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Ducati Is Championing Two-Wheels With Cutting-Edge Technology

Ducati has established itself as a pioneering force in the industry, introducing cutting-edge electronic systems that have become standard features on motorcycles across various segments.

Ducati has set a new benchmark in the two-wheel industry.
Ducati’s journey of innovation began over a decade ago when they introduced the Traction Control system on the 1098R.

Through constant investments in research and development, as well as the transfer of solutions and expertise from racing competitions, Ducati has become a technological benchmark in the motorcycle world.

The seamless blend of beauty and technology is evident in every Ducati model, from the Multistrada V4 to the Scrambler, and the Panigale V4. Each bike is meticulously designed to provide Ducatisti with unparalleled experiences, achieved through sophisticated electronic solutions tailored to different riding preferences.

Ducati’s journey of innovation began over a decade ago when they introduced the Traction Control system on the 1098R in 2008, revolutionizing the performance and safety standards of super sports bikes. Subsequent groundbreaking milestones include the world’s first LED headlight on the Streetfighter 1100 in 2009 and the introduction of Riding Modes on the Multistrada 1200 S in 2010.

The company has consistently pushed boundaries, presenting the motorcycle world with advancements like the TFT instrumentation on the Diavel in 2011 and the Full-LED light cluster and electronic engine brake management on the award-winning 1199 Panigale in 2012.

Ducati’s commitment to safety led to a collaboration with Dainese in 2014, resulting in the Multistrada 1200 Touring D|Air, the first motorcycle integrated with an airbag system capable of rapid activation during a crash or slide.

The year 2020 marked another significant milestone for Ducati as they became the first motorcycle manufacturer to incorporate radars into their bikes, paving the way for the implementation of Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection systems on the Multistrada V4.

In addition to introducing innovative technologies, Ducati focuses on enhancing existing models. Owners of the Multistrada V4, for example, received complimentary upgrades such as the Minimum Preload and Easy Lift systems, as well as navigation system enhancements.

Ducati’s approach to technological advancements involves developing most of its electronic contents internally, collaborating closely with suppliers like Pirelli, Brembo, and Bosch. This strategy allows Ducati to have complete control over the customization and application of technologies, creating a unique and tailored experience for their riders.

The company’s commitment to innovation extends to its working methods. Ducati has established internal laboratories, such as the Electrical & Electronic Testing facility, to conduct comprehensive tests on electrical and electronic components. These tests include extreme temperature simulations, endurance assessments, and functional verifications of the components under real-world conditions.

Ducati’s dedication to software development and connectivity is exemplified by its navigation systems, incorporating Phone Mirroring and Turn-by-Turn solutions that offer compatibility with various operating systems and continuous software updates for customers.

This unwavering commitment to innovation, combined with a focus on quality and a deep understanding of rider needs, has positioned Ducati as a leading force in the motorcycle industry. Year after year, Ducati continues to fulfill the dreams of Ducatisti by delivering exceptional bikes that embody the perfect harmony of technology and artistry.

With a rich history of world-first innovations and an unwavering dedication to pushing boundaries, Ducati is poised to shape the future of motorcycles, elevating the riding experience to new heights.

BMW Motorrad is working on adaptive aerodynamics, but not in the way you think…

Patents reveal BMW Motorrad are developing adaptive aerodynamics for motorcycles using spring-loaded panels that pop in and out.

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Japanese manufacturers sets up battery-swapping company for electric motorcycles

Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Eneos set up battery-swapping company for electric motorcycles called Gachacho Inc (Gachaco).

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Yamaha has made an electronic power steering system for motorcycles

Yamaha develops electronic power steering (EPS) system for motorcycles, promises improved stability, agility and reduced rider fatigue.

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Would you build and ride a motorcycle powered by salt water?

Argentinian university student develops motorcycle that can run on, of all things, salt water, and promises to show how.

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Ducati bakal mengeluarkan teknologi kotak gear “seamless shifting”?

Terdapat khabar angin tersebar luas bahawa Ducati sedang mengusahakan kotak gear ‘seamless shifting’ untuk model-model ‘streetbike’ syarikat itu.

Khabar angin ini berdasarkan dokumen paten yang dikeluarkan Ducati, dan tanggapan bahawa kotak gear baru ini akan ditampilkan pada generasi ‘superbike’ Ducati seterusnya.

Teknologi ‘seamless shifting’ ini bukanlah benda baru dalam dunia permotoran, bahkan bagi Ducati sendiri, kerana teknologi ini digunakan secara meluas dalam kotak gear jentera MotoGP.

Sebagai tindakbalas kepada perlumbaan grand prix mengharamkan DCT, kotak gear ‘seamless shifting’ diperkenalkan sedekad lalu supaya jentera yang digunakan boleh mencapai penukaran gear sepantas DCT tanpa melanggar peraturan yang ditetapkan.

Kotak gear ‘seamless shifting’ membenarkan peralihan gear yang pantas tanpa memberi impak kepada casis, dan juga dikatakan lebih pantas dalam satu per sepuluh saat atas litar perlumbaan.

Kebaikan teknologi ini atas jalan tidak sejelas itu, tetapi pada kotak gear ‘dual-clutch’ seperti yang ditawarkan Honda, ia memberikan manfaat peralihan gear pantas dan penawaran kotak gear yang berfungsi seperti kotak gear automatik.

