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Ducati Multistrada V4 has Front/Rear Radar

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Ducati announced in 2018 that by 2020 it would add front and rear radar sensors to warn riders of dangers.
Now they have announced the technology will be available in its upcoming Multistrada V4 which has just got into production at their Borgo Panigale factory.
The feature will add blind spot warning and adaptive cruise control, but Ducati calls their technology ARAS (Advanced Rider Assistance Systems).
The Multistrada V4 will be the first motorcycle to use front and rear radar technology, though we believe KTM and BMW are not far behind as they have also been working with Bosch to develop similar systems.
Ducati’s most powerful adventure tourer yet will be unveiled on 4 November 2020 and should hit Aussie showrooms in early 2021.
The official photos do not reveal the bike, only the radar sensors front and rear and the compact and lightweight Bosch controller module.
Each radar has compact dimensions (70 x 60 x 28 mm, similar to an action camera) and weighs only 190 grams.
Ducati has been working on radar tech since 216 when they collaborated with the Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering of the Politecnico di Milano.
So how does it work?
The radar positioned in the front of the vehicle controls the operation of the ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control), which uses brakes and throttle to automatically adjust the distance (selectable on four levels) from other vehicles when riding at a speed between 30-160km/h.
“This car-derived system has been evolved and developed according to the dynamics and ergonomics of a two-wheeled vehicle,” Ducati says.
“In particular, the authority of the system in terms of deceleration and acceleration has been limited in order to ensure the rider can maintain constant control of the vehicle in any situation.
“The system allows for more comfortable riding, especially on long motorway journeys.”
The rear radar detects vehicles in the blind spot and flashes a warning signal on the instruments.
Ducati filed a patent application in 2017 for the control algorithms.
The fourth-generation Multistrada will be powered by the same V4 engine as in the Panigale V4 and Streetfighter V4, although it will be substantially detuned for adventure riding.
The Panigale V4 has from 157.5kW (211.2hp) of power to 174.5kW (234hp) in the R version, while the Streetfighter is slightly detuned to 153kW (208hp).
The Multistrada V4 will have 126kW of output (179hp).
More engine details will be unveiled next week.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Suzuki Releases New Tech Teaser

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Last week Suzuki put out a post on their official motorcycle Instagram stating that a “superior way to ride” will be coming soon. The caption stated: “The world is getting smarter, and so is your two wheeler! Get ready for a new, smart way to ride with #SuzukiIndia.”

With the very obvious hint towards a “smarter” ride and the image attached looked like a display of some sort, we can safely assume their small-displacement motorcycles will be perhaps featuring a new smart display or something along those lines. The post was hashtagged #SuzukiIndia – and we all know India loves their small-displacement motorcycles.

toronto motorcycle film festival

Fast-forward a few days later, they continued the teaser show by releasing a video on their Instagram. The video doesn’t have any information to offer other than flashy text overlay on the video stating “Introducing a technology that lets you stay in charge. stay tuned!”. Hmmmmm, thanks, Suzuki… You’re really going out of your way to make my job easy.

Again, I’m going to go out on a limb and assume this has something to do with either smartphone connectivity to their smaller bikes, or a new display giving you more information than before, or both.

In order to put out a new display, you obviously need a new motorcycle to present it on. I think we can safely assume that this new display and “technology that lets you stay in charge” (…) will be featured on a new bike. Friends over at rideapart.com speculate that they may be coming out with a slightly larger 250cc version of the bikes, so we’ll play it by ear.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Yamaha Presents the Yard Built Contest Winners for 2020

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Some Killer Custom Motorcycles

Yamaha hosts an annual Yard Build competition that has produced some fantastic custom motorcycles since the first competition in 2014. Recently, the company announced the winners of the most recent contest.

The theme of this year’s contests was Back to the Drawing Board, which challenged builders to create unique designs from the Yamaha XSR700.

