What is Traction Control in Bike?

Posted on: May 29, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

What is Traction Control in Bike?

Traction Control in Bike: All About TCS in Bike

Riding a bike has a thrill that matches no other. People who love to ride a bike will rarely enjoy any other vehicle. The machine has the freedom to move and of course, to freedom to ride with speed. Riding a bike gives the kick that undoubtedly is unmatched by many. One big concern that many people have when it comes to riding a bike is the danger mainly because of road conditions, speed and the weather. Due to these issues, bike manufacturers have added many features and one of these and the most important one is a traction control system. If you are wondering what is traction control in bike, then let us discuss it in detail.

What is traction control in bikes and how does it work?

When you own a vehicle, your comprehensive bike insurance is what ensures your finances are safe in case of damage or theft. The insurance will help you recover the financial loss, if any. For your own safety, you need to ensure that the bike has safety control features. The traction control of a bike is a system that aims to ensure that the bike does not lose balance and slide out of control. The system does this by monitoring the speed and accordingly adjusting the output of the engine power to prevent the wheels from slipping. This comes in handy for the rider on a slippery surface or a wet one, where traction maintenance can be tough and can cause slipping and accidents.

When brakes are applied suddenly, accelerate too much or ride on a slippery surface, the rear wheel can spin faster than the front one or the front wheel can lift off the ground. In either case, the bike will lose traction and the chances of crashing are high. When the system of the bike senses a loss in traction, it will intervene in certain ways. It can do this either by fuel injection, reducing the power of the engine or applying brakes. What the system does can vary depending on the situation, but the ultimate goal is to ensure that the bike stays in control and there is a balance between the two wheels. This all is done by the system of the bike, and in most cases, the rider does not even come to know. If there is an accident, the two wheeler insurance can take care of the damage to the bike, but the traction control system will ensure the safety of the rider and will avoid damage to the bike, making it very important.

Why do you need a traction control system in a bike?

Now that we have understood what is traction control in bike, we need to also know why is it so important and why we need it. There are many advantages of the system and some of these are as follows:

1. Avoids Skidding

The bike can go out of control and slide and this happens mainly when the wheels get locked. This happens when the surface is wet and slippery or you apply the brakes too hard. The system regulates the pressure of the brake and avoids skidding. This ensures the rider has control and does not lose grip avoiding accidents.

2. Avoids Drifting

The bike can lose direction when the rear wheel of the bike slides sideways. This can happen when the surface is uneven due to sand, water or gravel or when the bike turns very fast. In this case, the traction control intervenes reduces the engine speed and applies brakes. In this way, the bike stays stable and the bike does not lose balance by maintaining the line.

3. Keeps the front wheel on the ground

When the bike hits a pothole or when there is too much acceleration, the front wheel of the bike can lift off the ground. This will result in a loss of balance. The traction control ensures the bike stays balanced and the front wheel stays on the ground.

What types of traction control systems are there?

While it is important to know what is traction control in bike, it is equally imperative to understand the types of traction control. When it comes to financial safety we all should know that when it comes to two wheeler insurance, it is important to have comprehensive bike insurance and not only mandatory third party bike insurance as per law. The traction control system is for safety and thus, one should know the difference between a predictive traction control system and a reactive one. The main difference is their reaction and response to a loss in traction.

1. Reactive System

One of the most basic and common traction systems in bikes is known as the reactive system. After the traction is lost, the system senses the same and works on correcting it at the earliest. Sensors work to sense the wheel rotation and speed of the bike and do the necessary intervention as per the requirement. This kind of system is adjustable and one can decide to turn it off as well if needed.

2. Predictive System

This is the most advanced type of traction system as they have the ability to prevent the loss of traction before it happens and thus, attempt to stop it completely. Like the reactive system, they also use sensors to determine the speed and the wheel rotation. As these are more advanced they also detect the angle of the pitch, lean angle, deceleration acceleration etc. By doing so and using AI and different algorithms, it determines the ideal power that should be used and then does the necessary intervention.

How to effectively use the traction system?

In order to ensure safety, one needs to use the traction system in the most effective manner. Some of the ways to do so are:

1. Adjust the traction control as per the riding style

2. Understand the traction control system of the bike

3. Do not ignore the lights and alert system of the bike

4. Ride properly and follow basic techniques for safety

5. Maintain the bike and ensure it is serviced regularly

Conclusion

Safety is of utmost importance while riding a bike. For the bike, one should have comprehensive bike insurance and for the safety of the rider, all safety features should be there in place. The traction control is one of them. Now that we have answered all basic aspects and you know what is traction control in bike, you know how important it is. Always compare your two wheeler insurance and the safety features of your bike to ensure you are safe and so is the bike.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

Keep the Bike’s Clutch in Minty Condition for a Smoother Ride

Bike Anatomy 101: What you should know about bike parts for a hassle-free ride

Technologies That Aim to Make Bike Riding Safer

Are fibre parts of your bike covered under the bike insurance policy?

Bike Maintenance Hacks Every Owner Should Know