Topic: CB350F. Mystery knob.

[Ozzybud]

I do not have an owners
Manual yet for this new acquisition.
What is this knob for? Cruise control? You can lock the throttle or make it firm to accelerate.

The CMS exploded view just calls it "bolt adjuster" adjust what?

It is available new!

[Kelly E]

Yes you can set the tension on the throttle so it will stay where you put it.

[Ozzybud]

Nice!  I'm sure they outlawed that in the states immediately.We cant have fun anymore.

Thank you kelly!

Is it on any other models? 

[CycleRanger]

Yes, the 750's had that too. I believe 1973 or 74 was the last year it was a feature on US bikes.
The "Throttle Grip Adjustment Bolt".

You can get pdf's of all the manuals for your bike here:
https://www.honda4fun.com/materiale/documentazione-tecnica

[RAFster122s]

74 cb550 had it too

[bryanj]

It needs the loose bit inside the switch housing to work but can be usefull on a long ride

[Rayzerman]

I just swapped out my old right switch for a new reproduction one..... it has the threaded hole for the knob, so I swapped the knob, spring and the spring thing over.  Works like a charm.  Yamiya has the kit if yours didn't come with one.......
https://www.yamiya750.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=146_296_299_306&products_id=753

[MisterKnife]

Just got to say that I really dig that tank!

[Deltarider]

My CB500K2-ED - year of assembly 1976 - has it.

[dave500]

mine has that,i only use it to hold a fast idle when cold as i gear up,should never be used as a cruise control thats just idiotic!!

[Oddjob]

Don't see why Dave, that's exactly what I used mine for and as long as you have both cables connected it's not at all dangerous, just set it so the throttle starts to hang a little and you can change the throttle opening very easily by just twisting it shut/open against the slight resistance. The 500/550 carb spring was way overspecced, it makes your wrist hurt after a short time, doing this takes the strain off your wrist and helps you feel more comfortable for longer, surely that is better so the rider can concentrate on the road instead of thinking how much their wrist is hurting?

[M 750K6]

I agree the weight of the carb return spring can be uncomfortable after a day in the saddle. True for the 750. Has anyone 'fixed' this, without affecting the rate of throttle return?

[Oddjob]

On the 500/550 I fit a small stainless steel split ring, like a key ring has, fishing shops tend to stock small split rings, this reduces the spring rate and helps to make them easier to open/shut. Something like an 8 or 10mm ring is fine. Fit the ring around the small peg between the carbs and hook the spring on the ring instead. You can also try fitting a different throttle tube under the twist grip, I found that the Honda CB1300 fits perfectly, this reduces the amount of movement required to go from shut to fully open by about 18%. I always found the double handful movement annoying when racing the 500. I even tried making a smaller carb butterfly which worked but the amount it changed the movement wasn't as good as I expected, I ended up with about a 30% reduction.

[Rayzerman]

There are throttle locks like Kaoko and Throttlemeister that are friction type on the handlebar end..... the Honda solution is better IMHO.  No worries about returning the throttle, just twist it closed.  The spring thing just provides some friction against the throttle tube.

[newday777]

You can also try fitting a different throttle tube under the twist grip, I found that the Honda CB1300 fits perfectly, this reduces the amount of movement required to go from shut to fully open by about 18%.

What year CB1300??

[Oddjob]

03-10 are the best. Model designation sc54

[M 750K6]

On the 500/550 I fit a small stainless steel split ring, like a key ring has, fishing shops tend to stock small split rings, this reduces the spring rate and helps to make them easier to open/shut. Something like an 8 or 10mm ring is fine. Fit the ring around the small peg between the carbs and hook the spring on the ring instead. You can also try fitting a different throttle tube under the twist grip, I found that the Honda CB1300 fits perfectly, this reduces the amount of movement required to go from shut to fully open by about 18%. I always found the double handful movement annoying when racing the 500. I even tried making a smaller carb butterfly which worked but the amount it changed the movement wasn't as good as I expected, I ended up with about a 30% reduction.

👍

[HondaMan]

That's the first motorcycle "Cruise Control" system.
The US DOT outlawed them in 1974, at least as installed by manufacturers.

[rotortiller]

Want to see the bulky modern overpriced version lol?

https://www.amazon.ca/Throttle-Lock-bottomkit-Motorcycle-Control/dp/B07533VGQ1?th=1

[Oddjob]

I feel I should point out that the CB1300 throttle tube works better than standard because the ears where the cable nipples sit are bigger than the 500/550 ones, the tube area is also slightly bigger so for the same amount of movement it pulls more of the inner cable, this as said, means the total amount of movement reduces by about 18%. I've tested the 1300 tube in the switchgear and it fits, only just so I doubt you'd find a bigger one fitting. The tube is the same ID so no problem there.

Part number is 53140-MFP-000 for the later models or 53140-KT8-710 for the earlier models. The tube comes complete with the grip attached, however it doesn't have the end sealed like the 500/550 bikes, either fit bar ends (not a bad idea as it happens as it allows the throttle to return in the event of a spill, unlike out present ones which can cause the engine to scream to destruction) if going with bars ends don't forget to order the left hand grip, 53166-MFP-000 or 53166-KT8-710.

Grip part is about £31-34 and L/H around £13, should still be orderable from Honda direct.

[HondaMan]

I always liked this one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/296695660469?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1rgnFgQ-VS8GngoA3Ly0cmw0&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=296695660469&targetid=2321310837104&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1014485&poi=&campaignid=21214302385&mkgroupid=161029887581&rlsatarget=pla-2321310837104&abcId=9407524&merchantid=113785606&gad_source=5&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI14nqs6SKiQMVFi2tBh2LhQJlEAQYBCABEgKqrvD_BwE

I thought their weight held the front end down better in crosswinds at those scary 55 MPH speeds...

[CycleRanger]

I always liked this one:

I thought their weight held the front end down better in crosswinds at those scary 55 MPH speeds...

I have one of those I got in a box of Yamaha parts. Vista Cruise.
I can't give it away. 

[Oddjob]

The Honda system is so much simpler and so much better than all of those.

The 550F didn't seem to get the system but it is still able to be fitted. The small lug on the bottom of the switchgear housing is still there, it just isn't drilled and tapped, tap it to 5mm and get the spring, the thumb wheel and the internal ramp and your good to go. I had quite a few sets available last year but I've now sold them all. Might still have a piece or 2, can't remember.

[MauiK3]

I found that the CB750 return spring could overcome it very easily, I seldom used it, never now, we don't have freeways here.

[willbird]

mine has that,i only use it to hold a fast idle when cold as i gear up,should never be used as a cruise control thats just idiotic!!

I have used it since the first few times I rode my CB750K2 after my dad passed in 1986. It is the only way you can ride the bike with no hands :-).

Bill