The build-off contest saw all sorts of bikes be made from retro dirt-focused machines to futuristic cafe racers. Here’s a list of the winners of this year’s contest and a picture of the motorcycle they created:

Red Tail by Alex and Claudio Monge

red tail

RD350 Tribute by Ugo Coppola

rc350 tribute

700GT by Rua Machines

motorcycle safety

700gt

Disruptive by Barbara Motorcycle

disruptive



Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Roads Less Slippery for Riders

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Queensland roads could soon become safer for riders with the implementation of standards for non-slip road surfaces and better maintenance.
A recent industry forum heard that the Transport and Main Roads Department is lifting the standard and requirements for contractors that lay coloured surfaces on their roads such as in bus lanes and bike lanes.
Painted road surfaces are a hazard for two-wheeled motorists, especially when wet.
TMR is now moving to ban some types of painted products and require independent assessment and approval by the Australian Road Research Board for any product they do use.
Queensland Councils are also signatories to the process and will adopt it.
“The implication for riders is that coloured surfaces that riders cross will have higher texture, for longer, reducing the likelihood that riders will slide or skid when stopping or turning,” he says.
“For example when riders turn across bus lanes or bike lanes at intersections.”
Omnigrip is not paint, but a coloured aggregate which has the same grip levels as the surrounding tarmac and wears at the same rate, he says.
“Paint-based solutions don’t retain their texture or colour for very long,” Dave says.
“The (TMR) changes only allow resin-based surfaces that demonstrate that they can perform satisfactorily in lab tests and on the actual road.
“There will also be more onerous requirements on contractors to maintain the surfaces too and repair any defects.
“The process should deliver higher-performing surfaces that are safer for longer, and lifetime costs are lower for tax payers and ratepayers.”
He expects their recycled-glass skid-resistant surfaces will pass certification so they can continued to be used in Queensland.
It is used for bicycle and bus lanes and pedestrian crossings by councils and road authorities in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Main Roads Western Australia.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Bid for RACV Rider Rep Fails

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John Mulder, a member of both the Classic Motorcycle Club of Victoria and the Australian Street Rod Federation, says he “got smashed” in the elections, while the “two Chairman’s picks got up comfortably”.
“On reflection, my strategy was inadequate and way too late to get the attention we needed within the Victorian Motorcycling community,” John says.
“But I’m not deterred.  There were plenty of lessons and I intend to have another go but this time I’ll start much further out from the election.
“The stats show that roughly the same old 100,000 members voted, suggesting that we got buy-in from very few of the 420,000 licensed motorcyclists in Victoria.
“If I can convince just 1 in 20 of those motorcyclists to take an interest and vote in the next election I would romp in.”
John campaigned on rider issuers such as the lack of transparency surrounding the Victorian motorcyclist safety levy; the lack of consideration given to motorcyclists in road construction and road maintenance activities; and the cost of registration in Victoria given the modest impact that motorcycles have on our road surfaces compared with other vehicles.
“The RACV is way too important to the future of motoring in our State and if we don’t get some car and motorcycle people around that table soon, we’ll be peddling push bikes,” he says.
“I would like to put the automobile back into the RACV.”
  • Lower the cost of powered two-wheel registration and compulsory third party insurance ($50 – 50cc, $100 – LAMS, $200 – Open standardise across all states);
  • 50cc scooters, mopeds, and equivalent electric bikes able to be ridden on a car license Australia-wide;
  • Incentives for commuters to buy electric-powered bikes through green fund rebates (as per current solar rebates) and no stamp duty charges;
  • National exemption from motorway, bridge, and tunnel toll charges; and
  • Free parking and footpath parking, except in public thoroughfares and walkways.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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BMW Marks 40 Years of GS Models

