I want a throttle lock/cruise control - Revision history

Bokonon: /* Links */

2009-10-24T18:34:12Z

Links

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:34, 24 October 2009
Line 129:		Line 129:
	==Links==		==Links==

	[http://www.1opossum.com/vehicles/ninja/articles/throttle/main.html Installing a Universal Vista Cruise]]		[http://www.1opossum.com/vehicles/ninja/articles/throttle/main.html Installing a Universal Vista Cruise]

Bokonon at 18:32, 24 October 2009

2009-10-24T18:32:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:32, 24 October 2009
Line 127:		Line 127:


	====Links====		==Links==

	[http://www.1opossum.com/vehicles/ninja/articles/throttle/main.html Installing a Universal Vista Cruise]]		[http://www.1opossum.com/vehicles/ninja/articles/throttle/main.html Installing a Universal Vista Cruise]]

Bokonon at 18:32, 24 October 2009

2009-10-24T18:32:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:32, 24 October 2009
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Luggage & Touring]]		[[Category:Luggage & Touring]]
	==~~=The different kinds~~ of speed controls===		==Kinds of speed controls==

	Before you start looking at products, you have to decide just what it is that you want: cruise control, throttle lock or wrist rest. They're all different.		Before you start looking at products, you have to decide just what it is that you want: cruise control, throttle lock or wrist rest. They're all different.
Line 10:		Line 10:
	A wrist rest is just a small device that slips onto the throttle and allows you to maintain a set throttle position with your wrist, instead of having to hold onto the throttle with your thumb and finger(s). Also incredibly simple to put on.		A wrist rest is just a small device that slips onto the throttle and allows you to maintain a set throttle position with your wrist, instead of having to hold onto the throttle with your thumb and finger(s). Also incredibly simple to put on.

	===Do I need this?===		==Do I need this?==

	No:		No:
Line 24:		Line 24:
	The best fix I've found for right-hand vibration is a throttle lock. I'd say it's the biggest key to managing long days, even more than a good seat. Being able to stretch my right hand frequently is a must, especially in cold weather, or on any day over 15 hours in the saddle.		The best fix I've found for right-hand vibration is a throttle lock. I'd say it's the biggest key to managing long days, even more than a good seat. Being able to stretch my right hand frequently is a must, especially in cold weather, or on any day over 15 hours in the saddle.

	===Usage===		==Usage==

	A throttle lock is not meant to be put on for indefinite periods of time, like the cruise in your car. You should use it for only about 30 seconds every 15-30 minutes or so, but those 30 seconds of freedom to flex your hand will do absolute wonders. Make certain you have a loose and relaxed grip; you should not be holding onto the bars tightly, or supporting any weight with your hands. Grip pressure should be no more than how hard you'd hold onto a banana without destroying it.		A throttle lock is not meant to be put on for indefinite periods of time, like the cruise in your car. You should use it for only about 30 seconds every 15-30 minutes or so, but those 30 seconds of freedom to flex your hand will do absolute wonders. Make certain you have a loose and relaxed grip; you should not be holding onto the bars tightly, or supporting any weight with your hands. Grip pressure should be no more than how hard you'd hold onto a banana without destroying it.
Line 30:		Line 30:
	Riding with a locked throttle in heavy traffic is a recipe for disaster, even though it is very easy to override the "lock" by twisting the throttle handle. '''ONLY''' use it on the highway, and in very light traffic.		Riding with a locked throttle in heavy traffic is a recipe for disaster, even though it is very easy to override the "lock" by twisting the throttle handle. '''ONLY''' use it on the highway, and in very light traffic.

	===Models available===		==Models available==

	'''Note:''' The bar size is required for the purchase of some models. The EX250, like most sport bikes, has 7/8" bars.		'''Note:''' The bar size is required for the purchase of some models. The EX250, like most sport bikes, has 7/8" bars.
Line 36:		Line 36:
	Since the throttle-lock type of control is the one that is most widely used by club members, we'll cover the other two first.		Since the throttle-lock type of control is the one that is most widely used by club members, we'll cover the other two first.

