The $1 Throttle Lock

cjhfield

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I posted this on a board in Australia but thought there may be others that might be interested.

I wanted a throttle lock but did not want to pay the $120 plus cost. I modified a simple tap fitting and it works better than it has any right to - on my bike at least. I have a 7/8" bar and it needs Barkbuster guards or similar to work. It took me about 15 mins to mod the tap fitting and fit. I did not take photos before I started but if this post does not make sense I could take it off the bike and photograph the individual parts. I use a cramp buster as well and this makes it easier to engage the lock but is not essential. My description makes it sound hard but it is very easy.

2njeyoy.jpg


I found a barbed tap fitting in Bunnings (large hardware chain). I think they might call it a "barbed hose nut" but it is a nylon piece that threads onto a garden tap and would allow a permanent hose to be attached. The important features are that it has an insert to allow 2 tap sizes to be used and that it has the large raised wings on the knurled ring. It has 3 pieces - the main body, the insert and the barbed tube - throw this last away. I used a belt sander to narrow the body and insert so that it was about the thickness of the spacer that sits between the grip and the Barkbuster. I used a kitchen knife to enlarge the inner hole big enough to slip over the bar end. I then temporarily replaced the spacer with the new part and marked where the metal arm of the Barkbuster crossed the insert - this outer lip has to be notched so when fitted the insert cannot rotate. 2 cuts with a hacksaw on these marks and then grabbing the lip between with pliers and a neat notch is formed.

When fitted the raised "wings" on the body allow you to rotate it anticlockwise and press up against the grip. I use my ring or middle finger. Conversely to disengage a quick flick and it loose. It does not engage accidentally and it does not gradually slip when used.

I am happy to provide more detail if the above is not clear.

Chris
 
Well done that man! :thumb :beerjug:

I been thinking of getting/bodging some sort of throttle restrainer to avoid jerking the throttle when trying to operate those "special" :blast right hand indicator & cancel switches
 
I think the main value of a throttle lock is long runs on motorways to relieve stress on your right hand and arm. When it's engaged you can still ride as normal, adjust speed due ti hills and even go up and down through the gears but you have to deliberately close the throttle between gears and not rely on the return spring.

The lock is not as neat as a cruise control so it would not be used as much. Because it was only needed on long trips I found it hard to justify the cost of a Kaoko or similar. This cheap device does work well though.

Chris
 
Yes I wondered about making a device like that. There were a few reports of it slipping and others of it breaking at the "hinge" area. Ultimately I thought there was not a lot of spare room on my grip with my gloved hand taking up most of the space. But I like the simplicity of it.

Chris
 


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