Why not activate traction control on a trail bike when we do offroad

February 27, 2023

Traction control (TCS) is a common safety feature on many modern motorcycles, including trail bikes. This feature uses sensors to detect wheel speed and the bike's acceleration, and adjusts power delivery to help prevent wheel spin. While TCS can be a valuable tool on the road, there are reasons why you shouldn't engage TCS when riding offroad. In this article, we'll explore why it's not advisable to engage traction control on a trail bike when offroading.

What is grip and how important is it on trail bikes?

Traction control works to maintain grip between the motorcycle's wheels and the ground. Before discussing the function of traction control, it's important to mention the importance of grip when riding motorcycles, especially off-road motorcycles.

Grip, when used by motorcyclists, refers to the grip or adhesion that a vehicle's wheels (whether a motorcycle or a car) have with the ground. This surface can be very varied, with asphalt being the most common, a typical construction material for roads, followed by cement. These materials are generally designed to last and provide good grip with the vehicle's tires, as they are specifically designed for these vehicles, for traffic routes.

Now, traction noticeably decreases when riding in off-road environments, especially in sand, mud, and snow. This happens because these are elements of nature that simply aren't designed for a pair of tires rolling over them. So, without good traction on a trail bike, the chances of your bike sliding increase. Often, slides occur when the rear wheel spins a little faster than the front.

What is traction control?

Traction control is a mechanism that reads and controls wheel speed. This is generally done through various sensors installed on motorcycles. These sensors capture wheel speed. If the rear wheel spins faster than the front wheel, skidding occurs.

This advanced sensor records and compares the speed and rpm of the wheels. If the rear wheel is spinning faster, it automatically reduces engine power to match the rpm and speed. This minimizes the possibility of skidding.

The main objective of traction control is rider safety. There are different types of traction control, for example, some with adjustable controls that allow you to select the intensity of the traction control on the wheels.

Is it always good to have traction control on? Why not turn it on?

Traction control is very good for safety and security reasons, however, its activation depends on the context. For example, it wouldn't be useful to activate traction control in situations where we need power, especially in stalled situations where we need as much force as possible to get out of a jam, which is common in sand and mud.

It is also not recommended to activate it if we need to avoid or go over an object or obstacle, since this would also require power, something we lose with the motorcycle traction activated.

Some experienced riders have commented that activating traction control does not result in improved grip or stability. However, this is a very subjective topic where opinions differ. It's best to test it yourself and see for yourself.

Limits the trail bike's ability to overcome obstacles

TCS is designed to prevent wheel spin on slippery surfaces, such as wet asphalt. However, when riding off-road, slippage is often necessary to overcome obstacles such as rocks, sand, and mud. TCS can limit the trail bike's ability to tackle these obstacles by reducing power and preventing wheel spin. This can cause the trail bike to become stuck or unable to overcome otherwise manageable obstacles.

It can make the trail bike unstable.

Traction control can make the trail bike unstable on uneven terrain. When the wheels encounter a slippery surface, TCS reduces power delivery, which can cause the trail bike to wobble or lose balance. On uneven terrain, it's important for the trail bike to have consistent power delivery to maintain balance and control.

May increase the risk of falls

In off-road riding situations, traction control can increase the risk of falls. By reducing power delivery, TCS can cause the trail bike to slide or skid in situations where sliding is necessary to maintain control. While TCS can help prevent wheel spin, it can also make the trail bike unpredictable and more difficult to control.

Limits the trail bike's ability to get out of difficult situations

In off-road riding situations, you may need consistent power delivery to get out of sticky situations, such as getting stuck in mud or sand. If you have traction control engaged, your trail bike may not have the power needed to get out of these situations, which can result in unnecessary downtime or even the need to call a tow truck.

In short, traction control can be a valuable tool on the road, but it's not recommended to activate it when riding off-road. Constant power delivery is essential in off-road riding situations to maintain balance and control, and TCS can limit the trail bike's ability to tackle obstacles and get out of difficult situations.

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