Ducati confirms production of Multistrada V4 with radar technology

Production of the highly-anticipated Ducati Multistrada V4 has begun, with the Italian firm officially announcing the use of front and rear radar technology for the first time on a motorcycle.

A full-reveal of the new Multistrada V4 is expected on November 4, with more details on the engine to be released on October 15. The Bologna-based company says that 110,000 units have already been produced in its Borgo Panigale factory.

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The fourth generation of the Multistrada adventure tourer will feature a new, light and compact V4 engine that is based on the same four-cylinder Desmosedici Stradale powerplant used in the Panigale V4. It will be a significant upgrade from the current Mulitstrada’s 1262cc V-twin Testastretta engine.

Ducati claims the complete redesign of the Multistrada has allowed it to reach ‘record-breaking maintenance intervals’ for two-wheeled machines.

Radar Love

Radar technology, as is used in many modern cars, has been anticipated for some time, with Ducati and KTM both looking to implement it in upcoming models. Ducati announced in 2018 that it was planning to develop radar technology for its bikes. Tech company Bosch, who is behind the radar technology, provided an insight into the system in June.

The advanced rider-assistance system (ARAS), as it is called by Bosch, is designed to improve rider safety by detecting what is happening around the motorcycle. It uses front and rear sensors to warn riders about hazards such as vehicles in a rider’s blind spot and imminent frontal collisions.

Another component of the ARAS, is adaptive cruise control, which will automatically adjust a bike’s speed to maintain a safe following distance.

Each radar on the Multistrada V4 has compact dimensions (70x60x28mm) and integrates perfectly into the bike, weighing only 190 grams. The front radar will operate the adaptive cruise control, while the rear radar will handle blind sport detection.