The brand is still quite unknown among riders, shadowed by other mainstream traction control systems such as the one from Bazzaz. But the GRIPone brand stands out from the pack, because it is developed and used by the MotoGP Go & Fun team. The system is also based on speed sensors, rather than the Bazzaz which just monitors acceleration at the crank.
GRIPone 2
The GRIPone 2 is the entry version of the traction control systems that GRIPone offers. Honestly, it is enough for most riders, except the most hardcore racers.
It comes neatly packed in a plastic box with all the components that you need to install onto your motorcycle.
Installation
The components included in the box are:
1. The ECU, in layman terms, the traction control computer (Shown below)
2. Wiring Harness
3. Front and rear speed sensors
4. Sensor brackets
5. Installation and user manual
Although the installation is straightforward, I suggest that you get a qualified workshop (e.g. HKL Racing) to help you with the installation if you are not comfortable meddling with your bike's electronics.
Benedict helped to route the speed sensors safely onto my R6. Don't want any 'Marc Marquez' on the race track clipping my rear speed sensor, sending me into a massive highside.
Now, the front speed sensor installed on the left front brake disc.
And finally, the ECU mounted on the front of the bike, near the left front fork.
Settings
The GRIPone 2 has 2 basic settings: Spinning, and Cut. The settings are programmable via 2 buttons on the ECU.
Spinning refers to the slip sensitivity, which detects tire slippage by comparing the wheel speeds of your front and rear tires. Select from a setting range of 1 to 8, where 1 is the most sensitive to any tire slippage. At maximum sensitivity, a tiny amount of tire slippage will trigger the power cut.
Cut refers to the amount of power cut when tire slippage is detected. Select from a setting range of 0 to 8, where 0 has no engine power cut. and 8 cuts the most power.
The 2 settings work hand-in-hand, in fractions of a second, to effectively reduce or completely stop any tire slippage.
Performance
What better way to show you the GRIPone 2's performance than to show you a video of me testing it. In the video, the Spinning was set at 2, and Cut at 8.
Even though the traction control system cut in very often (due to the high Spinning setting), the power delivery was very well-controlled, and there is no jerky feeling when the power cut kicks in. In most of the corners, I was at neutral throttle from entry to apex, and near full wide opened after that.
(The red indicator LED shown in the video is sold separately.)
Finally as a bonus, because the GRIPone 2 reduces/removes tire slippages, it also helps to save your tires! Look at the beautiful wear pattern on my rear tire.
I don't have a confirmed price from Benedict, but it is somewhere in the area of SGD$1000, including installation. Considering the fact that many people spend much more for a slip-on exhaust, the price is worth it for added safety on the road, or the race track.
You can message me on the RB Facebook Page, and I'll direct you to Benedict for quotations. Or you can just look for him in person at his workshop.
Conclusion
Before you spend money to buy the loudest exhaust, or the coolest looking helmet, consider getting your motorcycle a traction control system (if it doesn't already have one). It can save your ass in low traction situations, or just prevent you from doing something potentially stupid.
But remember that traction control systems are not foolproof, and you can still highside. But I would rather have the confidence that I have a safety net if I do something stupid. The traction control system just needs to save you once, and it would pay for itself.
I'm definitely keeping it for that eventual day, what about you?
RB Rating: 9 / 10
Ride safe.
