How many of you use throttle locks?

[pashnit]

I was kind of wondering about this since I bought this new Hayabusa and have had to do all the usual sport-touring mods to it.

I bought a Vista Cruise ($24 from Cycle Gear) and heavily modified the plastic on the grip (read 'dremmel tool') to get it to work properly. Have the NEP one on my wife's EX500 (and my ole ZX-11, but this one is not as good.

http://www.pashnit.com/pics/zx11d/vistacruise.jpg

How many of you have the Throttle Meister?

http://www.pashnit.com/pics/products/Throttlemeister.jpg

Throttle Rocker is another option, but never tried this one. Anyone used this?

[Max Smiley]

I used a throttle rocker/paddle and it was pretty handy (err). :) thanks again hooli for the suggestion.

it would be nice to have something that physically locked the throttle so I could remove my hand completely but really not necessary nor the best of all ideas IMO. another rider had that bar meister lock and was constantly speeding up or slowing to match the group. maybe on his own is ok, but with other riders the pacing speed is pretty dynamic so I can see having to readjust constantly which kinda' defeats the purpose.

but certainly for a long trip you gotta' have something. I'd look into different grips as well, the dual density dirt grips are pretty comfy and work to dampen out vibes.

[pashnit]

posted by valgar
In both cases (mine and my fathers) the throttle lock does not truly "lock" the throttle. You can still move it easily, it merely doesn't move on its own.

Good point. For those of you who aren't familiar with this device- it doesn't actually "lock" anything. All a throttle lock does is squeeze the handlegrip enough that it stays in that position. You can still rotate the throttle back and forth quite freely even when the throttle lock lever is in the "locked" position. It just squeezes it enough to balance out the tension in the throttle springs.

If you are going to travel any sort of long distance with any degree of regularity- a throttle lock is highly recommended if you have never tried this device.

posted by Max Smilely
another rider had that bar meister lock and was constantly speeding up or slowing to match the group. maybe on his own is ok, but with other riders the pacing speed is pretty dynamic so I can see having to readjust constantly which kinda' defeats the purpose.

Max, the throttle lock solves this problem as you can flick down the lever, but still have throttle control to speed up or slow down at will. All it does in effect, is remove the tension in the throttle grip. Given that it's adjusted properly, you could actually ride the twisty's hard core fast-slow up-down and have the throttle lock on the whole time if that makes sense.

[DataDan]

I have a Throttlemeister on my VFR750 and Vista Cruise on my ST1100. I prefer the Vista Cruise because I can actuate it with my right thumb only. With the Throttlemeister, I have to reach across with my left hand to twist the mechanism while holding the throttle steady with my right. I find myself using the TM only when my hand really gets tired while I use the VC more frequently just for a few seconds, and my hand doesn't get tired.

VCs come in two kinds: the one with the tab that fits between bottom-exit throttle cables and another kind that requires some sort of fitting on the switch assembly. I much prefer the former. I once modified a throttle housing with upward-exit cables by mounting a vertical post pointing downward that mated to a slot in the tab that would normally fit between the cables.

[AndyM]

I tried a throttle rocker on a trip up the coast but I never got comfortable with it. I know they make the throttle meister for my bike but it's a bit pricey. I think I'll give the vista cruise thingy a try.

[RydTher]

I have a throttlemeister on the Bandit, and a Vista cruise I plan on mounting on the FJR. The Vistacruise needs to be modified for the FJR, as the throttle assembly is different from other Yammies. (the vista cruise for dual cable yammies)
I found the throttlemeister to be a bit of a PITA to use on the Bandit. It does function as a reasonable barend/slider though. :D result of a brain fart on Sonora Pass.

[BakSeatRed]

I have a $10 throttle rocker on my R6. It instantly upped my range from 250miles, (when my wrist gave out) to 450 miles, (when my ass gave out). They take a little while to get used to but it's been a real godsend for allowing me to explore more of California on day trips. :thumbup

[Ezekiel]

If anyone's interested in purchasing an opened, but never used Vista-Cruise for "Most Yamaha single & dual cables" I've got one for $10 if you pick it up. Pictures if needed.

[AndyM]

Ya, I met a guy on another 919 that had a throttle meister that he operated with one hand, said it was easy once he got the hang of it.

[bsd43]

I tried a Vista Cruise with my VFR. It didn't work -- I can adjust it to the point whether it either slips when locked, or hinders the throttle spring from snapping back easily when unlocked. The Dremel helped, but I couldn't take away enough material and not also have it fall apart.

I currently have a Throttlemeister. It's easy to set if I also have my Throttle Rocker on the grip. Otherwise, I just hold the throttle steady with my thumb and forefinger while the others move the TM in place to lock, then do small adjustments to the exact position -- takes practice but it eventually works. I'd never cross my left hand over...

