Question About Traction Control

[crea58]

I had traction control added to my 2009 1200GS. I am not sure if it works. With it on I can still pull the front wheel up and yesterday I was making a right turn on red and there was a lot of traffic, the light doesn't change with a bike so I had to accelerate quickly and the rear lost traction and slid out.

So those with traction control are you able to pull the front end up and for how long? When I had it put in the dealer told me they checked it out I should have asked how. I was thinking of putting it on a rear stand and accelerating in gear to see if it cuts out.

Thanks

[lufin]

The very second my rear wheel starts to spin the motor cuts out. I have a 2009 GS. And as soon as the front wheel comes off the ground same thing.

[papachiax6]

It might just be me but I would be very careful if you are going to put your bike on the center stand and run in gear. I have read of bikes becoming rockets when they fall off the stand and fly into the wall or whatever else you have in your garage.

[arraflipper]

Why not ride it to test it, wouldn't it be safer. I have a 2012 GSA if you are on gravel and crack the throttle to hard it will make the motor cut out. The first time it did that I thought I had a problem. I know it works, would probably do the same on hard surface, never have tried it there.

[mikec]

Originally Posted by papachiax6

It might just be me but I would be very careful if you are going to put your bike on the center stand and run in gear. I have read of bikes becoming rockets when they fall off the stand and fly into the wall or whatever else you have in your garage.

papachia is right! If you do decide to run in on the centerstand please take this precaution: Tie a rope/cord from the centerstand crossmember to the front wheel and make sure it's tight.

Mike

[crea58]

I have ridden it and it does not seem to work but maybe I am excpecting more from it than what it does.

I am not going to put it on the centerstand but a rear wheel stand.


Thanks for the input.

[kennif]

You would definitely know if it's not working. As others have said, take it on some gravel, crack the throttle open in 2nd or 3rd and the engine should die (a little) on you. Try turning it off by pressing then holding the ESA button.
Kennif

[arraflipper]

I don't know about all of them, but mine if you crack the throttle just a little on gravel it makes the motor die down, darn near instantly.

Good idea to try switching the it on and off.

[crea58]

Thanks for all the input. I went to the local dealer and some of them said it would cut out instantly upon pulling a wheelie some said it wouldn't.

I will have to go on a gravel road and see what happens.

[ElG]

Hi Guys,

The bikes ASC (traction control) works by comparing the speed of rotation of the front and rear wheel, if the differential is exceeded the electronic engine management system steps in and limits the engine torque. If the front wheel was off the ground the ASC would not kick in until that limit was exceeded, ie if you hit the throttle, etc. See the attached jpg files for the user manuals instructions on its operation.

Keep in mind the sequence of operation is from ASC on or activated, to off road mode of ASC which only delays the intervention ASC, then to ASC deactivated, and repeat. If you are unsure where you are in the sequence you could turn the bike off and restart which is always ASC activated.

Its easy to tell if its working, hit some loose gravel or sand and punch the throttle, if you are throwing sand and gravel its not on, if you feel the engine limited its on and working. Its great with loose gravel on pavement and would have limited the engine if it was on when you slipped out at the stop light. Good luck and right safe.

Take care,
ElG