Borgo Panigale, Bologna - Ducati is not just the manufacturer of the world's most evocative sports bikes; with the enthusiastic and ongoing support of new parent company Audi, it has for some years been at the forefront of research into motorcycle safety.
It was one of the first to fit a traction-control system on a streetbike, and a leader in bringing the rider switchable engine-control mappings to make the bike safer in the wet or on gravel - both of which are now available on range-topping machines across the market.
Now it has gone a step further, partnering with bikewear specialist Dianese to integrate the latter's airbag jackets with the ABS and traction control sensors in its latest Multistrada 1200S adventure tourer - a world first for a production motorcycle.
ANALYSING THE SITUATION
The wireless connection uses the sensors built into the existing electronics of the Multistrada's multi-level ABS and traction control systems, constantly analysing the bike's dynamic situation and deploying the airbags in the jacket only when it gets into a real crash situation.
When that happens the Multistrada D-Air system completes the data analysis and fully deploys the airbags in both the rider and pillion's jackets in just 45 milliseconds, considerably reducing the risk of injury on impact.
The Multistrada 1200S D-Air will premiere in Europe on 15 April and will be will be available in European Ducati dealerships from May 2014 onwards.