Cruise Control user experience -

[b]What have you tried and what kind of riding to you do?  

I have the latest Cramp Buster design in the large size. It seems to have better grip than the older design, but still can be tiring to use over 300 miles in a day. Next July, I will be riding 400 or more in a day several days in a row and might put a throttle lock on if something exists that is reliable and fits well to the OEM handle bar. Lets hear from several of you? I ride a 2012 SW.

Skeeter, a lot depends on what type of riding you will do. I got a Go Cruise throttle lock for less than $20 that works well on long open stretches. You can find pictures and discussions by typing cruise control into the search function (upper left corner). It's a throttle lock, not a cruise control, so it's not useful on hilly terrain.

For throttle locks, you can't beat a Brake-A-Way for quality and safety. But they are pricey.

I also have the Go Cruise throttle lock at $20. Its a simple lock that rest on the hand leaver break.For the cost it helps , better then the Cramp Buster IMO I found that my hand applied pressure ,very scary the fist time I did a U turn,And I gave it away to someone with longer arms.

I have had the Brake-A-Way throttle lock for about three years.
Had a couple of situations where deer and bears have popped out of the ditch.
The last thing on my mind was the throttle lock.
Fortunately it disengages when you apply the front brake.
It is indispensable for LD riding.
I consider it money well spent.

I am gonna pop for a throttle lock myself.  I am used to a throttle lock verses the cruise control.  When I rode with a bunch of Goldwings whom used cruise control, I had to adjust my throttle lock constantly to maintain the same speed as they.

When I travel solo, I prefer the use of a throttle lock and if I am going 55 up a hill, so what, I will be going 75 down the other side of it and not bother to adjust the throttle lock.

So I plan to do my research on the different throttle locks used by the forum members here.

I got this a year and a half ago and use it constantly. I read where someone drilled a hole in the piece that goes between the throttle and front brake cable then used a wire tie to remove any play.
177 NEP Cruise Control CC-3 Dual Cable Honda 1 $17.55
Shipping: U.S.P.S. First-Class Mail®: $3.89
Sales Tax: $0.00
Total: $21.44

With arthritic fingers, my Go Cruise throttle lock @ $19.95 gives me the relief I need on long rides.

If looking for a high-quality throttle lock (that doubles as bar-end weights), I'd suggest the Throttle Meister. Not cheap, but works fine. That said, it ain't anything near the same as real cruise control.

jmaslak wrote:

If looking for a high-quality throttle lock (that doubles as bar-end weights), I'd suggest the Throttle Meister.  Not cheap, but works fine.  That said, it ain't anything near the same as real cruise control.

I installed one of those on my Swing before buying my Brake-A Way. I couldn't get it off of my Swing fast enough. I was very disappointed in how difficult it was to apply and release (I have large hands and fingers).
IMHO, there is no comparison between the ease of operation and the safety offered by the Brake-A-Way.

Update on my throttle control question: I finally bought one made in South Africa by Kaoko.

http://www.kaoko.com/c2/Our-Products.aspx

I was scheduled to go with our club on a 7,000 mile ride to Banff and Yellowstone, and felt this one would be best. Unfortunately I did not go, but love the control. It is industrial grade and holds the throttle position securely while easily changed with a manual twist of the grip.

I also use the large crampbuster and it works. Not great but does help some and is VERY cheap. But for really long days I have been taking the Goldwing with a REAL cruise!!! "Oh what a relief it is!"

Hello. I am very new to the Silver Wing.  I just put on a Kaoko throttle lock and like it  a lot.  I have about 90 minutes until getting to my riding area so this helps me. I got the Kaoko as I had used a Throttlemeister before and the Kaoko looked, and to me is, easier to use in the rain.

I consider that the BrakeAway also looks good.  I have used other types including crampbusters/throttle rockers and have one of each for a bike that I have in storage and have a couple of crampbusters for when I travel and rent a bike.  I threw the throttlemeister away. I also rode a bike with a Vista Cruise control - not a good story on that one as I rode about 450 miles with it partly on without realizing until my hand hurt.  However, I really like full cruise controls when renting bikes if they are available so the speed is relatively constant on hills.  

Best Wishes

Suzy

The lady and I are at 7,000 miles this summer in Wisconsin and swear by the heavy version of the Throttlemeister bar ends. The heavy version really quells vibration in the bars. Really makes the Swing feel more solid and the throttle lock works flawlessly when set up right. They are also made about 100 miles from me. Bonus.

