7 in.2235 mm / 87.9 in
Width-860 mm / 33.8 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight292 kg / 643.7 lbs210 Kg / 463 lbs
Fuel Capacity18.90 litres / 4.99 gallons17 Litres / 4.5 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal
Wet Weight-239 kg / 527lbs
Performance
Top Speed-252.4 km/h / 156.8 mph
Max Power-119 kW / 162 hp / @ 9500rpm
Max Torque115.00127.5 Nm / 13.0 kgf-m / 94 lb-ft / @ 8000rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile-10.7 sec
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.1 x 2.8 inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)105.0 x 72.0 mm-
Displacement (cc)1250.00 cc-
Displacement (ci)76.27 cubic inches-
Engine TypeV2-
Stroke4-
Displacement-1198.4 cc / 73.1 cu in
Engine Detail-Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder.
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection-
Bore x Stroke-106 x 67.9 mm
Compression Ratio11.5:111.5:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
ExhaustChrome, slash-cut exhaust with dual mufflersLightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and two lambda probes. Twin aluminium mufflers
Fuel Consumption-5.2 L/100 km / 19.4 km/l / 45.6 US mpg / 54.8 Imp mpg
Fuel Induction-Mitsubishi electronic fuel injection system, Mikuni elliptical throttle bodies with RbW
Ignition-Marelli electronic
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
Clutch9-plate, wet, Assist and SlipLight action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.
Final DriveBeltChain Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 43
Gear Ratios-1st 37/15 / 2nd 30/17 / 3rd 27/20 / 4th24/22 / 5th 23/24 / 6th 22/25
Gearbox5-speed-
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel perimeter upper frame with hydroformed main rails;Tubular steel Trellis frame
Suspension - FrontWide, 49mm custom forkMarzocchi 50mm fully adjustable USD forks
Suspension - RearPreload adjustableProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm,
Rake34.0°28°
Steering Angle-70°
Trail115 mm / 4.5 in.-
Wheel Travel - Front102 mm / 4.0 in.120 mm / 4.72 in
Wheel Travel - Rear102 mm / 4.0 in.120 mm / 4.72 in
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Tank 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 - Rear Diameter (mm)300 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)11.8 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)300 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.8 inches-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS, 4-piston calipers2 x 320 mm Semi-floating discs, radially mounted Monobloc Brembo calipers, 4-piston with ABS
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS, 4-piston calipersSingle 265 mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper with ABS
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR19120/70 ZR 17
Tyres - Rear240/40-R18240/45 ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2011 Ducati Diavel

The 2011 Ducati Diavel edges out the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod thanks to its lighter kerb weight, liquid cooling, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 660 mm vs 770 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2011 Ducati Diavel - Advantages

  • Lighter: 239 kg vs 292 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More rear wheel travel: 120 mm vs 102 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 120 mm vs 102 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod vs 2011 Ducati Diavel - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod and 2011 Ducati Diavel?
The 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod uses V2, while the 2011 Ducati Diavel is powered by Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder..
Which is lighter, the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod or the 2011 Ducati Diavel?
The 2011 Ducati Diavel is lighter at 239 kg compared to 292 kg for the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod - a difference of 53 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod or the 2011 Ducati Diavel?
The 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod has the lower seat at 660 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 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod or the 2011 Ducati Diavel?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2011 Ducati Diavel stands out for lighter kerb weight and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.