	~~'''~~Cruise control~~:'''~~		====Cruise control====

	An actual cruise control simply won't work on the EX250. The lower priced cruise controls use engine vacuum to open the throttle. But, when you roll on the throttle, there is less vacuum available. Vacuum operated cruise controls will only open the throttle about half way. When installed on the 250 they work great, as long as you don't try to use them in 5th or 6th gear.		An actual cruise control simply won't work on the EX250. The lower priced cruise controls use engine vacuum to open the throttle. But, when you roll on the throttle, there is less vacuum available. Vacuum operated cruise controls will only open the throttle about half way. When installed on the 250 they work great, as long as you don't try to use them in 5th or 6th gear.
Line 42:		Line 42:
	It may be possible to set up the [http://www.rostra.com/cruise-control.htm Rostra all-electronic cruise control] (#250-1223) to work all the way to full throttle, but there are three main problems: It's hardly plug-and-play, no one's ever done it, and it's in the vicinity of $200.		It may be possible to set up the [http://www.rostra.com/cruise-control.htm Rostra all-electronic cruise control] (#250-1223) to work all the way to full throttle, but there are three main problems: It's hardly plug-and-play, no one's ever done it, and it's in the vicinity of $200.

	~~'''~~Wrist rest~~:'''~~		====Wrist rest====

	[http://www.crampbuster.com/ CrampBuster]		[http://www.crampbuster.com/ CrampBuster]
Line 52:		Line 52:
	At $10, experimentation won't hurt you too much.		At $10, experimentation won't hurt you too much.

	~~'''~~Throttle lock~~:'''~~		====Throttle lock====

	This is what the majority of riders with a speed control device settle on. Products that fit the Ninja 250:		This is what the majority of riders with a speed control device settle on. Products that fit the Ninja 250:
Line 62:		Line 62:
	[http://www.newenoughhp.com/parts/cruise_control/sound_off_recreational/vista_cruise_universal_motorcycle_cruise_control.html Vista Cruise Universal]		[http://www.newenoughhp.com/parts/cruise_control/sound_off_recreational/vista_cruise_universal_motorcycle_cruise_control.html Vista Cruise Universal]

	===Which one is for me?===		==Which one is for me?==

	As usual, you'll have to figure that one out for yourself. Following are reviews and opinions to help you make up your mind.		As usual, you'll have to figure that one out for yourself. Following are reviews and opinions to help you make up your mind.

	~~'''~~Vista Cruise Universal~~'''~~		====Vista Cruise Universal====

	There's really nothing better for the price. These run about $35. While it isn't as pretty as the Throttlemeister, Leon prefers the way it works. The thumb lock for the throttle seems easier to use.		There's really nothing better for the price. These run about $35. While it isn't as pretty as the Throttlemeister, Leon prefers the way it works. The thumb lock for the throttle seems easier to use.
Line 75:		Line 75:
	The Vista Universal is basically two rings, one inside the other, and a lock. The inner ring is fixed to the throttle handle; the outer ring to the handlebar. When the lock is disengaged, the rings rotate one inside the other, and you ride as usual. Engage the lock, and the inner ring is jammed inside the outer ring, and the throttle handle is held in place by friction. The lock is not nearly strong enough for the throttle handle to get stuck - you can close the throttle by applying very little force.		The Vista Universal is basically two rings, one inside the other, and a lock. The inner ring is fixed to the throttle handle; the outer ring to the handlebar. When the lock is disengaged, the rings rotate one inside the other, and you ride as usual. Engage the lock, and the inner ring is jammed inside the outer ring, and the throttle handle is held in place by friction. The lock is not nearly strong enough for the throttle handle to get stuck - you can close the throttle by applying very little force.

	~~'''~~Throttlemeister~~'''~~		====Throttlemeister====

	loudboys has had a Throttlemeister on his bike for about 10,000 miles now, and loves it. It took about 3 tries to get the shims right, and a little practice to get used to it, but it is very easy to use. As far as technique, most of the time you just roll it on and off with pinkie and ring finger, but if you have to slow unexpectedly you can wrap your hand around the grip and the Throttlemeister at the same time and roll them both off together.		loudboys has had a Throttlemeister on his bike for about 10,000 miles now, and loves it. It took about 3 tries to get the shims right, and a little practice to get used to it, but it is very easy to use. As far as technique, most of the time you just roll it on and off with pinkie and ring finger, but if you have to slow unexpectedly you can wrap your hand around the grip and the Throttlemeister at the same time and roll them both off together.
Line 81:		Line 81:
	The Throttlemeister works by replacing the bar ends. (Getting the heavy version will help to cut down on vibration.) It is generally acknowledged that the Throttlemeister design is cleaner and simpler than the Vista, but then there is the small matter of price discrepancy: Throttlemeisters run about $125.		The Throttlemeister works by replacing the bar ends. (Getting the heavy version will help to cut down on vibration.) It is generally acknowledged that the Throttlemeister design is cleaner and simpler than the Vista, but then there is the small matter of price discrepancy: Throttlemeisters run about $125.

