Nous avons regroupé ici les expressions utilisées par les différentes marques et dans la culture motarde, pour que chaque terme ait enfin sa signification claire et précise. Fini les incompréhensions, place à la connaissance ! Plongez dans notre lexique et maîtrisez le langage de la route.
25 acronyms
- LCS : Launch Control System
Yamaha's LCS (Launch Control System) is an electronic launch control system. It delivers the fastest and most consistent acceleration possible from a standstill by channeling engine power to prevent rear-wheel spin and front-end lift.
How It Works
- Activation and RPM Control: The rider activates LCS mode using the control switch (often accessible only when the bike is stopped, in neutral, or in first gear). The rider can then open the throttle fully: the ECU automatically limits the engine to an ideal, fixed starting RPM (for example, 9,000 RPM on a YZF-R1), regardless of whether the throttle is held wide open.
- Simplified clutch control: The rider focuses entirely on gradually releasing the clutch lever, without having to modulate the throttle.
- Dynamic thrust control: As soon as the motorcycle begins to move forward and the clutch lever is released, the ECU takes full control of power delivery. By continuously analyzing wheel speed and the bike’s attitude via the inertial measurement unit (6-axis IMU), the ECU instantly readjusts the delivered torque by controlling the Ride-by-Wire system (throttle valves), ignition timing, and fuel injection.
- Synergy with other assist systems: The LCS works in tandem with traction control (TCS) and wheelie control (LIF / Lift Control System). It keeps the rear tire at the threshold of ideal slip while keeping the front wheel in contact with the ground to maximize the transmission of longitudinal force.
- Automatic deactivation: The system automatically disengages as soon as the motorcycle reaches a preset speed (or when shifting into 2nd or 3rd gear via the shifter), restoring normal throttle control to the rider.
- LIF : Lift Control System
LIFt control softens front-wheel load shedding when starting off or accelerating. It allows wheeling and its main purpose is to react to sudden front-wheel weight loss. This system offers several levels of adjustment and can also be disconnected.
- Low RPM Assist : Assistance at low engine speed
tI-ISC (Throttle body Integrated Idle Speed Control) incorporates a Low RPM Assist function. When starting off or driving at low rpm, the ECM activates the ISC system. With ISC circuits open, engine speed increases slightly. Normally, when starting the motorcycle, engine speed drops when the clutch is engaged. Low-speed assistance helps the rider to start off smoothly, even at low engine speeds
- MSC : Motorcycle Stability Control
developed jointly with Bosch, the MSC motorcycle stability control system, combined with ABS anti-lock braking and MTC traction control, supports the rider in a multitude of ways, within the limits of physics:
- mSC prevents the wheels from skidding when braking on an angle,
- reduces the righting moment when braking at an angle,
- prevents forward tilting during emergency braking,
- prevents the rear wheel from spinning when accelerating at an angle,
- prevents the front wheel from lifting off during acceleration.- MSR : Motor Slip Regulation
MSR (Motor Slip Regulation, or engine braking torque control) is an electronic assist system developed by KTM to prevent the rear wheel from locking up or slipping during heavy deceleration.
Technical Principles
- Measuring Negative Slip: During sudden deceleration or when downshifting aggressively, the wheel speed sensors and the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) detect whether the rear wheel begins to rotate slower than the front wheel due to engine braking.
- Detection of the risk of wheel spin: If engine braking torque exceeds the tire’s available grip limit (particularly on slippery surfaces or when cornering), the ECU calculates the immediate risk of wheel spin or loss of lateral stability.
- Electronic Response via Ride-by-Wire: Unlike traction control, which cuts power, the MSR reintroduces torque. The ECU triggers an automatic micro-opening of the throttle valves (Ride-by-Wire) to very slightly increase engine speed.
- Gear Realignment: This slight airflow/fuel mixture counteracts excessive engine braking and allows the rear wheel to instantly return to its optimal rotational speed without the rider having to touch the throttle.
