Vista Cruise not locking, mold problem

[HaulinAshe]

A few weeks ago someone asked me for a recommendation on a basic throttle lock. I recommended the Vista Cruise (modified of course to fit the FJR) since that's what I've been using on my FJRs for three years. When I attempted to purchase one locally for him, the local dealership gave me a BS line about "cheap plastic", "quality control issues", and of course steered me toward the $300 metal unit they "now sell". Right!!!...

Two units were purchased via online and they came with a small portion of crow included. I had problems with both units not locking properly. They want to "flip off" easily, especially when cold.

Being somewhat familiar with the molding process of that type plastic (years of RC helicopters), it appeared to me that the mold/die had become worn and was producing some rounded corners that should instead be sharp 90s.

So I took it upon myself to email the manufacturer via their web site to ask. Nice folks!!! They answered me promptly within a day or two, and actually followed up to confirm there is a problem and they are in the process of getting it fixed. New units should be shipping in a couple weeks.

I don't mind "cheap plastic" when it comes with damn good customer support.

 

[Ignacio]

Interesting. I had accumulated 90,000+ miles on mine and it wouldn't hold anymore....slipping within a few seconds. It was rounded off and seemed like the plastic was thicker on the corner like it had deformed a little. I chalked it up to being the best $25 I ever spent and bought a fresh one last summer. This one has 20K on it and still seems to be holding speed well. If I get another 70K out of it I figure I'm still ahead from the $300 units.

 

[HaulinAshe]

...If I get another 70K out of it I figure I'm still ahead from the $300 units.

Exactly!

If they replace my defective units, I'll have $25 and two emails invested. Hell, the largest investment was the time to post this thread.

 

[Go Far]

I'm in the mid 70's on mine and keep a screwdriver handy to keep the tension snug. I do think it's wearing out. It is a great design- love the thumb flip to disengage.

 

[FJReady]

I just put my second Vista-Cruise on. Figured I wore out the first one (about 58,000 mi.) Symptoms as noted: just didn't hold like it did when new. The new one put the world back in order.

 

[fastpappy]

Does the VC work with factory heated grips and if not can it be modified ?? :huh:

 

[LDRydr]

Being somewhat familiar with the molding process of that type plastic (years of RC helicopters), it appeared to me that the mold/die had become worn and was producing some rounded corners that should instead be sharp 90s.

Man, I'm glad that's all it was. For a minute there I thought you had mold growing on it, and I was wondering what they were adding to the plastic.

 

[RadioHowie]

Had the exact same "slipping off" problem with the 8 year old VC I transplanted from my ZRX when I put a Throttlemeister on the Kaw.

After about 3 years on the Feej, it wouldn't hold anymore. The "cam' area had rounded off from use. Took one of "mom's" steak knifes too it, undercut the corner and squared it off a touch.

All is golden now. Should be good for anothe couple of years before another "adjustment".

 

[gizmo from ma]

Just received my AC and trying to fit it to an 08' the grip hilts are to big dose any one have recommendation on what grips would work. thanks

 

[builderwill]

I installed a VC and just could not get it adjusted right. I used the bracket that came with it and trimmed/slotted the tab. It fit perfect and sitting with the engine off, it seemed to work okay--very small window between tight enough to hold throttle open when engaged but not too tight tight to let throttle return freely when disengaged. With engine running the throttle would slowly slip back to idle or the thumb lever would slowly pop back open.

Bought the NEP lock, installed it in 5 minutes using a zip tie with no cutting/grinding/drilling and works perfect. Doesn't look near as good as the VC, but works great.

tested it at 80 mph for about 5 miles(much longer than I plan on using it at one time) and worked perfect with no slippage. Disengaged there is no friction on throttle tube at all. Wish I would have tried this one first. I've heard great things about the VC, but just could not get it adjusted to work for me.

 

[fastpappy]

NEP?? More info please. :huh: