Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: maxtog on May 14, 2011, 10:29:43 PM
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OK, so this can be the resurrection of the throttle lock threads (lost in the forum crash).
I, for one, have CTS (carpal tunnel syndrome) from way too many years of keyboarding. What this means is that after 15 or 20 min of trying to hold the throttle, I my fingers will start to go numb, and/or I can get pain in my wrist. This is actually not an uncommon problem with motorcycle riders.
A throttle-lock is a device that will hold the throttle open so you can momentarily remove your right hand from the handlebar and "shake" the feeling back into the hand. Or just reduce the gripping force which also helps. It can also help with hand cramps even for people without CTS problems.
There are many types of throttle locks. Most of them fall into three categories- those that clamp on the bar end, like the Throttlemeister, those that grab the handle on the outside, like the Go Cruise, and those that grab the throttle tube near the inside, like the Vista Cruise or NEP Cruise. The bar-end ones are invisible and long-lasting. But they are harder to use and can be very expensive. People claim the Go Cruise is cheap and effective- but it does have issues with certain covers, and robs some hand space.
I have my eyes on the Vista Cruise. There are two types- the universal, which is bulky and ugly, and the non-universal, which is sleek and small. The Vista is relatively inexpensive, simple to operate, and the non-universal doesn't rob the operator of control space.
I don't have a Vista on the C14 yet (did on my old ZRX a long time ago). From previous forum research it seems the correct Vista model number for the Concours is the Yamaha version, model MCVICY-P. But I am not sure it will work properly with the 2011(/2010) which have heated grips, so there is a larger lip and a wire where it would mount. Has anyone installed a MCVICY-P on a 2010/2011? Was it successful? Please share installation and use experiences and pictures.
Of course, postings about other throttle locks are welcome.
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That looks like the vista cruise I used. In the the old forum there was postings on the mods needed to install it, witch was a little bracket you made to hold the bottom in place and a little work with a dremel tool. HTH
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:MOioVueRFboJ:forum.concours.org/index.php%3Ftopic%3D64809.0+site:concours.org+vista+cruise&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&source=www.google.com (http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:MOioVueRFboJ:forum.concours.org/index.php%3Ftopic%3D64809.0+site:concours.org+vista+cruise&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&source=www.google.com)
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I have the Throttlemeister and it works great.
But.....
I later bought one of these for my other bike and it works great too. Easy to use, easy to remove and simple design. Best yet it is less than $20.
http://www.2wheelride.com/throttle_pro.html (http://www.2wheelride.com/throttle_pro.html)
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That looks like the vista cruise I used. In the the old forum there was postings on the mods needed to install it, witch was a little bracket you made to hold the bottom in place and a little work with a dremel tool. HTH
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:MOioVueRFboJ:forum.concours.org/index.php%3Ftopic%3D64809.0+site:concours.org+vista+cruise&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&source=www.google.com (http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:MOioVueRFboJ:forum.concours.org/index.php%3Ftopic%3D64809.0+site:concours.org+vista+cruise&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&source=www.google.com)
The problem is few people say what year bike (you didn't either!) and those that did, said 2008. The photos, for example, are of pre-2010 installation. Because of the heated grips on 2010/2011, there are some significant differences.
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+1 Throttlemeister, took some time to learn to use it, now it's great.
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I have the Throttlemeister and it works great.
But.....
I later bought one of these for my other bike and it works great too. Easy to use, easy to remove and simple design. Best yet it is less than $20.
http://www.2wheelride.com/throttle_pro.html (http://www.2wheelride.com/throttle_pro.html)
I use the GoCruise also. It's about as simple as you can get. Works great. It just irritates me to pay $20 for a 50 cent piece of plastic.
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I use the GoCruise also. It's about as simple as you can get. Works great. It just irritates me to pay $20 for a 50 cent piece of plastic.
