Cruise Control ~ need guidance on attaching servo cable to throttle pulley

[twoseas]

Hi all,

I'm installing an electronic cruise control that is a Rostra unit ( replacement for Audiovox unit ) on a 09 SE5. I attempted to use the supplied loop cable to piggy back it to the throttle cable but the the throttle cable barrel slides into a recess and it will not allow the loop cable to fit.

I've seen a few pics posted on here showing one installation where the pulley was drilled and riveted. Another pic showed the servo cable attached to a lever beyond the throttle cable pulley but my throttle body does not resemble that picture.

So if anyone has some guidance and/or pictures that you can offer, it would be much appreciated.

You can reply here or PM me.

Thanks in advance,

Ray

[Lamonster]

This is where I hooked mine.

[twoseas]

Lamonster,

Thanks for the reply. Can I pry that plastic lever off without dissasembling further ? It appears that your loop cable is shorter than mine. My bead chain connector ends up flush with the bracket that holds both the throttle and return cable.

Thanks,

Ray

This is where I hooked mine.

[Lamonster]

Yes you can pop that off. I had to custom make the size loop I wanted.

[twoseas]

Yes you can pop that off. I had to custom make the size loop I wanted.

Okay Thanks !!!!

[BajaRon]

Be sure there is VERY LITTLE PLAY or Slack in the throttle cable. I left about 1/4" of slack in the plastic sheath (going from the servo to the threaded adjustment part that mounts to the throttle assembly). I had some issues with engagement and holding steady speeds. I took virtually all the slack out of the cable and it solved all my problems.

You do want just a bit of slack because you want the throttle plates to return to their stop without restriction, but that's about it.

[wngrr]

Lamonster,<br>
<br>
Thanks for the reply. Can I pry that plastic lever off without dissasembling further ? It appears that your loop cable is shorter than mine. My bead chain connector ends up flush with the bracket that holds both the throttle and return cable.<br>
<br>
Thanks,<br>
<br>
Ray

<br>
<br>
I did mine a little different. I hooked the cable to the other end of the bell crank. I used the ball on the throttle body arm instead of the ball on the throttle and then used the bolt that holds the factory throttle cables in their bracket for mounting my cruise cable holder. I had to loosen the bolt that holds the throttle body arm to get enough slack to ge the bell crank off and then back on. Just make sure you dont take the nut all the way off if you choose to go this route.. Basically the only difference is mine pulls from the bottom at a slight up angle and Lamonster's pulls from the top. Many different ways to skin a cat. I chose the way I did because I thought it gave me a really good place to mount the bracket to hold the cruise cable. I also think that bajaron makes a good point about the slack in the cable. I used three balls from the supplied chain to get my slack. I'll try to post a picture later tonight.<br>
<br>
I should also add, I've done my share of installing this cruise but this install was by far the fastest yet. I owe that to this forum and for that I say "Thank You"<br>
<br>
David

[twoseas]

Be sure there is VERY LITTLE PLAY or Slack in the throttle cable. I left about 1/4" of slack in the plastic sheath (going from the servo to the threaded adjustment part that mounts to the throttle assembly). I had some issues with engagement and holding steady speeds. I took virtually all the slack out of the cable and it solved all my problems.

You do want just a bit of slack because you want the throttle plates to return to their stop without restriction, but that's about it.

BajaRon,

Thanks for your input about the slack in the servo cable. I have a question regarding this cable slack. I mocked up the cable loop to the ball where Lamonster installed his setup and placed a bead connector between the loop cable and the servo cable. I then held the servo sleeve in my hand making sure I held it straight in line with the loop cable and worked the throttle via the handlebar grip and the servo cable doesn't really retract smoothly back into the sleeve. The cable tends to droop some before it retracts back into the sleeve. I believe this is because the loop cable is of a smaller diameter than the servo cable and therefore not as stiff as the servo cable.

This leads to another question, if you're rolling down the road doing 60 mph and you set the cruise control doesn't this slack/droop in the cable make the setting of the speed somewhat of a jerky reaction ?

For what its worth, the Rostra tech support told me that I didn't necesarily have to use beads between the servo and loop cable.