Complementarity with the Mechanics
While the mechanical anti-dribble clutch (PASC on KTM models) physically dissipates much of the stress during downshifting, the MSR provides additional support in situations where the mechanical system alone is insufficient:
- Downshifting on wet, slippery, or gravel-covered surfaces.
- A sudden, abrupt cut-off of throttle at a steep lean angle.
- MTC : Motorcycle Traction Control
KTM's Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) is a dynamic, lean-angle-sensitive electronic traction control system (Lean-Angle Sensitive MTC), designed to maximize traction during acceleration while preventing rear-wheel slip.
The system relies on a 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) connected to the engine control unit (ECU). In real time, the IMU measures longitudinal, lateral, and vertical accelerations, as well as roll, pitch, and yaw rates. The ECU cross-references this data with signals from the front and rear wheel speed sensors, engine RPM, selected gear, and the position of the electronic throttle (Ride-by-Wire).
The ECU continuously evaluates the actual rear-wheel slip rate and compares it to the critical threshold allowed for the measured lean angle. The more the motorcycle is leaned over in a turn, the lower the slippage tolerance becomes to prevent a highside.
When slip exceeds the calculated limit, the ECU instantly reduces engine torque through a combined action on three levers:
- Ignition timing delay: Immediate correction within a few milliseconds to reduce torque at the first sign of slippage.
- Ride-by-Wire activation: Adjustment of the throttle valve opening via servomotors, regardless of the rider’s physical position of the throttle grip, ensuring a smooth power delivery.
- Fuel Injection Reduction: Partial cutoff of fuel injection in the event of a massive or sudden loss of traction.
The MTC offers several preselected modes (Rain, Street, Sport, Offroad). On sport or endurance models equipped with Track or Rally modes, the system offers a 9-level slip adjustment (Spin Adjuster), allowing the rider to calibrate the degree of rear-wheel slip permitted when exiting a corner with millimeter precision.
- MVICS : Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System
The MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) is the integrated electronic management platform developed by MV Agusta. Introduced in the early 2010s (notably on the F3 675), it centralizes all engine and motorcycle dynamics controls under a single software architecture.
Rather than having separate electronic control units working in parallel, the MVICS consolidates all vehicle data into a single central processing unit:
- Full Ride-by-Wire Control: The system eliminates any mechanical link between the throttle grip and the fuel injectors. Sensors measure the throttle opening, and the ECU controls the opening of the intake throttle valves via servomotors.
- Customizable Maps: MVICS manages preconfigured riding modes (Sport, Normal, Rain) and offers a Custom mode that allows the rider to individually adjust throttle sensitivity, torque distribution, rev limiter, engine braking, and overall responsiveness.
- Traction Control (TC): The multi-level traction control system operates by comparing wheel speeds and adjusts torque in real time by modulating ignition and fuel injection.
- Electronic Shifter Management (EAS): The system incorporates the Electronically Assisted Shift function, allowing for upshifts and downshifts without a loss of power.
Developments (MVICS 2.0 and later)
On recent generations equipped with a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), MVICS incorporates more complex algorithms:
- FLC (Front Lift Control): controls front-wheel lift.
- Launch Control: assistance for standing starts.
- Cornering ABS: adaptive anti-lock braking system for cornering.
- PAIR : Pulsed-secondary Air Injection
Pulsed Secondary Air Injection (often abbreviated as PAIR by Honda and Suzuki, or AIS—for Air Injection System—by Yamaha) is a passive emissions control device integrated into internal combustion engines. Its purpose is to reduce the level of toxic unburned compounds in the exhaust to meet emissions standards.
The system injects filtered fresh air directly into the exhaust ducts, just beyond the cylinder head (downstream of the exhaust valves), to induce a secondary oxidation reaction.
Technical Principles
- Pulsed Air Induction: Rather than using an energy-intensive mechanical or electric air pump, the system harnesses the vacuum waves naturally created in the exhaust line by the alternating opening and closing of the valves.
