2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 Radar Tech Preview

Ducati is looking to advance the industry with its forthcoming Multistrada V4, and not just by way of the new V-4 mill in its fourth-generation sport-touring machine.

Ducati is touting the introduction of front and rear radar systems on the Multistrada as the game-changing feature of this machine. These systems will improve the function of safety systems on the bike by providing sophisticated information about potential hazards surrounding the motorcycle. The introduction of this technology on a production machine makes good on the promise of Advanced Rider Assistance Systems the brand made back in 2018 when it broke news of its intention to develop the radar as part of its 2025 Safety Road Map plan. Bosch cornering ABS and Multistrada D-air systems were part of the Road Map plan as well, and have already made their way to market.

Work on the forthcoming radar began in 2016 when Ducati started collaborating with the Department of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering of the Polytechnic University of Milan. Over the past four years Ducati has also employed the support of Bosch to create its system.

The overview of the radar system explains that the front-end system will control Adaptive Cruise Control by adjusting the braking and acceleration based on its distance from other vehicles. This function will have four levels to choose from and will kick in between 18 mph and 99 mph. Ducati based the front-end system on those now used in some cars, but dialed it so acceleration and braking won’t adversely affect handling on two wheels.

The radar at the rear is calibrated to detect and report vehicles approaching in the blind spot, as well as to alert the rider of vehicles approaching at high speed.

For now, that’s all the information we’ve got on the new Multistrada V4. Ducati is planning to tease out more information on the engine on October 15, with the full model release planned for November 4. Stay tuned.