2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic vs 2011 Ducati Diavel

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2
Power
55 kW / 74 hp @ 5000 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h / 115 mph
Weight
760.7 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
Year2009 - 102011
ColoursBlack-
Make ModelKawasaki VN 1700 ClassicDucati Diavel
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)130 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)5.1 inches-
Seat Height720 mm / 28.3 mm770 mm / 30.3in
Wheelbase1665 mm / 65.6 in1590 mm / 62.6 in
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in-
Height1155 mm / 45.5 in1192 mm / 46.9 in
Length2500 mm / 98.4 in2235 mm / 87.9 in
Width1025 mm / 40.4 in860 mm / 33.8 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-210 Kg / 463 lbs
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.3 US gal17 Litres / 4.5 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal
Wet Weight349 kg / 769 lbs239 kg / 527lbs
Performance
Top Speed185 km/h / 115 mph252.4 km/h / 156.8 mph
Max Power55 kW / 74 hp @ 5000 rpm119 kW / 162 hp / @ 9500rpm
Max Torque135 Nm / 13.7 kgf-m / 99.6 lb-ft @2750 rpm127.5 Nm / 13.0 kgf-m / 94 lb-ft / @ 8000rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile-10.7 sec
Engine
Stroke4-
Fuel ControlSOHC-
Engine TypeV2-
Displacement1700 cc / 103.7 in1198.4 cc / 73.1 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, V-twin, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinderFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder.
Fuel SystemInjection. Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies-
Bore x Stroke102 x 104 mm106 x 67.9 mm
Compression Ratio9.5:111.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled, plus cooling finsLiquid cooled
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, semi-dry sump-
ExhaustTwin, stackedLightweight 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 InductionElectronic fuel injection, 42 mm dia. x 2Mitsubishi electronic fuel injection system, Mikuni elliptical throttle bodies with RbW
IgnitionTCDI with digital advanceMarelli electronic
LubricationForced lubrication, semi-dry sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-disc, manual, electronic cruise controlLight action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.
Final DriveBelt driveChain Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 43
Final Drive Ratio2.250:1-
Gear Ratios1st 3.077 / 2nd 1.900 / 3rd 1.407 / 4th 1.143 / 5th 0.967 / 6th 0.806:11st 37/15 / 2nd 30/17 / 3rd 27/20 / 4th24/22 / 5th 23/24 / 6th 22/25
Gearbox6-speed-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeDouble cradle, steel with box section single-tube backboneTubular steel Trellis frame
Suspension - Front43 mm Telescopic forkMarzocchi 50mm fully adjustable USD forks
Suspension - RearSwingarm with twin air-assisted 4 way adjustable shocks for rebound and dampingProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm,
Rake30°28°
Steering Angle35° / 35°70°
Trail169 mm / 6.65 in-
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in120 mm / 4.72 in
Wheel Travel - Rear80 mm / 3.2 in120 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 - Front2 x 300 m discs, 2 piston calipers, ABS2 x 320 mm Semi-floating discs, radially mounted Monobloc Brembo calipers, 4-piston with ABS
Brakes - RearSingle 300mm disc, 2 piston caliper, ABSSingle 265 mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper with ABS
Tyres - Front130/90 B16M/C (67H)120/70 ZR 17
Tyres - Rear170/70 B16M/C (75H)240/45 ZR17
WheelsAlloy, 10 spokes-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2011 Ducati Diavel

The 2011 Ducati Diavel edges out the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic thanks to its more peak power, lighter kerb weight and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Lower seat height: 720 mm vs 770 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • More front wheel travel: 140 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2011 Ducati Diavel - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 119 kW vs 55 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Lighter: 239 kg vs 349 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More rear wheel travel: 120 mm vs 80 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic vs 2011 Ducati Diavel - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic and 2011 Ducati Diavel?
The 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic 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 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic or the 2011 Ducati Diavel?
The 2011 Ducati Diavel is lighter at 239 kg compared to 349 kg for the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic - a difference of 110 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic or the 2011 Ducati Diavel?
The 2011 Ducati Diavel produces more peak power at 119 kW, compared to 55 kW for the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic or the 2011 Ducati Diavel?
The 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic has the lower seat at 720 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 has the larger fuel tank, the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic or the 2011 Ducati Diavel?
The 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic has the larger tank at approximately 20 litres vs 17 litres for the 2011 Ducati Diavel. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 333-400 km vs 283-340 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic or the 2011 Ducati Diavel?
Both are strong choices. The 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic has the edge in larger fuel tank and lower seat height, while the 2011 Ducati Diavel stands out for more peak power and lighter kerb weight. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.