Traction Control - BMW - AMA

["Steve Makohin" <wateredg@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello All,

The October 2006 issue of Cycle Canada magazine reports the following:

BMW R1200R Gains Traction Control

"BMW has anointed the 2007 R 1200 R to introduce an electronic traction 
control system. Using ABS sensors, the system detects a difference in 
rotational speed between the front and rear wheels upon acceleration. BMW's 
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) then retards ignition timing to 
immediately reduce power output. If this isn't sufficient to reduce wheel 
spin, the system then cuts fuel injection. The system is also said to reduce 
front wheel lift on hard acceleration. BMW claims its ASC is the first in 
the world to control rear wheel spin, though Honda introduced a similar 
system on the ST1100 over a decade ago. ASC can be deactivated at any time, 
even while riding."


AMA Relents on Traction Control

"A ruling announced just before the Laguna Seca round in July allows AMA 
Superbike a Formula Xtreme classes to legally use traction control. This 
rule change does not include Superstock and Supersport."


(Steve's Note: I guess this pretty well declares ASC to be a Good Thing, 
when BMW wants it for added safety, and when racers want it to make them 
quicker.)

- -Steve Makohin
 '01 R1100S/ABS
 Oakville, Ontario, Canada 

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