2026 Ducati Diavel V4 RS Confirmed

An even sportier Diavel in the works

Ducati is preparing to introduce a new RS variant of the Diavel V4, taking the genre-defying muscle bike into an even sportier direction.

The confirmation comes to us from the same vehicle identification number (VIN) decoder that revealed to us that Ducati was putting its new 890cc V2 engine in the 2026 Monster and DesertX. The decoder, published this week by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, also lists in two sections the new Diavel V4 RS, once in a line item assigning the code “R” in the VIN’s sixth position for the Diavel V4 family, and again in a larger list of recent Ducati models. The two references leave no doubt as to the Diavel V4 RS’s being part of Ducati’s 2026 plans.

So, what can we expect from the Diavel V4 RS? The intent is pretty clear if you look at the previous times Ducati has produced an “RS” model. The first was the Monster S4 RS produced 2006-2008, and the most recent the 2024 Multistrada V4 RS, which our own Troy Siahaan was just one of three journalists Ducati invited to ride. In both cases, Ducati took an existing model and swapped its engine for one from its superbikes.

Therefore, we can expect the Diavel V4 RS to use the Desmosedici Stradale version of the V4 engine from the Panigale V4 instead of the more streetable V4 Granturismo used on the regular Diavel. The Panigale engine claims 209 hp at 12,750 rpm and 89.5 lb-ft. at 11,250 rpm for U.S.-spec models, so we should expect something similar with the Diavel V4 RS, compared to the regular model’s claimed 168 hp at 10,750 rpm and 93 lb-ft. at 7,500 rpm. We can also expect other changes, such as a sportier exhaust, liberal use of carbon fiber, and perhaps a dry clutch.

We expect Ducati will reveal the 2026 Diavel V4 RS in the fall, in one of its World Première videos, alongside the new Monster and DesertX, and likely a new Panigale V4 R.

By Dennis Chung