No they don't. Some riders need traction control. This "feature" is the latest way the manufacturers can drive up the cost of bikes.For those who want the "option," just wait till the government dictates the level of TC on your bike!

To need traction control for the road you would need to ride like an idiot. Cannot see how anyone would trigger it on a superbike on the road- on the track sure its useful as a safety net. Those of us with slow reactions have a form of traction control anyway- the problem is really with those that chop the throttle- which is mainly novices and people with fast reactions- not good on a superbike.By the time I notice a slide the bike has sorted itself out, and I`m usually on the straight, grinning.Again, someone that need TC on the road really shouldnt be riding a superbike.

Having owned the latest R1 for nearly 2 years I have enjoyed the power delivery but it has had me out of the seat and looking at the headlights on a few occasions. Near highside, yes, but isnt that all part of the fun. I ride road and track and love that feeling of learning and getting the best out of a bike, and when it bights back its a good wake up call.Traction control, not really something I would look for.

Do they "need" traction control?Of course not. The only reason they have it is because it can make the race bikes go faster and as a result is good marketing. It would be better all round if it was outlawed for racing but it's probably too late now. If Superbike racing had stayed without electronic aids it would be cheaper to race competitively and to buy the street bikes.

I think that Keith Code's Stat's are the best. After years of schooling on 600 cc sportbikes his crash ratio per class actually went down after changing over to the BMW S1000 with anti lock and TC.However thats taking newbee squids and turning them loose on a racetrack.I would rather see it as an option for those who want it.Also New riders that need Anti Lock and Traction Controll to protect them in everyday life probably have no business being on a 1000cc bikeLearn to ride and try again !!!!!!!!

I don't think its a question of whether the bikes need it, rather a question of whether the riders need it! You don't go buying a 1000cc sportsbike without questioning your own ability first, and thats the key here! Gone are the days of 120BHP 1000cc sports bikes they are now classed as ageing tourers but the option is still there to do your direct access and jump on one of many fine 170 RWHP sports bikes.Some may take well to these bikes others might just go out and kill themselves.Nobody likes to be governed by anybody else's opinion but in my heart I do agree that bikes are getting a bit powerful and with youth / inexperience comes bravado which is going to temp the less experienced to do silly things.I don't agree with compulsary traction control but I would rather effort be put into the training of inexperienced riders rather than teaching others to suck eggs.Just for info I now ride a bike with traction control and have never once had it SAVE ME !!!!Lets sort out the condition of British roads and the training given to riders before resorting to silly measures like Compulsary traction control, maybe teach countersteering and have a real swerve test.

If your traction control system is well set-up, the safety net of preventing hi-sides has to make your track-day experience more enjoyable and if you're a club racer or even a pro the confidence and consistency it gives you is also beneficial.Another point worth noting is that a good system can also drastically increase tyre life, especially by avoiding tearing on the shoulder.I agree with robertsan, a good system benefits from accelerometers, but to go further you really need to compensate for the most important variable, which is the tyres you are running.A good aftermarket system should offer you this without the need to change your bike along with all the performance upgrades you may have already invested in.

It's not about "need" is it? Bikes don't need 200BHP, or to be geared for 200mph, or to do 0-100-0 in 7 seconds.. But the option is there if you want to excercise it.Traction control should be standard on all bikes, but there should be a choice about whether you turn it on or off (as determined by the rider). Personally, when I'm tired, it's late at night and the weather has changed, I would be glad of TC. There are other times when I want to have a bit of fun, without the electronic nanny. If you can turn it on and off, it's fine with me.Think of TC like a helmet, we don't tend to "need" a helmet most of the time, I've never fallen off... But on the occasion that you do require a helmet.....

Greetings all.  I am lucky enough to own both a 2010 GTR1400 and 2011 ZX10R, firstly, both bikes are very capable at putting the TC and ABS through their paces.Firstly, the ABS on the GTR is far too sensitive for it's own good, hit a bump while heavy braking and the bike will run on because the ABS has released the brake because it thinks I'm out of of control.  I don't like it, but I live with it because the rest of the package it astounding.  I've Gymkhana'ed it and you couldn't wish for a better handling bike with the whole package.The traction control on the GTR is a silent safety net, being a twat with the throttle in less than perfect conditions will cause the TC to operate, in normal and fast road riding, I've never seen it happen except where it cuts in when you wheelie away from the lights (purely accidental officer), however, very occasionally, with cold tyres in cold weather, I have got the TC operating - perhaps, I was being a twat with the throttle, but it works, and for people without the experience of big bikes, it's a great safety net. (although, it does work well at he upper limits as well, try power sliding the GTR out of a corner, the TC will hold it there until it all falls back in line and puts a smile on your face from ear to ear)Now, the 2011 ZX10R, what a system, arguably it's NOT required on the road, but just for the fun factor, Put the Traction Control on Level 3, and just nail it so I can listen to the exhaust :-).  It practical terms, 192BHP (have dyno print out) on something that weighs less than 190kg (few mods), nailing the throttle in the lower gears, I'm sure would end up in it spitting me off, but I do turn it off!, and I do use all three levels more than I do the power modes, why?  Because, It enables me to play with the bikes handling, rear wheel steering, and ballistic acceleration and makes it fun to ride (like a twat). I can see the benefits in the hands of less experienced, but also enables me to explore levels of bike control within a safety net, that doesn't exist on other bikes (BMW is a little too on/off for my liking). and have not tried the others.In a nut shell, the power to weight ratio is greater than a Bugati Veyron, if you think that car won't kill you if you step over the limits, what chance do you think you've got when you step over the limits on a 1000cc Superbike with technically more power? None.... TC is there to save you when you step over the mark, or help you find where those limits are....  :-).  I say electronics are here to stay, so embrace them for what they can teach you...Just my opinion - Neil