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Better Link for the cruise control question

Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 1:04 pm
by macx
http://www.bobscycle.com/browse.cfm/4,11774.htm

I also found somethng called the Vista cruise control, and this

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/detai ... ated=short

Not sure if the Vista or this other one would even fit with all the "stuff" on our handlebars by the grip

Re: Better Link for the cruise control question

Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 3:33 pm
by Airman
macx wrote:http://www.bobscycle.com/browse.cfm/4,11774.htm

I also found somethng called the Vista cruise control, and this

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/detai ... ated=short

Not sure if the Vista or this other one would even fit with all the "stuff" on our handlebars by the grip
Actually, I think this http://www.adventurersworkshop.com/kaok ... ntrols.htm is simpler to install, cheaper, and works just as well. It's on my Christmas list.

Re: Better Link for the cruise control question

Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 6:19 pm
by macx
Thanks for the link - looks like more of a "quality" piece.

Amazing how many different designs are out there and the variety of prices.

Re: Better Link for the cruise control question

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 2:42 am
by BoiseBeemer
The Vista cruise control (more properly called a throttle lock) works a charm, and I've always installed them on my Japanese standards. Few things improve your long-distance capability like being able to relieve the strain in your right hand and wrist. Unfortunately, it won't fit the BMW grip, nor will any of the others that you list.

Your options are some sort of make-shift rubberized friction band/O-ring wrapped around the grip near the inner edge, a snap-on wrist paddle (which simply lets you relax your grip and control the throttle by just rolling your wrist down), or one of the two seriously machined locks that will cost you upwards of a c-note.

The problems, in order, for me, are:

Rubber bands work, sort of, but look geeky and are a cumbersome workAROUND rather than a real solution. Seriously, these are for managing your ponytail, not controlling your BMW motorcycle. Simple enough (and certainly cheap), and I tried one for awhile, but eventually got tired of rolling it on and off the grip to change speeds.

Wrist paddles, like the Throttlerocker/Crampbuster, help, but still don't allow you to completely remove and fully relax your hand from the grip. Since they wrap around your grip, they're also bulky, a whole lot harder contact on the heel of your hand than the soft rubber of the grip, and partially block the heat, should temperatures require the function. Also, when you wrap your hand around the grip, your fingertips stop short upon contact with the underside of the paddle, which means you just don't get a full, uncompromised grip. As I said, they help, and I use mine on long trips, but I don't like the compromised feel and control, nor the bruising, hard-surface "glaze" over the grip's soft rubber.

Machined throttle locks like the Throttlemeister or Kaoko are your best bet, but twisting one tight with your little finger while maintaining your throttle position with the rest of the hand is a lot trickier maneuver than simply flipping a convenient thumb lever like the Vista. Sadly, the correct setting for adding sufficient friction to hold the throttle in place but not interfering with free play when you loosen it is also a bit fussy, and even when I get mine right, it soon goes out of adjustment and necessitates another 20-minute maintenance procedure. I can get used to the operational difficulties, but the constant going out of adjustment is annoying. When it's working, however, I like this solution best.

A real electronic cruise control that actually dynamically maintains a set speed would be a sweet accessory indeed. It might seem like a luxurious frill, but frankly when you're running all day on the superslab, being able to keep your throttle hand from turning into a paralyzed claw is more than a mere matter of comfort--it's also a serious safety issue.

Re: Better Link for the cruise control question

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 4:34 am
by macx
That is most unfortunate - I really liked the throttle lock I had on my Suzuki some time ago.

sounds like it's high time for someone to come up with one that will work on ours!

Inexpensive, simple to install & maintain & operate.

Re: Better Link for the cruise control question

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 11:23 am
by pinecone
I have this and it works alright -
Image
It came with my used bike but they have them at Aerostich.

Re: Better Link for the cruise control question

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 12:12 pm
by Gordium7
Try this Kuryakyn Throttle Boss

Like the various rockers but made of soft rubber and does not get in the way. Use the weight of your hand to hold throttle position - no grip, death or otherwise, needed.

Re: Better Link for the cruise control question

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 2:09 pm
by macx
pinecone wrote:I have this and it works alright -
Image
It came with my used bike but they have them at Aerostich.
Just making sure - that's on an r1150r? I looked at mine and wondered if the mount on that basic type would fit.