This could be a case in which applying automotive technology to motorcycles is more trouble than it is worth.
By Jonathan Welsh
Ducati is recalling certain motorcycles, including its flashy, powerful new Diavel.
Motorcycling can be fraught with anxiety about all the things that can go wrong with a bike and cause the rider to fall. Now imagine beginning a ride only to find that you cannot steer.
That’s what could happen with certain Ducati motorcycles because of a potential problem with their electronic steering locks, which are part of their anti-theft systems. The company says the chances of such an occurrence are extremely slim. But Ducati is recalling 1,051 bikes and updating their software to make sure the steering unlocks when it is supposed to.
The company says the problem affects 155 Multistrada 1200 bikes from the 2010 model year, 594 2011 Multistradas and 302 2011 Diavel models. These bikes are among Ducati’s latest models and come with an electronic ‘smart key” similar to those used in many cars. The key allows the rider who is carrying it to simply get on the bike, start it and ride away without having to actually handle the key.
This could be a case in which applying automotive technology to motorcycles is more trouble than it is worth. Motorcycles traditionally have a separate key with which the rider manually locks and unlocks the steering.
Ducati says that while testing the new bikes it found that “under very specific conditions” the electronic steering lock could fail to disengage automatically during the process of turning on the bike’s ignition on and starting the engine. If this happens a rider could potentially start the bike and begin riding while the steering is still locked – a situation that could result in a tip-over or collision.
Under the recall, dealers will update the software of the bikes’ hands-free control units. The service is free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in May. Owners may contact Ducati at 1-800-231-6696.
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