- Reed Valves: One-way valves are located between the air box and the cylinder head. When the pressure in the exhaust manifold drops below atmospheric pressure, the valve opens and draws in a burst of fresh air. As soon as the pressure rises again, the valve closes to prevent exhaust gases from flowing back into the air box.
- Thermal afterburning: The introduction of fresh oxygen (O2) into contact with the hot exhaust gases leaving the combustion chamber triggers a chemical reaction: unburned hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) recombine to form carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O).
- ECU Control: A solenoid valve installed in the circuit is controlled by the ECU. Air injection is cut off during sharp decelerations at the throttle to prevent the buildup of oxygen, which would cause uncontrolled detonations or “backfiring” in the exhaust system.
- PASC : Power Assist Slipper Clutch
PASC (Power Assist Slipper Clutch) is a dual-action mechanical clutch technology developed by KTM. This system combines two complementary functions: reducing lever effort during acceleration (Power Assist) and dissipating excessive engine braking when downshifting (Slipper).
The PASC system is based on an internal hub design featuring bidirectional helical ramps against which the pressure plate rests:
- Power Assist during acceleration:
- When the engine transmits torque to the rear wheel, the rotational force causes the ramps to lock in the clamping direction.
- This mechanical action naturally presses the clutch plates against one another.
- Benefit: Since the drive force helps keep the discs pressed together, engineers can use much softer clutch springs. The physical effort required by the rider at the lever is reduced by up to 50%, providing exceptionally smooth operation. - Anti-dribble (Slipper) Effect During Deceleration:
- During heavy braking or a sudden downshift, the rear wheel attempts to rotate faster than the engine, creating reverse torque.
- The helical ramps then slide in the opposite direction and slightly move the pressure plate away, which releases the tension in the stack of clutch plates.
- Benefit: The clutch slips in a controlled manner to dissipate excess engine braking. The rear wheel does not lock up or hop and maintains its lateral stability when entering a turn.
- Power Assist during acceleration:
- PGM-FI : Programmed Fuel Injection
PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) is the digital electronic fuel injection system developed by Honda to optimize the performance, fuel economy, and emissions of its engines. Introduced in 1981 on the CX500 Turbo before being rolled out across the entire lineup (from basic utility bikes to the Gold Wing), this system replaces traditional carburetors with dynamic computer-controlled fuel delivery.
It operates via an electronic control unit (ECU) that continuously analyzes several key parameters: engine speed, throttle position (TPS), intake air pressure and temperature, engine temperature, and air-fuel ratio via the lambda sensor. By cross-referencing this information with stored maps, the ECU determines the exact amount of fuel to be injected and the timing of the electromagnetic injector openings for each cycle.
By maintaining an ideal air-fuel mixture under all conditions, PGM-FI provides a smooth throttle response, eliminates the need for a choke during cold starts, and automatically adjusts for altitude and weather conditions.
- PVD : Physical Vapor Depostion
PVD is a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process, also known as thin-film coating.
A solid material is vaporized under vacuum and deposited onto the surface of a part, in this case the motorcycle's fuel tank and fenders. This process involves applying a positive charge to the solid material (an aluminum alloy) and a negative charge to the part. After deposition, a clear coat is applied to the part.
The precision of this process results in an exceptional finish, close to chrome, but more complete than chrome plating, for better corrosion resistance.
- QSS : Quick Shift System
The QSS (Quick Shift System) is Yamaha’s clutchless quick-shift system. It allows you to shift up (and down on bidirectional models) without operating the clutch lever or closing the throttle.
Technical Operation
- Measuring Force on the Shift Lever: A bidirectional sensor (strain gauge or Hall effect) mounted on the shift lever shaft measures the pressure exerted by the rider’s foot.
- ECU processing: As soon as the force exceeds a calibrated threshold, the sensor sends a pulse to the central control unit.
- Electronic gearshift control:
- When upshifting: The ECU briefly cuts off the ignition and/or fuel injection (for a few tens of milliseconds). This brief interruption of mechanical torque relieves the pressure on the transmission dog clutches, allowing the higher-gear sprocket to engage immediately.
