Exclusive new MotoGP-Inspired Ducatis unveiled at Misano

 
Ducati Multistrada V4 RS and Diavel V4 RS

The lighting was deliberately low, with a soft glow of signature Ducati red hues illuminating the temporary bar, but all eyes were drawn to the end of Misano's legendary pit lane, where a large screen had been strategically positioned.

This was the first Ducati World Première of 2026, and they'd chosen to make it at a race track – the very place where so much of the legend that is Ducati has been forged over the decades.

Ducati had transformed the hallowed pit lane tarmac with dark carpeting, rolled open the doors to the exclusive Ducati Lenovo MotoGP team's inner sanctum, and created an atmosphere of pure automotive theatre for their hand-picked guests.

Feeling more like a luxury outdoor al fresco dining venue than a pit lane, the event was reserved for an intimate gathering of devoted Ducatisti, A-list celebrities, select media, and Ducati's inner circle. Even Davide Tardozzi was there – the man who orchestrates Ducati's MotoGP dominance – taking a rare break from his championship-winning duties to witness what his colleagues at the factory had been secretly crafting.

Champagne corks popped as world-class cuisine was prepared, building anticipation before company CEO Claudio Domenicali took centre stage to reveal why this exclusive assembly had been summoned – to witness the birth of two extraordinary limited-edition masterpieces: the Diavel V4 RS and Multistrada V4 RS.

He opened with a tantalising video – now available on Ducati's YouTube channel for those who weren't privileged enough to be there – showcasing the two machines with none other than Marc Márquez unleashing acceleration runs on the Diavel V4, and Pecco Bagnaia carving through a track on the Multistrada V4 RS.

The distinctive, spine-tingling growl of twin 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale engines suddenly erupted through the evening air, and a pair of these mechanical marvels were ceremoniously ridden through the captivated crowd before being positioned like twin sentinels on either side of Domenicali – Márquez astride the menacing Diavel, Bagnaia commanding the versatile Multistrada.

This was Ducati's opening salvo for their 2026 model year strategy, unveiled at the very track where their riders are expected to reign supreme, and a freeway run from their sacred Borgo Panigale factory in Bologna.

Ducati describes the creation of these RS models as a mission: machines that obliterate the traditional compromise between pure sporting thrills and everyday usability, thanks to cutting-edge technologies battle-tested in competition before being incorporated into street-legal, comfortable machines.

Both MotoGP legends spoke passionately about their experiences with these new weapons. Márquez particularly relished using the Diavel's sophisticated acceleration measurement system to clock a blistering 2.52-second 0-100km/h time (reaching 200km/h in just 7.38 seconds) – describing it as "incredible fun."

This achievement makes the new Diavel RS second only to an actual MotoGP bike in terms of raw acceleration. Combined with Ducati's revolutionary Power Launch technology, even weekend warriors can achieve launches that were previously the stuff of professional racing dreams.

Ducati's Muscle Roadster boasts numerous exclusive features, including a bespoke single-seat unit developed exclusively for this model, though discerning owners can opt for a two-seater configuration when sharing the experience becomes necessary.

The wheels are unique to the Diavel, with the rear now wrapped in a massive Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyre measuring an intimidating 240/45.

Bagnaia was so captivated by the Multistrada that he's already claimed the 63rd unit off the production line – his racing number, naturally. Both machines will be individually numbered, with each number displayed on a black anodised aluminium plaque, proudly embellished with the Italian flag and mounted on the triple clamp like a badge of honour.

The Multistrada V4 RS stands as the only Multistrada equipped with Full Power Mode (accessed through Race Riding Mode, announced by a chequered flag icon), delivering maximum fury across all gears with razor-sharp throttle response. Yet it remains a capable tourer, featuring a new titanium subframe engineered to accept the weight of a top case alongside panniers and a passenger – something earlier high-performance Multistradas couldn't accommodate.

Experiencing these machines up close was breathtaking. Extensive carbon fibre bodywork caught the light like liquid obsidian. The quality of finish was nothing short of perfection. The colours and graphics struck a perfect balance between distinctive and timelessly modern.

Domenicali spoke with evident pride about how these engines are directly descended from their MotoGP machines, and his passion was infectious as he described leading a company that offers such otherworldly technology to street riders – no longer confined to race-replica Panigale models, but now accessible through the more approachable Diavel and Multistrada platforms.

As we explored these mechanical masterpieces while savouring world-class Ducati hospitality, the evening's soundtrack caught my attention. The soulful music wasn't coming from speakers – a talented saxophonist was weaving through the crowd, playing purely for the joy of it. This perfect touch enhanced the night's already electric atmosphere: witnessing automotive masterpieces being unveiled in its natural habitat – a MotoGP racetrack.

These new RS models won't be within everyone's reach, but for the fortunate few who can call one their own, either machine represents something truly special – a mechanical masterpiece worthy of display in the finest living rooms, yet built to be unleashed both on public roads and at venues where that incredible Desmosedici heart can truly sing its full-throated song.