What's a good throttle lock?

[sondey]

I've seen two "Kaoko and throttlemiester" in a search. If there's anyone out there who has had the chance to use both, or knows of a plus or minus one has over the other, I'd appreciate their input. I'm looking for function since in the looks department I'd be satisfied with either one. Also is there another manufacturer who makes one?

[jess]

I've used the Throttlemeister. My only complaint about it is that it's kind of slippery and hard to activate with gloves on, especially the chromed variety. I see there's a version of it with a krinkle finish, which would probably help a great deal.

[Don C]

I have the heavy Throttlemeisters. These are advertised as being good for vibration control, but I noticed no difference from the stock handlebar end weights. I have the the shiny stainless finish. As Jess mentioned, they are a bit slippery with gloves. I'd suggest to get the regular sized Throttlemeister with the black finish.

[deilenberger]

Depends on what you want.

If you want a throttle lock - I'd suggest the O ring solution, which is a large O ring that will bridge the gap between the end of your throttle grip and the bar-end weight. When not needed it's rolled onto the bar-end weight. Many BMW owners use a specific one from Caterpillar



Here is a link to some info: http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showpost.ph ... ostcount=2 - A Google on "bmw catepillar o ring" will turn up more info. Cost is about $2.00

If you just want to add throttle drag - ie - the throttle stays where you set it, but can be moved easily - a smaller O ring between the end of the grip and the bar-end weight works fine. That's what I use - I like a 'neutral" throttle, that stays where it's set, but can be easily changed. Much easier on my carpal-tunnel'd hands. Cost is about $0.15.

I have a Kaoko - that was mounted on my bike for one day. It's a fine piece of kit, which has a flaw that seems shared with all the bar-end type devices. If you try to use them to provide "drag" (not "LOCK") - and have heated grips, the adjustment that works for drag without the grips on changes to lock when the grips heat up and expand in length. Several people said that isn't a problem - but turns out they were only using the devices for a lock, not for drag. I don't like lock..

Sometime I have to put the Kaoko up on the for-sale section. Right now it's gathering dust in my spare-parts cupboard.. and I'm sure someone would love to have it.

[Acpantera]

I've got the throttlemiester "heavy" with the crinkle black finish, and have been using for three seasons. I really like it a lot, it can be adjusted for drag or complete lock and because of the extra length being the heavy version and the crinkle finish, it is easy to operate with winter gloves. Nice product worth every penny.

[ka5ysy]

I did a conversion and added the GS Handguards with the Throttlemeister Heavy ends and adapters for the handguards. Makes a nice ride when cold and wet !

[Caroanbill]

Kaoko vs Throttlemeister depends on your willingness to take your right hand off the throttle to apply or disengage the throttle lock ...

I have the Kaoko specifically because the large toothed ring (definitely un-aesthetic!) an be engaged / disengaged while in motion without taking my right hand off the throttle. I found with the Throttlemeister-type locks that I had to pull in the clutch, use my right thumb and forefinger(s) to engage the lock, then match the throttle and revs to roadspeed while releasingthe clutch - and reverse to disengage. The Kaoko is designed to be used with your little finger and the heel of your hand ... it is a bit jerky, but for me much preferrable to have the drive disengaged (ie clutch in) and manage a decelerating bike, one-handed and with my brake hand unavailable! .. dexterous I am not

No doubt you could simply apply the Throttlemeister from standstill to standstill, and deal with having to open and close the throttle against the stiction - I assume this is what most owners do. Since I frequently ride from congested city streets onto freeway, off to twisties then alternating open road and twisty sections, being apply to engage / disengage on the fly is important .. still isn't pretty even with the Kaoko , but it works for me ...

BTW - the Kaoko has a small grubscrew which has to be tightened periodically - if it is loose, the lock tends to partially self-engage.

[ka5ysy]

Actually, I have no problem with the standard Throttlemeister operation with my little finger and heel of my hand. Do it all the time, so for me it is a non-issue. Unless in stop and go traffic, I actually leave a little friction on just to relax my right hand. There is a fluted version that would solve the grip problem anyone might have. The biggest suggestion for anyone adding one of these is to get the muscle memory in place to automatically roll off the throttle positively when you have an quick stop situation. It takes a little practice to perfect this.

[Ashveratu]

I have a Throttlemiester as well with the flat black/crinkle finish on it which I find is very easy to operate with my pinky finger and hand heel while still maintaining throttle position. It does take a little getting used to.

The only reason I chose the miester over kaoko is because I thought the miester looked better.