- When downshifting (Downshift / Auto-blipper): On dual-action versions, the ECU communicates with the YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) electronic throttle control system. It commands an instantaneous opening of the throttle valves (auto-blip) to provide an automatic throttle blip, realigning the engine speed with the speed of the lower gear. - Power delivery resumes: As soon as the gear is engaged, power is restored smoothly.
- RBW : Ride by Wire
Ride-by-Wire (RbW), or electronic throttle control, is a technology that eliminates the mechanical cable connecting the throttle grip to the throttle valves. When the rider twists the throttle, a position sensor (APS) converts the input into an electrical signal that is transmitted to the engine control unit (ECU).
The ECU does more than simply replicate this movement: it analyzes the rider’s intent by cross-referencing it with several parameters (engine speed, gear selected, riding mode, and roll angle via the IMU) before instructing a servomotor to actuate the throttle valves.
By eliminating the direct mechanical link to the intake, Ride-by-Wire has become the cornerstone of modern onboard electronics. It allows the engine response to be varied according to dedicated maps (Rain, Road, Sport, etc.), integrates adaptive cruise control (ACC), optimizes combustion to meet emissions standards, and ensures the smooth operation of all active assistance systems: traction control, anti-wheelie control, engine braking control (EBC), and bidirectional shifter (auto-blipper).
- RDC : Reifen Druck Control
Reifen Druck Control (RDC) is the active tire pressure monitoring system developed by BMW Motorrad. It continuously measures the air pressure and temperature inside each tire to alert the rider in the event of a slow leak or a sudden puncture.
The system consists of two self-contained measurement modules mounted inside the rims (either integrated into the valves or screwed onto the rim flange). Each module contains a piezoresistive pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an accelerometer, and a monolithic lithium battery.
To conserve the internal battery’s power, the accelerometer keeps the module in extended standby mode when the motorcycle is stationary. As soon as the wheel reaches a minimum rotational speed (approximately 30 km/h), centrifugal force activates the sensor, which then transmits its data frames via radio frequency (433 MHz) to the central RDC computer connected to the vehicle’s CAN bus network.
Temperature Compensation Algorithm
The RDC’s technical distinction lies in its digital processing of the measurement. A tire’s internal pressure naturally increases due to dynamic heat generated during riding (according to the ideal gas law, approximately +0.1 bar for every 10 °C).
To prevent misinterpretation, the control unit converts the raw measured pressure into a temperature-compensated pressure, recalculated based on a standard ambient temperature of 20 °C. The screen displays this corrected value: if the manufacturer’s recommendation is 2.5 bar when cold, the display will show 2.5 bar, even if the actual physical pressure when hot rises to 2.8 bar. The driver immediately identifies any deviation from the nominal setting without having to account for tire heat build-up.
- RDRS : Reflex Defensive Rider System
The Reflex Defensive Rider System (RDRS) is a suite of electronic rider aids developed by Harley-Davidson, designed to adjust engine torque distribution and braking force based on available traction, both on straightaways and when cornering. The system relies on a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) coupled with sensors for wheel speed, brake fluid pressure, and throttle position. By continuously analyzing the vehicle’s dynamic attitude (roll, pitch, yaw), the central control unit integrates the braking and traction control subsystems.
Deceleration management relies on a combination of electronically coupled braking (C-ELB) and adaptive cornering anti-lock braking (C-ABS). C-ELB automatically distributes hydraulic pressure between the front and rear calipers as soon as the rider activates one of the controls, optimizing chassis stability based on speed and load. When the motorcycle is leaning, the IMU transmits the lean angle value to the C-ABS control unit, which adjusts the threshold for hydraulic release to prevent loss of lateral guidance of the front wheel and limit unwanted straightening of the trajectory during cornering braking.