Thanks,

Ray

[twoseas]

<br>
<br>
I did mine a little different. I hooked the cable to the other end of the bell crank. I used the ball on the throttle body arm instead of the ball on the throttle and then used the bolt that holds the factory throttle cables in their bracket for mounting my cruise cable holder. I had to loosen the bolt that holds the throttle body arm to get enough slack to ge the bell crank off and then back on. Just make sure you dont take the nut all the way off if you choose to go this route.. Basically the only difference is mine pulls from the bottom at a slight up angle and Lamonster's pulls from the top. Many different ways to skin a cat. I chose the way I did because I thought it gave me a really good place to mount the bracket to hold the cruise cable. I also think that bajaron makes a good point about the slack in the cable. I used three balls from the supplied chain to get my slack. I'll try to post a picture later tonight.<br>
<br>
I should also add, I've done my share of installing this cruise but this install was by far the fastest yet. I owe that to this forum and for that I say "Thank You"<br>
<br>
David

David,

Thanks for your reply. I'm still working on finding a happy medium for installing the servo cable and the mounting bracket. If you read my reply to BajaRon, I was told by the Rostra tech support that I didn't necesarily need to use the beads to provide the slack in the cable.

Correct if I'm wrong, but this is what I envision as a proper installation. With the throttle wide open, locate the furthest travel of the bead chain connector. Install servo sleeve bracket where the bead chain connector comes close (@ 1/4") to the servo cable sleeve but will not make contact as to not restrict wide open throttle because that would be the maximum travel of the servo cable. And per everyones advice provide a little slack in the servo cable by moving the sleeve closer to the throttle.

Am I on the right track ?

Thanks,

Ray

[BajaRon]

BajaRon,

Thanks for your input about the slack in the servo cable. I have a question regarding this cable slack. I mocked up the cable loop to the ball where Lamonster installed his setup and placed a bead connector between the loop cable and the servo cable. I then held the servo sleeve in my hand making sure I held it straight in line with the loop cable and worked the throttle via the handlebar grip and the servo cable doesn't really retract smoothly back into the sleeve. The cable tends to droop some before it retracts back into the sleeve. I believe this is because the loop cable is of a smaller diameter than the servo cable and therefore not as stiff as the servo cable.

This leads to another question, if you're rolling down the road doing 60 mph and you set the cruise control doesn't this slack/droop in the cable make the setting of the speed somewhat of a jerky reaction ?

For what its worth, the Rostra tech support told me that I didn't necesarily have to use beads between the servo and loop cable.

Thanks,

Ray

I didn't use any beads for my install. Really, all you're looking for is a clean, straight, unobstructed path for the cable and a good connection point to the throttle. As long as the cable is the correct length and it works without binding or hanging up on anything it really doesn't matter how you achieve it.

[BajaRon]

David,

Thanks for your reply. I'm still working on finding a happy medium for installing the servo cable and the mounting bracket. If you read my reply to BajaRon, I was told by the Rostra tech support that I didn't necesarily need to use the beads to provide the slack in the cable.

Correct if I'm wrong, but this is what I envision as a proper installation. With the throttle wide open, locate the furthest travel of the bead chain connector. Install servo sleeve bracket where the bead chain connector comes close (@ 1/4") to the servo cable sleeve but will not make contact as to not restrict wide open throttle because that would be the maximum travel of the servo cable. And per everyones advice provide a little slack in the servo cable by moving the sleeve closer to the throttle.

Am I on the right track ?

Thanks,

Ray

I am doubtful that the cruise control will ever get close to wide open throttle. Still, it's probably a good idea to make sure the cable is free to go that far just to be on the safe side.

[wngrr]

David,

Thanks for your reply. I'm still working on finding a happy medium for installing the servo cable and the mounting bracket. If you read my reply to BajaRon, I was told by the Rostra tech support that I didn't necesarily need to use the beads to provide the slack in the cable.

Correct if I'm wrong, but this is what I envision as a proper installation. With the throttle wide open, locate the furthest travel of the bead chain connector. Install servo sleeve bracket where the bead chain connector comes close (@ 1/4") to the servo cable sleeve but will not make contact as to not restrict wide open throttle because that would be the maximum travel of the servo cable. And per everyones advice provide a little slack in the servo cable by moving the sleeve closer to the throttle.

