Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Thunderlizard on November 21, 2017, 01:12:35 PM
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Anyone use a Throttle Lock, like Vista Cruise or Kuryakyn's model? I've had the Universal Vista in the past and was very pleased with it. Any issues with the heated grips on the Connie?
Any input is greatly appreciated! Thanks folks! :)
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Vista Cruise won't really work. Simply not gonna fit right (been there, tried that).
Omni-Cruise is a good throttle lock, I bought one and it works fine, I just don't use it much: http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=12372.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=12372.0)
Throttlemiester is expensive, integrated, nice looking, and popular, although strange to operate: http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=9441.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=9441.0) http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=1098.msg14490 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=1098.msg14490)
And some people just use an "O" ring as a throttle lock, believe it or not: http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=20999 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=20999) http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=11539.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=11539.0)
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I have the Vista Cruise on mine.
Works great and inexpensive.
To keep it from rotating, I built a small bracket that mounts between the cables {to hold the foot of the Vista}.
Recently harry martin installed one and came up with a simpler way to keep it from rotating.
I'll send this discussion to him. Maybe he'll tell us how he did it?
NOTE: I have the heated grips on mine.. Took a little trimming, but worked out fine.
Ride safe, Ted
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Yup. Did mine similar to Ted's.
Difference between mine and Ted's is that I used the included hardware.
Trimmed off some plastic and drilled a hole in the plastic stopper and used a paper clip to lock it all down.
This way, you don't have to trim up the grip.
Only real caution is to get the rubber grip back just a hair without damaging the heater.
I used WD-40 sprayed between grip and rubber to loosen up the grip goo.
I used a small bladed screw driver to gently work the rubber grip free.
When done my way, the locking lever is at your thumb where it is very easy to lock/unlock as needed.
Makes a world of difference on long rides.
I'll dig up some pictures.
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I started by studying the problem and being a cheap frugal tight wad that I am, I chose to use the Vista Cruise.
Here is the main hardware. I cut and filed off the 90 degree excess plastic. This stuff gets in the way. The C14 throttle grip is a tight arrangement to stuff. The narrower you can get the hardware, the less you need top push out the rubber grip.
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Then, I drilled a hole to add a paper clip.
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I used sand paper to remove excess plastic so that the rubber could more easily slide (twist) along the inner surface of the hardware.
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Then I assembled everthing together and wired the tab into place.
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Here is the completed assembly. The rubber grip is pushed outward slightly and hits the bar weight.
To loosen it up a bit more, I added a lock washer to the bar weight to give it a tad bit more clearance.
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So here is Ted's hardware. I tried the exact same setup but quickly discovered that the hardware is not very flush. All the extra hardware pushes the rubber grip out enough so that you have to cut the grip to make room for everything. I didn't want to do that.
So I went back in and filed down the brackets as flush as i could get them.
It all fits snug but not too snug. The throttle grip will snap back when released and it stays put when locked down.
The thumb lever is exactly where it needs to be for quick operation.
So, it just goes to show that there is many ways to skin a cat. Ya just have to think it out before getting started.
Sometimes, ya just have to think outta the box.
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I wasn't able to get the Vista throttle lock to mount without/fit it looking like it would be necessary to permanently alter the bike (which, at the time, was rather new), so I gave up. I did like the Vista, I had it on my previous bike- it was simple, effective, and easy to use. Perhaps I gave up too easily :)
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I'm not exactly sure what Harry means about my hardware pushing the Twist Grip outward?
I cut a piece of aluminum in the shape of a Cross, and folded the 3 ends up to form a pocket (that the Vista Cruise pin sets in).
I then drilled a hole that the existing throttle cable screw fits thru...
On mine, the pin is loose in the pocket, not pushed anywhere?
Perhaps Harry misunderstood my directions.. (again) {evil grin} :yikes:
Regardless, ya'll can see that with a little bit of work, the Vista Cruise can be made to work.
Ride safe, Ted
PS: I ain't sayin' Harry's design won't work.
In fact, it works fine..
Just not as good as mine... :rotflmao:
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I have tried several throttle locks. Honestly, they all were disappointing. I am going all in and buying an MC Cruise this time around. Having had bikes with electronic CC, it's that or bust from now on.
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I appreciate the feedback...but I'm still on the fence. ???
I like the action of the Vista, but I'm not sure about how that all plays in with the heated grip wire. Gotta give it some more thought...
Thanks Fellas.
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From what I see, there is no interference with the heater wire. It stays neatly tucked out of the way.
I'm sure Ted would agree. <but Ted agrees with most anything I have to say, being so weak minded smart.>
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Harry, I don't agree with anything you say.
I just tolerate your idea's....
Ride safe, Ted
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I prefer the Throttlemeister. I know you weren't looking at it, but it is well made and it works well. It won't interfere with the heated grips.
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I appreciate the feedback...but I'm still on the fence. ???
I like the action of the Vista, but I'm not sure about how that all plays in with the heated grip wire. Gotta give it some more thought...
Thanks Fellas.
Had this basic Vista cruise on my 2010. Fabricated my own bracket to keep it in place. I carefully used a shim to loosen the grip and slide it out about 3/8 inch. No interference with the heated grip wires. Worked great. Even after I installed a Rostra, I still used it occasionally when I wanted to quickly use my right hand.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61xDq74ZkeL._SL1209_.jpg)
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Another fan of the Throttlemeister here. It just works. And no goofy looking crap on the bar.