I just ordered one today, and I have no problem paying $20 for it. The Cat oring works just fine, but this looks just like the ticket for me. The Crampbuster's are also cheap plastic, but they too really help on the slab. I may very well invest in a Throttlemeister eventually, but going cheap for now will suffice. ;)
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I use the throttle meister on the c14 and have a gocruise on the SO's v-star. Both work well. I didn't mind paying the 20 bones for the gocruise. I was a little upset that I didn't think of the idea though.
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The Crampbuster's are also cheap plastic, but they too really help on the slab.
I've never used the Crampbuster myself but I see them on alot of bikes. Are they in the way for just normal riding? Do they really help on long flats?
Thanks.
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http://www.2wheelride.com/throttle_pro.html (http://www.2wheelride.com/throttle_pro.html) +1
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I've never used the Crampbuster myself but I see them on alot of bikes. Are they in the way for just normal riding? Do they really help on long flats?
Thanks.
I've used both the crampbuster and throttlerocker brands. They allow you to loosen up your grip while maintaining throttle pressure. They do work well. But they do not allow you to totally remove your hand from the throttle to shake it out a little like a throttle lock. These are good, but not as much by themselves.
If you use decide to use one. I recommend the throttle rocker over the crampbuster. Although the crampbuster gripping the throttle grip is better. The Carampbuster is a straight piece of plastic that's not ergonomically shaped to fit your palm. I use to tend to give me a sore or blistered palm after use. Where as the throttle rocker is shaped with your palm and thumb in mind. So it tends to fit your hand better and not make your palm sore. So I recommend the throttle rocker over the cramp buster.
But like I said, they are good, but use them in conjunction with a throttle lock or cruise control for much more versatility in riding comfort. Of course this is just my opinion!
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I've used both the crampbuster and throttlerocker brands. They allow you to loosen up your grip while maintaining throttle pressure. They do work well. But they do not allow you to totally remove your hand from the throttle to shake it out a little like a throttle lock. These are good, but not as much by themselves.
If you use decide to use one. I recommend the throttle rocker over the crampbuster. Although the crampbuster gripping the throttle grip is better. The Carampbuster is a straight piece of plastic that's not ergonomically shaped to fit your palm. I use to tend to give me a sore or blistered palm after use. Where as the throttle rocker is shaped with your palm and thumb in mind. So it tends to fit your hand better and not make your palm sore. So I recommend the throttle rocker over the cramp buster.
But like I said, they are good, but use them in conjunction with a throttle lock or cruise control for much more versatility in riding comfort. Of course this is just my opinion!
Thanks Cap'n!
I have "Hotgrips", so my options are somewhat limited regarding a true throttle lock I think...
It looks like the Crampbuster's do make both a "palm shaped" one and a longer skinnier straight-type one as you mentioned. I just found this on ebay and show's in the ad the different models and sizes available. FYI, if you have "Hotgrips" like I do then it would require the larger 1&3/8" one I think...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290413759999&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290413759999&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT)
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It looks like the Crampbuster's do make both a "palm shaped" one and a longer skinnier straight-type one as you mentioned.
I have something similar in concept I used on my ZRX- it is a rubber, "strap-on" type of thing. I don't use it though, because it really didn't help much. In my case, I have to remove my hand totally and rotate my hand around a few times to get feeling back. I also felt less in control with this type of thing.
I attached a picture of it if you are curious.
EDIT: Oh, it has a name on it- it is called "Throttle Boss"
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it is a rubber, "strap-on" type of thing.
??? :-X ...
;)
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??? :-X ...
;)
LOL! Didn't even cross my mind until after you forced me to re-read what I wrote.
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Like some of the others, I bought the "Go Cruise" and have no issues with spending $20 for it, since it works so well - for the purpose of giving your throttle hand a break. It won't hold a set speed like electronic cruise control, and it has a tendency to back off a bit over time, probably due to vibration, but I think it's great for stretches of highway, or even short but quiet secondary roads.
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I have the Throttlemeister and it works great.
But.....
I later bought one of these for my other bike and it works great too. Easy to use, easy to remove and simple design. Best yet it is less than $20.
http://www.2wheelride.com/throttle_pro.html (http://www.2wheelride.com/throttle_pro.html)
i will be getting one of these super soon for the connie and the SV. one question do i get the smaller one for the connie?