During engine acceleration and deceleration, traction is regulated by the traction control system (C-TCS) and the differential torque control system (C-DSCS). The C-TCS detects rear-wheel slip by measuring the speed difference between the wheels and reduces torque by adjusting the ignition timing and Ride-by-Wire system, with sensitivity increasing as the lean angle increases. Conversely, during a sudden downshift or a sharp throttle cut-off on a slippery surface, the C-DSCS prevents the rear tire from locking up or spinning out due to the significant engine braking of the twin-cylinder engine: the ECU then commands a slight opening of the throttle valves to reintroduce a small amount of torque and realign the rear wheel’s rotational speed with that of the front wheel.
The electronic system also includes Hill Hold Control (VHC). When activated while stationary, VHC maintains constant hydraulic pressure in the rear brake circuit after the rider releases the levers, preventing the motorcycle from rolling backward until the clutch and throttle are engaged to restart.
- RMSS : Riding Mode Select System
The Riding Mode Select System is a centralized software architecture within the electronic control unit (ECU) that simultaneously adjusts the operating parameters of several motorcycle subsystems via a single control on the handlebar switch.
At the heart of the system is the dynamic management of the electronic throttle (Ride-by-Wire). When the mode is changed, the ECU modifies the lookup table that establishes the relationship between the rider’s throttle opening angle and the actual opening of the intake throttles by the servomotors. Sport mode provides a direct, responsive relationship without filtering, while Rain or Urban mode introduces digital smoothing that slows the throttle valve opening speed and limits the maximum torque delivered in the lower gears.
In tandem with the engine response, the system immediately adjusts the control algorithms for all electronic aids connected via the multiplexed network (CAN bus). The ECU adjusts the tolerance thresholds for traction control (TCS), anti-wheelie control, engine braking, and cornering ABS. The degraded or wet modes lower the activation threshold for traction control at the slightest slip detected by the inertial measurement unit (IMU), while track or off-road modes increase the allowed slip rate and can disable the anti-lock braking system on the rear wheel.
On vehicles equipped with an electronically controlled chassis, the Riding Mode Select System also affects the semi-active suspension control unit. It instantly adjusts the compression and rebound damping settings by sending new signals to the hydraulic solenoid valves in the fork tubes and rear shock absorber.
- S.E.T : Suzuki Exhaust Tuning valve
Suzuki Exhaust Tuning (SET) is a variable-geometry throttle valve technology integrated into the exhaust system (manifold or intermediate pipe) of 4-stroke engines.
The system resolves the trade-off between exhaust gas flow rate at low RPM and maximum flow capacity at high RPM:
- Low and mid-range: The electronic control unit (ECU) controls a servomotor connected by cables to a stainless-steel throttle valve. By keeping the valve partially closed, the system restricts the duct cross-section. This restriction increases backpressure and maintains a high exhaust gas velocity, optimizing the acoustic backpressure wave. The cylinder scavenging effect is enhanced, which prevents backflow of the fresh mixture and increases torque at low and mid-range engine speeds.
- High RPMs: Depending on engine speed, gear selection, and throttle position, the ECU controls the throttle valve to fully open. The exhaust line cross-section is fully opened, eliminating any flow restriction to evacuate the maximum volume of exhaust gases and unleash peak power.
Unlike exhaust valves for two-stroke engines (SAEC type), which directly alter the height of the exhaust port on the cylinder, the SET system acts exclusively on fluid dynamics and pressure waves within the exhaust manifold of a four-stroke engine.
- SACS : Suzuki Advanced Cooling System
The Suzuki Advanced Cooling System (SACS) is based on a combined air/oil cooling principle that uses the lubricating fluid as a heat transfer medium, without any secondary water circuit.
A high-flow oil pump supplies two separate hydraulic circuits. The first circuit handles conventional pressurized lubrication of the crankshaft bearings and the transmission gears. The second circuit is entirely dedicated to capturing and transferring internal heat.
The oil from the thermal circuit is routed through cast passages directly into the heart of the cylinder head. It circulates as close as possible to the combustion chamber domes and exhaust ports to lower the temperature in the areas subjected to the highest thermal stresses. At the same time, jets located in the crankcase (piston oil jets) continuously spray a stream of oil beneath the piston crowns to cool the moving parts and reduce the risk of knocking.