	~~'''~~MANIC Salamander~~'''~~		====MANIC Salamander====

	Manic Salamanders work just like Throttlemeisters. They are very heavy bar ends, and not only do they work well, they also minimize vibrations in the bars. To lock the throttle, roll the bar end towards you, causing friction against the throttle tube and holding it in place, but not so much that you can't roll the throttle back to close it. To turn off the throttle lock, simply roll the bar end away from you.		Manic Salamanders work just like Throttlemeisters. They are very heavy bar ends, and not only do they work well, they also minimize vibrations in the bars. To lock the throttle, roll the bar end towards you, causing friction against the throttle tube and holding it in place, but not so much that you can't roll the throttle back to close it. To turn off the throttle lock, simply roll the bar end away from you.

	===Throttle lock reviews===		==Throttle lock reviews==

	~~'''~~ Universal Vista Cruise~~'''~~		====Universal Vista Cruise====

	I mounted this throttle lock a few weeks ago. It won't win any beauty prizes. It just kinda sticks out there.		I mounted this throttle lock a few weeks ago. It won't win any beauty prizes. It just kinda sticks out there.
Line 103:		Line 103:
	I mounted mine slightly differently than normal. I think it looks a little better, and I like the ergonomics a lot better the way I have it mounted. It doesn't stick up so visibly, and the switch is right under your thumb. I just rotated the whole assembly forward. The cross member from the clamp passes between the engine cutoff switch and the starter button. Then the friction lock lever faces approximately towards you while you're seated and is right under your thumb.		I mounted mine slightly differently than normal. I think it looks a little better, and I like the ergonomics a lot better the way I have it mounted. It doesn't stick up so visibly, and the switch is right under your thumb. I just rotated the whole assembly forward. The cross member from the clamp passes between the engine cutoff switch and the starter button. Then the friction lock lever faces approximately towards you while you're seated and is right under your thumb.

	~~'''~~Throttlemeister~~'''~~		====Throttlemeister====

	The quality of manufacturing and materials in the Throttlemeisters is very high. The bar ends are billet, nicely engineered and machined to close tolerances. They also are larger and heavier than stock (271 grams per bar end for the Throttlemeisters vs. 141 grams for the stockers). Theoretically, this should reduce bar vibration, but since that's never been an issue, the advantage in that regard over stock is probably going to be negligible. I do like the look of the larger billet bar ends, though.		The quality of manufacturing and materials in the Throttlemeisters is very high. The bar ends are billet, nicely engineered and machined to close tolerances. They also are larger and heavier than stock (271 grams per bar end for the Throttlemeisters vs. 141 grams for the stockers). Theoretically, this should reduce bar vibration, but since that's never been an issue, the advantage in that regard over stock is probably going to be negligible. I do like the look of the larger billet bar ends, though.
Line 113:		Line 113:
	Throttlemeisters aren't cheap, but are very well built. If you can live with the looks and functionality of the Universal Vista Cruise, then that is a cheaper option. The Throttlemeister site lists part #s for the EX250, but not all retailers do. Look for the EX500 (500R) or Concours kit. They'll work.		Throttlemeisters aren't cheap, but are very well built. If you can live with the looks and functionality of the Universal Vista Cruise, then that is a cheaper option. The Throttlemeister site lists part #s for the EX250, but not all retailers do. Look for the EX500 (500R) or Concours kit. They'll work.

	~~'''~~MANIC Salamander~~'''~~		====MANIC Salamander====

	They work perfectly. I do a lot of riding, and highway riding really hurts the back of my hand. With the cruise control, it really cuts down on the pain.		They work perfectly. I do a lot of riding, and highway riding really hurts the back of my hand. With the cruise control, it really cuts down on the pain.
Line 127:		Line 127:


	~~'''This is a link to~~ [http://www.1opossum.com/vehicles/ninja/articles/throttle/main.html ~~an illustrated article] on installing~~ a Universal Vista Cruise~~.'''~~		====Links====

			[http://www.1opossum.com/vehicles/ninja/articles/throttle/main.html Installing a Universal Vista Cruise]]

Bokonon: /* Throttle lock reviews */

2009-07-22T11:25:07Z

Throttle lock reviews

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:25, 22 July 2009
Line 104:		Line 104:

	'''Throttlemeister'''		'''Throttlemeister'''

	~~I installed Throttlemeister bar ends today and gave them a shakedown ride.~~

	The quality of manufacturing and materials in the Throttlemeisters is very high. The bar ends are billet, nicely engineered and machined to close tolerances. They also are larger and heavier than stock (271 grams per bar end for the Throttlemeisters vs. 141 grams for the stockers). Theoretically, this should reduce bar vibration, but since that's never been an issue, the advantage in that regard over stock is probably going to be negligible. I do like the look of the larger billet bar ends, though.		The quality of manufacturing and materials in the Throttlemeisters is very high. The bar ends are billet, nicely engineered and machined to close tolerances. They also are larger and heavier than stock (271 grams per bar end for the Throttlemeisters vs. 141 grams for the stockers). Theoretically, this should reduce bar vibration, but since that's never been an issue, the advantage in that regard over stock is probably going to be negligible. I do like the look of the larger billet bar ends, though.

