Modern bikes have come a long way. These days, coming across motorcycles with impressive power and torque is not a big deal anymore. However, the excess power and torque that modern motorcycles make have also made these vehicles pretty dangerous to ride. This is the reason why, motorcycle brands have come up with a plethora of active and passive safety features to keep motorcycle riders safe. One of the most popular and effective active safety features designed for motorcycles is the MTC (motorcycle traction control).
MTC is an extended attribute of modern electronic control units designed for motorcycles. The MTC works with the help of data collected by multiple sensors installed across a motorcycle. The data is then processed by the ECU in a bid to ascertain whether the motorcycle is leaning, accelerating or braking. The MTC system with the help of the ECU cuts or reduces the power to the rear wheel. This happens whenever the rear wheel of a motorcycle loses traction. When power to the rear wheel is interrupted by the MTC with the aid of the ECU, a motorcycle regains traction. The rear wheel power delivery is interrupted by reducing the fuel delivery to the engine’s fuel-injection system.
Motorcycles are often pushed to their limits by taking them to terrains that even 4x4 cars don’t dare venture into. As most motorcyclists are enthusiastic riders, it is natural for them and their bikes to face challenging terrains. On top of this, variables like –
The temperature of the road surface
The tire tread depth
The mood of the rider can come in the way of the bike having ample traction.
Hence, traction control in bikes is a must-have safety feature for modern bikes.
Without traction control system in bikes, these mean two-wheeled machines might execute unplanned drifts or wheelies. The results of these unplanned executions will certainly leave the bike crashed and the rider seriously injured.
Furthermore, motorcycles with powerful engines tend to come with sensitive throttle bodies. Hence, riders of such motorcycles need to have enough skills to remain in the ‘sweet spot’ of throttle angle. If one doesn’t have control over the movement of their right wrist then they will lose control of the bike. In such cases, the MTC system would kick in and save the motorcycle and its rider from crashing.
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There are only a handful of motorcycles below 5 lakh in India that comes with motorcycle traction system. Among them, KTM offers the best value-for-money motorcycles with MTC features. The KTM bikes that come with the MTC system installed from the KTM factory floor are mentioned below.
The KTM 390 Adventure is the perfect motorcycle for endurance runs, adventure trips, and highway touring. The motorcycle entails two trims. The base trim of the motorcycle costs Rs. 4, 04,646. The top trim of the motorcycle costs Rs. 4, 13,750. The engine powering this motorcycle is a 373.27cc BS6 unit. The peak power and torque outputs of the engine are 42.9 bhp and 37 Nm respectively. The bike comes with front and rear disc brakes + dual-channel ABS. The bike also gets KTM’s MTC system.
The 390 Adventure X is the technologically stripped-down version of the standard Adventure 390. The engine, power, and torque outputs of this motorcycle are the same as the standard 390 Adventure. This motorcycle is offered by KTM in a single trim. The motorcycle also gets front and rear disc brakes + dual-channel ABS. The motorcycle is priced at Rs. 3, 26,383 in India. The bike also gets KTM’s MTC system.
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The RC 390 is currently KTM India’s most powerful compact sports bike. The bike entails two trims. The base trim costs Rs. 3, 63,298 and the top trim costs Rs. 3, 81,539. The engine powering this motorcycle is the same one that one can find in the Duke 390, and Adventure 390. Hence, the torque and power outputs remain the same at 37 Nm and 42.9 bhp respectively. KTM offers this motorcycle with front and rear disc brakes + dual-channel ABS. The bike also gets KTM’s MTC system.
Traction control has become an important part of the motorcycle sector in India and overseas. MTC prevents a biker from skidding while riding in the rain. At the same time, MTC systems also help keep the rear wheel of a motorcycle in contact with the tarmac at all times. However, one must always remember that an MTC is a mere safety feature available in modern motorcycles. Without proper training, even the safest motorcycles can put an unskilled rider in tricky situations!