Once it has absorbed the internal heat energy, the oil passes through a front-mounted aluminum radiator with a large heat-exchange surface area, which is cooled by the airflow generated during operation. Surface heat dissipation from the cylinder block is provided by external cooling fins in contact with the ambient air.
- SACT : Simple Arbre à Cames en Tête
SACT (Single Overhead Camshaft) is a valve train configuration in which a single camshaft is located in the cylinder head, above the combustion chamber, to control both the intake and exhaust valves.
The camshaft is driven by the crankshaft via a timing chain, a toothed belt, or a series of gears, rotating at half the engine speed. The motion from the cam is transmitted to the valve stems either directly via hydraulic or mechanical lifters, or indirectly via rocker arms or tappets.
In a conventional configuration with two valves per cylinder, the single camshaft directly actuates the valves, which are arranged in a V-configuration or in a straight line. For cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder, the SACT system requires the use of split or crossed rocker arms to simultaneously actuate the pairs of intake and exhaust valves from the cams on a single shaft. Specific variations (such as Honda’s Unicam system) combine direct cam-driven intake valves with an off-axis exhaust system using roller rocker arms to reduce overall size.
In terms of mechanical dynamics, the SACT architecture offers several engineering advantages:
- Reduced mass and overall size: The elimination of the second camshaft reduces the height and width of the cylinder head, lowers the center of gravity, and lightens the entire upper engine assembly compared to a DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) system.
- Reduced friction and drive loss: Simplifying the valve train results in less fluid and mechanical friction, optimizing thermodynamic efficiency at low and mid-range engine speeds.
- Limitation at high RPMs: The use of rocker arms reintroduces reciprocating mass greater than that of a direct-acting system. At very high RPMs, this inertia increases the risk of valve float.
- SAES : Suzuki Advanced Exhaust System
The Suzuki Advanced Exhaust System (SAEC) is a variable-geometry exhaust valve technology designed to address the thermodynamic trade-off inherent in 2-stroke engines.
The fixed height of a conventional exhaust port imposes an irreconcilable constraint: a high-positioned port favors power at high RPM but allows fresh charge to escape at low RPM, while a low-positioned port provides torque at low RPM but restricts exhaust gas flow at high RPM.
The SAEC resolves this conflict by dynamically adjusting the effective height of the port using a guillotine or a rotary valve located at the cylinder outlet, actuated by a servomotor controlled by the ECU.
At low and mid-range engine speeds, the valve lowers to reduce the effective height of the exhaust passage. This restriction prolongs the thrust phase on the piston, prevents the air-fuel mixture from leaking into the exhaust, and optimizes acoustic backpressure to boost torque.
At high RPM, the ECU commands the valve to retract fully. The cross-sectional area of the passage is 100% open, allowing for maximum exhaust gas evacuation and utilizing the vacuum wave from the expansion chamber to optimize cylinder filling.
- SAP : Suzuki Advanced Plating
Suzuki Advanced Plating (also known as SCEM—Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material) is an electrochemical surface treatment process applied directly to the bore of aluminum cylinders, designed to eliminate the use of cast-iron liners.
The system relies on the electrolytic deposition of a nickel matrix incorporating extremely hard silicon carbide microparticles onto the inner wall of the cylinder block. This composite coating forms a friction surface with high mechanical strength while preserving the lightweight structure of the aluminum alloy block.
From a thermodynamic standpoint, the absence of a cast-iron liner eliminates the interface between two different metals, which typically acts as an insulating barrier. Heat from combustion is transferred directly from the cladding to the aluminum mass of the block and then dissipated without thermal inertia into the cooling system or the ambient airflow.
