Traction control really OFF?

[Jeffedit]

I have had a 2013 ST for a few years now and still wondering about traction control. Last week I was on dirt roads again and it seems whenever I go over washboard sections, the bike is lurching and doesn't have consistent forward motion even though I have disabled traction control. Does anyone else experience this? Seems like I have no problem getting the rear to break traction accelerating on dirt with TC off, but this washboard action is driving me crazy.

 

[MattR]

Could this be an abs issue?


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[bigbob]

Washboard so the tire is in the air more than driving. Try it on default TC and you will stop!

 

[tubebender]

What you may be feeling is the middle gear damper loading and unloading.


The spring is pushing on the damper which is a ramp type.


#3 in the parts fiche.



NOT the Tenere but similar to this image

 

[holligl]

What you may be feeling is the middle gear damper loading and unloading.


The spring is pushing on the damper which is a ramp type.
View attachment 71245

#3 in the parts fiche.
View attachment 71246


NOT the Tenere but similar to this image

View attachment 71244

I wasn't aware of this feature. Thanks for the insight.

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[BaldKnob]

Uphill washboard is difficult with a dirtbike but even more so on a Tenere. The weight of the drivetrain, wheel/tire and stiff suspension all work against smooth, consistent drive over this type of obstacle. If TC were on, forward drive is next to impossible in these conditions.

I try to carry some speed into those sections. Use as high a gear as possible then modulate the throttle to keep the speed steady or gradually decelerate until I have to (quickly) shift down.

 

[Jeffedit]

Thanks for the input guys. I'll do more "research" to see if I can make it act differently.

 

[Bikedude987]

TC Off + a WAD of throttle and washboard is ok. The big enemy is the overly soft suspension and HEAVY unsprung weight of the rear wheel. It doesn't like to stay in contact with the ground over washboard.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

First thing I always did when hitting the dirt was stop and turn off TCS. The bike is in Sport mode, so no change there. I'm a fan of power sliding. I an assure you that when TCS is off, it's off, really, really off. TCS is not responsible for what you are feeling.

 

[Cantab]

First thing I always did when hitting the dirt was stop and turn off TCS. The bike is in Sport mode, so no change there. I'm a fan of power sliding. I an assure you that when TCS is off, it's off, really, really off. TCS is not responsible for what you are feeling.

I like TCS off for the road in good conditions, has more go ,thru the mapping (?) seems to give it more HP ?

 

[gunslinger_006]

I really like tcs 2 for having fun on good dirt roads. Lets you get the rear plenty loose but also keeps the bike in check a bit.

 

[Berg_Donk]

I suggest the suspension. A stock shock, with TC on or off, struggles to keep the tyre on the surface and driving. A well setup decent shock makes all the difference to keeping the tyre contact patch contacting. Stock suspension on my Gen 1 meant it was almost impossible to ride on unsealed surfaces with the TC on, with my Ohlins, its not too bad, and I often leave it set at 2.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

I like TCS off for the road in good conditions, has more go ,thru the mapping (?) seems to give it more HP ?

I believe there is truth to that. I frequently turned off TCS when riding a seriously twisted road. Always did it to ride a long twisty like The Snake. Never wanted any nanny between me and enjoying the ride.

 

[Jeffedit]

Thank Guys,
All great information from experienced riders for me to tuck away. Never had
a bike this big and the suspension suggestion makes sense.