In the world of high-performance motorcycles, some machines are built to be ridden, while others are destined to become legends. Ducati has just pulled the covers off a bike that is emphatically both: the new, exclusive, and breathtakingly beautiful Ducati Diavel V4 RS.
Taking the already bonkers Diavel V4 platform—a bike that blends muscle cruiser aesthetics with superbike DNA—Ducati has applied its coveted “RS” treatment. The result is a lighter, sharper, and even more desirable machine that is as much a piece of engineering art as it is a motorcycle. But act fast, because this masterpiece is strictly for a chosen few.
What Makes the New Ducati Diavel V4 RS So Special?
The Diavel V4 RS isn’t just a new color scheme. It’s a top-to-bottom enhancement of an already incredible bike, designed for the most discerning riders and collectors who demand the absolute pinnacle of performance and style.
More Than a Motorcycle: A Numbered Collector’s Piece
The first thing you need to know about the Diavel V4 RS is its exclusivity. Ducati is producing only 500 numbered units for the entire world. Each bike will feature a billet aluminum plaque on the frame, laser-etched with the model name and production number, certifying its status as a true collector’s item. This isn’t just a purchase; it’s an investment in Ducati history.
The “RS” Badge: A Promise of Ultimate Performance
In the Ducati dictionary, “RS” (Rennsport or Racing Sport) is a hallowed designation. It signifies the most extreme, track-focused, and technologically advanced version of a motorcycle. While the Diavel isn’t a track bike, the RS badge here promises an unparalleled level of dynamic performance on the road, achieved through superior components and meticulous weight reduction.
A Deep Dive into the Exclusive Upgrades
The heart of the Diavel V4 RS remains the formidable 1,158cc V4 Granturismo engine, but the magic lies in the chassis and components bolted to it. This is where the RS truly separates itself from the standard model.
Chassis and Suspension: The Öhlins Gold Standard
One of the most significant upgrades is the suspension. The RS model is equipped with a fully adjustable Öhlins setup, front and rear. This is the gold standard in the motorcycle world, replacing the already competent Sachs/Marzocchi units on the standard Diavel. This upgrade provides superior feedback, stability, and a new level of handling precision, allowing the rider to exploit the engine’s full potential with confidence.
Lighter and Sharper: The Magic of Marchesini Forged Wheels
Perhaps the single most important performance enhancement comes from the wheels. The Diavel V4 RS features stunning exposed-aluminum Marchesini forged wheels. Beyond their incredible looks, these wheels are a full 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) lighter than the cast wheels on the standard model.
Why a 2.5 kg Weight Saving is a Game-Changer
This 2.5 kg reduction is crucial because it’s a loss of “unsprung weight.” Reducing the weight of components not supported by the suspension has a dramatic effect on performance. It allows the bike to accelerate faster, brake harder, and change direction with significantly less effort. This single change is responsible for the bike’s entire weight loss and will make it feel incredibly agile and responsive.
Brakes and Control: Brembo Stylema R Power
To manage its immense power, the Diavel V4 RS is fitted with a top-of-the-line braking system from Brembo. It uses the same Stylema R calipers found on the Panigale V4 superbike, paired with a PR16/19 radial master cylinder. This setup provides phenomenal stopping power with unmatched feel and consistency, even during hard, spirited riding.
The Beauty of Brawn: Carbon Fiber and Titanium Touches
Aesthetics and performance go hand-in-hand on the RS. Ducati has generously used carbon fiber for numerous components, including:
- Headlight cover
- Front and rear mudguards
- Radiator covers
- Central tank cover
This is complemented by a stunning sports-derived silencer made from titanium and carbon fiber, which not only looks incredible but also provides a more menacing V4 soundtrack.
Diavel V4 vs. Diavel V4 RS: A Head-to-Head Comparison
While the RS is a clear step up, it’s important to understand exactly where the differences lie compared to the already potent standard Diavel V4.
Is the Engine the Same?
Yes, the engine’s core performance figures are unchanged. The V4 Granturismo in the RS produces the same thrilling 168 hp and 126 Nm of torque. Ducati’s focus for the RS wasn’t on adding more power but on enhancing the motorcycle’s ability to use that power through a lighter, more sophisticated chassis.
