Throttlemeister Update...

[bone crusher]

My thanks to Scotty and I think some time ago Lamonster who recommended the throttlemeister.

I had my Spyder in for maintenance service today and had it installed...it is a very easy install and I could've done it myself...but I'm very busy and figured I'd have the dealership install since I was there anyway.

The throttlemeister, IMHO, is a MUST for anyone who is traveling any distance...a simple partial CCW turn and it holds your throttle wherever you want it.

When first discussing with Scotty, I didn't fully understand how he could 'keep it on all the time'...now I get it...with a little bit of pressure it will hold the throttle so that it won't 'pop' back if you release your grip...meaning, you can rest your right hand during your ride and the bike doesn't dramatically decrease in speed.

As far as the vibration dampening effect, it is quite apparent. If we note the new BRP catalog, there are now handlebar weights that can be installed to help reduce vibration. My advice is to get the throttlemeister as you kill two birds with one stone...it's a really nice product, is easy to install, and functions quite well...

[Roaddog2]

Thinking of letting some of the moths out of my wallet for this one

[Don in E Texas]

I agree, Bone Crusher. That was my first after-market addition to my Spyder... quality product; easy install.

Just got my floorboards yesterday; should be installed soon.

don

[tomwom]

OK,I;m looking into it for my Roadster,thanks .

[bone crusher]

It is truly money well spent...

1. Reduce vibration
2. Mechanical cruise control

I found that on roads where there are no large hills, it works just fine...this means basically any interstate or larger state road...on back roads that are hilly, I wouldn't use it...besides that, it works very well...plus, if you need to adapt at all, just move the throttle a tad...the TM holds it nicely. Keep in mind that a car cruise control you don't use on back roads or hilly roads either...too much of a pain in the butt!

To me, it essentially works like a car cruise control...the TM holds the throttle in place and you can move the throttle a bit either way to hold speed...this is the case with a car cruise if you want to alter your speed (of course you're dealing with buttons though)...to disengage, just turn the TM CW (as you would your throttle) or manually use your throttle...it will hold the throttle wherever you put it, if you leave it engaged.

From a simplistic standpoint (always good for me), it makes the throttle slightly sticky...you can accelerate/decelerate with easy and changing gears is simple as you still control the throttle...it does not lock the throttle...rather, just makes it a bit sticky to move...it appears to be quite safe to use and Harley riders have been using them safely for many years.

IMHO, a must have!

[pitmon]

absolutely love mine, I put it on myself yesterday and tried it out today on a long ride up the Gulf Coast. It works great. I would recommend it to anyone.

[bone crusher]

Yeah, for long rides on 'bigger' roads, it works like a charm...you can really rest your right hand....plus, the reduction in vibration is considerable. Someone pointed out that it's not good for hilly roads and that a mccruise would be better....I disagree...no cruise works well with hilly side roads...

Instead of going with the new BRP handlebar weights (or other ways of weighting down the handlebars), the TM gives you that and a great mechanical cruise function...gread mod., IMHO...

[aubierules]

got to test mine on an hour drive to take the spyder back to the shop....made a huge difference!

[tomwom]

Got mine on order as well, Thanks.

[Capt John]

I ordered mine (heavy) last Tuesday. Looking forward to some longer rides!

[Capt John]

Throttlemeister arrived today. Took 15 min to install. Took an interstate ride to try it out....absolutely love it.

[Firefly]

I love the TM and can't imagine not having it. Looks sharp, works great.

I can't condone leaving it on all the time though - especially in city driving. If you ever get tossed from the bike, you really don't want the throttle to stay on. Safest thing would be a kill-leash or whatever they call them to kill the engine if you get tossed.

Great units, well made, worth every dime.

[bone crusher]

I love the TM and can't imagine not having it. Looks sharp, works great.

I can't condone leaving it on all the time though - especially in city driving. If you ever get tossed from the bike, you really don't want the throttle to stay on. Safest thing would be a kill-leash or whatever they call them to kill the engine if you get tossed.

Great units, well made, worth every dime.

I think it's clear that it's best for highway use...it has no practical function for city/high traffic riding. In high traffic environments, you definitely want the throttle to be able to rebound quickly for optimal control...as I stated on a previous post, I use it in situations like I would a normal cruise control...you wouldn't set a cruise in traffic as it's pointless...so, too, is using the TM in traffic...

However, it's great for long, open road use...and I love how the handlebar vibration is significantly reduced on both hands (for those who don't have one, there is a weight put on the left handlebar to match the one on the right...of course, the right one controls throttle tension).

[NancysToy]

You guys make good points, in that a throttle that does not return by itself is considered unsafe in racing, and for Federal safety standards. The sole purpose in that approach is to prevent a runaway if the rider's hands are removed from the handlebars, usually in a "get-off". I have been riding over 50 years, and all my competition bikes have been equipped with self-closing throttles and usually deadman lanyard switches. It is certainly the safest way to go when racing, and possibly in city traffic.

Motorcycles traditionally were equipped with throttle tension devices which slowed or stopped the throttle action, much like the Throttlemeister or Manic Salamander devices. These were standard equipment until 1972 when the Federal motorcycle safety standards were issued. Those of us brought up in that era are quite used to this action on the street, and are safe and comfortable with it. Maybe that's why you see so many Throttlemeisters on BMWs ridden by a bunch of geezers.

