Reflex™ Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS)

Reflex™ Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS) is a new collection of technology designed to match motorcycle performance to available traction during acceleration, deceleration and braking. Learn about the features of this collection here!

Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS)

The Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS) is designed to prevent the rear wheel from excessive spinning, or spinning out, when the motorcycle is accelerating while cornering, and increases rider confidence. This system balances side slip and engine torque to deliver more control power to the rear wheel. This can be most useful in unfavorable road conditions such as wet weather, abrupt changes of surface, and when riding on an unpaved surface. There are two traction control modes: Standard mode, optimized for dry surfaces, and Rain Mode, optimized for wet surfaces.

C-TCS is standard on all MY20 LiveWire™, CVO™, Police and Trike models and optional on all MY20 Touring models in the U.S. (except FLHT).

Cornering Enhanced ABS (C-ABS)

Cornering Enhanced Anti-Lock Braking Systems (C-ABS) is a system designed to optimize braking pressure based on calculated lean angle during a curve. This system calculates how much traction is available based on detected lean angle and adjusts the maximum braking pressure to preserve lateral grip. This allows the rider to maintain their intended course through the apex of a curve. C-ABS also can reduce the risk of a low-side crash which can occur when too much braking pressure is applied relative to the available traction.

*C-ABS is standard on MY20 LiveWire™, CVO™, Police and Trike models and optional on all MY20 Touring models in the U.S. (except FLHT).

Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking (C-ELB)

Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking (C-ELB) is designed to detect the motorcycle’s lean angle and alter the proportion of braking pressure between the front and rear brakes when braking occurs. This system is designed to assist the rider in maintaining the motorcycle’s intended path during a curve.

C-ELB is standard on all MY20 CVO™, Police and Trike models and optional on all MY20 Touring models in the U.S. (except FLHT).

Drag Torque Slip Control (DSCS)

The Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS) is designed to significantly decrease excessive rear-wheel slip which may occur during abrupt downshifts or closed throttle deceleration on wet or slippery surfaces.

This system is designed to detect excessive rear-wheel slip and adjust engine torque delivery to better match rear-wheel speed to road speed.

*DSCS is standard on all MY20 CVO™, Police and Trike models and optional on all MY20 Touring models in the U.S. (except FLHT).

Cornering Enhanced Drag-Torque Slip Control System (C-DSCS)

Cornering Enhanced Drag-Torque Slip Control (C-DSCS) is a system designed to reduce excessive rear-wheel slip which may occur during abrupt downshifts or closed throttle deceleration on wet or slippery surfaces while cornering. This system is designed to detect excessive rear-wheel slip, and take the motorcycle’s lean angle into account to adjust engine torque delivery to better match rear-wheel speed to road speed.

On LiveWire™ model, this feature may be experienced during regen braking on lower traction surfaces.

Vehicle Hold Control (VHC)

The Vehicle Hold Control system is designed to utilize brake pressure to keep the motorcycle from unintentionally rolling after stopping on a hill or inclined surface. This system is activated by firmly applying front or rear brake pressure after bringing the motorcycle to a stop on an inclined (or flat) surface.

VHC will continue to apply brake pressure and prevent the motorcycle from unintentionally rolling after the rider has released brake pressure. This increases rider confidence when stopping and starting on an inclined surface and allows the rider to focus on balance and riding away. VHC will disengage automatically if the rider applies and releases brake control or begins to ride away from the stop.

VHC is not to be used as a parking brake. In most instances, the indicator light will flash and VHC will be released after 5 minutes without rider action.

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is designed to display current front and rear tire pressure and alert the rider when tire pressures are low. Maintaining proper tire air pressure is important both for vehicle performance and tire life.

*This feature is standard on MY20 CVO™ and Police models and optional on all MY20 Touring models in the U.S. (except FLHT).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Available traction is determined by the road/tire interface. RDRS features on motorcycles are only able to adjust brake pressure or powertrain torque in an attempt to keep the forces at the tire from exceeding available grip. These technologies do not have the ability to increase grip, or to intervene when the rider has not made a brake or throttle application (e.g. coasting through a corner with the clutch disengaged). RDRS features on motorcycles do not have the ability to directly influence vehicle direction. This is a key difference between motorcycle RDRS and Automotive Stability Control. The rider is ultimately responsible for steering and path corrections.

“HDSCDOC1_1642927_EN_US - Rider Safety Enhancements / Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements: Harley-Davidson Sip.” H-D Service Information Panel, Harley-Davidson, 21 Sept. 2021, https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson.com/sip/content/document/view?id=1576951969418433834.