Re: Throttlemeister post. I had not seen that one until now. It does look very solid and reliable judging from the photos. I would agree with Suzyswing that the Kaoko is apt to be better in wet or sweaty conditions for reliable grip. Both look nice and add weight to the bar ends. We enjoy quite a long warm season here in the south.

I use the Vista Cruise Control - for over 50,000 miles so far - never leave home without it! On longer rides (300 to 600 miles) it is a necessity - while on shorter rides it helps a lot. Lots of times I keep the left hand on the bar - and let my right arm hand to my side - and moving the right hand up to adjust the throttle at change in grades, changes in speed (up or down), and traffic conditions. You can't get too complacent when using a throttle lock as they (most) do not release when you do a panic stop - which has happend to me and put me into a panic - many times - but I still keep using it. I should really switch to a Break-a-Way - expensive - but seem so much safer.

FWIW, the Throttlemeister I have is no problem in the rain. But I got the black powder-coat finish in the heavy version (so there is more to grab onto). I imagine the standard stainless finish would be slippery, but the black one is not - it's a rough finish.

As for panic stops not disengaging the throttle lock, yes, that's a limitation of this device - the Breakaway might be better if that's a concern (even better would be the expensive Australia true cruise control - I toy with buying that off and on, but can't seem to justify the $900 USD or so it costs. But it's definitely nice looking (and it does disconnect with either brake being applied).

NEP at about $20 from Aerostich=works...some mods required, like taking grip off and cutting, I drill hole and secure with nylon tie or safety wire...to insure straight location of unit. Nep is simple safe and amount of friction adjustable.

Another is "Go Cruise"---$20 again Aerotich----simple , works, have one on my TU250.

I have had ThrottleMeister and others....but they are not in my future.

I agree with Dimond the Vista Cruise Control is all I need.

With a slight modification, I was able to use my Break-A-Way throttle lock with my R&G Heated Hand Grips.

I bought a Kaoko and did not like it. I just could not get used to the roll on to lock and roll off to release. A lot of riders just go with the big yellow o-ring (you can google it). Which is more of a side swipe motion. I ended up using a NEP cheap'o plastic lock. I had to reassemble it since it was put together backward from the factory, and then had to trim and adjust to get it just right. But now I can reach over with the left hand, lock the throttle a the exact location I want. And because I have the tension where I want, I can roll off the throttle in an emergency. Not as good as the Breakaway, but I am very happy with it. Just my 2 cents worth, since you asked.

davidparker wrote:

<>... now I can reach over with the left hand, lock the throttle a the exact location I want.<>

Reaching over with your left hand? Holy crap that sounds dangerous! You should be able to activate the throttle lock with your right hand. Thumb activated, without removing your hand from the grip.

My riding buddy totaled his FJR1300 recently when he went down at 75mph as he momentarily reached over with his right hand trying to futz with his throttle grip.

Tim

Sorry to hear about your buddy. Just for clarification, you can use your thumb to activate the NEP lock. And I always use my thumb to click it off. But with the arthritis in my right hand, I sometimes find it easier to use my left hand. But your point is well taken.

Just a friendly reminder. There is such thing as death by cruise control.
All those gadgets are just a glorified toy. The real one is the one that
disconnect when pressing brakes. I lost my first wing that way. My
cruise was on, there was no time to disconnect. No ABS, both wheels
locked. Went for a slay ride.

P.S I am going to come back the proof read this. I am soooo drunk.

Happy Thanksgiwing.

L

Just a friendly reminder. There is such thing as death by cruise control.
All those gadgets are just a glorified toy. The real one is the one that
disconnect when pressing brakes. I lost my first wing that way. My
cruise was on, there was no time to disconnect. No ABS, both wheels
locked. Went for a slay ride.

P.S I am going to come back the proof read this. I am soooo drunk.

Happy Thanksgiwing.

L

I've used the Vista throttle lock of several of my bikes and have had no problem with them.
But that's just my two cents on the matter. I like them and will keep using them.
http://tinyurl.com/p6j87x5

I used the basic Go Cruise Throttle lock this past summer touring the Oregon Coast. Works good for me easy on and off and less than $20.
I keep a spare under the seat.