	Installation was a 5 minute job, including [[Removing & replacing bar ends\|removal of the old bar ends]]. You just remove the old RH bar end, roll back the grip about an inch, insert a plastic friction ring supplied by Throttlemeister, roll the grip to its original position, and screw on the new bar end. Good to go. On the LH side, it's just a straight swap of bar ends. There are shims included with the Throttlemeisters to get the fit just right, and the directions are good (though not great).		Installation was a 5 minute job, including [[Removing & replacing bar ends\|removal]] of the old bar ends. You just remove the old RH bar end, roll back the grip about an inch, insert a plastic friction ring supplied by Throttlemeister, roll the grip to its original position, and screw on the new bar end. Good to go. On the LH side, it's just a straight swap of bar ends. There are shims included with the Throttlemeisters to get the fit just right, and the directions are good (though not great).

	~~On the shakedown ride,~~ I was amazed at how simple and easy this gizmo is. To engage, you just turn the bar end toward you 1/4 turn. It holds the throttle position with friction against the installed friction ring, but when properly adjusted, you can still move the throttle in either direction. The friction just holds it where you put it. Give the bar end a 1/4 turn away, and the friction releases, letting the throttle-return spring operate normally. By using different shims, you can increase or decrease the amount of friction when the Throttlemeister is engaged. A simple, high quality, low tech solution.		I was amazed at how simple and easy this gizmo is. To engage, you just turn the bar end toward you 1/4 turn. It holds the throttle position with friction against the installed friction ring, but when properly adjusted you can still move the throttle in either direction. The friction just holds it where you put it. Give the bar end a 1/4 turn away and the friction releases, letting the throttle-return spring operate normally. By using different shims, you can increase or decrease the amount of friction when the Throttlemeister is engaged. A simple, high quality, low tech solution.

	Throttlemeisters aren't cheap, but are very well built. If you can live with the looks and functionality of the Universal Vista Cruise, then that is a cheaper option. The Throttlemeister site lists part #'s for the EX250, but not all retailers do. Look for the EX500 (500R) or Concours kit. They'll work.		Throttlemeisters aren't cheap, but are very well built. If you can live with the looks and functionality of the Universal Vista Cruise, then that is a cheaper option. The Throttlemeister site lists part #s for the EX250, but not all retailers do. Look for the EX500 (500R) or Concours kit. They'll work.

	'''MANIC Salamander'''		'''MANIC Salamander'''

Bokonon: /* Throttle lock reviews */

2009-07-22T11:11:59Z

Throttle lock reviews

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:11, 22 July 2009
Line 123:		Line 123:
	[[image:manic5.jpg\|150px]]		[[image:manic5.jpg\|150px]]

			Closed (left) and open and locked (right)

			[[image:manic4.jpg\|150px]]
			[[image:manic3.jpg\|150px]]


	'''This is a link to [http://www.1opossum.com/vehicles/ninja/articles/throttle/main.html an illustrated article] on installing a Universal Vista Cruise.'''		'''This is a link to [http://www.1opossum.com/vehicles/ninja/articles/throttle/main.html an illustrated article] on installing a Universal Vista Cruise.'''

Bokonon: /* Throttle lock reviews */

2009-07-22T11:07:28Z

Throttle lock reviews

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:07, 22 July 2009
Line 114:		Line 114:

	Throttlemeisters aren't cheap, but are very well built. If you can live with the looks and functionality of the Universal Vista Cruise, then that is a cheaper option. The Throttlemeister site lists part #'s for the EX250, but not all retailers do. Look for the EX500 (500R) or Concours kit. They'll work.		Throttlemeisters aren't cheap, but are very well built. If you can live with the looks and functionality of the Universal Vista Cruise, then that is a cheaper option. The Throttlemeister site lists part #'s for the EX250, but not all retailers do. Look for the EX500 (500R) or Concours kit. They'll work.

			'''MANIC Salamander'''

			They work perfectly. I do a lot of riding, and highway riding really hurts the back of my hand. With the cruise control, it really cuts down on the pain.

