New Diavel V4 RS Raises the Bar for Performance and Thrills

The new Diavel V4 RS is a numbered edition model that, thanks to the Desmosedici Stradale engine, raises the bar for performance and thrills offered by the Borgo Panigale Muscle Roadster, bringing the Diavel world closer to that of Superbike. The Ducati RS range, enriched with this new model, confirms its mission: to create unique models capable of overcoming the compromise between sports riding thrills and everyday comfort, thanks to technologies developed in competition and then transferred to its superbikes.

The V4 engine, featuring Desmodromic timing with a counter-rotating crankshaft, derived from MotoGP, makes the Diavel V4 RS the fastest Ducati production bike in acceleration from zero to one hundred kilometres per hour. Thanks to its powerful engine and a sophisticated and effective electronics package that allows the rider to fully exploit its performance, the V4 RS achieves performance levels that were simply unthinkable until now. In the hands of Marc  Márquez, the Diavel V4 RS has proven capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds, a benchmark previously held only by the MotoGP bike.

While even a casual enthusiast, taking advantage of the new Ducati Power Launch strategy, can achieve blistering starts, in the hands of a professional rider the Diavel V4 RS can produce accelerations normally reserved for racing bikes.

The riding experience is unforgettable in every situation, thanks to the unmistakable sound of the Desmosedici Stradale with dry clutch and its spirited, thrilling power delivery. The Diavel V4 RS can command attention at low speeds, while also being fun to ride in a sporty style, thanks to Öhlins suspension, a single-sided aluminium swingarm, and forged wheels.

The technical and stylistic details that characterize the Diavel V4 RS line make it unique in personality and substance. The RS logo was designed by the Centro Stile is reflected in the livery, the dashboard graphics, and the laser-engraved key. The air intakes and single-seater tailpiece, designed exclusively for this bike, enhance the unique and sporty image of this model while maintaining the Diavel’s recognizability.

Muscular and sporty style

The Diavel V4 RS combines the characteristic DNA of the Ducati Muscle Roadster with stylistic and technical solutions that make it even bolder. Carbon fibre components such as the front and rear mudguards, the front fairing, the tank covers, the single-seater tailfairing, and the air intake ducts create a play of contrasts with the sporty and dynamic RS livery.

The side view is sportier and more aggressive. The composite air intakes on the fuel tank shoulders alternate the exposed carbon fibre in the lower section with the upper section, painted red. The side panels, which echo the livery, accentuate the visual power of the masses moved to the front end.

The rider’s seat is designed specifically for the Diavel V4 RS and is enhanced by red stitching on the sides that accentuates its sporty character. The single-seater tail fairing, also in carbon fibre and featuring the “RS” logo on both sides, replaces the Diavel’s passenger seat, contributing to the visual lightness of the rear end. Those who want to share the thrills of the Diavel V4 RS with a passenger can replace it with the standard seat and remove the footpegs and retractable grab handle, highly refined solutions born with the first Diavel 1200 and naturally retained on this model.

The single-sided aluminium swingarm highlights the design of the forged wheels with five “Y” spokes, inspired by four-wheeled sports cars and making the Diavel RS even more unique and exclusive.

The unmistakable style of the Diavel V4 RS is further enhanced by titanium silencer end caps and aluminium covers that further highlight the iconic quad exhaust. Red-painted Brembo Stylema front brake calipers complete the look.

The Diavel V4 RS is produced in a numbered series. The number is displayed on an aluminium plaque, embellished with the RS logo, applied to the cylinder head of the rear bank of the Desmosedici Stradale engine.

Desmosedici Stradale Engine

The Diavel V4 RS is equipped with the 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale engine. To combine smoothness at low and medium revs with an even more aggressive and sporty personality at high revs, Ducati has worked on the desmodromic engine, achieving a very broad power delivery curve. Smooth in its response at low revs, the V4 becomes thrilling near the redline, accompanied by the characteristic exhaust note of the Twin Pulse firing order, which, under acceleration, goes from deep to exhilarating as the revs rise.

