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2026 Diavel V4 RS: Ducati's new acceleration benchmark
Ducati has long been synonymous with performance and race-bred engineering. Fresh from yet another dominant MotoGP Constructors' Title run, the Italian marque has unveiled the 2026 Diavel V4 RS — its quickest-accelerating production motorcycle to date. Revealed at the San Marino and Rimini Riviera GP at Misano by Marc Márquez and Francesco "Pecco" Bagnaia, the Diavel V4 RS shares a debut with the Multistrada V4 RS but stakes its own claim as a radical power cruiser engineered for straight-line speed.
Key specification highlights
Powertrain and performance
The Diavel V4 RS is powered by Ducati's Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine displacing 1,103 cc. The powerplant features a counter-rotating crankshaft and a dry clutch and is rated at 182 hp at 11,750 rpm with peak torque of 120 Nm at 9,500 rpm. That hardware, combined with optimized gearing and chassis tuning, enables a certified 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) sprint in just 2.52 seconds — a real-world number validated during testing by Marc Márquez.
Chassis, suspension and brakes
The engine is mounted in an aluminum monocoque frame paired with an aluminum single-sided swingarm. Suspension duties fall to Öhlins components: a 48 mm front fork and a fully adjustable rear shock. Braking is handled by a Bosch–Brembo system derived from the Panigale V4, giving the Diavel V4 RS serious stopping power to match its acceleration.
Wheels and tires
The bike rolls on model-specific 17-inch forged aluminum wheels wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires — a package chosen to balance traction for launches with high-speed stability.
Electronics, riding modes and rider aids
Ducati equips the Diavel V4 RS with three engine power settings (High, Medium, Low) and four comprehensive riding modes: Race, Sport, Touring and Wet. A suite of rider assistance features includes wheelie control and advanced traction control, making the bike both ferocious and manageable for experienced riders.
Design and details
The 2026 Diavel V4 RS debuts an all-new bodywork theme that mixes titanium and carbon-fiber accents across the exhaust end cap, air intakes, seat tailpiece, mudguards and tank covers. The look is unmistakably Ducati yet unique to this RS model. A dedicated RS logo appears throughout — on the hands-free ignition key, dashboard graphics and the rear cylinder head cover — underlining the model's exclusive positioning.
Market positioning and pricing
Ducati will produce the Diavel V4 RS in limited numbers, though the exact production run has not been disclosed. It leaves the factory as a single-seat machine but includes a two-seater conversion kit as standard. Pricing positions the Diavel V4 RS in the upper echelons of the performance cruiser and superbike-adjacent market: U.S. MSRP is set at $39,995, putting it in a price bracket occupied by high-end liter-class superbikes and bespoke performance machines.
How it compares
Compared with the Panigale V4, the Diavel V4 RS emphasizes brutal low- to mid-range acceleration and a more upright, street-focused riding position rather than full-track ergonomics. Against the Multistrada V4 RS, the Diavel prioritizes straight-line thrust and a more aggressive livery. For riders seeking the fastest Ducati production launch, the Diavel V4 RS is the clear choice; for those wanting long-distance comfort or off-road versatility, Ducati's other V4 platforms remain better suited.
Final thoughts
The 2026 Diavel V4 RS is a purpose-built statement: a limited-run Ducati that converts race-derived technology into an accessible, street-legal acceleration machine. With its Desmosedici Stradale engine, Öhlins suspension, Brembo-caliber brakes and a comprehensive electronics suite, it combines sportbike performance with cruiser aesthetics — and does so at a price that reflects its rarefied ambitions.
Source: autoevolution
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