Untuk Ducati, teknologi ini kemungkinan besar akan lebih fokus kepada perlumbaan dan litar, menggunakan teknologi dibangunkan MotoGP ini untuk meningkatkan prestasi perlumbaan generasi ‘superbike’ Ducati yang seterusnya.

Kita menjangka akan menyaksikan pengeluaran motosikal menggunakan teknologi ini pada tahun 2023, namun terdapat kemungkinan model baru akan keluar seawal hujung tahun ini, untuk tahun model 2022.

Adakah motosikal seterusnya dari Ducati akan menampilkan teknologi ini? Ini merupakan sesuatu yang bakal dilihat.

SEPULUH PEMBANGUNAN TEKNOLOGI YANG MEMAJUKAN MOTOSIKAL (BAHAGIAN 2)

Tayar Dunlop pada jentera Yamaha YZF-M1 – sumber imej: crash.net

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Sepuluh Pembangunan Teknologi Yang Memajukan Motosikal (Bahagian 1)

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Ten Technological Advancements that Improved the Motorcycle (Part 1)

Motorcycles are still getting more and more advanced.
However, there are a number of technological advancements that improved the motorcycle.
These have made motorcycling both more enjoyable and safer.

Motorcycles have advanced by leaps and bounds over the years (thank you, Capt. Obvious), but there are certain technologies that are the most important. These are the ten technological advancements make riding safer and more enjoyable.

10. Alloy frames
The progress of stickier tyres meant that engines could be built with more power but the steel tube frames of the 70s and early 80s couldn’t keep up with the progress. It wasn’t uncommon to find the world’s fastest bikes of the period wobbling in the corners.

Eddie Lawson on the Z1000. Look at that spindly frame and swingarm steel tubes!

The tubes had to be made bigger and bigger, causing its weight to offset the power gains of the engine. Besides that, steel is inflexible and caused tyre wear as well as grip issues.

Suzuki was the innovator during the manufacturer’s peak years. They decided to go aluminium for the frame. The first aluminium frame’s first appeared in the iconic 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750, otherwise affectionally known as the “Slabside” or “Slingshot.” Aluminium was the answer as the material was both strong and light. The engineers could tune its stiffness characteristic through different thickness or webbing to achieve specific flex attributes.

Almost all high-performance motorcycles are fitted with aluminium frames these days.

Aluminium has replaced the monocoque structure on the Ducati Panigale V4

9. Fairings
Race teams and riders had known for many years that fairings on the motorcycle allow for better aerodynamic flow and consequently more speed. But fairings didn’t make it to production motorcycles until 1973 when BMW launched the R90S. Its successor, the R 100 RS in 1976 was the first production motorcycle to be fitted with a full fairing. Street riders could now seek protection from windblast.

8. Disc brakes
There’s no substitute the hydraulic disc brake system. The working principles are very easy to understand: Hydraulic fluid is squeezed through a tube to push the calipers that hold the pads onto a disc that’s mounted solidly to the wheel. (Please click on this link to find out how it works.)

The disc brake has many other advantages over its drum brake predecessors, too. It is self-cleaning as brake dust is blown away, it cools faster since the disc and pads are in the airflow, doesn’t get waterlogged, suspension movements doesn’t affect braking, and easier to check for wear.

That’s why the hydraulic disc brake system hasn’t been replaced. Instead, improvements are sought elsewhere as in disc/pad material, hoses, master cylinder, calipers and caliper mounting.

7. Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
There was a time when ABS was scorned by riders for being unreliable and adds extra weight to the motorcycle. But truth is, ABS is the one technology which has saved many lives and limbs. ABS have been developed extensively through the years to include cornering ABS or work with other systems such as traction control. (Please click on this link to discover how ABS works.)

ABS ring on the Modenas Dominar 400’s front brake

6. Multi-cylinder engines
The earliest combustion engines were single-cylinders. However, as the quest for ever more power production took hold, more cylinders were added to give birth to Twins, Triples, Fours, Sixes and even Eights of various layouts and crankshaft spacings. Imagine how our motorcycling world would be if we had none other than single-cylinder thumpers now.

5. Hydraulically damped telescopic forks
Forks were first designed to connect steering stem with the wheels at one time and they didn’t provide any damping. It all changed when BMW Motorrad introduced hydraulically-damped forks in the R12 in 1935. Motorcycle forks have seen so much development since then and even alternative solutions such as hub-centre steering, girder fork arrangements, et al couldn’t unseat hydraulic forks as the preferred front suspension set up.

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technology

Ducati has established itself as a pioneering force in the industry, introducing cutting-edge electronic systems that have become standard features on motorcycles across various segments.

Patents reveal BMW Motorrad are developing adaptive aerodynamics for motorcycles using spring-loaded panels that pop in and out.

Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Eneos set up battery-swapping company for electric motorcycles called Gachacho Inc (Gachaco).

Yamaha develops electronic power steering (EPS) system for motorcycles, promises improved stability, agility and reduced rider fatigue.

Argentinian university student develops motorcycle that can run on, of all things, salt water, and promises to show how.

Motorcycles are still getting more and more advanced.

However, there are a number of technological advancements that improved the motorcycle.

These have made motorcycling both more enjoyable and safer.

Ducati jet exhaust is something like a mini jet engine according to its filed patent designs.

Honda Riding Assist concept bows with intelligent self-balancing technology.

Demonstration video shows how the upcoming Kawasaki Rideology AI system will perform in its future products.

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