In this configuration, Euro 5+ compliant and equipped with a high-permeability Sprintfilter P08 air filter, the Desmosedici Stradale engine develops a maximum power of 182 hp (14 hp more than the Diavel V4 Granturismo V4), with a redline of 13,500 rpm in all gears except first, where it kicks in at 14,000 rpm.

To make the most of the acceleration in low gears and thus enhance the performance of the Desmosedici Stradale on the Diavel V4 RS, the final gear ratios have been specifically defined, while maintaining the gearbox ratios unchanged, assisted by the new DQS 2.0. This system uses a strategy based solely on the gearshift drum angular position sensor, allowing for the use of a microswitch-free shift rod, offering the rider a more direct feel with a shorter travel.

Like the most prestigious Ducati models, the Diavel V4 RS features the STM-EVO SBK dry clutch, crafted from billet aluminium, with a specific spring and slipper configuration. This component, which makes the ride smoother during braking and gear engagement, also contributes to the exhaust note, with its distinctive metallic timbre when the clutch is disengaged. Among the benefits of the dry clutch is the ability to increase performance by using Ducati Corse Performance Powered by Shell Advance oil, the result of the collaboration between Ducati Corse and Shell in Superbike and MotoGP.

To improve engine thermal comfort, the Desmosedici Stradale has been designed to deactivate the rear cylinder bank when the bike is stationary, in neutral, and with an engine temperature above 70°C.

The valve clearance check interval on the Diavel V4 RS is every 30,000 km.

Electronics

The electronics package of the Diavel V4 RS, thanks to information received from the Bosch inertial platform, includes three Power Modes (High, Medium, Low), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) 2.0. All these systems have been calibrated to the model’s characteristics and intended use and integrated into four Riding Modes: Race (appearing for the first time on the Diavel family, highlighting the characteristics of the RS model), Sport, Touring, and Wet.

The three Power Modes have been calibrated for the specific use of the Diavel V4 RS. Specifically:

• High (associated by default with the Sport and Race Riding Modes, the latter dedicated to track use) offers maximum power, with a prompt throttle response.
• Medium (associated by default with the Touring Riding Mode) also offers maximum power, but with a smoother throttle response.
• Low (default in Wet Riding Mode) with power reduced to 84 kW (114 hp) and smooth throttle response.

The sportier feel of the Diavel V4 RS electronics package is underlined by the new dashboard graphics, which feature a special opening display dedicated to the model. On the main screen, using the Race Riding Mode, a control panel with functionality similar to the Track Infomode on the Panigale V4 and Streetfighter V4 appears. This panel displays the DTC, ABS, and DWC settings for the selected riding mode. Furthermore, the intervention of Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Wheelie Control is highlighted by the corresponding panel element flashing and the upper right corner of the dashboard lighting up.

The Diavel V4 RS also features a new Ducati Power Launch strategy, allowing riders to make the most of its performance at the start. The system offers three levels, selectable based on rider skill. Once set, simply engage first gear and open the throttle: during the initial start, while the rider modulates clutch release, the system will keep the Desmosedici RS stable at an optimal rpm based on the selected DPL level. In the second phase, when the clutch is fully released, the DPL will control torque delivery to ensure the maximum possible acceleration based on the predefined level.

The DPL uses the DWC functions and keeps the DTC active at all times to ensure maximum safety in every situation. The system disengages automatically above the end-of-manoeuvre speed or once third gear is engaged. To preserve the clutch, the system uses an algorithm that only allows a limited number of consecutive starts. The number of available starts is reset when the rider uses the bike normally.

On the Diavel V4 RS, the system also displays the performance achieved over the 0-100 and 0-200 km/h distances, recording them in memory and keeping a history of the bestresults achieved.

