[rroeder]

Hey guys, I recently got an 04 VTX 1300 and the thing is sweet, but I live in no man’s land North Dakota so it’s a lot of long distance driving without slowing or speeding. So that raises my question, has anyone put a throttle lock or cruise control deal on their bike? I’d prefer for it to release when I go on the brake but it’s not a deal breaker if not. Just wondering if you guys have had any good experiences with any brands in particular. Also planning on putting Kuryakyn ISO grips on too if that affects fitment at all. Replies are appreciated, thanks!

 

[JPT]

There is only one answer (excluding a true cruise control). Brakeaway...

Motorcycle Cruise Control - BrakeAway Products

Do your ISO grips first, because the install of each of these are different based on the grip size. It is a DIFFICULT job to install the brakeaway over the ISO grips, but after many, many 4 letter words, you will get it on.

 

[PaXman11]

Hey guys, I recently got an 04 VTX 1300 and the thing is sweet, but I live in no man’s land North Dakota so it’s a lot of long distance driving without slowing or speeding. So that raises my question, has anyone put a throttle lock or cruise control deal on their bike? I’d prefer for it to release when I go on the brake but it’s not a deal breaker if not. Just wondering if you guys have had any good experiences with any brands in particular. Also planning on putting Kuryakyn ISO grips on too if that affects fitment at all. Replies are appreciated, thanks!

If you're looking for inexpensive, I ride all the time with a Cramp-Buster. This is a comma-shaped thing that slips over the end of your handlebar grip. A couple wide rubber bands keeps it on the grip, and the appliance grips the bands and in turn the throttle. You set it where you want by rotating it to where it will hold a constant speed with slight pressure from your meaty part of your palm, below the little finger, opposite the thumb area. Very comfortable. Can be bought for less than $20, and comes in various widths. I use the wide one. Then there are the Vista Cruise types that clamp onto the throttle and are released by the thumb when not needed. These can be a little more expensive, but not bad. I have both, but like my Cramp Buster more.

 

[eherlihy]

Go Cruise Throttle Lock - ~$25

 

[68valiant]

I chose the Vista Cruise for my VTX. I don't know if they are still being made though...

I have since put on Arlen Ness Grips without any issues. Since this clamps down on the throttle grip tube and not the actual grip.

Ride Safe!

 

[henkvdb]

Go Cruise Throttle Lock - ~$25

That's the one for me.
I only use it when there is nobody around and the road is straight.
I even bring a spare to make sure I never need a spare, I am sure you all understand the science of that.

 

[Vinish]

I second the recommendation for the Brakeaway throttle lock. I installed one on a bike with Kuryakyn ISO grips. It was a pain getting it on over the ISO grips but some soapy water did the trick. The Brakeaway is expensive compared to the others but it does release when you pull the front brake lever. I have ridden with several different throttle locks and the Brakeaway is the best by far. However, I have also used true cruise controls (our current bikes have these) and the difference between a true cruise control and a throttle lock is night and day. Small things like a slight change in wind, an over or underpass, or even a passing vehicle will influence your speed when using a throttle lock. The true cruise control will handle all of these and more while keeping your speed constant.
Unfortunately, there are not many good choices for a true cruise control for the VTX line of bikes. A few Cafe members have installed a true cruise control on a VTX bike but I do not know what brand they used. Whatever it is, they are no longer manufactured so you would have to buy a used one if going that route.

 

[PaXman11]

Back in the day of early VTX's, (I came on the Forum in 2011), Audiovox made an electronic version that folks seemed to like, but they were expensive, and are no longer made.

 

[RJ64]

I have the Kuryakn (spelling?) lock on my bike. It was on it when I bought it and I use it a lot. It doesn't release when you hit the brake but that doesn't matter to me since I'm used to it.

 

[Oceandiver]

I never used a throttle lock, but there are times I wish I had. As far as grips, if I can make a suggestion, look at these...

Metric Grips

They are very comfortable, they don't look like all the other bikes, and in 10 years of use, still not a spec of rust.

Here they are on the bike...

 

[DadMan]

I second JPT's motion on the BrakeAway product. It's a bit $pendy but it just works. I've had one for about 5 years with no issues. It turns off by hitting the release lever, when you hit the front brake, or you can just turn the throttle. It's totally adjustable and mine's set to the minimum drag to keep the throttle from moving. I had to re-adjust it once about a week or so after I installed it and it's been maintenance-free since. I'm in my 60's now and it's nice to give my hand a rest from time to time.

2007 VTX 1300R