No motorcyclist should rely on the throttle return spring to release the throttle "in a hurry". The spring action is no faster than your hand. A safe rider always practices forcefully closing the throttle by hand. When doing so, a properly adjusted Throttlemeister will not hinder this action in the least, or slow it down. If you do not practice forcefully closing the throttle every single time, I urge you to get the habit.

I do not advocate anyone riding in any way in which they are not comfortable, and that includes riding with the Throttlemeister engaged all the time. It is my choice, and I am quite comfortable with it. Off the race track, incidents from riders losing control and runaway bikes are either few, or non-existent. In that light, I defend my choice of that option. What you do is up to you alone.
-Scotty

[bone crusher]

You guys make good points, in that a throttle that does not return by itself is considered unsafe in racing, and for Federal safety standards. The sole purpose in that approach is to prevent a runaway if the rider's hands are removed from the handlebars, usually in a "get-off". I have been riding over 50 years, and all my competition bikes have been equipped with self-closing throttles and usually deadman lanyard switches. It is certainly the safest way to go when racing, and possibly in city traffic.

Motorcycles traditionally were equipped with throttle tension devices which slowed or stopped the throttle action, much like the Throttlemeister or Manic Salamander devices. These were standard equipment until 1972 when the Federal motorcycle safety standards were issued. Those of us brought up in that era are quite used to this action on the street, and are safe and comfortable with it. Maybe that's why you see so many Throttlemeisters on BMWs ridden by a bunch of geezers.

No motorcyclist should rely on the throttle return spring to release the throttle "in a hurry". The spring action is no faster than your hand. A safe rider always practices forcefully closing the throttle by hand. When doing so, a properly adjusted Throttlemeister will not hinder this action in the least, or slow it down. If you do not practice forcefully closing the throttle every single time, I urge you to get the habit.

I do not advocate anyone riding in any way in which they are not comfortable, and that includes riding with the Throttlemeister engaged all the time. It is my choice, and I am quite comfortable with it. Off the race track, incidents from riders losing control and runaway bikes are either few, or non-existent. In that light, I defend my choice of that option. What you do is up to you alone.
-Scotty

I'm with you 100%...changing gears is like wringing out your laundry and moving the throttle with deliberation is a must...the TM is great and I find it very safe, provided you know how to use a throttle anyway...what people have to understand is that it does not, ever, lock the throttle...just makes it 'sticky' so that you can give your hand a break while on the highway while maintaining the RPMs...this option is worth its weight in gold as when you take your hand off the throttle when traveling at highway speeds, the deceleration is quite unsafe...the TM keeps you moving at highway speeds safely...leaving a little tension on all the time is fine, IMHO...makes for smooth riding as you don't have to keep playing with the throttle...and all the while you still have complete control for city driving.

Scotty, do you think it ever loosens up over time or is the mechanism good to go? I guess you could always turn it a little more, but it'd be nice if there wasn't a wear and tear component to the TM...keeping a standard grip would be nice...

[NancysToy]

Scotty, do you think it ever loosens up over time or is the mechanism good to go? I guess you could always turn it a little more, but it'd be nice if there wasn't a wear and tear component to the TM...keeping a standard grip would be nice...

Properly tightened, a Throttlemeister shouldn't actually loosen. It is possible for it to wear a little, but I think that is minimal, if at all. The one on my BMW RT was installed by the CHP (that ought to tell you something about their safety) so it has been on there nine years...never adjusted in 80,000 miles.

You will find that it is possible for them to get oil or other contaminants in the gap, and begin to slip. A good cleaning usually cures it. I use a plastic safe electrical contact cleaner for this task. They will also change dimensions with the weather, so in the cold they tend to slip back if not adjusted quite snugly. This isn't a problem with my RT, since the heated grips quickly warm things and restore the function, but I noticed Nancy's Spyder would not hold at all when it was near freezing, and even vibrates back a bit on the highway on a 50 degree day. I'll probably adjust it a tad tighter.
-Scotty

[Spyderjuice]

I know you turn the TM to set it, but when you are riding down the highway and want to set it, is it a two hand operation? One hand to hold the throttle and one to turn the TM. Or do you turn it before you start and it just keeps friction on the throttle as you increase speed? I must be missing something here.

Juice

[NancysToy]

I know you turn the TM to set it, but when you are riding down the highway and want to set it, is it a two hand operation? One hand to hold the throttle and one to turn the TM. Or do you turn it before you start and it just keeps friction on the throttle as you increase speed? I must be missing something here.

Juice

You can turn it on before you start if you wish. It does not lock the throttle, only puts tension against it so you have to roll it off with your hand. You can also turn it on with one hand while riding, but it takes a bit of technique. It turns on by twisting in the same direction as adding more throttle, so by sliding your hand outward, you can twist both the TM and the throttle at the same time. If you are not turning the throttle that far, like in already riding down the highway, you can let your hand slip a little on the throttle grip whil your pinkie holds the TM tightly. Sounds complicated, I guess, but it is really quite simple, and most folks get used to it in a big hurry. I think there is a video on the Throttlemeister site.
-Scotty