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Exclusive: Ducati ST 4 S ABS

Brakes for professionals

Ducati is targeting sports drivers with a newly developed ABS from Brembo and Bosch. MOTORRAD exclusively ran initial tests.

Super athletes and ABS did not go together before. No real sports driver trusted the electronically controlled stuttering brake more than his highly sensitive hand and foot brake controls. And in fact, the systems that have been brought onto the market to this day gave away valuable meters in the dry in extreme cases. In the wet, or with jumps in the coefficient of friction, the previous ABS systems from BMW and Honda were superior to any driver. Only the ABS III from BMW achieves the physical maximum even in dry conditions. With and without ABS, however, only absolute professionals with current BMWs brake equally hard in the dry today.
At least that is what Ducati wants to achieve and is now introducing a new anti-lock braking system in the ST 4 S sports tourer. The ABS developed by Bosch and Brembo and tested in cooperation with Ducati works like the current systems BMW and Honda. If there is a risk of locking, wheel sensors activate solenoid valves and pumps in the central hydraulic unit via a computer, which modulate the brake pressure. According to Ducati, the ABS optimizes the braking distance up to the physical limit, since the control only starts when one or both wheels are almost locked. Year ultra-fast computer and hydraulic unit react within two milliseconds. Special pressure-resistant lines and fittings should pass the pressure modulation precisely on to the brake calipers. The system can be switched off for use on the racetrack via a button on the left switch unit, which is indicated by a control lamp that is much too puny and flashing. With an additional five kilograms, the additional weight is limited.
The central hydraulic unit has been perfectly integrated under the bench. So it’s not surprising that when you drive the ST 4 S you don’t notice any difference to the version without ABS. The five kilograms, placed in a favorable position, are simply not noticeable. On the other hand, it is astonishing that nothing happens when you try to decelerate more violently on the public road. The Ducati brakes? Enough. You can only get into the control range on the rear wheel, but after a heavy step on the brake lever.
Ducati has to show its colors on the MOTORRAD top test area. The non-slip surface allows driving tests at the limit, hundreds of brake measurements per year are carried out by the testers. First attempt, dry road surface: the Ducati repeatedly stands on the front wheel, brakes extremely vehemently. On average, test professional Karsten Schwers achieved a deceleration of 10.3 m / s², or 37.5 meters of braking distance at an initial speed of 100 km / h. So the highest level. In doing so, however, he has to feel his way along the fine line to the rollover with great sensitivity and fights against the lifting rear wheel, especially when it comes to a standstill. With the ABS switched off, it achieves the same values.
Second attempt: wet road. The ABS works noticeably. Not only the pulsating hand lever, but also hard changes in deceleration signal the driver’s physical limits. At the end of the braking process, a stoppage is almost mandatory. If the test pilot decelerates just enough that the rear wheel is constantly in contact with the ground, the average deceleration from 100 km / h is an average of 9.3 m / s², which corresponds to a braking distance of 41.5 meters, a value that many motorcycles just now Reach on dry roads. Perfect. Third attempt: a slippery, slippery road decorated with leaves. The Ducati decelerates gently, easily swims with the front wheel, but the brake regulates extremely sensitively along the grip limit. Another great result.
Overall, the Ducati ABS shines with excellent deceleration values ​​and controls extremely sensitively. However, climbing the rear wheel on a high-slip road surface and thus the highest braking power demands the whole driver, actually a professional. He has to prevent the roll forwards with a quick reaction towards the end of the braking. Other ABS motorcycles also tend to stoppie, but not in such extreme form.
D.he Ducati ST 4 S equipped with an anti-lock braking system costs 14,200 euros. A lot of money for the sports tourer, although the extra charge of 1000 euros for the new ABS is well justified.

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