I like how it's deactivated by the brake lever or thumb button, seems to me to be a safer setup than the twist on, twist off ThrottleMeister bar end lock. I know you can still turn the throttle manually when the ThrottleMeister is engaged, but still in a panic situation it would be better to have it automatically disengage with the brake IMO.
Have read a bunch of comments on other forums, some Sport Touring guys swear by the cheapo VistaCruise or NEP throttle locks, I've tried those on friend's bikes and not what I'm looking for on the FJR.
So I'm torn between the Brakeaway and the ThrottleMeister, about $50 difference in price with the Brakeaway being more expensive. I like how the ThrottleMeister doesn't require relocating the grip while the Brakeway involves moving it out 1/4" or so, but still concerned about overall safety and ease of use.
Got one on my BMW, its OK i'm not in love with the way it is operated but it does function well. Adjustments of speed are just as easy as the break away you saw there. And with emergency stops I don't use except on Interstate so that makes those less necessary anyway, but in the advent that I have to perform one I already have the clutch in and if the motor revs to high heaven for a sec or two i figure that is the least of my worries at that moment. I probably wouldn't have purchased it if it wasn't on the bike, but after having one I would. Plus when a part fell of the BMW hard to believe I know they were easy to get a hold of and would have sent me parts for the ThottleMeiser if it would have been the problem, very knowledgeable and helpful group.
AJ, when you say you're not in love with the way the ThrottleMeister is operated, what exactly do you mean? Is it hard to turn with one hand while operating the throttle as well? I've read that some guys prefer to reach over with their left hand and set it, which doesn't seem perfect to me.
yes that is what i mean it is very challenging to set it to work. I have somewhat mastered holding the throttle steady with 2 fingers pulling (pointing finger and straight finger) on the top of the throttle and twisting the ThrottleMeiser with my thumb and other fingers. Using the opposite hand is very awkward to me , but I've never been really coordinated person.
I have also had the vista criuise on the 9'er and when it held it worked great, but would most of the time lose setting due to vibrations.
they might make the install a little more difficult but i wouldn't think it would matter, but good to point out either way. It might make it less cramped while reaching over with your opposite hand? I have planned on taking my plastic hand guards off for more air into my gloves this summer anyway I will do so and let you know.
I have the throttle meister and love it. I would rebuy ot over and over.
Yes, it takes a little getting used to setting it, but I just set it then adjust my throttle position.
My dad has the other stylon on his troophy. We both hate it for the same reason. It attached to the throttle tube. The grip needs to be trimmed and it leave less room for you hands on then grip. When I ride my fathers bike, the knuckle of my thumb is constantly rubbing against it.
AJ, I just slide my throttle hand out and grab the adjuster. You can move the throttle where you want it when it is locked. I have bever needed my clutch hand to make it work.
AJ, I just slide my throttle hand out and grab the adjuster. You can move the throttle where you want it when it is locked. I have bever needed my clutch hand to make it work.
Never really liked slowing down to set, but It would make it alot easier and probably not slow that much.
Good info guys, I was worried about the space the Brakeaway might take up, but it looks to mount to the inside of the grip and actually move the grip outward by the same distance. The website says it comes with an bar end extender, so I guess the grip slides outward and with it your hand position.
Torn on the ThrottleMeister, good and bad reviews, guess it's a matter of personal taste obviously.
How is it no good? I put them on every bike I've owned for the last 17 years. I've put 16,000 miles on this last one in one year, and it's never run wild or popped loose. My hands go numb easy and I use it every single day. I adjusted it new about July 20,2007 and dripped a drop of white paint on top of the threads to hold the setting. It's not been fooled with since. I used it less than an hour ago and it held, hitting heat bumps, edges of bridges, and rough spots.
You do know that you have to file the ridges off the plastic throttle sleeve, and if you put a small screw thru the V.C. body into the switch gear that the control won't move around. I have absolutely not even one complaint after 17 yrs of using them.
I guess if they had a German name or some chrome on them they'd work alot better.
$200+ for a cruise control setup isn't bad when you factor in that it should last from bike to bike unlike most of the mods we make which are bike specific
__________________
Spoiler:
2004 Yamaha FJR1300
-Mostly stock
2004 Honda 919 Silver - sold
-Pirelli Diablo Strada
-Honda Windscreen
-AFAM 17t front sprocket
-Painted rear hugger
-Garmin Zumo
-HVMP bar end weights (13.5oz)
-Spencer's Seat Mod
-Aftermarket Mirrors with LED indicators built in
-PAIR removed
-Flapper mod
-Stomp tank grip
2007 Honda 919 Red
-Dunlop Roadsmart Tire
-AFAM 17t front sprocket
Scott, did you decide which one to go with? I have a Salamander on the Bandit. It works OK. But it requires more dexterity (like the Throttlemeister) than I'd like during a ride. I'm leaning toward the Brakeaway since they now have one that fits the Bandit.
