Author Topic: Cruise Control for Cb550? (Read 1755 times)

gregripko · « **on:** December 20, 2012, 02:44:42 PM »

What type and where can I get a cruise control for cb550? Just for those long highway trips

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #1 on:** December 20, 2012, 02:54:16 PM »

Have a look on Ebay mate, widen your search to include CB750 as the throttles are the same and there's much more 750 stuff than 550 available. If you're not an Ebay fan, try Dennis Kirk, JC Whitney etc. Cheers, Terry.

Killer Canary · « **Reply #2 on:** December 20, 2012, 03:03:39 PM »

http://www.bikebandit.com/crampbuster/n4294966872
These also kick bum.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #3 on:** December 20, 2012, 03:08:38 PM »

I bought this one for my Triumph Rocket III, not cheap, but very nice mechanical porn................

brakeaway motorcycle cruise control

gregripko · « **Reply #4 on:** December 20, 2012, 03:47:28 PM »

I bought cramp buster because of the good reviews and if that doesn't work out I'll invest in the mechanical cruise control.... Ty for the input

gregripko · « **Reply #5 on:** February 21, 2013, 12:03:28 PM »

wish the breakaway was available for cb550 but isnt....the break disengagement would be really handy though

Joemac · « **Reply #6 on:** February 21, 2013, 01:46:25 PM »

Yeah the crampbuster is awesome. But be careful when you have it on when riding around town or on a windy road, its not hard to accidentally give it throttle when its on...which could potentially be very dangerous. Id pull off before you get on the highway and slap it on, its so easy to take on it off that its not an issue.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #7 on:** February 21, 2013, 09:55:47 PM »

Quote from: gregripko on February 21, 2013, 12:03:28 PM

wish the breakaway was available for cb550 but isnt....the break disengagement would be really handy though

It might not be listed for a 550 mate, but it's a pretty "Universal" device, so as long as there's one listed for use with 7/8" handlebars, it'd probably work on your bike. Cheers, Terry.

TwoTired · « **Reply #8 on:** February 21, 2013, 11:58:35 PM »

I have the NEP cruise control on one CB550 and the Vista cruise on another. They both work well when set up correctly. The NEP sticks out a bit more than the other. But, it is adjustable for tension/drag.

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/cruise-control-yamaha-models-single-or-dual-cable-with-78-inch-bars/part/VC-07-4044

http://www.aerostich.com/nep-cruise-control.html

The breakaway is too danged expensive, imo. $190 yikes. Seems like a poor man's gadget. You could spend that in lieu of the gas on on a long trip.

Cheers,

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #9 on:** February 22, 2013, 12:44:36 AM »

Yeah, at 190 bucks it wasn't cheap lloyd, but the bike was $32,500.00 new, so another 190 wasn't a biggie. Poor Mans toy? I thought that's what most folks call an SOHC4? Cheers, Terry.

Goofaroo · « **Reply #10 on:** February 22, 2013, 06:36:03 PM »

Doesn't a CB550 have a throttle lock from the factory?

bjbuchanan · « **Reply #11 on:** February 22, 2013, 07:08:53 PM »

Some have that tension adjustment thing on the bottom of the RH control. If it is 550 I'm thinking and not 500

The cramp buster thing is probably cheapest and best bet to go in between that and normal while being nice and affordable

Maybe you can stretch your spring a little? I did that on my 750 and it was just fine, it lightened up the load while still returning to normal

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #12 on:** February 22, 2013, 07:14:43 PM »

Quote from: Goofaroo on February 22, 2013, 06:36:03 PM

Doesn't a CB550 have a throttle lock from the factory?

I'm not sure, the early CB750's had them, but they were phased out after around 1973, from memory. Probably not a real good idea to use one as a cruise control (although I have once or twice) as you can't release it as quickly as you can a cruise control.

That's where the "Brakeaway" system is great, tap your front brake and it's released, much like the proper cruise control systems in modern cars. Tap the brake pedal, and the cruise control doesn't exacerbate the situation.

The cheaper versions work fine for locking and unlocking the throttle, but in a "panic" situation, the average rider is too busy hitting the brakes and looking for a manageable line thru whatever the situation is to necessarily think to flick off the throttle lock.

