Traction control shout out

[Standby diver]

It is the rainy season here in Hawaii right now, which apparently means the tunnel on the highway is the most slippery place on Earth.
I was going along at about 65, gave some throttle input to compensate for the uphill. I felt the back end break loose and saw the traction control light flash. I got off the throttle as soon as I felt the rear break free, but the traction control kicked in by then. To say the TC saved me from wrecking may be a bold claim, but maybe it did no way to know.

Sure the best traction control is the rider, but it sure is nice to have a back up for the unforseen patch of oil and the unimaginably slippery tunnels out there.

The tunnel is in the process of being resurfaced right now, they can't finish soon enough.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

 

[Nikolajsen]

Yes, the TC works VERY well on the S10.. ::008::
I still remember the second turn at a stop light I did on me new S10.
When I was in the middle of the turn, I gave it trottle, just like I was used to on my TransAlp, and I did see the TC light up...

The road was a little wet, and for good reason it was a new tire... but anyway, it works perfect.
Also when in setting "2", there it is possible to just give full trottle, and dont have to think about controlling the back wheel slide. (only tried this on gravel, and only for learning my new bike)
That was fun, and no problem to keep warm ::015::

 

[Xclimation]

Traction control saved me twice!

Wet road, tires not warmed up, getting on service road from intersection and keeping flow with traffic which was pretty fast. While turning on the wet road from a business sprinkler and giving some throttle....rear wheel started spinning bike gave that unsteady feel...then TC kicked in! All happened in a split second!

 

[Thrasherg]

Whilst I agree the traction control works really well on these bikes, I do wish we could turn it off and keep it off. I live in Texas and rarely need it, but I love the way the bike will lift the front wheel with the TCS turned off, makes it so much more fun, it has now become a habit to turn on the ignition key and then press the tcs button for a few seconds and then start the engine and ride. Just wish Yamaha would allow the tcs to stay in its last set position, rather than going back to the 1 setting every time the ignition is turned on. They made the right decision for safety but the bike is so much more fun with it off.. and before you get the wrong impression I am 54 years old and don’t wheelie down highways, but I do like to set of quickly and get the front wheel a little light!!

Gary

 

[WJBertrand]

Why do you change the TCS before starting the engine?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Squibb]

TCS - great for slippery surfaces, but it can work against you.

A couple of summers back, we were riding 2-up in the Dolomites, up a steep, narrow pass. It had been used as a Classic Rally stage earlier that day & stones/gravel/crap was all over some of the hairpins. I didn't think to shut down TC, indeed I thought it would be my friend. Unfortunately it shut down the power on a tight uphill right, with a steep drop to the RH side & nearly caught me out - luckily we had just enough momentum to recover. I did get quizzed at the top by SWMBO though, regarding my inept bike handling - she reckoned she had needed to prepare to bail out/off & was anxious at every RH turn thereafter. A lesson learned & only a visit to the wifely confessional thankfully.

Ride safe .............. KEN

 

[Sierra1]

I had a sort of similar TCS experience. (nothing compared to yours though) In my Jeep, trying to go up a hill. Kept getting "stuck" until I noticed the flashing light on the dash. Doh!! But, on road, unless playing, I can't see any reason to turn it off. It has saved me several times after getting a little ham fisted.

 

[Skidoo]

I have been accused of taking my S10 to places that probably, 'aren't in my best interest'. TC certainly has limitations, it's a pain in the butt when it needs to be re-set every time you start however IMHO it allow me more opportunity to ride ::003::

 

[Banzai600]

@ Skidoo


great pics there. I only got caught in snow once. 2 yrs ago. Te be fair i was nervous, but then relaxed somewhat, and took me 45 mins to get home. Not sure how i didnt fall off tbh.


how often you ride in snow and what tips would you give apart from being relaxed and taking it handy ?

 

[HeliMark]

Why do you change the TCS before starting the engine?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

My "flow" pattern on starting the bike is to turn the key, hit the TCS button (to what I want), then grab my gloves that are wedged up by the windshield, then start the bike. Just kinda of a fluid pattern for me. Also allows all the electronics and fuel pump to get going before start.

Mark

 

[Skidoo]

Thanks Banzai600

I was raised in the Snowy Mountains (Oz) and love the high country.

Main tips; every movement must be smooth, pick the best path, monitor temp (knowledge is power, black ice), don't get complacent and always look for an escape route as it's the tin caners that are often the problem.

Have embedded a 5min link that shows how quickly the environment changes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B62Z7c0hH8