Traction (grip)

Traction is the grip a tyre has on the surface. Every task, from braking and accelerating to leaning into a corner, uses part of the available grip. If you ask for more than is available, the tyre slides.

Traction depends on the tyre compound, temperature and pressure, the tread pattern, the road or ground surface, the load on the wheel and how smoothly the rider applies the controls. Wet leaves, painted lines, tar repairs, gravel and cold tyres all reduce it.

To keep traction: warm tyres up gradually, use correct pressures for road or off-road riding, combine braking and leaning carefully, and use smooth throttle. Electronic systems such as ABS and traction control help, but they cannot create grip where there is none.