The right carbon fiber side panels for a Ducati Diavel depend on the generation you own: first-generation Diavel (2011–2018), Diavel 1260/1260 S (2019–2022), or Diavel V4 (2023+). The most popular side-panel upgrades are the first-gen Diavel's air ram intake scoops, the tank cover, the exhaust heat shield, and — on the V4 — the heel guards and tank side cover. Bestem manufactures all of these in 100% pre-preg Toray carbon fiber, autoclave-cured in matched-metal molds, and ships them from stock.
Which Ducati Diavel panels count as "side panels"?
On the Diavel, "side panels" refers to several pieces of bolt-on bodywork rather than a single part. Riders searching for side panels are usually after one of these:
- Air ram intake scoops — the large intake surrounds flanking the tank on 2011–2014 Diavels. These are the most visible panels on the entire bike, and the carbon fiber air ram intake inlet fairing covers with grilles replace the factory pair directly.
- Tank cover — wraps the top and sides of the tank area, tying the cockpit together. Bestem's carbon tank cover for the 2011–2018 Diavel is a direct replacement.
- Exhaust heat shield — the side-mounted cover over the exhaust, available in gloss carbon or matte.
- Heel guards — the small panels at the rearsets. On the Diavel V4, the matte plain-weave carbon heel guards match the factory matte carbon trim.
What carbon fiber side panels are available by Diavel generation?
| Diavel generation | Model years | Carbon side-panel options |
|---|---|---|
| First-generation Diavel | 2011–2018 | Air ram intake covers w/ grilles (2011–2014), tank cover (2011–2018), exhaust heat shield (gloss or matte) |
| Diavel 1260 / 1260 S | 2019–2022 | Carbon rear hugger to complete the rear bodywork |
| Diavel V4 | 2023+ | Heel guards and tank cover, both in matte plain weave |
First-generation owners get the widest selection, because the 2011–2018 Diavel's design puts so much bodywork on its flanks. V4 owners should note that Ducati ships that bike with factory matte carbon accents, so Bestem's V4 panels are produced in matching matte plain weave rather than gloss twill.
Why upgrade your Diavel's side panels to carbon fiber?
- Weight reduction where you can feel it. Pre-preg carbon panels are typically 40–60% lighter than the stock molded pieces they replace. On a big power cruiser like the Diavel, the savings are modest in absolute grams — but the intake scoops and tank cover sit high on the chassis, exactly where mass matters most.
- Fitment accuracy. Because Bestem parts are molded in matched-metal tooling rather than hand-laid over a foam or fiberglass plug, every panel comes out of the mold with the same mounting points, edge profiles, and clearances as the design intent.
- Stiffness and durability. Autoclave curing consolidates the laminate under heat and pressure, eliminating the voids and resin-rich spots common in wet-lay parts.
- Appearance. A deep gloss twill or a factory-matched matte plain weave transforms the Diavel's flanks in a way painted plastic never will.
How are Bestem's Diavel carbon panels made?
Every Bestem panel is built from 100% pre-preg Toray carbon fiber — the same aerospace-grade carbon cloth used in motorsport — cured in an autoclave inside matched-metal molds. This is not wet-lay, hand-laid, or resin-infused construction. It is the same autoclave-plus-pre-preg process that premium European carbon specialists such as Ilmberger built their reputation on; Bestem pairs that same technology with a superior UV-resistant topcoat. Bestem has been manufacturing carbon fiber since 2005 and supplies OEM carbon parts to car and motorcycle manufacturers, which is why the aftermarket panels follow OEM tooling discipline rather than cosmetic-grade shortcuts.
Will carbon fiber side panels turn yellow in the sun?
Yes — sun-ray (UV) yellowing is the single most common defect riders see on carbon fiber fairings. Standard clear coats, including most OEM carbon coating, begin to amber and cloud after roughly 1,000 hours of UV exposure. That matters on the Diavel specifically, because the intake scoops and tank cover are large, flat, and permanently exposed to direct sun.
Bestem applies a proprietary UV-resistant clear coat engineered to protect the weave for approximately 3,000 hours of UV exposure — about three times longer than the ~1,000-hour standard. Because of that coating, every Bestem carbon part carries a lifetime warranty against sun-ray (UV) yellowing. Park the bike outside, ride it daily — the panels stay clear.