Ducati DIAVEL V4 RS

The Ducati Diavel V4 RS takes the power cruiser formula established by the standard Diavel V4 and adds genuine superbike hardware throughout, positioning it as the sharper, more track capable sibling within the range. Where the standard V4 uses the touring derived Granturismo engine, the RS switches to a unit lifted straight from Ducati’s sportsbike line.

That engine is the 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4, with an 81mm by 53.5mm bore and stroke and 14.0:1 compression, architecturally related to Ducati’s MotoGP power unit, and here it produces a searing 182hp at 11,750rpm and 120Nm of torque at 9,500rpm, a clear step up on the standard Diavel V4’s output. Drive goes through a six speed gearbox with the latest Ducati Quick Shift up and down, running a chain final drive on a 15 tooth front and 43 tooth rear sprocket, while a multiplate dry clutch with slipper action gives the RS a distinctly mechanical, race bred character both in sound and feel compared with the standard model’s wet clutch.

The chassis gains fully adjustable Ohlins suspension at both ends in place of the standard bike’s conventional units, a 48mm Ohlins fork up front and an Ohlins monoshock at the rear working through an aluminium single sided swingarm with 145mm of travel, over a slightly longer 1,602mm wheelbase than the standard V4. Braking steps up too, with twin 330mm front discs gripped by radially mounted Brembo Stylema Monobloc four piston callipers and Cornering ABS, tyres are Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV in a 120/70 ZR17 front and a wide 240/45 ZR17 rear size, and at 220kg with a 20 litre tank it is lighter than the standard V4 despite the added specification.

Riding modes and traction and wheelie control keep the substantial power in check, tuned to make the most of the sharper Ohlins chassis rather than simply reining it in. Built for riders who already know the Diavel concept and want the most track capable cruiser Ducati makes, with genuine superbike derived components rather than styling alone. Available now at GT Motorcycles, your Ducati dealer in Plymouth, serving riders across Devon and Cornwall, with finance and test rides available.