__________________ 2009 Honda Goldwing Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul.
Scott, did you decide which one to go with? I have a Salamander on the Bandit. It works OK. But it requires more dexterity (like the Throttlemeister) than I'd like during a ride. I'm leaning toward the Brakeaway since they now have one that fits the Bandit.
I haven't ordered anything yet Ken, was still scoping out my options. I was leaning towards the Salamander, how would you compare it to the ThrottleMeister?
I haven't ordered anything yet Ken, was still scoping out my options. I was leaning towards the Salamander, how would you compare it to the ThrottleMeister?
It's about the same thing -- equal craftmanship, weight, and function. It only wins due to price. But the owner is a pleasure to deal with.
__________________ 2009 Honda Goldwing Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul.
I like the brakeaway system... easy to use, clean, looks nice, I think that's what I'd go fer
The Vista Cruise is similar but it looks / feels cheap. For something like this -- that controls a vital function of the bike -- I'd opt for the better one like the BrakeAway.
I have a couple of long solo long rides coming up -- New Hampshire and Pennsylvania -- that I'm eying the Bandit over the Wing for. I think I'm going to order the BrakeAway. Their customer service -- in reply to my pre-sales inquiries -- have been outstanding. It's a bit pricey for what it is, but it seems to be a really nice little unit.
__________________ 2009 Honda Goldwing Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul.
I have the Brake-away on my VTX 1800 and I love it. I am not a mechanic so I had the Honda Shop install it for me. It is extremely easy to set with your throttle hand and requires no awkward movements. It is just as easy to release with the throttle hand but additionally it releases automatically when you apply the front brake. The part I really like is that it holds speed with no more than 1 or 2 mph fluctuation. There is no residual tension when the device is released. I would have put one on my 919 only they don't make one for it. Initially I got a Vista Cruise for my 919 and I hate it! I know some like it and have good luck but this was not my experience. My Vista Cruise slips requiring constant adjustment. Increasing the tension so that it holds speed even for a short time places residual tension after you release the lock. That makes for a very sticky throttle and is very annoying. It also requires a weird manuver to set if trying to use only your throttle hand. I recently purchased a throttlemeister for 919 to replace the vista. My first choice would be the break-away hands down, if it were available for your model of bike.
The idea of it being better in a panic really holds no truth to me. If you grab a fistful of brake in a hurry, your holding the throttle exactly where it is, whether its locked or not.
I see this thread got revived. I've swapped FJR's and purchased a Throttlemeister in the meantime. Haven't had a lot of opportunity to use the Throttlemeister yet, but perfectly happy with it so far.
I am about to put my Throttlmeister on my 919 yet but I can't wait to get that ^%#%% Vista Cruise off of there. Does the Throttlemeister hold speed and is their any residual tension after you release the device?
I am about to put my Throttlmeister on my 919 yet but I can't wait to get that ^%#%% Vista Cruise off of there. Does the Throttlemeister hold speed and is their any residual tension after you release the device?
Throttlemeister works great. Holds throttle solid, but can still turn it closed if you freak out. When it's adjusted right there is no tension on the throttle, it should snap closed normally.
Like any manual lock type device, it works best on long flat stretches of road. You will lose speed going up hills and gain going down, but that's to be expected and easy to twist it open or closed a bit to compensate.
Sbeau, I'm with you on getting a nice looking and long lasting cruise control on a bike like the FJR, to match the rest of the quality. It should have cruise from the factory.
That said, I'd like to report that as of this morning with 27,000 miles on my Vista Cruise, I used it today at least 3 times and it's still kicking.
About 500 miles ago, I did touch up the flat that holds the throttle sleeve in locked position. The flat had began to round off and a bump would pop it to release. About 5 strokes with a flat file and the shoulder was restoerd.
I have definately got my $18 worth and Aurthor Riders agrees also.
Again, the key to it working right is the tiny pan head metal screw that holds the V.C. body snug against the plastic switch gear box, so the V.C. can't move around. You can see my pics farther back in these same posts.
I now have 41,300 miles on my Vista Cruise,(Hornet) and have not adjusted it since 26,000 miles. It still holds fast.
I have 47,500 miles on my ThrottleMeister. (BMW) I have cleaned and adjusted it about 3 times. It also works very well.
Between the two, the Vista C. is 3Xs faster setting and releasing then the ThrottleMeister. The T.M. is a bit prettier with it's polished SS body with red rings. Bang for the Buck, the Vista is way ahead.
I have planned on taking my plastic hand guards off for more air into my gloves this summer anyway I will do so and let you know.
I like the brakeaway system... easy to use, clean, looks nice, I think that's what I'd go fer
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