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Is the throttle tube stiff enough not to be deformed by the pressure from the Go Cruise, in turn causing friction between the throttle tube and the handlebar when turning the throttle?
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Throttlemeister...
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I had Vista Cruise on 2 other bikes. When I got the '10 C14 I was afraid to mess with the heated grip to move it for a Vista Cruise so I got a Throttlemiester. I never got used to it. I missed the instant on/off of the Vista Cruise. So eventually I carefully moved the grip out 1/4 inch and installed the Vista Cruise. Now I have both and I haven't used the Throttlemiester since.
I later also installed a Rostra electronic cruise control. I love the Rostra and use it all the time but I still use the Vista Cruise when I just want to take my hand off for a few seconds to stretch, scratch whatever. The Throttlemiester is now nothing more than expensive end weights.
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i will be getting one of these super soon for the connie and the SV. one question do i get the smaller one for the connie?
Yes, the smaller one is the one you need.
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THROTTLEMEISTER !!
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Tip for those installing a Throttlemeister: It comes with a plastic friction sleeve that inserts between the grip and the bar. It's tempting to skip that step and just let the Throttlemeister bear on the end of the grip itself but don't omit installing it, it just won't work quite right.
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I've Vista cruise on my Triumph I'm happy with.
Appreciate the instant off.
Using the GO thingy at the moment on the 1400.
Like the concept of the Kaoko.
Looks to be easier to use than the ThrottleMeister.
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/4755/602/ (http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/4755/602/)
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Tip for those installing a Throttlemeister: It comes with a plastic friction sleeve that inserts between the grip and the bar. It's tempting to skip that step and just let the Throttlemeister bear on the end of the grip itself but don't omit installing it, it just won't work quite right.
The friction sleeve did not work at all on my '10 with heated grips. I sent them photos and drawings but never heard back from them. I used it for awhile without it but eventually went to a Vista Cruise.
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I bought a GO-thingie a couple of weeks ago... no-go. Doesn't hold the throttle, it just slows the return to idle. I even used the rubber band under it.
My Throttlemeisters should be here tomorrow or the day after. :thumbs:
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Tip for those installing a Throttlemeister: It comes with a plastic friction sleeve that inserts between the grip and the bar. It's tempting to skip that step and just let the Throttlemeister bear on the end of the grip itself but don't omit installing it, it just won't work quite right.
Another tip I read on the old forum that probably helped save my 2010 heated grips: when using the "sleeve" mentioned above, use caution and care when sliding it into the end of the grips during installation so you don't disturb the heating elements under the rubber grip. In other words, don't just jam it in there and hope for the best! :o My heat still works great thanks to that tip!
It took a bit of getting used to initially but IMHO Throttlemeisters work great as an inexpensive cruise control alternative...YMMV.
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Another tip I read on the old forum that probably helped save my 2010 heated grips: when using the "sleeve" mentioned above, use caution and care when sliding it into the end of the grips during installation so you don't disturb the heating elements under the rubber grip. In other words, don't just jam it in there and hope for the best! :o My heat still works great thanks to that tip!
It took a bit of getting used to initially but IMHO Throttlemeisters work great as an inexpensive cruise control alternative...YMMV.
I had them on my bike when I got it. Still not used to them.
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Throttlemeister...
^^^^ thats the one, and zero issues with the 2010 heated grips (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
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I had them on my bike when I got it. Still not used to them.
It took me a while to get used to mine too. I found its best to leave them partially engaged when I know I want to use them so when its time to engage them I can usually twist it the final quarter turn or so with my little finger which makes setting easy. Given the amount of power the C14 has and the touchy throttle, I don't expect it to be too exact, but its enough to give my hand a break on the highway for a minute here and there.
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I don't have a Vista on the C14 yet (did on my old ZRX a long time ago). From previous forum research it seems the correct Vista model number for the Concours is the Yamaha version, model MCVICY-P. But I am not sure it will work properly with the 2011(/2010) which have heated grips, so there is a larger lip and a wire where it would mount. Has anyone installed a MCVICY-P on a 2010/2011? Was it successful? Please share installation and use experiences and pictures.
