Intro to the board and also what throttle lock to get?

[zimm]

I finally found an active R1200S forum! I'm so excited. I just purchased my R1200S last week and I'm still doing the break in miles. I love it so far.

I started on a '88 Honda GT650 hawk, then I had a new '98 Honda Superhawk 996 V-twin until this week, now the new R1200S in silver, Ohlins shocks, 190, grips, and the exhaust is on order.

I'm looking forward to learning about the bike here on the forums.

First mod- what throttle lock should I get? I had a throttle meister on my 'hawk, but I saw a reference to a model that matches the BMW better- but I can't remember what it was.

[ckcarr]

Welcome to the board! This is the biggest and best r1100s / r1200s board on the web.

You might get a quicker response however if you ask one of the following questions:

1. What oil should I use?
2. When can I change to synthetic oil?
3. What are the best spark plugs?
4. How do I remove that ugly black thing in the back?
5. What tires should I buy?
6. What is the best exhaust system for a 10 hp gain?
7. ... and on and on...

[Bob Hancock]

Welcome aboard zimm....and don't mind ck....I think the heats been gettin' to him.
I have Throttlemeisters on my bikes. There's another pretty good lock called Bob's Wrist Rest which I had on an R12GS. I didn't like it as well as the TM mostly because it turns a different way to lock and unlock, and I think the TM is more intuitive for lock management....at least for me.

[zimm]

Thanks for the replies.

I did find the lock I was looking for: http://www.adventurersworkshop.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?

They said it fits the R1200S, I'll give it a shot.

[Rixster]

Originally posted by ckcarr
Welcome to the board! This is the biggest and best r1100s / r1200s board on the web.

You might get a quicker response however if you ask one of the following questions:

1. What oil should I use?
2. When can I change to synthetic oil?
3. What are the best spark plugs?
4. How do I remove that ugly black thing in the back?
5. What tires should I buy?
6. What is the best exhaust system for a 10 hp gain?
7. ... and on and on...

Let's start with #4, the classic "tail chop" I just got my plate in the mail and can't stand all that BMW bracketry

[signit98]

...no, no, no... Rixter... I believe Craig was talking/writing about THE Cannister... Tail Chop would be downright blasphemic

[Rixster]

Originally posted by signit98
...no, no, no... Rixter... I believe Craig was talking/writing about THE Cannister... Tail Chop would be downright blasphemic

I'm doing all I can to stay back with the sawzall
I have an Akrapovic system coming this week and I think I'll do it all at once
It may be blasphemy to some....

[mn2007]

Anyone know who makes the throttle lock that looks like a switch that you press down (is located by your thumb vs. bar end). Thanks,
m

[zimm]

Like this?

http://www.klr650.marknet.us/vistacruise.html

[Peter Parts]

Apropos the discussion of how often the stock ECU closed-loop kicks in (it doesn't kick in at any time you are moving the throttle and for X seconds after), I've been watching my right hand. Except for dull, flat, and traffic-free stretches of road, I adjust/trim the throttle every few seconds.

Maybe I am easier about trimming the throttle more because I have a light and fluid throttle aided by a counter-force spring wound on the bar-end weight - it also allows me to "dial-in" throttle settings more precisely and faster too. I also have enlarged the grip diameter with rubberized cork bicycle handlebar tape - which brings it to a proper ergonomic diameter (wake up you motorcycle manufacturers). You can attend to your accelerator foot in the car and see almost as much movement.

So, given that we fuss with the throttle a whole lot, makes sense to make it work with less strain. There are various ways to do it.

1. You sure don't want to add any friction, as with a ThrottleMeister, because that is anti-ergonomic.

2. And likewise, a coercive lock is an even stranger idea.

3. Reducing the strength of the butterfly springs is unsafe.

4. Adding leverage by enlarging the diameter of the grip is helpful (with bicycle handlebar tape) but the aesthetics are poor.

5. Adding leverage with a plastic thingy under the heel of your hand is also helpful, provided you can find a location for the thing that works enough of the time and isn't in the way otherwise.

