Monster 1100evo -- DTC for those new to the bike

[FiveG]

I am picking up my 1100evo this weekend.  While I'm not a riding newbie, I also have no prior experience with traction control systems on bikes (prior or current include FJR, Aprilia Dorsoduro, Wee-Strom, and a few cruisers (which I quickly decided were not for me). 

I've read various articles about the 1100evo, but they provide little guidance other than "for us super-skilled writers/riders, any level above 1 is real bad . . . ".

I'm thus wondering if anyone who is a real person has some thoughts/comments/suggestions about how the various DTC levels interact/interfere with/help riders in real world settings.  Also would welcome any thoughts about whether to start at Level 4, or 3, or 2, or 1 etc?  (I'm mindful that it being a new bike, the first 100 miles or so will need to be more gingerly than usual to scrub in the tires).

Thanks in advance.

[SDRider]

I turned it off completely.  Never had an issue with traction even in the wet.  It's not a 160hp literbike.

Besides, it is fun to lift the front wheel every once in a while. 

[ZLTFUL]

I left it on on my Multi but have dinked around with the settings. I like it when it is actually useful for it to interfere, otherwise, I hardly know it's there.

[thought]

I think general rule of TC setting is put it as high as you can without it going off all the time... so start at 8, if it goes off too much, go lower, etc etc...

On the street I run mine at 4... never really need any less and I prefer a bit more margin of safety

[SDRider]

I think general rule of TC setting is put it as high as you can without it going off all the time... so start at 8, if it goes off too much, go lower, etc etc...

On the street I run mine at 4... never really need any less and I prefer a bit more margin of safety

There are only 4 levels on the Monster 1100 EVO traction control... well, 5 if you count off. 

[reebok]

Depends how you ride.

Level 3 or 4 - perhaps for winter and rain.

Level 2 lets you have some wheelspin, keep the front in the air, but quite low, and turned off makes it just like a traditional bike.

i came from a suzuki m109, so left the dtc on 4 for the first week or two, then progressed thru the range to where i was comfortable.

Level 2 is fun, while keeping some backup electronics in reserve.

[FiveG]

Thanks, all.  Picked it up yesterday.  Left it on 4 for the ride home, as I was getting used to the bike, the tires were/are new, and I wanted to adjust to how the throttle is.  With some more use, I'm sure I'll bring the level down.

[Ahks]

Left it on 4 for the ride home ... the tires were/are new

Never even considered how the DTC could help with that particular danger... I'm sure you could still epic fail into a lowside but it would be considerably harder eh?

[FiveG]

Never even considered how the DTC could help with that particular danger... I'm sure you could still epic fail into a lowside but it would be considerably harder eh?

Yep.  That was my thinking.  Heck, 73 miles and I made it, even with some fun twisties that I've enjoyed with other bikes (and will even more with the Monster once the tires and my knowledge of the bike are scrubbed in).

[Narflar]

I left it on, when I found the DTC was interfering with my ride I'd drop it down a level.  I'm on level 3 and haven't really noticed it all after that.  I'm not trying to drift the bike around corners and I like the idea it's there.  If I get to the point I notice it getting in the way I'll drop it down again.

[El-Twin]

I started on 4, which is how it came from the dealer.

I went down to 3 and it just seems totaly transparent to me, not something you have to really think about. In fact, I hadn't thought much about it until this thread came along.

Hmmm.... Maybe I'll mess with it a bit more and see if she approves.

[supperduc]

I set the TC on my 07 S4RS on full instinct and never seem to have any problems. I just have to change my pants more often that's all. 
Level 1=  Right wrist
Level 2 = Right wrist + left fingers
Level 3 = Right wrist + left fingers + right fingers
Level 4 = Right wrist + left fingers + right fingers + right big toe
Level 4 = Right wrist + left fingers + right fingers + right big toe + left big toe