Traction Control settings on the S10

[varacost]

I had my Super T for just a few months and have no previous experience with Adventure Touring bikes, specially a sophisticated one like the S10, I changed from Cruisers, but I have to tell you, this bike is at another level, the handling, power, balance, everything about it is wonderful. Anyway, I wanted to ask experienced members with the S10, which traction setting would you recommend for going up on a dirt and stones (small) steep hill. Thanks for your advice.

 

[Old Git Ray]

Mode 1 will keep you safe but you will feel the throttle closing itself down. This is not a problem as long as you do not go too slow where the bike may stall.
Mode 2 will allow a bit of wheel spin and as long as you are comfortable with this it is probably the best setting. It will step out a bit but not much.
OFF will also do the job but your post suggests you are new to off roading and the rear will step out and can get scary, especially in S mode.

In reality it is best that you just get out and try them all out to see which suits you.

For me, TCS2 is the King.

Edit:
When you come back down, just trust the brakes. They are awesome. Start gentle and gradually work up to full pressure braking as you gain confidence in them.

 

[Jim]

Mode 1 will keep you safe but you will feel the throttle closing itself down. This is not a problem as long as you do not go too slow where the bike may stall.
Mode 2 will allow a bit of wheel spin and as long as you are comfortable with this it is probably the best setting. It will step out a bit but not much.
OFF will also do the job but your post suggests you are new to off roading and the rear will step out and can get scary, especially in S mode.

In reality it is best that you just get out and try them all out to see which suits you.

For me, TCS2 is the King.

Edit:
When you come back down, just trust the brakes. They are awesome. Start gentle and gradually work up to full pressure braking as you gain confidence in them.

Totally new to motorcycles after a long stint and trying to learn everything I can about our bike that is coming; but, can you explain why the bike might stall from going slow in Mode1. Thankyou in advance for any info.

 

[Old Git Ray]

The first gear is a bit too high and if the wheel is not allowed to spin the throttle closes to such a degree that the bike slows too much and gives up. I happened to me a couple of times whilst I was trying the systems out. Tought me to ride it a bit quicker (and use mode 2).
When I first got the bike I rode it up a steep wet grassy slope and the TCS1 gradually slowed the bike down to a stop in an effort to stop the rear spinning.
I mention it to show the difference between mode 1 and 2. 2 being the one to use off road and 1 for slippery wet tarmac and the like where it is nice to have the bike nanny you somewhat.

Hence my suggestion to get on it and learn its characteristics.
The TCS is virtually always in mode 1 as it defaults to it when the bike is turned on. This is bloody annoying when out playing in the dirt as you tend to forget the reset to TCS1 after a restart.
I have TCK80s on and the rear tyre will spin on dry tarmac, and as the TCS is always on to some degree, regardless of wether it is slowing the throttle or not, it stops embarrasing step outs or unintentional wheelies.

 

[colorider]

Sounds like the TCS may take some getting used to - even for someone that has ridden a great deal simply because it can make the bike act a lot different than what we have grown up with. The ABS model of the Honda ST1100 had TCS, but it was pretty transparent in most riding conditions.

 

[fredz43]

The ABS model of the Honda ST1100 had TCS, but it was pretty transparent in most riding conditions.

Yeah, I recall that with my 93 ST1100 ABS/TCS I had to turn tthe TCS off to do wheelies. ;D