I was looking at a throttle assist and was wondering how useful they are. I've never used one but my first impression is that it could be very awkward but at the same time, being that i've got a bit of carpal tunnel syndrome and rheumatoid in my hands which seems to be getting worse by the year, it might also be much less taxing on my hand on long rides and could also make covering the brake in desired situations quite a bit easier and the advantages would outweigh the awkwardness of getting used to it. Here's a link for a general idea of what they are for those that might not know about them. Any thoughts from those that have used them, or even those that haven't? thanks folks!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/371531318489?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true
(http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/371531318489?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true)
I use Grip Puppies on all my bikes, the larger diameter makes manipulating the throttle that much easier. (they use to be $6.00 bucks)
https://www.amazon.com/Sportouring-Handlebar-Grip-Puppies-Grips/dp/B00CP9ADD8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486190875&sr=8-1&keywords=grip+puppies (https://www.amazon.com/Sportouring-Handlebar-Grip-Puppies-Grips/dp/B00CP9ADD8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486190875&sr=8-1&keywords=grip+puppies)
These go by many names, I know them as "Cramp Busters."
100% recommended. Nothing to get used to, really, as long as you have it set to the angle where you naturally grip the throttle.
Too high and you'll end up inadvertently holding the throttle open, too low and it won't be doing its job.
You barely even feel it against your palm, and you don't even have to apply any pressure when you grip the throttle anymore, which will allow your fingers to stretch and your hand to relax.
I think it would be a very good thing for someone with arthritis/carpal tunnel.
I don't know that I'd ever cover the brake while trying to maintain steady throttle, that just sounds like a bad idea. Either you're on the brakes or you're on the throttle.
I do cover the brake in intersections often, but I'm also at 0% throttle at the same time. The whole idea of cutting down your braking reaction time is kind of defeated if you still have to roll off the throttle before you can get on the brakes.
The only time I'm using both the brakes and throttle simultaneously is slowing while downshifting to setup for a curve. Even then it's not a necessary thing, it's more of a racing skill...
Cool, thanks for the feedback guys. As cheap as they are, it's totally worth a try to see if it helps my hands.
I put some grip puppies on, actually I think they were pussygrips but same thing, neoprene. I got them for numbness. They are comfortable and the wider diameter is nice, but they flatten and smooth out after a while. However they did not solve the problem and I am looking at some sort of gel solution.
I didn't find the grip puppies comfortable. Too thick for me. I cut them off and then the factory grips were a little thin for me.
I ended up with these:
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/driven-racing-d-axis-grips
They look good and they feel good, and being on an HD born V-twin powered bike I get no shortage of vibes to shake the blood out of my hands.
I also have these massive bar end weights, that would also help cut down on numbness if you think it's coming from the vibration.
I haven't gotten a Cramp Buster for my Buell yet but it's on the list...
I like grip puppies a lot more than the cramp busters. To me, the cramp buster style throttle assist just gets in the way. I have a throttlemeister cruise control now so I can completely remove my right hand from the bars on long trips, but that is kinda pricey. Steel handlebars are a lot better than aluminum. Bar end weights, the heavier the better.
I want to try filling the bars with lead or copper shot or bbs. The idea there is to make the resonate frequency of the bar equal something that the bike does not produce or is at least less painful.
Quote from: Bluesmudge on February 10, 2017, 03:39:24 PM
I like grip puppies a lot more than the cramp busters. To me, the cramp buster style throttle assist just gets in the way. I have a throttlemeister cruise control now so I can completely remove my right hand from the bars on long trips, but that is kinda pricey. Steel handlebars are a lot better than aluminum. Bar end weights, the heavier the better.
I want to try filling the bars with lead or copper shot or bbs. The idea there is to make the resonate frequency of the bar equal something that the bike does not produce or is at least less painful.
Bingo, I forgot to mention that I use Grip Puppies with a throttlemeister type cruise, having been in manufacturing for 45 years with wear and tear arthritis in both hands, the combination of the two along with a throttle compensation spring...(that's what I call it anyway) on some of my bikes, makes long rides more fun and less of a senior moment :icon_idea:
I like to keep it simple. For long rides I just slide my right hand over so the heel pad is resting between the throttle and bar end. This holds it in place.