Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring D|air is now ready for the road

Now it's almost time for the new one to arrive in dealerships Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring D|air, a practical and intelligent system designed to combine motorcycles and airbags, created by Connubio Ducati and Dainese. This is an innovation that represents an absolute first in the sector, and for this reason it deserves an in-depth focus, observing the technique behind this wireless security system.

The core system is based on the vehicle dynamics monitoring, clearly using sensors and electronics capable of measuring dangerous situations, and activating only in case of necessity (the situation of a simple fall from a standstill is distinguished from a collision of any type) and in just 45 milliseconds, the deployment of the driver and passenger airbag. Once opened, the air cushion is able to protect vital parts of the rider's body exposed to impact that were previously unprotected, absorbing the impact force thanks to an inflatable bag integrated by Dainese inside the jacket. An algorithm takes care of processing the data coming from accelerometer sensors triaxial fixed to the right and left legs of the front fork of the Multistrada, and by two other triaxial rear accelerometers, mounted in the electronic control unit (ECU) of the D|air, positioned underneath in the saddle; only 25 milliseconds pass and the system is able to decide to send the opening command to the airbag bags of the jackets, which open thanks to a pneumatic system.

From a technical-practical point of view, the D|air system adds only 1 kg to the scale. Visually it is possible to verify the functioning of the system using the LED above the main instrumentation, which constantly show the condition of the system. The horizontal display is divided into three bright sections, from left to right, there is the "Rider" jacket status, the "D|air" warning light and the "Passenger" jacket status. The module integrated into the jacket is powered by a rechargeable battery: a full charge, which can be carried out via the integrated USB socket, is guaranteed 30 hours of operation.

The jacket designed by Dainese for the project is called D|air Street, and is obviously designed for touring use, long journeys and maximum comfort. Externally it is in waterproof fabric Gore-Tex, with the addition of thermal lining removable. The passive safety front is well taken care of with shoulder and elbow protectors and the Wave back protector. D|air has been integrated into the Multistrada 1200 S and completes an already very advanced "Safety" package. In fact, the Ducati Safety Pack which includes Bosch 9ME ABS adjustable at multiple levels such as traction control and Ride-by-Wire to control power delivery; and let's not forget the Skyhook suspension semiactive. I mention it for the record and for the passion of all Ducatisti, the arrembante Testastretta 11° DS with 150 HP: it has nothing to do strictly with the D Air system but it always provides the right emotional contribution...

Some data. The D|air Street Jacket reduces the transmission of impact force to the body by 72% compared to a traditional back protector and by 89% compared to a chest protector. Furthermore, the Mulistrada 1200 SD Air is the first production motorcycle with an airbag system integrated into the clothing to have passed the rigorous tests necessary to obtain the TÜV SÜD certification.

Available in European dealerships from May 2014, starting from 20.990 euros; obviously there will also be the D|air Street jackets.