I should have known better. Got the Vista MCVICY-P several days ago and tried to install it today. There is no way.... just no space. Guess I will have to buy a go-cruise. :(
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I should have known better. Got the Vista MCVICY-P several days ago and tried to install it today. There is no way.... just no space. Guess I will have to buy a go-cruise. :(
You should check out the Throttlemeister Max, so far very happy with mine...
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You should check out the Throttlemeister Max, so far very happy with mine...
Yeah, I might have to go that route. A LOT more expensive than $30, though.
Sorry, I am grouchy after fighting the bike for 12 hours today. I had no idea how incredibly difficult it is to disassemble. And I didn't expect my modest list of projects to spread into a multi-day affair. Plus it is too freaking HOT in my garage!!!
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You should check out the Throttlemeister Max, so far very happy with mine...
??? "Throttlemeister Max" ???
Don't see that name on the Throttlemeister website, and Google didn't find it either (in quotes). Do you have a link, or is this just the Throttlemeister Heavy (14oz)?
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??? "Throttlemeister Max" ???
Don't see that name on the Throttlemeister website, and Google didn't find it either (in quotes). Do you have a link, or is this just the Throttlemeister Heavy (14oz)?
I suspect Max may be the guys name he was replying to
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??? "Throttlemeister Max" ???
Don't see that name on the Throttlemeister website, and Google didn't find it either (in quotes). Do you have a link, or is this just the Throttlemeister Heavy (14oz)?
sorry, no disrespect meant, but... :rotflmao:
Steve's right: forum member ZG was responding to forum member maxtog.
There.
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Along the same lines as the Throttlemeister..... TwistedThrottle.com sells a Kaoke throttle lock for a bit less than TM. What I like about this one is that the adjuster is a knurled ring and not the entire bar end weight. It is a screw on replacement on the C14 with or without heated grips.
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sorry, no disrespect meant, but... :rotflmao:
Steve's right: forum member ZG was responding to forum member maxtog.
There.
Correct! :thumbs:
At least someones not drinking... :chugbeer: ;)
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I suspect Max may be the guys name he was replying to
Ahh, that makes more sense! Thanks Steve!
Correct! :thumbs:
At least someones not drinking... :chugbeer: ;)
Changing case and shortening user names just for the confusion factor eh? ;D
You have to admit, it would be a good second generation / follow on product name for the Throttlemeister though. :thumbs:
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Changing case and shortening user names just for the confusion factor eh? ;D
Sorry, just a lazy typer, his quote was attached to my response though C1... ;)
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I've had about 8 Throttle Meisters. This is NOT a cruise control. It is intended for throttle relief. I use it all the time when droning. I leave it in the "firm" position and simply give it adjustments from time to time to correct speed.
According to TM:
For heated grips on 10/11 models
1. Do not use the plastic friction ring that is supplied
2. Start with 3 thick and 1 thin washer to adjust tension properly. This will get you pretty close and from there you can make minor adjustments.
Please note that seasonal temperature changes may require you to add or delete a washer to keep proper tension. It is as simple as removing bar end and adding/subtracting a washer. I keep the washers in my smuggler.
88
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I've had about 8 Throttle Meisters. This is NOT a cruise control. It is intended for throttle relief. I use it all the time when droning. I leave it in the "firm" position and simply give it adjustments from time to time to correct speed.
According to TM:
For heated grips on 10/11 models
1. Do not use the plastic friction ring that is supplied
2. Start with 3 thick and 1 thin washer to adjust tension properly. This will get you pretty close and from there you can make minor adjustments.
Please note that seasonal temperature changes may require you to add or delete a washer to keep proper tension. It is as simple as removing bar end and adding/subtracting a washer. I keep the washers in my smuggler.
88
I initially installed it without the friction ring. It didn't work very well. After I installed it (with no issues) it worked well.
