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Administrator · 04-16-2012, 11:26 AM

Original Article:
Traction Control Explained

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SeanAlexander · 04-16-2012, 01:11 PM

How ironic that you would use a photo of Reuben Xaus as an example of someone who doesn't need traction control... XAUS the very rider that set the standard for crashing-his-brains-out, repeatedly, on the world stage.

Kevin_Duke · 04-16-2012, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeanAlexander

How ironic that you would use a photo of Reuben Xaus as an example of someone who doesn't need traction control... XAUS the very rider that set the standard for crashing-his-brains-out, repeatedly, on the world stage.

Well, despite his reputation, we presume Xaus has more talent than those of us without world championships on their C.V.s!

The_AirHawk · 04-16-2012, 02:18 PM

Dirty! How's Moto-Land been treatin' ya'?

While we're on the subject of Xaus - that photo I had on my desktop @ work for near a year - up 'til I replaced it with a photo of me doing a 4-wheel drift in the Bullitt @ a ProSolo at the Airbase in Blytheville (and then later one of me in the Hyundai as it "emerged" from a huge cloud of dust after a handbrake pin-turn @ the RallyX Nationals in Tulsa).

(yeah, I like to slide - but I don't have the Skilzorz of Xaus on a moto - or even probably Sean or the Dukester: I have to use "training wheels" for all my sideways shenanigans)

I even had one for awhile of Sean on a then-new ZX-14 draggin' hard parts on the high-bank oval @ Daytona (IIRC).

jmdonald · 04-17-2012, 05:02 AM

I think it was Phil Hill who said that once Formula 1 cars got better brakes it was a lot harder to pass once someone got in the lead. He felt it took away from the excitement of the race. I see this technology adding to the Moto races not to mention the average Joe's survival out on the street. Very interesting to see all the data points and fixes within the different systems. These technologies add to the moto experience and I welcome them. Nice write up.

The Spaceman · 04-17-2012, 05:27 AM

A very enlightening article. I'd picked up some info on T/C from various sources; this is the first comprehensive look at T/C I've read. However, it raises almost as many questions as it answers:

Is launch control available?

What types of processors are used, how fast are they, and how greatly do they differentiate the systems capabilities?

Is there a common data bus for all the sensors that integrates with the ECU's data bus?

Do they to redesign existing systems like EFI and ABS to work with T/C, or do they just patch it in?

Can the systems be re-flashed in the field, i.e. upgraded, or is what you got what you get? Can they be "hacked?"

What is the liability exposure with these systems if they fail or have a bug?

What will Mr. Duke do for photo opportunties if wheelie control becomes ubiquitous?

sarnali2 · 04-17-2012, 07:06 AM

Pffft traction control! what you need is throttle control and good ol' Road Holdin' Weight. Save all that Racer X crap for the track, you'll live longer.

supecoop · 04-17-2012, 12:42 PM

Great writeup. The guys who do have the requisite skills test TC limits at World Superbike races - and even they crash sometimes. Since most of these bikes are ridden on the street a lot of the time, I wonder whether TC will prevent typical traffic accidents. Does it encourage street riders to avoid chopping the throttle when leaned over, or does it just give them false confidence to go faster and crash harder? TC might actually increase the need for training. Nothing is idiot proof.

The_AirHawk · 04-17-2012, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supecoop

Since most of these bikes are ridden on the street a lot of the time, I wonder whether TC will prevent typical traffic accidents.

I hate to say, that I doubt it. The "typical" moto traffic-crash involves an oncoming-automobile, alcohol, or some combination of those. Neither of which can be helped much with TC.

pushrod · 04-18-2012, 08:21 AM

Good to see you still hangin' 'round, Dirty!

I see little 'bang-for-the-buck' in this technology for the street rider.

However, I will admit it would come in handy around here when one tries to accelerate around a corner that turns out to be sandy.

04-16-2012, 11:26 AM	#1
Administrator Administrator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: On My Bike Posts: 0	Traction Control Explained Original Article: Traction Control Explained Please discuss the Motorcycle.com article Traction Control Explained in our Motorcycle Forums below. Use the reply button to let others know your comments or feedback on the article. Constructive criticism is always appreciated, along with your thoughts and personal opinions on the bikes and products we have tested.

