Ducati's Diavel V4 gets a kick up the RS with new 2026 model
Ducati’s new Diavel V4 RS arrives ready for 2026, and it might just be the most extreme Diavel ever made.
Ducati has pulled the wraps off its latest RS edition, the 2026 Diavel V4 RS, and on paper at least, this could be the most exciting RS model the Bologna factory has built to date.
Desmosedici Stradale power
At the heart of the Diavel V4 RS is the 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4, a unit descended from Ducati’s MotoGP programme and fettled for bikes like the Panigale and Streetfighter V4. In this latest form it produces 179bhp at 11,750 rpm and 88lb ft at 9,500 rpm, paired with a STM-EVO SBK dry clutch and Ducati’s latest Quick Shift 2.0 system.
Final drive ratios are unique to the RS, designed to make the most of the engine’s power in the lower gears. Ducati claims this setup, combined with its new Ducati Power Launch system, allows the bike to hit 0–62mph in 2.5 seconds when tested by Marc Márquez - there is no guarantee you can match that figure, though.
Chassis and running gear
The RS uses the Desmosedici engine as a stressed member, with a lightweight aluminium monocoque frame, single-sided aluminium swingarm, and forged aluminium wheels. Suspension is provided by fully adjustable Öhlins kit front and rear, while braking is handled by huge 330mm discs with Brembo Stylema radial calipers up front and a 265mm disc at the rear.
The tyres are Pirelli Diablo Rosso IVs, including a massive 240/45 section rear, with the overall package saving around 3 kg over the standard Diavel V4 thanks to forged wheels, carbon fibre bodywork, and a lithium-ion battery.
Electronics and rider aids
Electronics are overseen by a Bosch IMU, with three Power Modes (High, Medium, Low) and four Riding Modes (Race, Sport, Touring, Wet). The Race mode is a first for the Diavel line. Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Cornering ABS, Ducati Quick Shift 2.0, and the Ducati Power Launch system are all standard.
The 5-inch TFT dash carries RS-specific graphics, including a display that mimics the Panigale and Streetfighter’s Track Info Mode when in Race. The bike also records 0–100 km/h and 0–200 km/h times.
Styling and details
The Diavel V4 RS gets a dedicated RS livery, carbon fibre mudguards, air intakes, and tailpiece, along with red-painted Brembo calipers, titanium exhaust tips, and laser-etched badging. The RS is a single-seater by default, although a pillion seat and footrests are supplied in the kit.
Forged wheels with a five-spoke “Y” design inspired by sports cars add to the look, while the numbered series plate on the cylinder head makes each bike uniquely identifiable.
Price and availability
The Diavel V4 RS will be available in Europe from December 2025, with other markets, including the US, following in January 2026.
Pricing at the time of writing is TBC.
Find the latest motorcycle news on Visordown.com
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