Key Differences at a Glance: A Comparison Table
| Feature | Ducati Diavel V4 | Ducati Diavel V4 RS |
| Production | Standard | Limited to 500 Numbered Units |
| Suspension | Sachs/Marzocchi, fully adjustable | Öhlins, fully adjustable |
| Wheels | Cast Aluminum | Marchesini Forged Aluminum |
| Brakes | Brembo Stylema | Brembo Stylema R |
| Weight | 225.5 kg (Kerb) | 223 kg (Kerb) |
| Bodywork | Standard | Extensive Carbon Fiber Parts |
| Exhaust | Standard | Titanium & Carbon Fiber Silencer |
| Livery | Ducati Red, Thrilling Black | Iceberg White with Red Accents |
Design and Aesthetics: The “Iceberg White” Stunner
The Diavel V4 RS is immediately recognizable thanks to its exclusive and sophisticated livery.
A Livery Inspired by the Racetrack
The bike is finished in a beautiful gloss “Iceberg White,” which is contrasted by blacked-out mechanical components and exposed carbon fiber. The MotoGP-inspired red graphics on the tank and tail, along with the red “RS” logo, add a dash of racing aggression. It’s a design that is both elegant and menacing.
Ergonomics and Rider Experience
The riding position remains that of a power cruiser—commanding and relatively comfortable. However, the enhanced chassis and reduced weight will translate to a more connected and confidence-inspiring feel for the rider. It encourages you to ride it more like a sportbike than a traditional cruiser. As someone who has experienced the standard Diavel V4, the promise of this RS version is electrifying. It takes an already physics-defying machine and sharpens it into a true precision instrument.
Price and Availability: How Can You Get One?
With only 500 units available, acquiring a Diavel V4 RS will be a challenge for enthusiasts worldwide.
Global Pricing and Limited Numbers
The exclusivity comes at a price. In the US, the Diavel V4 RS is priced at $37,995, a significant premium over the standard model. In the UK, it commands £32,895. Given the limited production run, these bikes are expected to be allocated quickly and will likely become highly sought-after on the collector’s market.
What to Expect for the India Launch
While Ducati has not yet announced an official India launch date or price, it is highly anticipated. Based on global pricing, experts predict an ex-showroom price in the region of ₹35 lakh. Expect allocations for India to be extremely limited, making it one of the rarest superbikes in the country.
Our Verdict: Is the Ducati Diavel V4 RS Worth the Premium?
The Ducati Diavel V4 RS is an exercise in excess, in the best possible way. It takes a machine that was already at the top of its class and elevates it with the finest components the industry has to offer.
Is it worth the significant price increase over the standard model? For the average rider, perhaps not. The standard Diavel V4 is already more than enough motorcycle for most. But the RS isn’t for the average rider. It’s for the collector, the enthusiast, and the rider who wants the absolute, undisputed best. It is a statement piece, a rolling sculpture, and a testament to Ducati’s engineering prowess. For those 500 lucky owners, it will be worth every single penny.
FAQ‘s
What is the main difference between the Diavel V4 and the Diavel V4 RS?
The main differences are in the components and exclusivity. The RS version features higher-spec Öhlins suspension, lighter Marchesini forged wheels, superior Brembo Stylema R brakes, extensive carbon fiber bodywork, and is a limited edition of only 500 numbered units worldwide.
Is the Diavel V4 RS more powerful than the standard Diavel V4?
No, the engine performance is the same. Both models use the V4 Granturismo engine producing 168 hp and 126 Nm of torque. The RS focuses on improving handling and reducing weight rather than increasing power.
How much does the Ducati Diavel V4 RS cost?
The US price is $37,995. While the official Indian price is not yet announced, it is expected to be around ₹35 lakh (ex-showroom).
How many Diavel V4 RS models will be made?
The Ducati Diavel V4 RS is a strictly limited edition. Only 500 numbered units will be produced for the global market, making it a rare collector’s item.
What makes the forged wheels on the RS special?
The Marchesini forged wheels are 2.5 kg lighter than the standard wheels. This reduction in unsprung weight dramatically improves the motorcycle’s agility, making it easier to turn, accelerate, and brake.
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Also Read : Official Ducati Diavel V4 RS