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BMW Motorrad is celebrating 40 years of its GS models with three new models, extra standard features and anniversary styling touches for its current line of GS models.
GS stands for Gelände/Straße in German which literally translates to “terrain/road”. But it is also referred to as “off-road/road sport” which means it will tackle all sorts of roads in a lively fashion.
Long before Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor made the GS name famous, BMW’s GS models were conquering the Dakar Rally and taking adventurous riders to remote parts of the world.
To celebrate 40 years of GS bikes, BMW is adding three new models: G 310 GS, R 1250 GS, and R 1250 GS Adventure. They arrive in Australia early in 2021.
BMW Motorrad Australia GM Andreas Lundgren says the new models include many optional features as standard “improving on already fantastic and highly capable bikes that have proven such a hit with Australian BMW Motorrad customers over many years”.
R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure include new BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as standard.
The 313cc engine now comes with “electronic throttle grip” (electromotive throttle controller) for more sensitive throttle response and automatic idle speed \to prevent newbies from stalling the engine.
It also features a self-boosting anti-hopping clutch to reduce engine drag torque and reduce rear-wheel lock-up when braking and gearing down. The clutch lever now has a softer pull and four-stage adjustment, along with the brake lever.
The new BMW G 310 GS comes with LED headlight and taillight.
It now has “rallye” styling with a red frame and Kyanit blue metallic tank.
The BMW G 310 GS “40 Years GS” edition features the famous historical black and yellow aint from the the R 100 GS.
G 310 GS features new LED headlight, updated styling, self-boosting anti-hopping clutch and adjustable hand lever in four stages for brake and clutch
R 1250 GS and R 1250 GSA:
These adventure tourers now come with Dynamic Traction Control and Integral ABS Pro as standard.
The new standard “Eco” riding mode encourages efficient riding, while Pro riding modes can be equipped as optional equipment ex-works.
Pro also features a dynamic engine brake control to avoid rear-wheel lock-up.
BMW Integral ABS Pro with cornering assistance is also fitted as standard on both models.
The additional expansion of the riding mode concept results in more new functions. For example, it adapts ABS control characteristics to the respective riding mode for maximum control.
The Hill Start Control ride-off assistant is standard equipment and enables convenient stopping and starting when riding uphill.
Hill Start Control Pro (HSC Pro), also standard on Australian specification models, improves starting performance in all riding conditions.
G 310 GS features new LED headlight, updated styling, self-boosting anti-hopping clutch and adjustable hand lever in four stages for brake and clutch
Both models get new full-LED adaptive headlights, cruising light and function-integrated turn indicator bulbs. The optional “adaptive headlight” package allows the low-beam headlight of the standard full-LED headlight to turn into the curve depending on the inclined position. In future, the welcome light (“Welcome” function), the “Good bye” function and the “Follow me home” function for orientation will be available as optional equipment.
With the optional cruising light equipment, the two front turn indicator bulbs can be permanently dimmed simultaneously. In the case of the multifunctional rear indicator lamps, the standard rear LED flashing turn indicators are replaced by LED flashing turn indicators, which can emit yellow flashing light and red brake light or rear light simultaneously.
Vehicle voltage and USB sockets are now standard as well as seat heating for rider and pillion.
Options include 30mm bar risers, various rider seat heights and footrests.
The R 1250 GS and R 1250 GSA arrive in a dynamic basic colour and two triple black and Rallye style variants.
R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure include new BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as standard.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Ducati Museum Officially Re-Opens to Public With Additional Virtual Option

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A Ducati Museum Tour From Your Smartphone? Count Me In

Yesterday October 5th, 2020, marked day-one of the Ducati Museum re-opening to the public in Bologna, Italy, with new precautions in place to keep visitors safe during the pandemic.

The Ducati Museum is one of the most visited museums in Bologna and has seen over 650,000 visitors since opening in 1998. That’s around 30,000 people a year making this museum very important to the Ducati brand.

Since July 4th of this year, the museum has been only accessible to select individuals with very strict visitation hours to keep the COVID-19 issue at bay. Italy was one of the hardest-hit countries during the pandemic recording up to 900 deaths daily (per the BBC in March), so it was in Ducati’s best interest to proceed with great trepidation to ensure the safety of their die-hard fans seeking to visit the museum.

With the release of their new MyDucati app last month, Ducati is on a mission to provide smart options to engage with their brand so with this re-opening they have set up a virtual tour accessible by computer, smartphone, or tablet at the cost of $12 USD on the official Ducati Museum website.

These virtual tours will last approximately 45 minutes and will feature a Q&A chat for attendees to interact with their tour guides.

