First, what TCB isn’t, it’s not ABS. Simply, Anti Lock Braking is a computer controlled sensor on the front and rear wheel. When a lock–up is occurring it sends a message which tells the hydraulics’ to release pressure and to unlock, then lock. This happens hundreds of times in a couple of seconds allowing the tires to regain traction.
With Traction Controlled Braking (TCB) the natural brake fluid pressure spikes are absorbed by a flexible diaphragm allowing the wheel to maintain rotation while braking to a controlled stop. In other words, normally as a brake pedal or lever is activated, brake fluid pressures increase dramatically until the calipers “lock-up”, but the TCB device allows the minute surface variations of the rotor to float while still maintain braking, longer and stronger before locking up.
Generally installed at the Brake Caliper unless there’s not enough room, it can be installed at the Master Cylinder. The TCB Cylinder simply replaces the existing Banjo Bolt at the caliper. The cost per unit is $79.
I heard about TCB while talking to members of the San Gorgonio Pass Touring & Riding Association. On October 10, 2009 the group conducted their annual safety training session with instructor Bert Adkins, a certified training officer for several Police agencies and the MSF. Veteran touring rider /writer Amy Holland also participated. They each made a practice run then did three braking tests also at 40 MPH. Amy, with a well documented history of motorcycling averaged 58 feet for the three stops without the unit. Bert, being a trainer managed to average 48 feet for his three runs.
After installing a TCB unit on the rear brake of a 2003 Harley Davidson Road Glide, they re-ran the tests. Amy’s average for the three runs was 46 feet, which is a 12 foot average shorter distance. Bert’s average for his three runs was 42 feet including the third run of 40 feet with an overall average of a 6 foot shorter stopping distance. Impressive, I need to try this.
The Rubber Hits the Road
Quick Throttle Magazine staff purchased a set for both the front and rear brakes. CD owns a Big Dog K-9 chopper with 250mm rears, 90mm front tires and 42 degree rake; this should be a TCB first.
With, cones, tape measure and new asphalt I practiced controlled braking. Big Dog uses high quality 4 caliper brakes which after repeated runs I consistently logged about 22 feet braking distance at approximately 30 mph. (Both Chris and I agreed that without a radar gun judging actual entry speed into the cones is very difficult)
Time to install TCB: Militia Cycles in Laguna Nigel did the install; let’s let the professionals do their job. Installation and properly bleeding both brakes takes about an hour. Militia is a full service H-D repair facility and handles extended warranty coverage offering a new standard of service in Orange County.
Back to the test area and the bike responded quite differently. After repeated testing a consistent 3-foot reduction in distance was repeatable. Something else was happening to our test area. Within the two hours we spent hanging, drinking coffee, and chewing the fat with Donny, Militia owner, the black asphalt had heated up and became softer. The rear tire locked up more easily and the kickstand actually sank into the road. But surprisingly, even with this decreased traction, braking distance with the TCB installed was still reduced…impressive.
Do Try This At Home
The way I see it, ANY reduction in braking distance is acceptable; gaining a car length at 60 miles an hour means a car you didn’t hit. What price would you pay for that? The TCB not only fits virtually any brand of motorcycle, but also a variety of ATV’s.
Volumes of information, FAQ’s, testimonials, road test results, design, legal certifications, and existing warranties all can be answered at their website. As in the San Gorgonio test, some users just put one on the back brake because that’s more prone to lock up. We installed TCB on both brakes for maximum effect.
The TCB-II (gas charged) is now out, it sells for $79, and you can get it direct from the manufacturer:
TCB Brake Systems
www.TCBBrakeSystems.com
ContactUs@TCBBrakeSystems.com
512-514-0201
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