Motorcycle Traction Control involves sophisticated programming between sensors and software that influence how the machine reacts depending on the surface and the level of grip. Cornering MTC is now a standard component of motorcycle software ‘intelligence’ and works by reading the motorcycle’s behaviour and responding immediately if the rotational speed of the rear wheel is disproportionate to the front wheel or the engine speed.
The newest generation of Cornering MTC employs two different and independent controllers - one for wheel slip and another for pitch angle control – to increase the dimensions of use. Pitch angle’s main benefit is in straight line acceleration: the power reduction is less abrupt when front wheel lifts up and thus more constant acceleration is achieved. The system is rapid, effective, smooth and barely noticeable but it can also be disengaged. Some models and modes will allow MTC to be set according to 9 levels of wheelspin ‘slip’: the advantage of this facility means riders can alter the bike’s response according to track or road conditions or the state of their tires. This slip level can be easily set and adjusted through the TFT display (only in TRACK, PERFORMANCE and RALLY mode)
Dynamic Slip Adjust is available exclusively in RALLY Mode and automatically adjusts the allowed wheel slip based on traction conditions in real time. It operates in one direction only—increasing slip allowance by reducing the Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) level when more wheel spin is needed. For example, if a rider is using a high MTC setting and encounters a muddy section or a slippery hill climb, Dynamic Slip Adjust will increase wheel slip to ensure enough spin for traction without cutting engine power. Once the system detects that additional torque is no longer required—such as when traction improves—it smoothly returns to the original MTC setting, and slip levels go back to the preset limits.