6. Fancy cruise controls might be a good solution, if expensive, but might be a risk to safety.

7. Going from the quarter-turn throttle to say a 135 degree throttle would help, if you can figure out how. But it only trades one kind of repetitive challenge for another.

So that leaves a partial counter-force spring.

[Bob Hancock]

[QUOTE=Peter Parts;3946023]1. You sure don't want to add any friction, as with a ThrottleMeister, because that is anti-ergonomic.

6. Fancy cruise controls might be a good solution, if expensive, but might be a risk to safety.
QUOTE]
I like my TM because I can lock the throttle and sit up and relax a bit. I have a TM on all three. Really helps on a bike like Mr. Smart. When installing it you just need to do it right so there's no drag when not needed. I wish these bikes would come with your option 6. A real cruise control would be quite useful on most any bike, imho.

[mn2007]

Originally Posted by zimm

Like this?

http://www.klr650.marknet.us/vistacruise.html

Anyone with experience with this thing advise against it?
Thanks,
m

[SeabeckS]

I had a variety of Vista Cruise controls on bikes back in the 80's and was pleased with how they work, friction point was easily adjustable and kept mine so it would just barely hold the throttle in position. Just enough to relax the tension enough in my right wrist on those long cruises across western desert country. However, they are somewhat model specific and pretty sure they don't make a unit to fit Beemers....

BJ

[samuidave]

Originally Posted by mn2007

Anyone with experience with this thing advise against it?
Thanks,
m

I first saw one of these locks back in the early 1980s, but being young and thinking they were ugly, I never reconsidered it.

I recently just came across Canada with one outfitted on an FJ1100 and though I have no need for a cruise control due to hand fatigue, it was a terrific accessory in many regards. Due to the average temperature being about 40 degrees F, it allowed me an opportunity to shift the my-heat packet within my glove and such.

Overall, although a little crude in appearance, it worked significantly better than a Throttlemeister (on my old R11RS) which is not ergonomic and prone to gently releasing (I gave mine away after trying for a few months I found it so annoying, but that is anecdotal).

One and three-quarter thumbs up for the right thumb-switch style of throttle lock (loses a quarter point for aesthetics alone).

[mn2007]

Thanks - I saw one (with optional BMW adapter) at the dealer - see what you mean - it had a support bar that restricted access to the switches near the throttle. TM seems to be the only option but it is so poorly thought out. I like Peter's idea of counter-force spring - that would be a weird sensation. Maybe something tied into radar to disengage like the new fancy cars.
m

[Peter Parts]

Originally Posted by mn2007

snip
I like Peter's idea of counter-force spring - that would be a weird sensation.
snip
m

Nothing weird. Nothing feels different except the throttle is as light and quick to move as you want it.

You can even keep the throttle neutral (like the touring /2s of yesteryear) although that would be unsafe in an unplanned get-off. That way, when crossing Canada in the cold, you can take your right hand off the bars and wiggle your fingers as long as you want without needing to lock the throttle or make any special adjustment beforehand.

Easily adjustable by moving the piece of tape on the bar-end weight or using the hex-key in the tool kit to rotate the weight. But there is no need to ever adjust it once you have the feel you like.

SPECIAL REFUND OFFER: to anyone who tries the 28-cent throttle counter-force spring in the next 48 hours and doesn't like it, a full 28-cent refund in the form of half a Canadian postage stamp. Act now, this offer may not be repeated. You must be 8 years of age or older. Offer not valid in Greenland or where prohibited by common sense.

[Dave Bowen]

Peter,

Tell me again what you're talking about with the counter balance thing . .

Thanks,

[Biz]

Anybody ever try the Wunderlich bar end throttle hold that similar to the Throttle Meister in operation? They are both about the same price.

[hawkeyejohn14]

I had Thottle meisters on my RT but never felt that strongly about nedding one on the 11S, but for the right deal I would add them FWIW

[agypsy]

welcome...you've come to the right place.

congrats and best of luck with her