[psycle.vt]

I have used both Throttlemeister and Kaoko - the TM on my GS and the K on my R. The Throttlemeister is a bit hard to adjust while riding since it is smooth and it has a fairly short range of travel, exacerbating the heated grips issue. On my GS I have also had a problem with the grip moving on the bar and eventually not even contacting the TM necessitating a fussy procedure with one particularly small screw plus a few more to re-set the grip.

Because of that, I got the Kaoko for the R this winter and am pretty happy with it. It is easy (almost too easy) to adjust while riding. It can become tight or loose with repeated throttle movement if you don't watch out. Most commonly it loosens up and when I take my hand off to shake it out, the throttle will shut down. I am getting trained to just give the Kaoko a nudge to tighten it up with the edge of my hand before doing the shaking.

Because it is easier to adjust while riding and has a larger range of travel, I prefer the Kaoko. Probably would have asked Don about his except that I saw another one advertised used and got it. (I tried some various size O-rings without too much success - mostly too much drag.)

[sondey]

Thanks all for your replies . I now am able to make a clear choice. It always feels good to get off the fence after you've been sitting there scratching your head on which way to go. I'm going with the K since two of you had used both and found it somewhat easier to apply with one hand. Don E, if you still have yours up for sale let me know. I'll take you up on your invite awhile back and ride down to purchase it. It'd be nice to see another R12 besides one in a dealer's shop. I've got mine about a month now and haven't seen another one on the road yet. Are they that rare a breed? I hope not. It'd be a sin to have such a perfect machine go off BMW's assembly line. Another sign of a world gone mad.

[AncientMariner]

Don't overlook the NEP CCM-4. Originally intended for a Suzuki, it can easily be modified with Dremel Tool to work great.

Cost $20. Engage/disengage with your thumb. Works great. Lock easily overcome in an emergency or you just plain forgot it was on.

Bruce

[AncientMariner]

Don't overlook the NEP CCM-4. Originally intended for a Suzuki, it can easily be modified with Dremel Tool to work great.

Cost $20. Engage/disengage with your thumb. Works great. Lock easily overcome in an emergency or you just plain forgot it was on.

See my installation at viewtopic.php?f=20&t=19671&p=173564&hil ... ck#p173564

Bruce

[sondey]

Bruce, you've got to me kidding me. I'd have to enroll in a course in aeronautical engineering at MIT to accomplish that. Just kidding , that looks like something I could accomplish. But I'm drawn toward the throttlemiester, kaoko style unit. I will get that page of the Suz. unit and bookmark it in case I'm not satisfied w/ the K. Thank you, sir.

[ka5ysy]

One thing to be aware of with the Throttlemeister is that the throttle side bar end has to be properly shimmed to allow it to be fully disengaged when off, and engaged when on. This is accomplished with different thickness washers. It is an easy setup, but you have to be certain that the on/off functions properly. When I did the conversion to the GS hand guard setup, I had to change from the original "heavy" bar ends, to "standards" to fit the hand guards.

In doing that change, I discovered that I did not have the proper thickness washers to set it up, and ended up making some shims with some stainless steel washers that I shaved down to half thickness with a diamond knife sharpener. A normal kit would have these, and you do not want to misplace them because it will cause you a lot of aggravation in trying to set up the installation.

[angellr]

Anyone ever tried a BrakeAway Products Motorcycle Cruise Control on their R12's? Looked at the throttle locks, however, not sure how safe they would be in a pinch. Just want something to hold throttle in place while I "rest" my right hand "in place". Looks slick, however, BMW is not mentioned as a possibility.

Thanks,

[sondey]

Ka5ysy, I just bought a used K unit this afternoon. Rode 60 miles home with it installed and am happy as a clam with it. Thanks anyway.
Additions installed since getting my R12 this past April; Talon brackets w/ running lights, additional LED tail and brake light, Bar backs and throttle lock. Next on my list will probably be a C-Bailey shield to replace my sport shield. Comfort seat in the future maybe. I've noticed that with every purchase of something to install on the bike the anticipatory pleasure of getting my new toy is reduced from that of the previous one. Trying to understand why that's so I've come up with the reason for it, and it's something that saddens me a little. My sub-conscious knows that the day will come when there is nothing else to add to the bike. Sort of like telling a kid he's not going to get anything from the tooth fairy anymore for putting his lost tooth under the pillow. But alas, that's life I guess.

[AncientMariner]

My sub-conscious knows that the day will come when there is nothing else to add to the bike.

Do not worry, Grasshopper. That day will never come.

Sensei Bruce