The Diavel V4 RS flaunts carbon fibre components which make for an overall weight saving of 3kg with respect to the Diavel V4. This high-quality material is used in many of the completely redesigned components, such as the side air intakes, single-seat tail, fenders, and tank covers. The small lithium-ion battery also contributes to a lighter bike. 

On the Diavel V4 RS, the Desmosedici Stradale engine is not just the beating heart of performance but an integral part of the chassis, used as a structural element. The layout is based on a lightweight aluminium monocoque frame affixed to the heads, paired with a cast aluminium single-sided swingarm and a steel rear trellis subframe. A configuration that offers maximum stiffness, contained weight and advanced ride dynamics. The long, low layout, due to technical choices that bring it closer to dragsters, is in fact the Ducati with the best acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h.

The Öhlins suspension used for the Diavel V4 RS is designed to guarantee the best performance, balancing sports riding support with comfort when cruising. The NIX30 fork with 48 mm stanchions and STX46 shock, both fully adjustable in pre-load and hydraulics, ensure a smoother ride, effectively absorbing even the smallest bumps in the roads.

With respect to the Diavel V4 version, hydraulic calibration is more robust, reducing load transfers and improving control during the sportiest phases, without sacrificing everyday riding comfort. 

The braking system on the Diavel V4 RS derives directly from that of the Panigale V4 and ensures record performance with a peak deceleration figure of 11.5m/s2. This value is generally reserved to race bikes, only possible thanks to very sophisticated calibration of the Cornering ABS system. 330 mm discs and Brembo Stylema monobloc callipers at the front are combined with a single 265 mm disc and Brembo floating calliper at the rear.

On the Diavel V4 RS, the rider seat upholstery is tailor-made and enhanced with red stitching on the side that accentuates its sports attitude. The single-seat tail with carbon fibre components bears the RS logo on both sides and replaces the passenger seat, for a lighter rear line. For those who want to share the Diavel V4 RS travel experience with a passenger, it’s possible to switch the single-seat tail for the seat provided and pull out the retractable passenger footpegs and grab handle. Sophisticated solutions that combine style and functionality in their every detail.

The Diavel V4 RS mounts Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres, available for the first time with a rear size of 240/45, for excellent grip in acceleration and mid-turn. Together with the aluminium forged wheels, the tyres add to the vehicle’s dynamic performance, making the Diavel V4 RS more neutral in its cornering behaviour with respect to the Diavel V4 and more satisfying during sports riding. 

The Diavel V4 RS introduces a new Ducati Power Launch (DPL) strategy, designed to optimise performance from a standing start. The system offers three levels of intervention, which can be selected according to a rider’s experience and preference. Having selected a level, the rider need only shift into first and fully open the throttle: during the initial start phase, as the rider releases the clutch, the system maintains the Desmosedici Stradale RS engine at optimal rpm, to suit the DPL level selected. 

Once the clutch is released, the DPL enters the second phase, adjusting torque delivery to ensure the best possible acceleration, again based on the selected level. To operate, the DPL integrates the Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) function and ensures Ducati Traction Control (DTC) remains active, for maximum safety in all conditions. The system automatically deactivates once the expected manoeuvre speed is exceeded or when the rider shifts into third. In addition, to preserve the clutch, a dedicated algorithm limits the number of consecutive starts available. The counter resets when the bike is used normally. 

The electronics package on the Diavel V4 RS includes Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) 2.0, which allows the rider to upshift without using the clutch and without reducing the throttle, increasing the bike’s acceleration speed. Already present on the Panigale V4, this system does away with the traditional lever with microswitch in favour of a direct mechanical lever, enhancing the bike’s dynamic performance.

The Diavel V4 RS electronic systems are calibrated to suit the model’s characteristics and usage, and integrated into four Riding Modes: Sport, Touring, Wet and Race, appearing in the Diavel range for the first time to highlight the characteristics of the RS model.

The three Power Modes on the Diavel V4 RS are optimised specifically for the new RS model:

• High (associated with Race and Sport Riding Modes) - dedicated to sports riding and use on track and able to offer maximum power with a prompt throttle response;
• Medium (associated with Touring Riding Mode) - offering maximum power but with a gentler throttle response;
• Low (associated with Wet Riding Mode) - reduces power to 84 kW (114 hp) and ensures a gentle throttle response. 

The Diavel V4 RS features a Diavel-specific TFT with 5” screen that stands out for its dedicated graphics and special key-on animation when the bike is started.