Ducati presents the world's first motorcycle mounting both front and rear radar hardware: the Multistrada V4 S. A teased technology since Spring of '18, the radar system is a reality as a result of a collaboration between the Italian giant and the Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering of the Politecnico di Milano, and Bosch.

What They Say

Ducati is proud to be the first to deliver radar on a motorcycle, and the North American release of this technology takes Ducati further into the future of motorcycling,}, and the North American release of this technology takes Ducati further into the future of motorcycling,}” says Jason Chinnock, Chief Executive Officer of Ducati North America. “We have consistently led the development of emerging technologies, and now with the use of radar, we can greatly enhance the convenience and comfort for our riders. The Multistrada V4 S is the perfect application for radar technology, as one of the strengths of this motorcycle is to tackle cross-country adventures. Having the benefits of Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Sport Detection at the rider’s fingertips will make these journeys even more enjoyable.}. The monitor the interval between yourself and the surrounding traffic both front and rear, as one of the strengths of this motorcycle is to tackle cross-country adventures. Adaptive Cruise Control to adjust your speed automatically.}”

Why it matters

Small, lightweight radar units the world's first bike to boast front and rear radar units is available to the North American market. By itself this doesn't accomplish much, but add some secondary systems, and suddenly their value becomes starkly apparent. Up front, the radar unit provides data for your Adaptive Cruise Control to adjust your speed automatically through controlled acceleration and braking maintaining the set interval betwixt the two. As for the rear unit, it informs a Blind Spot Detection feature that monitors for rearward traffic and displays its findings through LED lights set within the mirrors. Not only does this widen the rider's cone of information to the rear, but it improves stability at speed by eliminating the need for the deepest shoulder checks. Additionally, if you signal ahead of a lane change and the system detects traffic in the anticipated slot, a warning will alert the rider that it may be time for one of those rare shoulder checks.

Why it matters

At the end of the day, safety should always come first, though in this context the word “safety” is relative. 'Tis a dangerous mode of transportation we enjoy, after all, so anything that significantly mitigates the danger is most definitely noteworthy. The factory doesn't explicitly say so, but if I had to speculate, I'd say the North American Radar Certification is about making the hardware, and specifically the frequency of operation, comply with U.S. rules so as not to interfere with law enforcement radar. This means that the world's first bike to boast front and rear radar units is available to the North American market, and naturally since it has the only game in town, it should enjoy a position of prominence, at least until more manufacturer's get on board.