Throttle Lock Workaround

[Dickf]

I hesitate to post this, as a previous post using the same setup on my Honda generated less than the enthusiastic response I expected. Oh, well. At any rate I do not like throttle return springs. Never have, never will. When I release the grip I want the throttle to stay put. I have used throttle locks in the past, but don't like having to continually flick them on and off, or over-ride them with force. I lot of posts cover the problem of the heavy return spring and the return cable slack on the FJR. My idea is to oppose the return spring with an "on" spring. One spring should just about balance the other at idle, with the return spring becoming more forceful as the throttle is opened. There is enough friction in the system so that, in my current setup, the throttle stays put up to an estimated 100 mph (estimated, because I am still in the break-in period - 600 miles). I elected to leave the heavy return spring in its stock (wound) position and oppose it with a heavy "on" spring. This creates a bit more friction than I would like (no more than the stock setup, though). If I unwound the center return spring and use a lighter "on" spring, the throttle would probably lighten up (be easier to turn). I see this setup as no more or less dangerous than a cruise control. By the way, if you roll the throttle off and then release it, the "on" spring removes the slack between the return cable and the open cable. Anhyoo, pictures follow:

https://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e174/dickf/Grip-1.jpg

https://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e174/dickf/Grip-2.jpg

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[flyinlow]

So am I to assume that you also make this modification to your car/truck as well, because you said you don't like throttle return springs?

The difference with a throttle lock is that you have the choice of having it on or off. With the way you have it set up, there is no choice, the throttle will not return and will always work this way no matter what.

Don't know if you ever let anyone ride your bike, but if you do please let them know about the throttle.

 

[GunMD]

Seems that with a setup like that you might just need one of these:

 

[Shane]

Enthusiastic response following:

:clapping: :clapping:

It's really great that you've done such a nice piece of design work that addresses your contempt for throttle return springs, and that is completely reversible.

Nice job!

Shane

 

[Dickf]

Actaully in the good ole' days, a very improtant newbe briefing item was which way to turn off the throttle. Harleys were like that, and it was the Brit bikes that had return springs. For an even slightly experienced rider is it never a problem to know how to roll off the throttle, any more than it is a question of which hand and foot to use for braking. In this day and age we have 5,000 pound vehicles equipped with cruise control being driven by old boys like myself, likely to have the Big One at any moment. I think the lack of throttle return springs on motorcycles is a non-issue, from a safety standpoint.

 

[GunMD]

In this day and age we have 5,000 pound vehicles equipped with cruise control being driven by old boys like myself, likely to have the Big One at any moment.

Good point...which, by the way, doesn't make me feel better about riding near those monster SUV's.