Chassis and Ergonomics

The Desmosedici Stradale engine is also an integral part of the Diavel V4 RS’s chassis, being used as a stressed member. The layout is based on a lightweight aluminium monocoque frame attached to the cylinder heads, a single-sided swingarm cast from the same material, and a steel Trellis rear subframe.

The Diablo Rosso IV tyres, available for the first time in a 240/45 rear size, offer excellent grip during acceleration and a strong feel for contact with the ground mid-corner. Together with the forged aluminium wheels, they contribute to a more effective dynamic performance. The Diavel V4 RS is therefore more neutral in lean behaviour than the Diavel V4, with improved line holding, making it more rewarding for sporty riding.

The choice of Öhlins suspension ensures the best performance, maintaining the perfect balance between comfort for relaxed riding and support for sporty riding. The fork is a NIX30 with 48 mm stanchions, while the shock absorber is an STX46; both are fully adjustable in hydraulics and preload, and are characterized by a high level of smoothness that allows them to better adapt to small bumps in the asphalt. Thus, the firmer hydraulic calibration compared to the Diavel V4 suspension reduces load transfer, offering the V4 RS rider greater feedback and greater confidence in sports riding without compromising comfort for touring.

The braking system is directly derived from that of the Panigale V4, and ensures record-breaking performance with peak deceleration values ​​of 11.5 m/s2. This value is generally typical of racing bikes and is achievable only thanks to a highly refined calibration of the ABS Cornering system. At the front, the system includes 330 mm diameter discs and Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers. At the rear, the system features a single 265 mm disc gripped by a Brembo floating caliper.

In addition to the carbon fibre and titanium components, a small lithium-ion battery has been adopted to further reduce weight. This saves a full 3 kg compared to the Diavel V4.

Accessories

The Ducati Performance catalogue offers various accessories to enhance the bike’s characteristics and make it look even more unique. Riders looking to increase the versatility of the Diavel V4 RS will find semi-rigid panniers and a larger windshield. To emphasize its sporty personality, the catalogue also offers billet aluminium parts such as levers, footpegs, brake and clutch reservoirs, and oil tank and filler caps. Numerous carbon fibre components also complete the Diavel V4 RS’s image and make it even more aggressive.

Colours and Availability

The Diavel V4 RS will be available in RS livery from European dealers starting in December 2025, and will arrive in all other countries, starting from the USA, from January 2026, onwards.

Diavel V4 RS

• Colours
• Dedicated “RS” livery
• Main standard features
• 1,103 cc Ducati Desmosedici Stradale engine with valve clearance adjustment every 30,000 km
• High-permeability Sprintfilter P08 air filter
• Titanium exhaust end cap
• Dry clutch
• Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) 2.0
• Maximum power of 182 hp (133.8 kW) at 11,750 rpm
• Maximum torque of 120 Nm (12.2 kgm, 89 lb-ft) at 9,500 rpm
• Aluminium monocoque frame and aluminium single-sided swingarm
• Dedicated carbon fibersingle seat, air intake ducts, and tail fairing, with two-seater kit supplied as standard
• Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
• Fully adjustable Öhlins NIX30 fork with 48 mm stanchions
• Fully adjustable Öhlins STX 46 shock absorber
• 17-inch forged aluminium wheels with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres, 120/70 ZR17 front and 240/45 ZR17 rear
• Bosch-Brembo ABS 10.3ME Cornering braking system
• 330 mm diameter front discs with Brembo Stylema 4-piston radial calipers
• Full LED headlight with DRL and Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL)
• 5-inch TFT dashboard with colour screen and dedicated graphics and display*
• Dedicated Hands-Free key with laser-etched “RS”
• 3Power Modes (High, Medium, Low)
• 4 Riding Modes (Race, Sport, Touring, Wet)
• Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC)
• Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
• Lithium-ion battery
• Hands-free start
• Turn-by-turn navigation
• USB port

credit: Ducati