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maxtog asked me to post how I put a Vista Cruise on my '10. I had to use a dremmel tool and grind away part of the plastic to fit the contour of the bigger grip flange. I took some pics, not sure if they will show much or not. I'll try to upload them later.
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maxtog asked me to post how I put a Vista Cruise on my '10. I had to use a dremmel tool and grind away part of the plastic to fit the contour of the bigger grip flange. I took some pics, not sure if they will show much or not. I'll try to upload them later.
Thanks. Others have claimed they did something similar (grinding). However, when I held the *thin* part up to the gap in the handlebar, even that would not fit! So I don't understand how grinding could help. I just measured the thickness of the Vista Cruise to be 4.5mm on most of it, and 7mm at the rivet.
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Here are the pics - in a couple you can see where I ground away. On the picture from the top, you can see that I actually screwed it into the throttle housing...
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff71/jjscorvettec6/VistaCruiseunder800.jpg)
In this picture below, you can really see where it was ground. The flash really magnifies it. In real life you don't really see it - if you walked up to my bike and looked at it you probably would not know without really looking closely that it has been worked on.
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff71/jjscorvettec6/VistaCruisefront800.jpg)
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff71/jjscorvettec6/VistaCruisetop800.jpg)
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I really like the Throttlemeister. I tried a few other devices not to be named and could not get them to hold. As stated it is JUST for open spaces to give my hand a break. Here is a pic of the style I chose:
(http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc110/2007electraroad/019.jpg)
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Here are the pics - in a couple you can see where I ground away. On the picture from the top, you can see that I actually screwed it into the throttle housing...
I don't understand how you can have such a huge gap. Attached is a picture of MY gap, which is still 3mm at the max (near top) and only 2mm min (near bottom). The 4.5mm/7mm thick Vista simply will not fit in that gap. I pushed, pulled, pried, nothing will change that gap!
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Throttlemiester on my 2009 Concours with aftermarket heated grips from Murph's. No problem installing and it works great. But the Go Cruise looks like just what I was missing for the SV which has bar end mirrors. The O-ring did not work and the bar end mirror prevent a throttlemiester.
So I bought one, and I don't mind the $20 after all he had to buy the mold and pay for running the parts. It's a lot more than just the plastic!
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I don't understand how you can have such a huge gap. Attached is a picture of MY gap, which is still 3mm at the max (near top) and only 2mm min (near bottom). The 4.5mm/7mm thick Vista simply will not fit in that gap. I pushed, pulled, pried, nothing will change that gap!
You don't change the gap. You cut down the Vista Cruise. Dremel works. Belt sander helps. Patience and skill help. This is definately a custom job. I have fit several VC's to various bikes. All of them have required cutting. Even have one on order now, and expect it will need to be cut, thinned & shaped.
This does not sound like a good project for you. Perhaps keep looking for something that is ready to bolt-on.
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Another vote for the Throttlemeister. I have one on my C10. For me, it's the end-all of throttle locks. Works great and doesn't crowd the grip, which with my big hands is very important. Not to mention it looks great.
With that said, I'm going to install real cruise control this winter. I like the throttle lock except when I ride with my friend who has real cruise on his ElectraGlide. No comparison.
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You don't change the gap. You cut down the Vista Cruise. Dremel works. Belt sander helps. Patience and skill help. This is definately a custom job. I have fit several VC's to various bikes. All of them have required cutting. Even have one on order now, and expect it will need to be cut, thinned & shaped.
But I am looking at his gap and my gap- his looks like 9mm! There is no way I could cut the entire Vista cruise down to 2mm to fit- it would fall apart! Besides, you can't cut down the rivet area at all. I am thinking there are some considerable variances between the bikes, or he disassembled the grip somehow and moved it.
This does not sound like a good project for you. Perhaps keep looking for something that is ready to bolt-on.
Perhaps
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But I am looking at his gap and my gap- his looks like 9mm! There is no way I could cut the entire Vista cruise down to 2mm to fit- it would fall apart! Besides, you can't cut down the rivet area at all. I am thinking there are some considerable variances between the bikes, or he disassembled the grip somehow and moved it.
