traction control saves my skin

[big dave]

Just been out for a blast around the Peak District, nothing too fast you understand, too much of a police presence to let my metaphorical hair down.

Any way after poodling along following a little Peugeot at 50/55 mph or so, I saw my opportunity to pass on a right hand bend. Just as I put the power on the back end stepped out. It felt like a good foot but in all honesty it was probably less. Opposite lock was immediately applied, can't credit the Super10 with that, but interestingly I didn't think to do it, it must have been purely instictive.

During the slide I heard/felt chatter from the rear end, not sure whether it as the TC kicking in, or gravel under the tyre. I certainly didn't notice any gravel on the bend, that said I was focussed more on the exit of the corner.

The bike regained its composure quicker than I could think about it and I overtook the car and continued on my journey.


To think I used to bad mouth motorbikes with TC and ABS as "bikes with a brain, for riders without the same".

Consider me a convert.

BD

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Glad it all worked out for you. Personally TC wasn't on my list of "must have" features, but I'm really happy the S10 will have it.

 

[~TABASCO~]

I agree. ABS has saved my butt twice in my life, big time. Might not be typing this with out it. Enjoy your new bike

 

[Venture]

This is the kind of story I was looking for when I posted about the TC a few weeks back. I'm of the opinion that we need every little helping hand we can get when on the bike.

 

[doctorj]

Well, this isn't about TC but about ABS or lack of it. One of the riders in the Iron Butt rally had a getoff due to a sudden stop behind an 18 wheeler that stopped more quickly than he thought. His bike didn't have ABS, and he locked up the front tire and went down. He said afterwards, " I will not ride another non ABS bike again." I am sure he felt had he had ABS, he would still be in the rally and he and the bike would be uninjured. Technology can help us.

doctorj

 

[Venture]

Well, this isn't about TC but about ABS or lack of it. One of the riders in the Iron Butt rally had a getoff due to a sudden stop behind an 18 wheeler that stopped more quickly than he thought. His bike didn't have ABS, and he locked up the front tire and went down. He said afterwards, " I will not ride another non ABS bike again." I am sure he felt had he had ABS, he would still be in the rally and he and the bike would be uninjured. Technology can help us.

doctorj

I know ABS is still a touchy subject, but the old school "I can do my own braking, thank you" types need to see the light. I liken the whole argument to that of lock-out hubs on 4x4s, if you're familiar with that argument.

 

[markjenn]

I'll take every electronic aid available for any all-purpose traveling machine that is going to see a mix of roads, weather, and traffic situations. There are downsides of expense, complexity, and weight (not much these days) so its not totally black and white, but these downsides seem minimal to me compared to ER's, medical expenses, and fixing smashed motorcycles. I'm an experienced rider but anybody who thinks their skill can match today's modern electronics in any given random emergency road situation is a blithering fool. ABS, TC, lean angle gyros, stability control, whatever.... sign me up.

- Mark

 

[Swagger]

Well it seems that the Tenere has a habit of saving our collective a~ses. On Friday I had to brake real hard to avoid a car driver who thought that they could affect a 90 degree right turn without indicating, slowing down or using their brakes. Didn't make it and broadsided the car. The ABS put me within 50mm of the rear quarter panel of the car.

 

[~TABASCO~]

Swag, glad your OK..... ???

 

[colorider]

If we rode in ALL ideal conditions with NO hazards and were ALWAYS at 100% of our ability/attentiveness (and those around us were the same), perhaps we wouldn't need ABS/TC. I for one have never ridden in that perfect world, nor have I ever been at that perfect 100%.

8)

 

[2XADV]

I am looking forward to the TC. I just wish my wife's Versys had it also. The Versys here in the US doesn't even have the ABS that is an option in other markets.

 

[3putt]

My TC kicked in for the first time that I know of, about 2 weeks ago (riding my MTS1200). My wife and I were returning from 500 mile trip from Talimena Scenic Drive, I rounded a curve and made an aggressive drive in 3rd gear, it felt like one cylinder cut out (may have, not sure how the DTC works). Discovered later (about 5 miles from home) that my rear tire was down to 18 psi, I had picked up an allen wrench which caused a slow leak (I had worn off the small end of the L shape).

Looking forward to having another great bike with ABS and TC (my MTS does not have ABS).

 

[Brntrt]

I ride a lot of gravel and am hoping the TC will help with my power slides. Any thoughts?

 

[Waspworks]

I ride a lot of gravel and am hoping the TC will help with my power slides. Any thoughts?

TC2 turns a novice into the Power-Slide king >.. Keep your bum off the seat and your feet on the pegs though - They are no good to you on the ground.

Greg

 

[Brntrt]

TC2 turns a novice into the Power-Slide king >.. Keep your bum off the seat and your feet on the pegs though - They are no good to you on the ground.

Greg

Thanks Greg, I'm going to really dig this bike! Is it August yet?

 

[digitalmoto]

Technology can help us.

doctorj

::026::