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ASC button use?

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Eadseig

Eadseig

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Feb 12, 2026
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Cheshire
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R18 Classic
There's a button on the left to turn off the ASC (automatic stability control). The manual tells you how to do it, but I have no idea why you'd want to do so.
Can anybody explain why you might want to get rid of ASC while riding?
Thanks.
 
ASC - Automated Stability Control
There are times when the ASC will interfere with the throttle control. For instance - if you were riding on a dirt or gravel road and encountered a washboard surface or deep gravel, the ASC can actually cut the throttle enough that the bike can barely move. I have encountered this type of situation. The system monitors the front and rear wheel rpm and if it senses a difference in speed it will reduce throttle to regain traction - this in some circumstances can cause issues. The ASC also senses if the wheel skids or locks up and it will reduce the braking force to regain traction - again on dirt or gravel where some wheel skid or slipping can be normal the system in certain situations will prevent braking. I had this happen to me on my Honda Africa Twin. I was going down a steep gravel road and forgot to turn off the traction control and I found that the brakes stopped functioning - it was a scary ride down.
 
Last edited:
bdalameda said:
ASC - Automated Stability Control
There are times when the ASC will interfere with the throttle control. For instance - if you were riding on a dirt or gravel road and encountered a washboard surface or deep gravel, the ASC can actually cut the throttle enough that the bike can barely move. I have encountered this type of situation. The system monitors the front and rear wheel rpm and if it senses a difference in speed it will reduce throttle to regain traction - this in some circumstances can cause issues. The ASC also senses if the wheel skids or locks up and it will reduce the braking force to regain traction - again on dirt or gravel where some wheel skid or slipping can be normal the system in certain situations will prevent braking. I had this happen to me on my Honda Africa Twin. I was going down a steep gravel road and forgot to turn off the traction control and I found that the brakes stopped functioning - it was a scary ride down.
Click to expand...
Thanks, that's a very helpful explanation. I'm unlikely to do much off-road work on the bike, but I now know when to use it.
 
I love the way that BMW describes how to have fun on their motorcycles while protecting liability. For those who have never read their manual, check out this snippet from the "Technology in Detail" section. They are telling you how to have fun.

1773350575005.png
 
Screenshot 2026-03-12 at 20.03.25.png


With gear engaged???? I warm Uschi up on the kick stand .. of course ... but with gear engaged ... that one I pay money to see :LOL:
 
I always use it when I hit the dirt.... nothing adds stability like a spinning rear wheel! If only the abs could be switched off as well.
 
I guess I never figured on deactivating the ASC while running my bike in gear, while up on the KERN-STABI X-518 stand; I've done this several times, however I've yet to see an error code tripped... Food for thought..

i.e - I've let the tire spin in gear for all pre & post transmission fluid and rear bevel gear fluid changes...
 
Star-Lord said:
I guess I never figured on deactivating the ASC while running my bike in gear, while up on the KERN-STABI X-518 stand; I've done this several times, however I've yet to see an error code tripped... Food for thought..

i.e - I've let the tire spin in gear for all pre & post transmission fluid and rear bevel gear fluid changes...
Click to expand...
Ahhh ... now that I can picture ... it just sounded odd in that caution portion of the text ;)
 
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