Experimental cruise control

[Terry Lee]

I can understand the advantages to locking the throttle down on long lonely stretches of highway, to scratch or stretch or whatever. In my life long quest to build crappy replacements for "real" products, I've tried the following.

An old bar end weight that I mounted in my drill press and ran a cutoff disk against resulting in a nice rounded slot.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/EGeApWcKrqEHJQ30AHxnL27M-cozPjZXKiiLbrqybiTY=w1044-h587-no

The idea, being to store an o-ring in the slot to be rolled into the gap between the bar end and the grip, effectively locking it down. It worked, kind of. It drifted a little, but the biggest issue was the degradation of the butyl rubber with UV light. It quickly cracked and became non-effective.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/kRWqzpcAZPEGYwBUFo3xx9BYML5-e4hvAmbDPA_187TG=w1044-h587-no

Okay, laying awake when I should be sleeping, the next idea. A small quick clamp, slightly used.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fLTMZTzDI1k/VZGM3UlicuI/AAAAAAAAi48/z_L3DLUum_I/w1044-h589-no/IMG_2458.JPG

A hole drilled in the scrap bar end allows a portion of the clamp to be welded in place.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CupRK0gKZ9Y/VZGM5VlhebI/AAAAAAAAi5M/8HLFAGU8X_k/w1044-h589-no/IMG_2460.JPG

The clamp can be rotated to any position for the easiest activation.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-75DRnR-Z_NQ/VZGM6JlRmaI/AAAAAAAAi5U/GMP9W0NXvN4/w1044-h589-no/IMG_2462.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CTsO1LXmypk/VZGM8PtB49I/AAAAAAAAi5c/mVeYv89TnkQ/w1044-h589-no/IMG_2463.JPG

I found the best way is to two finger the desired throttle setting and use the side of my hand to cycle the trigger. Of course this item is 100% sacrificial in the event of a "fall over" event. But with what it cost, it would be the least expensive part of any damage.

[yorkie_chris]

Why not just use a different grade of rubber with first idea?

[Terry Lee]

Why not just use a different grade of rubber with first idea?

I forgot to mention that it was very difficult to roll back out of the gap. If you look close, you can see a flat spot I sliced out to facilitate deactivation. I found it a distraction that I didn't need.

[DarrenSV650S]

http://www.lauriephillips.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/bmw-f650gs-cruise-control-oring-3-300x225.jpg (http://www.lauriephillips.us/category/bmw-motorcycles/)

[DJ123]

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/kaoko-throttle-lock

[Terry Lee]

I appears that I gave up to quickly:smt073

[Jayneflakes]

I use one of these and it is lovely for motorway blasts, I do not need to grip the throttle, just rest my palm on the plate. The advantage is that I can relax my fingers and yet still be able to grab the front brake should I need too and not have to remove something or press a button.

http://www.crampbuster.com/

They come in pink! ... must resist... failing!

http://shop.crampbuster.com/assets/images/default/Pink-CB2-v1.jpg

[Corny Gizmo]

I gots one of those to Jayne, wouldnt ride without.

However I would love some sort of cruise control (let go of the bars style)

[Terry Lee]

I gots one of those to Jayne, wouldnt ride without.

However I would love some sort of cruise control (let go of the bars style)

I'm re-thinking this whole thing. I don't like the clamp. It works but looks... well you pick a word. Besides, I just gave it a whack backing out of the garage trying to miss my wife's car and the potted Geraniums. I priced a left hand tap and die to modify the bar end into a locking thingie. Too much money for something that may not work.

This IS and experimental project, and it's still in the early stages.

[Bibio]

you could try a hozelock outside tap quick release with the thread reducer and the main spigot cut off. http://www.hozelock.com/watering/hose-fittings/connect-to-tap/2304---tap-connector.html

[NTECUK]

Or 1/ ride with your thumb around the grip, palm flat resting on the brake lever.
2/get a tiger xrx /xcx.........
I'll get my coat :p

[ophic]

Ideally the mechanism needs moving to the other side of the throttle, for easier access and reduced risk of bumps.

Some kind of thumbscrew mount here would do the job. Or better yet, a see-saw type brake like they use on small trolley or pushchair wheels.

[Trev B]

My son Richard says John Holden (sidecar at TT) simply put a jubilee clip on so that when flat out he held it open using his thumb on the adjuster!!!

