An Evaluation of the Bosch Radar-Based Adaptive Cruise Control System on a 2022 Ducati Multistrada V4S

Starting in 2021 Ducati introduced a radar based adaptive cruise control (ACC) developed by Bosch. It utilizes a single radar unit on the front of the motorcycle to detect the presence of vehicles ahead, as well as the separation distance. The system is not an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system but does have similar features. The Ducati ACC system does have limitations, some of which are explored in the subject research. Initial testing was conducted to document the engine braking in each gear. Following initial testing, several tests were performed at high closing speeds of over 100 kph. It was determined that at a closing speed of approximately 100 kph the ACC system would not react to a moving vehicle ahead. Additionally, the system will not react to a stopped vehicle or a “swerve-around” stopped vehicle that suddenly appears. Another series of tests were performed while actively following a vehicle at various speeds, with the front vehicle suddenly slowing to a stop and another series suddenly slowing to an approximate 10-20 kph roll. Lastly, a series of tests were conducted where a sudden lane change was made in front of the motorcycle at a closing speed of roughly 20 kph. In most cases, when the ACC system determines the motorcycle needs to slow; first the throttle is rolled off over an average of 0.6 seconds, then roughly 0.1 seconds later the rear brake application starts, after another approximate 0.2 seconds the front brake application starts. The throttle roll-off time was dependent on motorcycle speed, gear and RPM. Acceleration and acceleration rates (jerk) were explored. The peak deceleration rate achieved was about 0.59g.