Ducati Fires Up Production of World’s First Full Radar Bike
Ducati has begun mass production of its as yet unseen Multistrada V4 adventure tourer boasting a world first with radar sensors front and back.
This technology not only brings adaptive cruise control to motorcycles for the first time, it also claims the ability to mitigate rear shunt accidents from vehicle behind. The iconic motorcycle brand says this fourth generation Mutlistrada, using a revised V4 Desmosedici powerplant from its racing and sports bikes, will be unveiled next month with more technical details published in a week’s time.
Its ADAS suite has been four years in development and deploys mini radar sensors measuring 2.75in x 2.25in x 1.1in, roughly the same size as a wearable camcorder, and weighs just 6.7oz. The radar positioned in the front of the vehicle controls the operation of the adaptive cruise control, as in cars controlling braking and acceleration functions, up to speeds of 99mph. The rear radar has a safety function as a blind spot detector while also being able to detect and report on vehicles approaching from behind at high speed.
To underline the technical-scientific value of the research project, carried out jointly by Ducati engineers and researchers and undergraduates from the Politecnico di Milano, a patent application relating to the control algorithms of this system was filed in May 2017.
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