Note about the Throttle Rocker: don't tilt it in a position too far "up" so you can't brake without accidentally giving it gas! Sometimes I take it off if I know a route is all twisties, just in case. It's definitely pucker the one time I screwed up with the TR.:wow

[prolixly]

i use a Throttlemeister on my ST. i installed it before a 2200 mile ride this summer and thought i would only use it on lonely straights. instead, i find i use it *most* of the time. definitely can be controlled right hand only. amazing improvement in comfort to be able to ride touching the bars but not having to hold the throttle open the entire time. my only negative is it did take some tweaking of the internal spacing to get a satisfactory tension. and even after i got it where i thought it was good it was sensitive to temperature changes across an all day ride and would work fine on a sunny afternoon but not hold in the chill the next morning. have it dialed now and no longer needs adjusting. highly recommend.

[morthrane]

I got the throttlemeister, but so far I haven't been happy... I can't get it dialed in where it will hold the grip. Instead it does worse-- it will hold momentarily, then the grip will slip and go closed.

Kinda disconcerting when you're no hands :wow

[highlander]

I use the throttle rocker. Works great. Flip it forward out of the way when in town or in the twisties, or rotate it back into position for cruisin.

[Focker]

I use the ThrottleMiester on my ST4s and it works great, it wasn't too hard to adjust the proper hold for my bike. Morthrane, I would be happy to help you if you need any, just drop me a PM. You do get the hang of engaging it with one hand with a little practice. I must say the cruise control on the BMW is a A LOT simpler to use though :)

[little-al]

I have the "heavy" Throttlemeisters on my LeMans, and can attest their top-notch workmanship. The added weight of the "heavy" TMs helped damp vibration as an added bonus, plus the cool red stripe matches my bike's Italian blood ;)

I haven't had to use it much yet, but the few times I've set it.... it worked like a charm.

I think in practice, locks like the Vista Cruise are easier to use and adjust, but the VC just wouldn't work well on my application without a lot of modification to the VC and grips. And since I also had heated grips(Hotgrips), this didn't work out well.

I noticed that someone mentioned having to use both hands to use the TM. Perhaps this was their experience, but a properly setup TM only requires the throttle hand to adjust and lock. It just takes some practice.

I use my index and middle finger(along with my thumb of course :p ) to hold the throttle at the desired position, and roll the TM with my remaining fingers. Once "locked"(it's not really "locked" just held by friction) I can relax my hand and adjust the throttle as needed with just a small twist of the throttle either way.

I haven't personally used the throttle "rocker" solutions, but most people I've talked to like them quite well. They are a significantly less expensive option, and are obviously non-permanent modifications to the bike... which may be a plus for some folks.

Any of the three, TM, VC, or the "rocker" varieties will work well, but the determining factor may be applicability based on what your bike and budget can accomodate.

But I love my TM :thumbup

al

[pashnit]

Bought myself a Throttle Rocker at the show. Will have to give it a try.

[rdcyclist]

I've tried and or use all of the above plus a McCruise (http://www.mccruise.com/) add on cruise control. Each of them have their strong and weak points. The Vista unit works pretty well except for some interference with the throttle and the fact that it looks pretty stupid. The ThrottleMeister works OK and looks great but is much more difficult to set than the Vista. The Throttlerocker takes some getting used to but is useful for giving you another hand position on the road.

The CC works the best but it cost nearly 500 bucks. Installation is a snap (and it better be at that price) and everything lines up and is the correct length. I think they've stopped making them for the VFR but the importer to NA had a couple the last time I talked with him. It is really cool to maintain speed up and down hills while resting the ole right hand.

If I had found out about the Audiovox (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=5776) cruise control and this site that outlines how to install one on an FJR (http://www.micapeak.com/bike/FJR1300/howto/audiovox.html) I might have gone that route because it would've fit into the budget better and it appeals to my "modify it to make it work" mentality. A buddy is getting an FJR when he finds one and will probably do an install. Mebbe Bill is interested?

[Spurber]

I have Throttlemeisters but I *REALLY* try to avoid roads where I would have to use them.

I have a Throttle Rocker too but it bugs me and it just got evicted from my tankbag last month.

I bought the throttlemeisters over the Vista Cruise primarily for looks and the fact that they are heavy and great for dampening some vibrations.

I just rode 1500 miles and I think I used the Throttlemeisters all told for about 2 minutes while I changed cd's.

[Primate]

ThrottleMeister on MY RT but rarey use them. When I do use them they are pretty good.

[RichardBryant]

The K12 has cruise control

[flynbmw]

ThrottleMeister. Makes those trips accross the Central Valley to the Sierra's much easier...

[Silly Sod]

Passion-ladee;
Throttle locks scare the fook out of me.
I don't like fuckin' cruise control on cars....and when I go
long distance....I just use me right hand....hell I've "ripped
the head of it" for hours with my right hand...so throttlin'
it for hours is not a problem.
Just scares me....badly....and I figure the
further I ride "throttlin" it....the more I can masturbate when
I get there..
=Silly Sod

[flynbmw]

Oh no "he" found us!!!