Am I on the right track ?

Thanks,

Ray

Ray, I have seen this done many different ways, lots of slack, a little slack... I don't like lots of slack due to the risk of the chain getting hung up although I can show you several installs that work great that way. I my opinion, what's important is that you don't run out of travel in the servo. I use the balls so my connection to the throttle has some room to move without trying to push the servo cable back into the servo.

[BajaRon]

Ray, I have seen this done many different ways, lots of slack, a little slack... I don't like lots of slack due to the risk of the chain getting hung up although I can show you several installs that work great that way. I my opinion, what's important is that you don't run out of travel in the servo. I use the balls so my connection to the throttle has some room to move without trying to push the servo cable back into the servo.

The amount of slack in the cable at closed throttle didn't seem to make any difference in the vacuum cruise controls I installed. That's why I didn't pay that much attention to it with my Electric Servo unit. But it sure made all the difference in the world with that one. Not really sure why that is because you've got the throttle open when you engage the cruise control and that means a fair amount of slack that has to be dealt with initially. All I can say is it made a big difference.

[twoseas]

I didn't use any beads for my install. Really, all you're looking for is a clean, straight, unobstructed path for the cable and a good connection point to the throttle. As long as the cable is the correct length and it works without binding or hanging up on anything it really doesn't matter how you achieve it.

Ray, I have seen this done many different ways, lots of slack, a little slack... I don't like lots of slack due to the risk of the chain getting hung up although I can show you several installs that work great that way. I my opinion, what's important is that you don't run out of travel in the servo. I use the balls so my connection to the throttle has some room to move without trying to push the servo cable back into the servo.

BajaRon/David,

Thanks for all your help so far ! I've been dwelling over the whole slack cable thing and where to make the connection from the servo cable to the throttle. Because of you input and Lamonster's I now have the confidence and options to proceed with the installation and for that I thank you.

I may have to pick your brain some more when I get to hooking up the wires.

Thanks again,

Ray

[BajaRon]

BajaRon/David,

Thanks for all your help so far ! I've been dwelling over the whole slack cable thing and where to make the connection from the servo cable to the throttle. Because of you input and Lamonster's I now have the confidence and options to proceed with the installation and for that I thank you.

I may have to pick your brain some more when I get to hooking up the wires.

Thanks again,

Ray

I played around with a few different connection points (which then dictate your mounting point for the cable bracket) before settling on the location in Lamont's photo. That one seemed to work best for me. But it also depends on how you configure the terminal cable connection (which I modified for my connection).

Once you get in there you'll be able to see better what needs to be done. Then it is simply a matter of hooking it all up. You'll be very glad you did. I use my cruise control all the time and love it.

[wngrr]

BajaRon/David,

Thanks for all your help so far ! I've been dwelling over the whole slack cable thing and where to make the connection from the servo cable to the throttle. Because of you input and Lamonster's I now have the confidence and options to proceed with the installation and for that I thank you.

I may have to pick your brain some more when I get to hooking up the wires.

Thanks again,

Ray

Ray, I'm sure all will go well and you will be using the cruise in no time. I'm glad to add what little I can to the expert advise already available on this forum. The first time I installed the CCS-100, on a 1999 Valk Interstate, I remember wandering if it was going to be worth all of the trouble. Not long after it was installed I rode from Asheville, NC to Ardmore, Ok with only stops for food, gas and a couple of rest stops, 1030 miles.... I've been sold on them from that time on...

If I can do anything else just let me know.
David

[DLE]

Attempting to install a rostra electronic cruise control on my 2009 SE5 Spyder. Where did you mount the module?
Thanks, Dennis

[twoseas]

Attempting to install a rostra electronic cruise control on my 2009 SE5 Spyder. Where did you mount the module?
Thanks, Dennis

Here's are some pics of the servo install. I took lots of pictures let me know if you need anything else.

Ray

DSC00023.jpgDSC00025.jpgDSC00026.jpg

[DLE]

Your photos helped a ton. How and to what did you anchor your cable? I am attempting to find or make a different cale loop attachment as the one I was sent does appear to be too long. Again, thanks for your assistance. It is very much appreciated.

[DLE]

Should have been cable loop, instead of cale loop.