			Photos of a MANIC Salamander on an 08 EX250J.

			[[image:manic5.jpg\|150px]]




	'''This is a link to [http://www.1opossum.com/vehicles/ninja/articles/throttle/main.html an illustrated article] on installing a Universal Vista Cruise.'''		'''This is a link to [http://www.1opossum.com/vehicles/ninja/articles/throttle/main.html an illustrated article] on installing a Universal Vista Cruise.'''

Bokonon: /* Which one is for me? */

2009-07-22T11:02:53Z

Which one is for me?

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:02, 22 July 2009
Line 79:		Line 79:
	loudboys has had a Throttlemeister on his bike for about 10,000 miles now, and loves it. It took about 3 tries to get the shims right, and a little practice to get used to it, but it is very easy to use. As far as technique, most of the time you just roll it on and off with pinkie and ring finger, but if you have to slow unexpectedly you can wrap your hand around the grip and the Throttlemeister at the same time and roll them both off together.		loudboys has had a Throttlemeister on his bike for about 10,000 miles now, and loves it. It took about 3 tries to get the shims right, and a little practice to get used to it, but it is very easy to use. As far as technique, most of the time you just roll it on and off with pinkie and ring finger, but if you have to slow unexpectedly you can wrap your hand around the grip and the Throttlemeister at the same time and roll them both off together.

	The Throttlemeister works by replacing the bar ends. (Getting the heavy version will help to cut down on vibration.) It is generally acknowledged that the Throttlemeister design is cleaner and simpler than the Vista, but then there is the small matter of price discrepancy: Throttlemeisters run about $125.		The Throttlemeister works by replacing the bar ends. (Getting the heavy version will help to cut down on vibration.) It is generally acknowledged that the Throttlemeister design is cleaner and simpler than the Vista, but then there is the small matter of price discrepancy: Throttlemeisters run about $125.

			'''MANIC Salamander'''

			Manic Salamanders work just like Throttlemeisters. They are very heavy bar ends, and not only do they work well, they also minimize vibrations in the bars. To lock the throttle, roll the bar end towards you, causing friction against the throttle tube and holding it in place, but not so much that you can't roll the throttle back to close it. To turn off the throttle lock, simply roll the bar end away from you.

	===Throttle lock reviews===		===Throttle lock reviews===

Bokonon: /* Models available */

2009-07-19T22:57:17Z

Models available

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:57, 19 July 2009
Line 54:		Line 54:
	'''Throttle lock:'''		'''Throttle lock:'''

	This is what the majority of riders with a speed control device settle on. ~~There are two main products~~ that fit the Ninja 250:		This is what the majority of riders with a speed control device settle on. Products that fit the Ninja 250:

	[http://www.throttlemeister.com/ Throttlemeister]		[http://www.throttlemeister.com/ Throttlemeister]

			[http://www.manicsalamander.com/throttle_lock.htm MANIC Salamander]

	[http://www.newenoughhp.com/parts/cruise_control/sound_off_recreational/vista_cruise_universal_motorcycle_cruise_control.html Vista Cruise Universal]		[http://www.newenoughhp.com/parts/cruise_control/sound_off_recreational/vista_cruise_universal_motorcycle_cruise_control.html Vista Cruise Universal]

Bokonon: /* Models available */

2007-12-09T07:47:46Z

Models available

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:47, 9 December 2007
Line 31:		Line 31:

	===Models available===		===Models available===

			'''Note:''' The bar size is required for the purchase of some models. The EX250, like most sport bikes, has 7/8" bars.

	Since the throttle-lock type of control is the one that is most widely used by club members, we'll cover the other two first.		Since the throttle-lock type of control is the one that is most widely used by club members, we'll cover the other two first.

Bokonon at 06:43, 10 June 2007

2007-06-10T06:43:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:43, 10 June 2007
Line 106:		Line 106:

	Throttlemeisters aren't cheap, but are very well built. If you can live with the looks and functionality of the Universal Vista Cruise, then that is a cheaper option. The Throttlemeister site lists part #'s for the EX250, but not all retailers do. Look for the EX500 (500R) or Concours kit. They'll work.		Throttlemeisters aren't cheap, but are very well built. If you can live with the looks and functionality of the Universal Vista Cruise, then that is a cheaper option. The Throttlemeister site lists part #'s for the EX250, but not all retailers do. Look for the EX500 (500R) or Concours kit. They'll work.


			'''This is a link to [http://www.1opossum.com/vehicles/ninja/articles/throttle/main.html an illustrated article] on installing a Universal Vista Cruise.'''