Ducati has rolled into its centenary EICMA with a busy mix of road, track and off-road machinery. The 2027 Diavel V4 S and DesertX Rally headline the changes, while three new SP models bring more racing hardware to the showroom.
- Diavel V4 gains a new S variant with Öhlins semi-active suspension, revised electronics and factory customisation.
- DesertX Rally switches to Ducati’s 890cc V2 platform, with competition-grade KYB suspension and a stronger off-road focus.
- Panigale V4 SP, Panigale V2 SP and Streetfighter V4 SP join the line-up, with a Desmo250 EDS enduro teased for 2027.
Ducati has certainly made the most of EICMA this year. With its 100th anniversary celebrations providing a fitting backdrop, the Italian manufacturer has pulled the covers off five headline models, given several existing bikes fresh looks and offered a first glimpse of another addition to its growing off-road range.
The big news for road riders is the return of an S version of the Diavel V4, now with electronic Öhlins suspension. For adventure riders, the new DesertX Rally moves to Ducati’s lighter 890cc V2 platform, while the track-day crowd gets three SP specials that make very little effort to hide their racing ambitions.
There’s a fair bit to get through, so here’s what matters rather than every last detail of the press kit.
Diavel V4 S: A More Sophisticated Muscle Bike
Ducati’s Diavel has always occupied its own slightly eccentric corner of the market. It looks like a muscle cruiser, packs the punch of a serious sportsbike and, despite appearances, has never been afraid of a winding road.
For 2027, the Diavel V4 receives revised bodywork inspired partly by the Diavel V4 RS, including new air intakes, a redesigned tail and fresh wheels. More significantly, the S version returns to the family for the first time since the switch to V4 power.
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The Diavel V4 S gains Öhlins SmartEC-3 semi-active suspension, which adjusts damping electronically as riding conditions change. Ducati also fits a lithium-ion battery, heated grips and dedicated wheel finishes.
The 1,158cc V4 Granturismo engine retains its claimed 124 kW (166 HP), but revised electronic management is intended to smooth throttle response at low and medium revs. Ducati Quick Shift 2.0 is also included, while a larger 6.9-inch TFT dashboard brings optical bonding and turn-by-turn navigation as standard.
The Diavel also joins Ducati Factory Made, allowing customers to specify liveries and selected equipment at the factory rather than adding everything after delivery. Whether all those combinations will be offered in New Zealand remains to be confirmed.
“The Diavel has never been afraid of a winding road — and the new S finally gives the V4 electronic Öhlins suspension.”
DesertX Rally: More Serious About the Dirt
The other major road-legal debut is the 2027 DesertX Rally, which uses the newer DesertX architecture rather than simply dressing up the outgoing motorcycle.
At its heart is Ducati’s 890cc V2 engine, with a claimed 81 kW (108 HP) and 92Nm. It is paired with a dedicated monocoque frame and Full Floater rear suspension, the latter using a progressive linkage to help the rear wheel cope with rough terrain.
“For riders who head well beyond the sealed road, the suspension specification is the main attraction.”
For riders who head well beyond the sealed road, the suspension specification is the main attraction. Ducati has fitted long-travel KYB suspension, including a closed-cartridge 48mm fork with Kashima and DLC surface treatments, plus a fully adjustable rear shock and an adjustable Öhlins steering damper.
The wheels are also properly adventure-focused: Takasago Excel tubeless rims in 21-inch front and 18-inch rear sizes, with a 36-spoke rear arrangement intended to improve strength. Ducati says the narrower rims and greater wheel travel are aimed at better control when the going gets difficult.
It’s the sort of specification that puts the Rally in the conversation with the KTM 890 Adventure R and Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro. Whether it delivers the same confidence in the loose stuff is something that will have to wait for a proper ride.
Three SP Models, Three Ways to Spend a Track Day
Ducati’s SP badge is back in force, with special editions of the Panigale V4, Panigale V2 and Streetfighter V4 unveiled together.
The Panigale V4 SP takes the updated 2027 superbike as its starting point. Its claimed 160 kW (215 HP) Desmosedici Stradale engine is matched with carbon-fibre wheels, an STM EVO-SBK dry clutch and Ducati’s Racing Gearbox with Neutral Lock. Öhlins Smart EC 3.0 electronic suspension, an adjustable rear linkage derived from the V4 R and a more aggressive aerodynamic package with larger wings and Corner Sidepods complete the picture.
“It’s not exactly a subtle way to arrive at a track day. Then again, subtlety has never been high on the list of requirements for Ducati’s SP customers.”
The Panigale V2 SP has a slightly different purpose. Ducati says it was developed as the homologation basis for its next-generation World Supersport contender. The V2 engine delivers a claimed 88 kW (118 HP), with Öhlins suspension, a longer swingarm, forged wheels and a dry clutch among the distinguishing parts.
Meanwhile, the Streetfighter V4 SP is aimed at riders who want much of that exclusive track hardware without a full fairing. It combines a claimed 157 kW (211 HP) Desmosedici Stradale V4 with carbon-fibre wheels, an STM dry clutch, racing final drive, adjustable billet footpegs and electronic Öhlins suspension. Brembo’s MCS master cylinder with remote adjustment is another track-minded touch.
All three promise serious performance and exclusivity. Ducati has not supplied New Zealand prices or allocations in the EICMA overview.
New Colours and a Smaller Enduro on the Way
There’s more than five motorcycles on Ducati’s EICMA stand. The Hypermotard 698 Mono RVE gets an updated Graffiti scheme, while the Hypermotard V2 RVE returns with its own dedicated look. The Scrambler Full Throttle gains a green-and-bronze Heritage livery, the Multistrada V2 adopts a Sport scheme inspired by the Pikes Peak, and the XDiavel V4 Black Edition brings back a suitably dark finish.
Ducati has also shown a preview of the Desmo250 EDS, a smaller enduro joining the company’s growing dirt-bike programme. European dealership availability is planned for summer 2027. Detailed specifications and any New Zealand plans for the 250 have yet to be confirmed.
Other previously revealed bikes on display include the new Panigale V4, Monster Dark and Multistrada V4 Grand Tour and Pikes Peak. They are part of the wider 2027 line-up, rather than additional first-time launches in this announcement.
What Does It Mean for New Zealand?
For Kiwi riders, the two models to watch most closely are probably the DesertX Rally and Diavel V4 S. One promises a more focused answer to our gravel-road and back-country adventures; the other adds a welcome suspension upgrade to one of the most distinctive road bikes on sale.
The SP models will have their own appeal, especially to committed track-day riders and collectors, but local pricing, arrival timing and allocation have not been confirmed. We’ll update those details when Ducati’s New Zealand distributor provides them.
One thing is clear: Ducati is using its centenary year to cover an unusually wide spread of motorcycling, from knobbly tyres to carbon wheels and everything in between. There’s certainly no shortage of choice — assuming your bank manager is as enthusiastic as you are.