Perhaps
Actually, I could and did. Again, this does not sound like a good project for you. People who sincerely believe they can't do something are often right.
If is easy to see that he rolled the grip back for the purpose of taking the photo. The gap you see doesn't exist when the bike is being ridden and the grip is in place. Trust me, this does not sound like a good project for you.
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If I can avoid/afford it, I don't settle for second best products.
I rock a throttlemeister lock on my connie and luvn' it (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
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Actually, I could and did. Again, this does not sound like a good project for you. People who sincerely believe they can't do something are often right.
If is easy to see that he rolled the grip back for the purpose of taking the photo. The gap you see doesn't exist when the bike is being ridden and the grip is in place. Trust me, this does not sound like a good project for you.
Just to clarify, I didn't roll the grip back for the photo, I rolled it back to make the Vista Cruise work. It's been that way for the past 23,000+ miles.
On a related note, I know a lot of folks like the Throttlemeister, and no question it is better looking. But it is such a pain in the ass to use compared to the Vista Cruise that I don't know how you folks live with it. Maybe you have never tried a Vista Cruise. And yes, I've ridden a few bikes with the Throttlemeister and can't get used to trying to engage it.
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Just to clarify, I didn't roll the grip back for the photo, I rolled it back to make the Vista Cruise work. It's been that way for the past 23,000+ miles.
Ah HA- see, I am NOT crazy. So how did you do that, and without damaging anything? (Damn it was a pain to get on the grip puppies and the thought of trying to move the grips on the tube AND the puppies is just frightening. (Yes, I know, this might not be the mod for me...)
On a related note, I know a lot of folks like the Throttlemeister, and no question it is better looking. But it is such a pain in the ass to use compared to the Vista Cruise that I don't know how you folks live with it. Maybe you have never tried a Vista Cruise. And yes, I've ridden a few bikes with the Throttlemeister and can't get used to trying to engage it.
Exactly. I don't care how many times the Throttlemeister is recommended. I don't want it. It has nothing to do with price.
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I run a throttle rocker and have also installed the Kaoko throttle lock. As papaboomboom mentioned earlier, I just set it to a firm position and adjust as necessary when I want to use it. It is a very easy install, 10 or 15 minutes and you're done! Pricey, but worth it. ;)
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Ah HA- see, I am NOT crazy. So how did you do that, and without damaging anything? (Damn it was a pain to get on the grip puppies and the thought of trying to move the grips on the tube AND the puppies is just frightening. (Yes, I know, this might not be the mod for me...)
Exactly. I don't care how many times the Throttlemeister is recommended. I don't want it. It has nothing to do with price.
PM sent.
Going riding soon - a "cold" front just came through Houston, only supposed to get to 90 or so today - but a DRY 90 8)
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Just to clarify, I didn't roll the grip back for the photo, I rolled it back to make the Vista Cruise work. It's been that way for the past 23,000+ miles.
On a related note, I know a lot of folks like the Throttlemeister, and no question it is better looking. But it is such a pain in the ass to use compared to the Vista Cruise that I don't know how you folks live with it. Maybe you have never tried a Vista Cruise. And yes, I've ridden a few bikes with the Throttlemeister and can't get used to trying to engage it.
Seems like an odd solution. Why not shoot some compressed air under the grip & pull it outboard a bit?
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A drop or two of wd40 will loosen the grip enough to slide it off. Once its off, wash the wd out with soap and water. The grip will go back on and stick like crazy.
I did this with my Vista. I paid 75 cents for it, used on ebay. It did require extensive mods. If I had to pay for my labor, the vista ended up costing about 2 grand. It does work well, though.
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Seems like an odd solution. Why not shoot some compressed air under the grip & pull it outboard a bit?
That's exactly what I did. I guess I thought "rolled back" was just a figure of speech.
BTW, I have tried all sorts of methods over the years of getting grips on and off, but I have a 120lb compressor and it is my most preferred method.