I've never tried the "Crampbuster" gadgets, so I wouldn't know of their effectiveness, but the thing that puts me off them (apart from their looks) is the fact that I still have to keep my hand on the bar to use them, so if I do get the "Pins and Needles", I can't take my hand off the throttle to shake 'em out. Cheers, Terry.

bjbuchanan · « **Reply #13 on:** February 22, 2013, 07:20:46 PM »

Yeah you are right, the locking things don't go away

Granted the oh sh!t moment lends to great clamping force but it is no help when you throttle is not closing quick because your knob holds it out. It was phased out early, I remember that much. I don't like the knob because it effects everything, not just cruising

The break-away is kinda like modern cruise control which is great

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #14 on:** February 22, 2013, 07:25:31 PM »

Yep, the Brakeaway is the best, but I can understand anyone baulking at the price. I'm surprised that those clever Chinese folks haven't stolen the idea yet and EBay isn't flooded with 20 buck versions? (If they did, I'd buy one for each of my Honda's, ha ha!)

gregripko · « **Reply #15 on:** February 22, 2013, 09:43:44 PM »

I would honestly consider the breakaway...but there's three different models.....cruisers..(Metric/Victory)....Sport Touring Scooters...and harley Davidson...

Cruiser says "Slips over 1-3/8" to 1-1/2" dia. throttle grip"
Scooter says "Mounts to the outside of your stock grip using an adaptor ring supplied in the kit"
Harley...well...harley i guess

TwoTired · « **Reply #16 on:** February 23, 2013, 01:36:33 AM »

Quote from: Goofaroo on February 22, 2013, 06:36:03 PM

Doesn't a CB550 have a throttle lock from the factory?

Quote from: bjbuchanan on February 22, 2013, 07:08:53 PM

Some have that tension adjustment thing on the bottom of the RH control. If it is 550 I'm thinking and not 500

74 was the last year for the friction adjuster under the twist grip.

Quote from: Terry in Australia on February 22, 2013, 07:14:43 PM

The cheaper versions work fine for locking and unlocking the throttle, but in a "panic" situation, the average rider is too busy hitting the brakes and looking for a manageable line thru whatever the situation is to necessarily think to flick off the throttle lock.

The NEP and Vista cruise are friction "locks". They pinch the throttle tube and will hold when set (tension is adjustable), but it is easy to override them by twisting the grip in either direction. It will just hold the last setting given, and can be flipped off easily to allow the spring to take over throttle return. In an emergency situation, and barring losing your throttle hand and all your wits entirely, your hand is likely still on the twist grip and full power setting control is still available. In a panic situation, you would be just as likely to forget to apply the brakes as reducing the throttle position, methinks.

I've not used the Breakaway unit as I won't spend that much to allow me remove my hand from the throttle on occasion.

Hey, it's your money to give away wherever you choose. I'll stick with the cheaper throttle units, as I have never paid more than $500 for an entire motorcycle, nor added more than $1500 to one to make it reliable and meet my needs. I don't care about status or image and won't pay for it to impress others.

But, I admit there are far better salesmen posting to this thread who seem intent on parting you from your money.

Cheers,

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #17 on:** February 23, 2013, 01:41:11 AM »

Quote from: gregripko on February 22, 2013, 09:43:44 PM

I would honestly consider the breakaway...but there's three different models.....cruisers..(Metric/Victory)....Sport Touring Scooters...and harley Davidson...

Cruiser says "Slips over 1-3/8" to 1-1/2" dia. throttle grip"
Scooter says "Mounts to the outside of your stock grip using an adaptor ring supplied in the kit"
Harley...well...harley i guess

I'm guessing (but don't know for sure) that the Scooter version will work, the other two are for 1" bars, but I'm pretty sure that most scooters have 7/8" bars like our bikes, hence the "Adapter Ring". I know that probably sounds like a gamble though, so it might be best to give 'em a call if you seriously want one. Cheers, Terry.

Deltarider · « **Reply #18 on:** February 23, 2013, 02:51:47 AM »

Quote

74 was the last year for the friction adjuster under the twist grip

'76 500K2 for Europe still had them. Another hint this model was some left over batch.

Killer Canary · « **Reply #19 on:** February 23, 2013, 08:02:53 AM »

Cut the end off of the grip and insert nose of needle nose vise grips and clamp. In case of emergency, jump off bike.

RatBikeRandy · « **Reply #20 on:** February 23, 2013, 09:17:41 AM »

My 500 had a Vista Cruise on it when I got it and it is a lifesaver. The throttle is pretty stiff and I have tendonitis which the stiff throttle irritates. Easy to use and you can easily turn the throttle off if needed. Also the thumb lever kicks off easily.

scottly · « **Reply #21 on:** February 23, 2013, 09:35:59 AM »

Hmm, I have one of those Vista Cruise units laying around somewhere. I think I'll try to mount it for the relay this year.

News:

Author Topic: Cruise Control for Cb550? (Read 1755 times)