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Kaoko has worked well for me - not cheap but looks stock. Very easy to use one-handed.
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Kaoko has worked well for me - not cheap but looks stock. Very easy to use one-handed.
https://kaoko.com/B2C/p/593810/ZX-12%2c+ZX-14+(-2012)%2c+ZX-14R+(2013-2017)%2c+GTR+1400+Concours%2c+
Interesting. I had not seen that one before. Concept is extremely similar to Throttlemeister and similar price but with a more easily accessed actuator. It might be easier to operate, and has a sort-of disable feature, too. The only apparent downside is that it stands out more.
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https://kaoko.com/B2C/p/593810/ZX-12%2c+ZX-14+(-2012)%2c+ZX-14R+(2013-2017)%2c+GTR+1400+Concours%2c+
Interesting. I had not seen that one before. Concept is extremely similar to Throttlemeister and similar price but with a more easily accessed actuator. It might be easier to operate, and has a sort-of disable feature, too. The only apparent downside is that it stands out more.
Holy Moly!!! $913???!!! Looks like a nice unit but at that price I would go another $100 and get mccruise.
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Holy Moly!!! $913???!!! Looks like a nice unit but at that price I would go another $100 and get mccruise.
OMG, that must be an error. When I posted the link before, it was $140 or something similar. But yeah, now it shows $913!!! LOL
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Must be their last one.
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Must be their last one.
... and they wanna keep it.
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... and they wanna keep it.
Or die rich departing with it!
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Cyber Monday sale price?
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Just my 2 cents to confirm what others have said. IMO the Vista is the most functional throttle lock I have ever had, cheap as hell and looks almost OEM. I have had them on all my bikes for many many years.
I often wonder why people complain so much about this bike not coming with a cruise control when for $20 you can use this.. I think the super quick thumb action is better than OE cruise I have dealt with on GWings and a BMW
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Just my 2 cents to confirm what others have said. IMO the Vista is the most functional throttle lock I have ever had, cheap as hell and looks almost OEM. I have had them on all my bikes for many many years.
Like I said in years past, I agree too- if you CAN use a Vista, it works great and is simple and effective (and cheap)
I often wonder why people complain so much about this bike not coming with a cruise control
Because a throttle lock is not cruise control. It is great for what it does- give your hand a rest for a minute, allow you to stretch fingers and wrist or adjust something you can't reach with your left hand. But it is ineffective at actually maintaining speed for very long. Me? I probably wouldn't use cruise control on a bike, anyway.... except for the short times that a throttle lock would accomplish. So while I would love to have CC, I am certainly not going to spend tons of money or effort for it.
when for $20 you can use this..
But you can't just "use" the Vista on a Gen2 because of the additional wires and shroud. It requires significant modification. I am kinda surprised that nobody has made/marketed a copy of the same concept, except that actually works (easily/correctly) on the Gen2. I have tried a few other designs and they are more trouble that they are worth (and thus are never used).
$$ opportunity, someone!
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I use the Vista Cruise on my C-14.
Harry and I discussed our mounts earlier in this discussion.
I saw another Connie that had found a simpler way to secure the VC.
He drilled and tapped a hole in the face of the throttle mechanism and a pivot hole thru the VC.
Was a very simple/neat installation.
On mine, I solved the heated grip interference by just sanding away a little material.
Was not a problem.
Ride safe, Ted
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I tried a throttlemeister and couldn't get used to it and kept engaging it unknowingly and then my wrist would burn from working a stiff throttle. A nice product if you can make it work for you but I couldn't. Before that I has a vista cruise and that worked well but I had to make it work on my C10 and they didn't make one specific for the model. It wasn't a clean installation.
I have been using Murph's bar ends and the O ring for almost 10 years now. Maybe I've been using to so long it's second nature, but I prefer this set-up over electronics on the other bikes I have ridden. When I get off the interstate I just roll it over to the side with my palm and the taper of the bar end keep it from escaping. I can't imagine using anything else now.
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I have used an O ring from Cat but now use this on my C14 and my Tuono. Works like a champ for easing the stress on your wrist a bunch.
When we do long days on the slab to get to mountains, I let my buddy lead on his KTM 1290 Duke GT, he has an E-cruise and we keep a better set speed without going excessively fast (which is what happens when I lead).
https://www.amazon.com/Go-Cruise-Motorcycle-Throttle-Control/dp/B00TIEATVY/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1539877376&sr=8-7&keywords=motorcycle+cruise+control (https://www.amazon.com/Go-Cruise-Motorcycle-Throttle-Control/dp/B00TIEATVY/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1539877376&sr=8-7&keywords=motorcycle+cruise+control)
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Before spending $ on a throttle lock contraption , think about how much you’d be willing to play for a real cruise control that keeps speed steady with .5 mile, whether it be slabs or hills and mountains .
I used to think I’d never get a mcruise because when I got my bike back in ‘11, they went for around $1200.
Ever since then, the Aussie dollar has fell. On a recent sale, my mccruise was $813. I think they can now be had for under $750, about $600 more than a throttlemeister.
Saves your hand and helps get better mpg too.