04-16-2012, 01:11 PM	#2
SeanAlexander Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Newport Coast, CA Posts: 1,538	Xaus??? How ironic that you would use a photo of Reuben Xaus as an example of someone who doesn't need traction control... XAUS the very rider that set the standard for crashing-his-brains-out, repeatedly, on the world stage. __________________ I thought I'd found true happiness in my personal bath body bar.... Then I tried DOVE! with 1/4 moisturizing cream!!!

04-16-2012, 02:18 PM	#4
The_AirHawk Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Leanin' Tower O' P-P-P-P-POWAAAAAAAAA!!!! Posts: 11,428	Dirty! How's Moto-Land been treatin' ya'? While we're on the subject of Xaus - that photo I had on my desktop @ work for near a year - up 'til I replaced it with a photo of me doing a 4-wheel drift in the Bullitt @ a ProSolo at the Airbase in Blytheville (and then later one of me in the Hyundai as it "emerged" from a huge cloud of dust after a handbrake pin-turn @ the RallyX Nationals in Tulsa). (yeah, I like to slide - but I don't have the Skilzorz of Xaus on a moto - or even probably Sean or the Dukester: I have to use "training wheels" for all my sideways shenanigans) I even had one for awhile of Sean on a then-new ZX-14 draggin' hard parts on the high-bank oval @ Daytona (IIRC). __________________ *Parfois, on fait pas semblant* Sometimes, it's not pretend Oderint Dum Metuant Let them hate so long as they fear политики предпочитают безоружных крестьян Politicians Prefer Unarmed Peasants Nothing to see here, Citizen. Move along now... Last edited by The_AirHawk : 04-16-2012 at 02:21 PM.

04-17-2012, 05:02 AM	#5
jmdonald Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Mission Viejo Posts: 1,227	Formula 1 I think it was Phil Hill who said that once Formula 1 cars got better brakes it was a lot harder to pass once someone got in the lead. He felt it took away from the excitement of the race. I see this technology adding to the Moto races not to mention the average Joe's survival out on the street. Very interesting to see all the data points and fixes within the different systems. These technologies add to the moto experience and I welcome them. Nice write up. __________________ Secede.

04-17-2012, 05:27 AM	#6
The Spaceman Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 2,392	A very enlightening article. I'd picked up some info on T/C from various sources; this is the first comprehensive look at T/C I've read. However, it raises almost as many questions as it answers: Is launch control available? What types of processors are used, how fast are they, and how greatly do they differentiate the systems capabilities? Is there a common data bus for all the sensors that integrates with the ECU's data bus? Do they to redesign existing systems like EFI and ABS to work with T/C, or do they just patch it in? Can the systems be re-flashed in the field, i.e. upgraded, or is what you got what you get? Can they be "hacked?" What is the liability exposure with these systems if they fail or have a bug? What will Mr. Duke do for photo opportunties if wheelie control becomes ubiquitous? __________________ *"Adidas has officially unveiled the Adidas Bystander, the first shoe designed for running away from a mass public shooting."* Last edited by The Spaceman : 04-17-2012 at 07:23 AM.

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04-17-2012, 07:06 AM	#7
sarnali2 Aging Cafe` Racer Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sittin' down by my window, lookin' at the rain. Posts: 8,648	Pffft traction control! what you need is throttle control and good ol' Road Holdin' Weight. Save all that Racer X crap for the track, you'll live longer. __________________ "Carpe` Throttelum -Loud Suits Save Lives" "Denser alloy. My Father gave it to me, I think he wants me to kill you"... CVF-FCV

04-17-2012, 12:42 PM	#8
supecoop Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 55	Great writeup. The guys who do have the requisite skills test TC limits at World Superbike races - and even they crash sometimes. Since most of these bikes are ridden on the street a lot of the time, I wonder whether TC will prevent typical traffic accidents. Does it encourage street riders to avoid chopping the throttle when leaned over, or does it just give them false confidence to go faster and crash harder? TC might actually increase the need for training. Nothing is idiot proof.

04-18-2012, 08:21 AM	#10
pushrod Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Baja 'Bama Posts: 3,635	Good to see you still hangin' 'round, Dirty! I see little 'bang-for-the-buck' in this technology for the street rider. However, I will admit it would come in handy around here when one tries to accelerate around a corner that turns out to be sandy. __________________ You would not understand, this is not how I am... I have become - Comfortably Numb.