Eaglerider owner David Reece with Graham ASndrews

In addition to their virtual tour, they have opened the doors to physical attendees as previously mentioned. From 9:15 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Sunday (with the exception of Wednesdays) visitors will be able to book tours by appointment with standards in place to keep everybody safe (masks, distancing, etc).

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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You Can Watch the 2020 Toronto Motorcycle Film Festival from Home

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Who Wouldn’t Want to Watch?

The Toronto Motorcycle Film Festival has been disrupted like so many other things this year by COVID-19. Because of that, the fourth annual TMFF will be live and online from October 1 to 10. 

There will also be in-person viewing at Toronto’s famed Revue Cinema for the first three days of the festival, but in order to keep things as safe as possible, the festival is taking to the Internet. 

The festival has teamed up with streaming platform Eventive to bring the movies, filmmaker Q&As, and discussion panels to viewers where they feel safest: at home.

Eventive offers mobile, computer, and native TV apps for your viewing. There’s really something for everyone at this film festival. Everything from adventure stories like Somewhere Else Together and the Tom Brady-produced Isle of Man TT documentary The Space Between.

Eaglerider owner David Reece with Graham ASndrews

Check out the teaser that the festival put out below. It should get you excited for all of the great films to come.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Could Ducati Actually Get Sold?

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A Change for the Italian Company

Right now, Ducati is owned by the VW Group. There have been rumors before about the brand being sold, and in November of this year, the group’s board will meet to discuss Ducati’s fate. 

There’s been a lot of discussion about VW Group’s assets. Lamborghini may go public, Bugatti could be sold to Rimac, and the group might consider selling off some of its brands to focus its efforts.

In a Reuter’s article, Herbert Deiss, VW Group’s chief executive, said the following:

“We are constantly looking at our brand portfolio, this is particularly true during the phase of fundamental change in our industry. In view of the market disruption, we must focus and ask ourselves what the transformation means for the individual parts of the group.”

The article notes that VW want’s to get away from piston-engined vehicles and instead work more on electric vehicles. Ducati could fit into that, but at the moment VW seems to be focused on cars, not on motorcycles. 

Osaka japan

The real question is: does VW Group want to keep Ducati around, and if so, for how long? A secondary question is who will buy Ducati once it goes up for sale. KTM was rumored to be interested, but there’s surely other companies out there from India and China that would love to have the Ducati brand to work with.

It will be interesting to see what happens with the Italian marque in the future. I’m hoping it stays European and possibly even becomes more Italian-based, but we live in a globalized world these days, and I don’t have high hopes that will happen.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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VIDEO: 2021 BMW R 18 Daily Rider Review

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The Epitome Of Style

Zach from Revzilla takes us on a 35-minute ride to give his thoughts on the new and beautiful BMW R 18.

Personally, I find this new bike one of the most beautiful and classically styled cruiser bikes in recent years. Unfortunately, as I learned today, sometimes you must trade comfort and ergonomics for style.

Being an 1800cc cruiser, it’s obvious that you will be riding a bike catered towards going in a straight line for long distances but I got worried after Zach mentioned the awkward seating position due to the low nature of the motorcycle. Albeit, we’re both tall dudes but if you’ve ever sat on a Harley-Davidson you will understand the importance of comfort in a motorcycle suited for cruising.

The peg scraping. Oh my lord. I cringed every time this bike went into any form of a mellow corner. This thing couldn’t turn without scraping if its life depended on it. I can’t stress this enough; BMW made a major tradeoff to take lowered styling to the nth degree as the suspension has lower travel and as a result gives the motorcycle quite a bumpy ride as noted in the video.

There are still some great features to note stemming from the mechanical components of the motorcycle though. BMW has made high-quality motorcycles for a very long time now, and it really shows in the overall performance of the engine and clutch.

Polaris and Zero

Zach puts it perfectly in his own words, “The problem with the R 18 in my mind, is Harley-Davidson is leaning on all that heritage and history that they have of building bikes like that – building big cruisers – and I guess I just don’t see it with the R 18. It feels like a beautiful well-engineered homage to a heritage that doesn’t exist and I guess I don’t know why it’s a thing, even though I think its well-executed and rides nicely…”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com