[PapaDuc]

I use a simple rubber O-ring. I've used it for the last 3000 miles. The o-ring creates enough friction between the hand grip and run/off switch housing to hold the throttle in place. The OD is very critical. You don't want too much resistance becuase you have to return the throttle manually. It will take a few miles to get use to. My right hand loves it :) on long rides. It can be removed in less then 5 seconds for around town riding. I usually keep on my hand grip waiting for the next long ride.

[Spurber]

Originally posted by PapaDuc
I use a simple rubber O-ring. I've used it for the last 3000 miles. The o-ring creates enough friction between the hand grip and run/off switch housing to hold the throttle in place. The OD is very critical. You don't want too much resistance becuase you have to return the throttle manually. It will take a few miles to get use to. My right hand loves it :) on long rides. It can be removed in less then 5 seconds for around town riding. I usually keep on my hand grip waiting for the next long ride.


:thumbup

[CAcowgirl]

I love my throttle rocker... wonderful $6 addition to my m/c accessories. Thanks to Hyperlite for the suggestion.

BTW, it doesn't work for all bikes depending on the clearance, i.e. it won't fit the MV Agusta b/c there's no room for it when turning right.

Unlike others, I haven't run into any disasterous fiascos with my throttle rocker being in the wrong place, though its definitely possible!

Be sure to keep the rubber thing in your tank bag just in case there is a need for some shimmy.

[rdcyclist]

Originally posted by cacowgirl3
Be sure to keep the rubber thing in your tank bag just in case there is a need for some shimmy. Taken by itself this asks more questions than it answers... :wow

[CAcowgirl]

:laughing Totally unintentional, but damn funny!!

[soniq]

Careful with that Throttle Rocker on the Busa...almost lost it once when I forgot I had it on and was fidgeting with my glove.

[2WheelGuy]

I've got a Throttlemeister on my 'Busa. I really like it. It's by far the best throttle lock I have ever used. They are expensive (I got mine as a gift). It was super easy to install. I just wish the ends were anodized black.

Craig

[Effects]

I just tried to install a Throttlemeister on my FJR1300. I had to order a replacement for the Yamaha bar end inserts from Throttlemeister. I am looking forward to being able to comment more on this subject soon.

[Sizz-Lorr]

PapaDuc-
Can you post a pic of the O-ring setup?
Thanks

[PapaDuc]

I used a simple o-ring (1 1/2 id x 1 5/8 od).

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/049/995/1648241-hpim1132a.jpg

[bhaynnes]

Originally posted by pashnit
I was kind of wondering about this since I bought this new Hayabusa and have had to do all the usual sport-touring mods to it.

I bought a Vista Cruise ($24 from Cycle Gear) and heavily modified the plastic on the grip (read 'dremmel tool') to get it to work properly. Have the NEP one on my wife's EX500 (and my ole ZX-11, but this one is not as good.

http://www.pashnit.com/pics/zx11d/vistacruise.jpg

How many of you have the Throttle Meister?

http://www.pashnit.com/pics/products/Throttlemeister.jpg

Throttle Rocker is another option, but never tried this one. Anyone used this?

I've used the throttle rocker extensively in one form or another. (the originals that you could just twist up [without velcro]) are available on ebay as "wrist rests". I personally love the throttle rocker. It just fits my needs. I've done 11 hour days with one on a number of occasions.

[Bronto]

Not familar with the characteristics of any of throttle cruise controls. Can see how it reliefs wrist stress. It's the throttle back off to idle, I have concern's about. The locks, O-ring and Mieser I can only guess has to be manualy forced back to idle throttle position. The Rocker the palm has to be moved. Idealy they would operate like Cager cruise controls. That release completely when touching the brake.
The horror accidently palming the Rocker or forgetting to manualy release the other controls on a Busa.

[RydTher]

Originally posted by Effects
I just tried to install a Throttlemeister on my FJR1300. I had to order a replacement for the Yamaha bar end inserts from Throttlemeister. I am looking forward to being able to comment more on this subject soon.

keep us informed, I have been kicking around the idea for my FJR, but recall hearing some had trouble with their installs.

[Afterburner]

i'm getting "carpel-throttle"

i need something...

i was thinking about putting on a 5 gal. bucket filled with sand; but then thought that would be a bad idea!! so i will use one of u-guyses ideas! [prob. safer as well];)

HEY!! that o-ring trick is spiffy! i had a few o-rings around and ended up using 2; one in the grove on the out-side of the grip and and another right next to it for friction..., i roll them both to the outside for around town.

simple solutions are the best!!! THX!!

[Balistx]

I use the throttlemeister....stay away from the throttle rockers...I personally know of three riders who got their gloves caught on the rocker types and launched themselves into a collision.

My wing has cruise control...he he:twofinger

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/049/995/1661011-tm-2.gif

[Zarfoid]

My new K1200RS came with cruise control. I was a bit skeptical at first, but man, I really love it! I wish they offered it on more bikes.

Of the throttle locks I've tried, I like the Throttlemiester the best. They are much cleaner looking.