Author Topic: Left hand on throtle because right hand gets numb (Read 8739 times)

Guyrob · « **on:** June 09, 2012, 07:36:03 PM »

Do any of you drive with your left hand holding and cranking the throttle? I do so when I'm on the highway and when my right hand just gets to tired of holding the throttle for a whole day.

So, my point is I remember in the 1980's I used to install those simple 'cruise control' that were made of plastic and worked more or less like a 'vise grip' and you would use your thumb to set or un set the clamp that would hold in place the throttle.

Do they still exist? I sure could use one!

brandEn · « **Reply #1 on:** June 09, 2012, 07:56:41 PM »

Throttle rocker! Just uses the weight of your hand to hold the throttle open. Like 5-10 buck at cycle gear.

phil71 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 09, 2012, 08:23:05 PM »

they exist. Search throttle lock, or cruise control

splitt · « **Reply #3 on:** June 09, 2012, 10:11:31 PM »

I think that you're referring to the Vista-Cruise (Vanda-Cruise as it was known previously).

Eydugstr · « **Reply #4 on:** June 09, 2012, 10:21:01 PM »

NEP makes them too.

HondaMan · « **Reply #5 on:** June 09, 2012, 10:47:04 PM »

I go to ACE Hardware and get a different throttle return spring.

Retro Rocket · « **Reply #6 on:** June 09, 2012, 11:19:00 PM »

Quote from: HondaMan on June 09, 2012, 10:47:04 PM

I go to ACE Hardware and get a different throttle return spring.

Yep, its not too hard to make the throttle light and responsive...

dave500 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 10, 2012, 12:11:23 AM »

i still cant beleive the question,,i guess that leaves your right hand free for texting?

faux fiddy · « **Reply #8 on:** June 10, 2012, 01:09:06 AM »

Quote from: dave500 on June 10, 2012, 12:11:23 AM

i still cant beleive the question,,i guess that leaves your right hand free for texting?

Like masturbation, if you are right handed picking your nose feels unnatural and odd using your left hand.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #9 on:** June 10, 2012, 02:47:38 AM »

Quote from: fiddy of industry on June 10, 2012, 01:09:06 AM

Like masturbation, if you are right handed picking your nose feels unnatural and odd using your left hand.

Yeah, but the benefit is you can pretend that it's someone else!

But seriously, sometimes you'll want your right hand free, so I bought this Uber Cool "BrakeAway" cruise control thingy for my Triumph Rocket III, it's not cheap, but probably the best made (and best looking) throttle lock on the market.

The benefit is that you only need to touch your front brake lever to disconnect it, so no fumbling with levers or buttons if you need to stop quickly. Not as good as electronic cruise, but not as wanky either. Cheers, Terry.

http://www.brakeawayproducts.com/productinfo.html

dhall57 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 10, 2012, 06:17:38 AM »

Sounds just like what I need. Rode 300 miles yesterday on the 750K6 and the old throttle hand was getting tired. I'll check into it. Thanks Terry.

srbakker · « **Reply #11 on:** June 10, 2012, 06:18:41 AM »

I use a $5 throttle rocker anytime I go away for more then a day. It's super easy on my wrists and only a little "look at me, I'm an adventure tourer!" douchey.

Guyrob · « **Reply #12 on:** June 10, 2012, 12:23:40 PM »

Quote from: dave500 on June 10, 2012, 12:11:23 AM

i still cant beleive the question,,i guess that leaves your right hand free for texting?

Hi Dave 500,

No, I just meant that my right hand begins to cramp after riding very long distances on my CB 400, and both throttle springs are new, so... when my right hand gets sore I switch hands and use the left one (buy the way I'm left handed) . Obviously, not very safe and it gets weird if there's wind blowing from the side but it' OK as long as there are no hairpin curves, I haven't mastered the technique yet, but it will come!

trueblue · « **Reply #13 on:** June 10, 2012, 04:40:52 PM »

I tried one of those throttle rockers, I thought it was sh!t, I rode with it on for a day then gave it the flick. I ended up putting a good set of foam grips on and haven't had a problem since, they do take a little getting used to because they are fairly fat, but I can now just rest my hand on top of the bar to hold the throttle on when my hand is getting a little sore and you don't get the vibration through the bars like with the standard grips.

