TCB Braking System for motorcycles - a review

Introduction

Traction Control Braking (TCB) is an innovative and inexpensive component that reduces wheel lock.  When installed, it automatically measures the coefficients of friction/amount of traction from the motorcycle tires’ footprint (area of the tire touching the ground) to release the wheel from the point of total lock up.  This allows the wheel increased ability to rotate for total braking control. The TCB adds a give/compressibility factor like a shock absorber inside of the brake line in your brake system. By introducing some give, the TCB allows the brake pads to float and drag over the high and low spots of the brake rotor, which helps avoid premature locking of your brakes.

The TCB Brake System is for motorcycles without anti-lock brakes (ABS).

TCB was developed by Mark Lipski, and is manufactured according to his specifications. Mark provided the TCB for this review.

The TCB System increases the riders’ ability to stop or slow down in a shorter distance while avoiding premature brake lock-up during emergency or panic braking. It provides riders with control and increases confidence while riding. 

The TCB is a valve that, when added to the master cylinder or calipers, provides a traction controlled braking system.

The TCB is a simple valve composed of a compressed air/gas chamber and rubber diaphragm. The air/gas chamber, rubber diaphragm and brake fluid pressures work together, like a shock absorber, to create a smoother braking action while preventing wheel lockup.

The TCB Brake System is available for most motorcycles with hydraulic disc brakes and without ABS.

Click here to see how the TCB works.

The TCB introduces the give/compressibility factor to the brake system in the form of an accumulator. This type of accumulator uses a patented design that allows an air over hydraulic technique to dampen high levels of pressure spikes by tuning them into pressure waves that help eliminate lock-up. The compressibility factors, introduced by the TCB, are achieved by separating a pressure chamber and brake fluid with a special elastomer/rubber diaphragm. This allows the dampening effect and gives your brake system the give/compressibility factor to occur without allowing air to mix with the brake fluid.

Since 70% of the driver and vehicle’s weight is transferred to the front during braking, you will get the most traction control buy installing the unit on the front. By putting a TCB unit on the rear as well it will increase your braking control. Because there is less weight on the rear wheel, the rear wheel normally locks quicker. Therefore, by having a TCB unit on the back wheel it will help avoid premature wheel lock. A major benefit by having a rear TCB is that it will allow you to utilize BOTH the front and back brakes with confidence.

TCB component installed on front Master Cylinder

TCB installed on rear calipers

We installed the TCB on a 2007 H-D FLHX: on the front master cylinder and on the rear calipers. Our primary objective was to determine how the TCB worked when installed and operated while riding, and how the TCB changed a rider’s perception of handling the motorcycle.  

Installation instructions:

Please note that TCB Brake Systems (the manufacturer)does not recommend self-installation.

1. Locate the Banjo Bolt that the TCB Unit will be replacing. The Banjo Bolt is the bolt that attaches your brake line to the Master Cylinder and the Brake Calipers.
2. Thoroughly clean all installation areas around the Banjo Bolt you are replacing and check for existing leaks prior to the installation.
3. Remove the old Banjo Bolt and crush washers, inspect the crush washers for damage and wipe them down as well. (New crush washers, included with your TCB II purchase, are always recommended with all installations to avoid leaks).
4. When installing the new TCB device insure one crush washer is on each side of the brake line Banjo fitting.
5. Carefully thread the TCB device into the brake caliper (or master cylinder) until you have the unit threaded in finger tight at least 3 full turns. Using a 3/4" wrench or socket tighten the TCB device down to normal manufacture specifications and wipe clean. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN!
6. Refill lost brake fluid in master cylinder prior to bleeding process.  Do not re-use old brake fluid. If the old brake fluid shows signs of discoloration or contamination, always replace it with manufacturer’s recommended DOT fluid.
7. Bleed your brakes according to your manufacture’s specifications just as you would when replacing any other brake system product that may initiate loss of brake fluid!  
   
   Note of caution from TCB Brake Systems: If you do not have mechanical experience sufficient to bleed your brakes properly, please have work completed by a qualified mechanic.
   
   
8. Re-check your fluid reservoir continuously and fill to recommended level during the brake bleeding process.
9. The brake may feel different because the TCB device is now functional every time you apply the brake!
10. To insure all air is out of the system we recommend repeating steps 7 & 8 two or three times before and after your test drive to insure all air has been removed. (Your brake lever will still feel different)
11. Prior to your test drive, apply the brake with sufficient force to insure there are no leaks at the installation area.
12. Remember to gradually get acquainted with how your brakes feel and act after the TCB has been installed on your vehicle. Never assume the TCB device will completely eliminate lock-up!

Our test rider is an experienced road rider and former competitive road and trail racer.

The TCB test we conducted was at 35 MPH for all runs.   We taped an area on the roadway to assure consistency of our review. In each run, we applied brakes at the same speed and at the same location. When braking, we applied the brake as hard as possible without locking the rear brake and focusing on hard braking on the front. We did however lock the back wheel on several attempts. 

At the end of each run, we recorded the stopping point with tape and marker.  

Motorcycle stop distance before installing Traction Control Brake component:

We did lock the rear brake with the TCB system briefly on the last run trying to see how hard we could push it.  Even though the brakes locked, the bike felt more controlled and tracked better even with the wheel locked.

Motorcycle stop distance after installing Traction Control Braking component:

The TCB equipped FLHX required an average of 10.83 feet less to stop than with the stock brakes. The TCB system performs much better than stock brakes.

TCB helps to increase the amount of wheel slip during aggressive braking maneuvers by using different amounts of traction. During aggressive braking maneuvers or “panic” stops, the TCB allows the tire to rotate and the driver experiences more control of the vehicle, because more than a small area of the tire’s surface is used. The wheel is more likely to lock without any form of Anti-Lock or TCB resulting in skidding out of control.

The TCB system works every time you brake and at any speed to help prevent the wheels from locking. Once installed, the TCB becomes an integral part of the brake system.

In the event that the diaphragm ruptures (the diaphragm is what provides the Traction Control Braking System benefits) normal braking resumes and the integrity of the original brake system is not compromised.

TCB, at $159.00 per system (front & rear) compared to over $1,000.00 for factory ABS, is a very inexpensive brake system improvement.  Improved Traction Control Braking braking means increased rider confidence. 

TCB comes with a lifetime warranty.

Click here to learn more about how to purchase the TCB units.  Mark Lipski welcomes direct contact at 903-569-2998 or by email at mark lipski <lipskimark@yahoo.com>.