Leaning On the Electronics

Paul G said:

A quick question for those who are experienced in these matters, how much do you rely on the software, as in really trust the ghost in the machine. the reason I ask is that theres a lot of subtext in comments over the years that suggests managing with less electronic intervention equals more skillful and ultimately better riding. Recently I spoke with someone who is a seriously fast rider and he said absolutely just lean on them and trust them. Adjust settings as required but accept that they are better at managing various elements that keep you upright than you are. Whats your thoughts?

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• It's a PACKAGE. All aspects of the software act together. That's more than a human can figure out how to optimize in 100ths of seconds. Though, finding the feel and control you want takes a while to dial up or down elements. eg. Semi-Dynamic suspension. IMHO on the street, it's gold, as the street is unpredictable. On the track, I've turned it off, as it's the same track every lap and I need to figure out what I NEED TO CHANGE in my riding. So bike consistency allows me to see me more.
• Increase Traction control and Wheelie control greatly increase tire wear. If you're not trying to win a race by backing it in, that's not bad.
• ABS sometimes will save your ass and will sometimes offer a surprise. I've hit a series of small bumps coming up to a stop and found myself 20 meters further than calculated. ....-brick moment. On track it's less useful and I dial it down to near not. Lot's of guys kill it entirely on track.
• Lean angle + 200hp Throttle is probably where I think it all shines the most in optimizing forward motion. Sure you can do it with no software. When I'm exiting a huge corner next to better riders and I fking blow past them almost dragging knee on gas hard and they are bucking sliding and closing gas, I say "thank you software." This is accelerating my learning curve not just lap times. When you get to feel a success like that, you can leap in skill. Get used to the speed, get used to the lean, then dial down assistants carefully to find bike-feel. Habit, and understanding feel = skills. When you find the gravel a lot, not sure that's super helpful.