CB500_k2 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 10, 2012, 05:47:59 PM »

I got carpel tunnel surgery to deal with this issue. My hand now does not go to sleep while riding. The procedure is good for a lot of issues with hand use beyond riding, like using the mouse on your computer.

fmctm1sw · « **Reply #15 on:** June 10, 2012, 07:32:21 PM »

Quote from: Guyrob on June 10, 2012, 12:23:40 PM

Quote from: dave500 on June 10, 2012, 12:11:23 AM
i still cant beleive the question,,i guess that leaves your right hand free for texting?

Hi Dave 500,

No, I just meant that my right hand begins to cramp after riding very long distances on my CB 400, and both throttle springs are new, so... when my right hand gets sore I switch hands and use the left one (buy the way I'm left handed) . Obviously, not very safe and it gets weird if there's wind blowing from the side but it' OK as long as there are no hairpin curves, I haven't mastered the technique yet, but it will come!

I think what Dave was saying is that a left hand on the throttle presents a safety issue. I'll recommend what most other folks have already said. Something like this...

dave500 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 10, 2012, 08:17:03 PM »

its not a saftey issue at all!!,,its an idiot issue.

jneuf · « **Reply #17 on:** June 10, 2012, 08:29:59 PM »

I can't imagine riding with my left hand on the throttle...yikes!!

I had a vista-cruise on my cb550...it was awesome. I miss that setup!

23tbucket · « **Reply #18 on:** June 10, 2012, 09:28:15 PM »

A lot of early bikes (Indian and Harley Davidson) that were built for military and police work had left hand throttle control...so a firearm good be discharged by the common right-handed individual. I think one would get used to left control quite fast.

Retro Rocket · « **Reply #19 on:** June 10, 2012, 09:39:50 PM »

Quote from: 23tbucket on June 10, 2012, 09:28:15 PM

A lot of early bikes (Indian and Harley Davidson) that were built for military and police work had left hand throttle control...so a firearm good be discharged by the common right-handed individual. I think one would get used to left control quite fast.

Yeah but only f the throttle is on the left side of the bike...

Quote from: dave500 on June 10, 2012, 08:17:03 PM

its not a saftey issue at all!!,,its an idiot issue.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #20 on:** June 10, 2012, 11:14:14 PM »

My mate "Kiwi" is an ex New Zealand cop, he lost his right arm at the shoulder in a crash, but is an avid biker, so he has the throttle mounted to the left bar of his Moto Guzzi sports bike, along with his clutch lever, but as the Guzzi has linked brakes, he just uses the foot pedal and left the front brake lever on the right 'bar.

It's a pretty crude setup and you actually have to wind the throttle away from you to accellerate, but he's used to it, and he rides like a maniac, so he's overcome adversity to make it work for him.

My Cousins 1944 Military Chief has the throttle on the left, and the ignition advance unit (another twist grip) on the right. Fcuking confusing, but that's nothing compared to taking a left turn with the sidecar in place, that's just frightening! Cheers, Terry.

Scott · « **Reply #21 on:** June 11, 2012, 01:46:05 AM »

Yeah mate I ride with my left hand controlling the throttle quite often only on reasonably straight roads.
Like Dave said it may be an idiot issue because that's exactly what one mate said after he was following me and he tried the same thing.
I got used to it by controlling with my left hand but having my right hand there hovering ready to grab the throtle again if needed. ( I push and pull the bars gently with my left hand so I can see how the bike responds)
Now I feel comfortable enough to ride for short distances with my left hand on the throtle and my right hand down on the engine to warm it up a bit ( I was doing it yesterday)
Maybe I should get better gloves or toughen up a bit
Scott

dave500 · « **Reply #22 on:** June 11, 2012, 02:21:00 AM »

jeepers,,?

750K · « **Reply #23 on:** June 11, 2012, 02:40:43 AM »

Quote from: 23tbucket on June 10, 2012, 09:28:15 PM

A lot of early bikes (Indian and Harley Davidson) that were built for military and police work had left hand throttle control...so a firearm good be discharged by the common right-handed individual. I think one would get used to left control quite fast.

I have day dreams of shooting guns from a moving bike, hahaha. Zombie outbreak will happen someday...

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #24 on:** June 11, 2012, 02:44:28 AM »

Quote from: 750K on June 11, 2012, 02:40:43 AM

Quote from: 23tbucket on June 10, 2012, 09:28:15 PM
A lot of early bikes (Indian and Harley Davidson) that were built for military and police work had left hand throttle control...so a firearm good be discharged by the common right-handed individual. I think one would get used to left control quite fast.

I have day dreams of shooting guns from a moving bike, hahaha. Zombie outbreak will happen someday...

And when it does, we'll be ready!

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Author Topic: Left hand on throtle because right hand gets numb (Read 8739 times)