From a mechanical standpoint, the use of aluminum for both the piston and the cylinder liner helps equalize the coefficients of thermal expansion. This uniformity ensures the stability of the operating clearance between the piston and the bore across the entire engine temperature range, allowing for tighter assembly tolerances that reduce blow-by and maximize filling. Furthermore, the microstructure of the nickel-silicon alloy features natural microporosities that trap the oil film, ensuring continuous lubrication of the piston rings at high RPM.
- SCEM : Suzuki Composite Electromecanical Materiel
Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) is the proprietary bore coating technology developed by Suzuki to permanently replace cast-iron liner inserts in aluminum engines.
The process involves electrochemically depositing an ultra-high-strength layer consisting of a nickel matrix in which silicon carbide microparticles are embedded. This compound is applied directly to the inner wall of the lightweight alloy cylinder liners, creating a friction surface of exceptional hardness while reducing the overall mass of the engine block.
In terms of heat dissipation, the elimination of the cast-iron liner removes the interface between two dissimilar metals, which typically acts as an insulator. The heat flux generated by combustion is transmitted seamlessly from the cylinder head directly to the aluminum block and the coolant passages, preventing the formation of hot spots and ensuring stable performance under heavy load.
From a tribological and mechanical standpoint, pairing a piston and cylinder that share the same aluminum base allows their thermal expansion coefficients to be matched. This dimensional uniformity maintains an ultra-precise operating clearance between the piston and the bore at all temperatures, limiting combustion gas leaks (blow-by) and reducing mechanical friction. Furthermore, the microstructure of the nickel-silicon composite traps the oil film within its micro-pores, ensuring continuous lubrication of the piston rings at very high RPMs.
- SCS : Slide Control System
Introduced in 2012 on MotoGP's YZR-M1, SCS controls the engine when slippage is detected, and works in conjunction with traction controlTCS, itself dependent on the bike's inclination. A certain level of slippage is useful to help the rider change direction when cornering. The control system intervenes only slightly if the slippage is progressive; but if it becomes excessive, it acts instantly to dampen its movement. The system offers several levels of adjustment and can also be disconnected.
- SDMS : Suzuki Drive Mode Select
SDMS optimizes the electronic throttle control system, offering a choice of modes with different power characteristics.
- SDMS-a : Suzuki Drive Mode Selector Alpha
The Suzuki Drive Mode Selector Alpha (SDMS-a) is an integrated electronic control architecture. As a comprehensive evolution of the conventional SDMS, the SDMS-a centralizes and coordinates all driver-assistance subsystems and the chassis under a unified control logic.
At the heart of the system, the central control unit (ECU) communicates in real time via the CAN-bus network with the six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU). The SDMS-a integrates and synchronizes up to six distinct electronic technologies:
- Power Mode Selector (PW), which adjusts the Ride-by-Wire response and torque delivery.
- The lean-angle-sensitive traction control (Motion Track TCS), which adjusts rear-wheel slip when cornering.
- Anti-Lift Control (LF), which regulates front-wheel lift during acceleration.
- Engine Brake Control (EB), which adjusts the mechanical resistance during downshifting.
- The bidirectional quick shifter (Bi-directional Quick Shift), which adjusts the shift cut-off timing and shifter sensitivity.
- Semi-active electronic suspension (Suzuki Advanced Electronic Suspension—SAES, on equipped models), which continuously manages hydraulic damping.
Rather than requiring individual and complex configuration of each component, the SDMS-a offers factory-preset profiles (Active, Basic, and Comfort modes) designed for specific riding conditions, as well as fully customizable user modes (U1, U2, U3). When changing modes, the control module simultaneously applies the new control laws to all actuators (throttle servomotors, ignition, fuel injection, and suspension solenoids).
The technical advantage of the SDMS-a lies in the dynamic consistency it ensures between torque delivery and handling. In Active mode, the system combines direct throttle response, reduced engine braking, a very high TCS intervention threshold, and firm suspension tuning. Conversely, in Comfort mode, it applies digital smoothing to the throttle response, sets TCS assistance to its maximum level, and softens the suspension hydraulics to maximize the chassis’s shock absorption capacity.