Topic: Is there a way to soften the throttle return spring tension?

[andmoon]

I am gripping and regripping the throttle.  Is there a low tension return spring and a replacement tube that isn't a 2~3 regrips to full throttle?

550K0

[TwoTired]

The spring does not determine the throttle travel distance.  Just the amount of force required to change the position.

Further, the 550 doesn't have an accelerator pump. 

If you get your wish to move the carb slides with less throttle twist, then you will be complaining about (Ugh the popular word is bog (shudder)) poor throttle response, since the vacuum will be lost in the carb throat faster and that will stop/reduce the fuel flow from the carb jets.  Unless, of course you increase your jet sizes to make it idle slobbery rich, which will also foul out your spark plugs quickly.

Maybe you'll be happier with another bike design?

Dunno.

[Gordon]

Have you checked your throttle cables to make sure they're not binding and that they move smoothly?  The reason I ask is that every 550 I've ridden has had a very easy throttle on it. 

[alltherightpills]

I've got a similar problem on my 78 550k, but I just assumed it was because it is a 30 year old bike.  It doesn't really bug me when rolling on the throttle, but I seem to remember the Rider Coach in my MSF class saying that the throttle should snap back closed on its own accord.  Mine doesn't, which makes a little nervous in an emergency situation when I need to brake quickly and the throttle is still open.  I've got new cables on it too.  Carbs are clean as a whistle on the inside.  Is there any way to lube (for lack of a better word) the moving parts of the carbs to make them easier to close?

Thanks
Zach

[andy750]

Zach, unlubed cables should snap back nice and tight...well at least mine do anyway. I think its more if an issue of cable routing. Check that out and with the tank off snap and release the throttle a few times so you can visually inspect the carbs shutting.

cheers
Andy

[alltherightpills]

Andy-

Once finals are over, I am planning on doing a carb sync, so I will check the cables then while I have the tank off and am tinkering with the carbs.  Thanks for the suggestion.

Zach

[andmoon]

I checked throttle cable movement with the spring off.  Nice and smooth so I reinstalled the spring and added another spring in the opp. direction to weaken the return strength.  Still not as light as my zrx but I figure I can noe keep the throttle open without having all my fingers on duty.

I discovered these bikes can't be braked w/ just 2 fingers. 

[andy750]

I discovered these bikes can't be braked w/ just 2 fingers. 

They can if you upgrade your brake lines to stainless ones  And you have strong fingers 

cheers
Andy

[alltherightpills]

Good to know.  Thanks.

Zach