Ducati’s new Multistrada V4 is the first production motorcycle with radar – Robb Report

The cars of Italy’s Supercar Valley aren’t the only machines to bring the latest electronic technology to the ride. Ducati, the Bolognese icon a stone’s throw from the headquarters of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati, is the first motorcycle manufacturer in the world to equip a standard motorcycle with front and rear radars. This bike is the new Multistrada V4.

With over 110,000 units sold, and now in its fourth generation, the Multistrada is one of the most popular models in the Ducati range. The latest version features an all-new, lightweight and compact V-4 engine that is not only smoother, but dramatically extends service intervals for even greater convenience. Less time spent in the workshop means more time to drive.

In 2016, Ducati engineers began to work in collaboration with the Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering of the Politecnico di Milano, and the research resulted in a complete driver assistance system developed and produced. by Bosch, Ducati’s technology partner. Front and rear mounted radar units, about the size of a modern action camera and weighing less than half a pound each, are built into the body.

On the front of the motorcycle is a radar unit controlling the operation of ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control), which regulates braking and acceleration, automatically adjusting the distance between the motorcycle and other vehicles when riding at high speeds. speeds between approximately 19 mph and 100 mph. Although derived from automotive ACC systems, the Ducati setup has been specifically tailored to the dynamic and ergonomic requirements of a motorcycle, primarily by limiting acceleration and deceleration to ensure the rider maintains optimal control in all situations. Selectable on four levels, the radar system improves driving comfort and safety, especially on the highway.

By raising the rear, this radar is designed to detect other vehicles positioned in vulnerable blind spots of a motorcycle and where the driver’s mirrors are unable to provide a clear view of what is behind or on the side. It is important to note that the BSD (Blind Spot Detection) system also signals the driver of vehicles approaching from behind at high speed.

Motorcycle technology and safety have certainly come a long way since the days of kick-starters and half-helmets, and this latest innovation takes it all to another level. Ducati’s new radar system is an ideal addition to a high-performance all-star adventure like the Multistrada V4.