[twoseas]

Your photos helped a ton. How and to what did you anchor your cable? I am attempting to find or make a different cale loop attachment as the one I was sent does appear to be too long. Again, thanks for your assistance. It is very much appreciated.

I believe this is what you were asking me. I had to remove the throttle linkage and drill it and then attach the "gizmo" that came with the kit. i then attached the end of servo cable to this with no bead chains in between. If you drill the throttle linkage make sure you drill close to the edge to give the "gizmo" room to move up and down so it doesn't bind up.

Let me know I misunderstood and you are looking for something else.


Ray

[DLE]

I believe this is what you were asking me. I had to remove the throttle linkage and drill it and then attach the "gizmo" that came with the kit. i then attached the end of servo cable to this with no bead chains in between. If you drill the throttle linkage make sure you drill close to the edge to give the "gizmo" room to move up and down so it doesn't bind up.

Let me know I misunderstood and you are looking for something else.


Ray

Ray, thanks for your response. I made a custom cable loop and popped the plastic arm off and put the loop there. The original loop was too long.
What I was inquiring about was where and how you anchored the end of the cruise control cable from the cruise control unit, so when you set your cruise control, the cable doesn't move. Thanks again.

[twoseas]

Ray, thanks for your response. I made a custom cable loop and popped the plastic arm off and put the loop there. The original loop was too long.
What I was inquiring about was where and how you anchored the end of the cruise control cable from the cruise control unit, so when you set your cruise control, the cable doesn't move. Thanks again.

Okay got you...because of the location (throttle linkage) where I mounted the bead chain connector, I ran the servo cable inside of the plastic block that holds the throttle and return cables and secured it with zip ties. Initially I had only 1 zip tie but because of the pulling of the servo cable when engaged, the black sleeve for the servo cable would creep on me and it was cracking open the throttle body giving me a high idle at rest. I added a second zip tie (sorry no picture) and criss crossed around the servo cable and secured it to where it was forcing the cable towards the throttle body. I've been trouble free since adding the second zip tie.

Ensure that you insert a little play in the servo cable when you do your final anchoring.

Hope this helps.

Ray

[DLE]

Okay got you...because of the location (throttle linkage) where I mounted the bead chain connector, I ran the servo cable inside of the plastic block that holds the throttle and return cables and secured it with zip ties. Initially I had only 1 zip tie but because of the pulling of the servo cable when engaged, the black sleeve for the servo cable would creep on me and it was cracking open the throttle body giving me a high idle at rest. I added a second zip tie (sorry no picture) and criss crossed around the servo cable and secured it to where it was forcing the cable towards the throttle body. I've been trouble free since adding the second zip tie.

Ensure that you insert a little play in the servo cable when you do your final anchoring.

Hope this helps.

Ray

Ray, thanks for the pictures. Finally got it installed. What switch settings did you use. When I set my cruise, I need to let my speed drop about 5 mph before the control engages. Is this normal?
Also, if I set it at about 45mph it surges quite badly, but anything above that is ok.
My switch settings are #1,2 3, = on, #4,5,6,7, = off, #8,9, =on, #10,11,12, = off.
I'm wondering about switch 11, I have the SE 5, but is it considered an automatic, or manual.
Again, thank you very much for your help.

[twoseas]

Ray, thanks for the pictures. Finally got it installed. What switch settings did you use. When I set my cruise, I need to let my speed drop about 5 mph before the control engages. Is this normal?
Also, if I set it at about 45mph it surges quite badly, but anything above that is ok.
My switch settings are #1,2 3, = on, #4,5,6,7, = off, #8,9, =on, #10,11,12, = off.
I'm wondering about switch 11, I have the SE 5, but is it considered an automatic, or manual.
Again, thank you very much for your help.

My switch settings are the same with the exception of #11; I have mine set to on.

I did notice the same as in your situation, the bike will surge when the speed is set lower than around 50 MPH. This works out fine because the cruise is only used when cruising at speeds of 55 - 65 mph.

I haven't noticed the speed dropping 5 mph before it engages. When set at speeds above 50, it stays at the set speed with no fluctuations. It could be that the #11 dip switch setting needs to be set to "on" or maybe your trying to engage at to low of a speed.

Let me know how it turns out.

Ray