Horizontal Play in Throttle

[FightOrFlight]

I searched the forum and tried a google forum-specific search and came up with plenty on throttle cable slack - not what I'm curious about. My new '08 seems fine on cable tension. What I want to know is how much horizontal play the throttle grip should have. I don't recall my last bike having any. Before I install Throttlemeister, I want to know if it is something I need to address (fix) or is it normal? I'd say there is 1/4" to 1/2" of play (haven't measured yet).

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Solo]

The throttle tube is not a tight fit in its casement, so some horizontal slop is normal. One could get rid of it by pulling out on the throttle tube while pushing the grip further up the tube. But if you aren't careful, the grip might bind on the throttle tube casement. As is, there is no issue with the throttlemeister because when you adjust it when fitting it, it will push the throttle tube all the way into the casement where the tube ramp will be pressed against the inside of the casement. If you pushed the grip all the way on, as discussed early, you would have an issue because the throttlemeister would be unable to push the throttle tube ramp up against the inside of the casement, all it would do is push the grip against the casement, giving you a rubberery engagement of the throttlemeister.

 

[Rondo777]

1/4 to 1/2 inch doesnt sound right at all. That seems like an awful lot. I've really never noticed any play in previous bikes that I've owned and the Fej maybe as much as 1/16 but probably even less, I didnt measure but it barely moves.

 

[FightOrFlight]

Thanks to both of you - that is good input. Rondo, you are most certainly correct about the measurement. I'll take a closer look when I get home. You and solo both verified that some play / slop is normal. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't incorrectly installed and I don't particularly like the feeling - seems like one more variable not helping the sensitive on/off power issue.

I'll post back if it's more than a 1/4".

Thanks, again, for the quick replies and information.

 

[Solo]

I'll roger Rondo on the amount of slop. My answer assumed it wasn't really as much as stated. Any more than 1/8" to 3/16" or so and I'd be taking a look at it.

 

[Rondo777]

The throttle tube is not a tight fit in its casement, so some horizontal slop is normal. One could get rid of it by pulling out on the throttle tube while pushing the grip further up the tube. But if you aren't careful, the grip might bind on the throttle tube casement. As is, there is no issue with the throttlemeister because when you adjust it when fitting it, it will push the throttle tube all the way into the casement where the tube ramp will be pressed against the inside of the casement. If you pushed the grip all the way on, as discussed early, you would have an issue because the throttlemeister would be unable to push the throttle tube ramp up against the inside of the casement, all it would do is push the grip against the casement, giving you a rubberery engagement of the throttlemeister.

I didnt even catch that, Solo is right, with that much play the TM would not work at all. By the way, I do have a TM installed as well and the less slop tou have in there the better for the TM

 

[Solo]

Okay, I'm having to reach back in my memory aways, which is always dangerous. :dribble: But if I recall the throttlemeister install on my VFR years ago, the throttlemeister presses the throttle tube ramp up against the inside of the casement. Am I right? When installing I think you actually mount the lock so that it takes up the slack, i.e., even when disengaged it will be pressing the throttle tube further into the casement. It can do this because the throttle tube is a tad longer than the handlebar. You just install it so that it doesn't press the throttle tube all the way into the casement. What you end up with is less slop and a fine adjustment when you engage it so that it presses the throttle tube the rest of the way into the casement so that it binds. So it will work with some slop. Is my memory correct?

 

[FightOrFlight]

Well, I don't know about your memory, but I'm guessing (based on your knowledge) that's it pretty damn good! I've never installed a TM. Last bike had electronic cc and two prior were "pre-owned" and came with TM already installed. If I follow what you are saying, then I can take up almost all of the play when I install the TM. I'm assuming it's an easy install. I'm comfortable with electrical and plumbing around the house, but starting to wrench a bike with 300 miles on it is a little intimidating to me. :dribble:

BTW, I'm about half way between the two of you. You could always swing by for a look! I'll stock the fridge with my new favorite beer, Ommegang Witte. C'mon, you like to ride!

But seriously folks... I might also swing by the dealer and have a tech take a look. Again, I really appreciate the solid input and patience with people (me) who aren't necessarily as wrench-handy as wed like to be.

 

[Solo]

If I follow what you are saying, then I can take up almost all of the play when I install the TM. I'm assuming it's an easy install. I'm comfortable with electrical and plumbing around the house, but starting to wrench a bike with 300 miles on it is a little intimidating to me. :dribble:

Yes, you will take up the slack during the install. (Assuming it is normal slop.) It is an easy install, but will take some adjusting to get it "just so".

 

[Rondo777]

Okay, I'm having to reach back in my memory aways, which is always dangerous. :dribble: But if I recall the throttlemeister install on my VFR years ago, the throttlemeister presses the throttle tube ramp up against the inside of the casement. Am I right? When installing I think you actually mount the lock so that it takes up the slack, i.e., even when disengaged it will be pressing the throttle tube further into the casement. It can do this because the throttle tube is a tad longer than the handlebar. You just install it so that it doesn't press the throttle tube all the way into the casement. What you end up with is less slop and a fine adjustment when you engage it so that it presses the throttle tube the rest of the way into the casement so that it binds. So it will work with some slop. Is my memory correct?

Yes, thats how it works. When you turn the TM to lock the throttle a brass fitting presses against the throttle tube and forces it against the casement. The thing is that brass fitting only come out 1/8 of an inch or so. If you had any more slop than that th TM would do nothing. I think we should tke him up on the invite, any excuse for a bike ride!

 

[FightOrFlight]

Alright gentlemen, let the chuckling begin. Survey says ... 1/16th inch play. That's almost the same as 1/2", right? :blink:

You guys were spot on. Got the TM today, but I'll probably wait until Saturday morning to install. I'll see if I can reduce it to 1/32. And you guys thought I was bad at math.

Thanks for the sage advice and the offer still stands - anytime you are passing through the state of Misery err...Missouri.

 

[Solo]

There really isn't any way to reduce the play. What you have is what you have--other than to slide the grip up the tube so the grip removes the slop. If you do this the throttlemeister won't work because it won't be able to force the tube up against the casement, it will only force the grip up against the casement. I think once you get the Throttlemeister on your slop will disappear. As I remember, you slide the Throttlemeister in or out of the handlebar thereby adjusting the free play so you have so little left that a turn of the lock will remove the remainder. My advice, given you have standard free play, is not to worry about it and see if it doesn't disappear when you adjust your Throttlemeister. (And let's hope ScooterG doesn't see this thread and go off on a rant about Throttlemeisters!)

 

[FightOrFlight]

Yeah!!! Just finished installing the TM (couldn't wait until Saturday after starting this thread!). It was a solid install and completely and perfectly eliminated the slop. The TM action is totally smooth with a free throttle when off and a held throttle when on.

Always nice when something works like it's supposed to! Thanks to you both for your guidance and patience. Looks like a happy ending.

Chilly Ommegang Wittes for you both (or Willamette Valley Pinot Noir? Balvenie 21 y/o Scotch? Kaldi's coffee?).

 

[Solo]

It's the beer for me! Glad to hear your install went well and the free play disappeared. Now, go ride!