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| © Provided by Bonnier Corporation Motorcyclist |
Traction allows your motorcycle to stop, corner, and accelerate. Without
it, expect the sickening sound of plastic, chrome, and aluminum bits
contacting pavement. The best riders develop a traction sense
built upon knowledge and an innate awareness of spatial position,
force, movement, and balance, all signaled by receptors in joints and
soft tissue. This proprioceptive sixth sense makes it possible for you
to feel subtle changes happening between the tires and the road, and how
much tire grip you have to work with. A sharp traction sense starts
with understanding the factors that affect traction quality and
quantity. With a little awareness of those sensory inputs, you'll
develop a traction sense that is as transparent and effective as your
sense of smell, hearing, touch, or sight.
Got Load?
The amount of traction available is
related to how much weight is pressing the tires onto the surface. More
pressure means more grip. Braking pitches the bike forward, increasing
front tire grip but reducing traction at the rear.
Smooth Inputs
Load
the tires gradually to avoid abrupt spikes in force. Avoid abrupt,
panic-induced brake, throttle, or handlebar inputs. Progressively apply
the brakes to set the load before demanding more brake force. Squeeze
the front brake lever, and then squeeze harder.
Read the Road
Tire
load only goes so far. Traction-robbing surfaces can easily lead to
calamity. Look well ahead for variations in surface texture, color, and
camber indicating possible changes in available traction. Avoid braking,
leaning, and accelerating over sketchy surfaces.
Pay Attention
Proprioceptive
senses communicate imminent traction loss through subtle sensations.
Slight vibrations, or a vague feeling at the bars or in your seat and
footpegs, can indicate diminishing traction. These indicators are the
first sign of imbalance as your tires begin to slip.
Relax
A
tight grip and stiff arms impede your ability to feel what the bike is
doing. Relax your arms and hands by supporting most of your weight with
your legs and torso. Relaxation allows you to sense imbalance and make
fluid inputs.
Keep a Reserve
Always keep
some traction in reserve for managing surprise hazards. With no reserve,
abrupt or sudden braking, turning, or acceleration can send the tires
over the tipping point. The amount of traction is limited, so reduce
lean before braking or accelerating hard.
