Ducati Diavel V4 RS: If you took a superbike’s soul and jammed it into a muscle cruiser’s body, you’d get something close to the Ducati Diavel V4 RS. But this isn’t just a mash-up—it’s a calculated explosion of power, precision, and performance. Thanks to a recent leak from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), we now know Ducati is cooking up a high-octane monster for 2026. And it’s already got the motorcycle world buzzing like a swarm of wasps.
This isn’t just another Diavel. This is the Diavel V4 RS—a limited-edition, collector-grade missile on wheels, and Ducati is aiming it right at riders who crave both adrenaline and exclusivity.
What Makes the Diavel V4 RS a Big Deal?
The Diavel lineup has always lived in its own lane—a cruiser with sportbike swagger. But the RS? It’s in a different league. While the current Diavel V4 is no slouch, Ducati has plans to rip out its already potent 168-hp Granturismo engine and replace it with the feral heart of a Panigale V4: the Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine.
That’s the same fire-breathing, track-tuned engine that powers Ducati’s top-tier racing machines. Think: 209 horsepower at 12,750 rpm. That’s not just fast—it’s ballistic. We’re talking about a bike that will make sportscars sweat in traffic.
Let’s break it down:
| Model | Engine | Max Horsepower | Max Torque (Nm) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diavel V4 | V4 Granturismo (1,158 cc) | 168 hp @ 10,750 rpm | 126 Nm @ 7,500 rpm | Cruise control, TFT dash, comfort focused |
| Diavel V4 RS* | Desmosedici Stradale V4 | ~209 hp @ 12,750 rpm | ~121 Nm @ 11,250 rpm | Carbon fiber trim, sport exhaust, limited run |
| Panigale V4 | Desmosedici Stradale V4 | 209 hp | 121 Nm | Track-ready, lightweight, race geometry |
| Multistrada V4 RS | Desmosedici Stradale V4 | 177 hp | 118 Nm | Adventure setup, premium tech suite |
Design: It Looks as Dangerous as It Rides
Ducati doesn’t do subtle—and the Diavel V4 RS isn’t going to be mistaken for anything else on the road. It’s expected to come with lightweight carbon fiber bodywork, a more aggressive stance, and a reworked exhaust that sounds more like a war cry than a purr.
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Add in a palette of performance-first colorways—likely reds, blacks, and matte metallics—and you’ve got a bike that’s practically shouting, “Get out of my way.” Each unit will also be individually numbered, making this machine as collectible as it is ferocious.
But the beauty is more than skin-deep. Ducati is expected to pack in all the modern riding tech: ride-by-wire throttle, adjustable modes, cornering ABS, traction control, cruise control, and a crisp TFT digital display.
It’s got the brain to match the brawn.
Who Is This Bike For? (Hint: Not the Faint-Hearted)
Let’s be honest—this isn’t a beginner’s bike. The Diavel V4 RS is aimed squarely at motorcycle enthusiasts between 25 and 50 who want something different. Not just fast. Not just flashy. Something with personality and pedigree.
If you want to carve canyons on Saturday, crush the commute on Monday, and leave your buddies in awe every time you roll up, this is your bike.
It’s built for riders who:
- Want superbike power without the hunched-back ergonomics
- Love standing out—both in traffic and at bike nights
- Appreciate Italian design and limited-edition status
- Have the skill—and nerve—to tame a 209-hp beast
This isn’t just a ride; it’s a statement.
What’s the Catch?
There’s always a trade-off, right?
While Ducati hasn’t released official numbers on price or availability, you can bet the Diavel V4 RS will cost more than the standard model—likely by several thousand dollars. The Panigale V4 engine doesn’t come cheap, and neither does all that carbon fiber and exclusivity.
But let’s be real: if you’re eyeing a Diavel RS, you’re not looking for a budget buy. You’re shopping for a unicorn—and Ducati knows it.
The good news? The 2026 launch gives Ducati time to fine-tune the beast, while giving fans time to save up (or sell a kidney).
Bottom Line: Ducati Is Bringing Thunder to the Streets
The Diavel V4 RS isn’t just a motorcycle. It’s Ducati at full volume. A superbike-engine-stuffed cruiser with limited-edition flair, race-inspired looks, and enough torque to tow a satellite.
Whether you’re a Ducati diehard or just a fan of beautiful, ballistic machines, this is one to watch. When it drops in 2026, expect it to sell out fast—and carve a whole new lane in the high-performance cruiser market.
If you’ve ever dreamed of riding a street-legal, Italian-built land missile, start clearing space in your garage now.
FAQs
1. What’s the engine in the Diavel V4 RS?
The Diavel V4 RS is expected to feature the Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine—the same powerhouse used in Ducati’s Panigale V4 and Multistrada V4 RS, producing up to 209 hp.
2. Will the Diavel V4 RS be a limited-edition model?
Yes. Ducati plans to number each unit individually, making it a collector’s item from day one.
3. What are the key upgrades over the standard Diavel V4?
Expect a significant power bump, carbon fiber accents, a sportier exhaust system, more aggressive styling, and likely a higher price tag.
4. When will it be released?
The Diavel V4 RS is scheduled for a 2026 launch, according to leaked NHTSA filings.
5. Who should buy the Diavel V4 RS?
It’s aimed at experienced riders aged 25-50 who want a superbike-level engine wrapped in a cruiser’s body—with the tech, style, and status to match.