[Terry Lee]

The thread title says "experimental", and yeah, it takes me a while. With some of the responses, I looked through my storage/junk boxes and found the handle bar mount for a bicycle light. It was part of a kit which I didn't use when I mounted the lights on my tadpole trike. I have an idea...
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GkeGW0iTrgw/VZQtmCTtRBI/AAAAAAAAi6M/eHsbuj18Y-o/w1044-h588-no/IMG_2464.JPG

I added a bead from my bead weaving days to act as a thumb actuator. The aluminum bracket was bent up from some cutoffs from the luggage project.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y50RfW_RjEk/VZQtmnylXII/AAAAAAAAi6U/v3iU5EhcHXg/w1044-h589-no/IMG_2466.JPG

The assembly clamps over the grip. To activate, set the throttle position, thumb the clamp forward to contact the brake lever and tighten the thumb screw if necessary to halt throttle creep.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-krEBlPbOd7o/VZQtnA7JvbI/AAAAAAAAi6c/81XT4YpO7ps/w1044-h587-no/IMG_2467.JPG

Keep it just tight enough that a sudden "close throttle event" is still possible.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-M9-LKx-QN78/VZQtnpVmijI/AAAAAAAAi6g/OV1BeoA5KhI/w1044-h589-no/IMG_2468.JPG

BTW, July 1 is Canada Day for us. We are a grand 148 years old as a country. Nothing compared to you ancient Britons, but hey, it's still a holiday.
https://www.crossed-flag-pins.com/animated-flag-gif/gifs/Canada_240-animated-flag-gifs.gif

[Bibio]

happy Canada day.

i would change the alloy for some thin plastic, just n case.

[Terry Lee]

happy Canada day.

i would change the alloy for some thin plastic, just n case.

Your thinking is the flexibility of plastic, in case one needs to strong arm the throttle closed?

[Bibio]

yup. that and it might hinder the front brake lever in an emergency.

looking at what you have done it look good but my brain instantly said big thick cable tie might have done the same job.

[timwilky]

Excuse my stupidity

But wouldn't pulling your front brake, act on the throttle. Using the thumb screw is too variable to permit slip.

To my mind, I know more complex, but to someone with a little bit of electrics/control capability, a small electro magnet giving you the hold and cuts out whenever the brakes are operated, so take a feed from the brake light etc, no mechanical/friction locking, permits slip if the throttle is moved (in either direction) etc.

I guess I need to try working on a design

[atassiedevil]

timwilky's idea has some merit. If you designed this to go to the underside of the brake lever, at an angle, pulling the brake would naturally start to close the throttle. Might be worthy of thought?

[ophic]

timwilky's idea has some merit. If you designed this to go to the underside of the brake lever, at an angle, pulling the brake would naturally start to close the throttle. Might be worthy of thought?
It would have to hook over the brake lever. Great while braking until you let go of the brake and the throttle resumes it's position.

[Bibio]

if you had the electronics know how you can control the pointy speed via the ecu giving electronic cruse control.

[yorkie_chris]

Really? How would you keep the butterfly open?

[yorkie_chris]

Excuse my stupidity

But wouldn't pulling your front brake, act on the throttle. Using the thumb screw is too variable to permit slip.

To my mind, I know more complex, but to someone with a little bit of electrics/control capability, a small electro magnet giving you the hold and cuts out whenever the brakes are operated, so take a feed from the brake light etc, no mechanical/friction locking, permits slip if the throttle is moved (in either direction) etc.

I guess I need to try working on a design

The electronics just needs a button and two relays.

It's making the brake that might be a bit more ticklish. Maybe a bar end weight that shoves a friction disc against the end of the throttle tube when energised?

[Bibio]

Really? How would you keep the butterfly open?

dont know how it works but i do know if i plug the bike into the obd tool i can raise/drop the revs.

[Terry Lee]

But wouldn't pulling your front brake, act on the throttle. Using the thumb screw is too variable to permit slip.


There's a knurled pattern to the stock grips. I turns out that this grips the clamp very effectively without a thumb screw. I may add a small internal tension spring to add to the grippiness. I've run and set rpm's on the driveway and it holds nicely. I just have to thumb the backside of the clamp to set it. Using the red bead unloads the clamp allowing forward rotation. Just setting up a video camera to go road test and of course share.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vpY8a0uUm9A/VZVb2CMUQlI/AAAAAAAAi60/daIR_CUJzak/w1044-h588-no/IMG_2469.JPG

A slight redesign makes pulling on the brake a neutral affair. Lightening holes added, because I can't help myself. The alloy I've used will easily deflect if the clamp is on so tight it won't rotate.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-z86RQ8tpook/VZVb20L4IzI/AAAAAAAAi64/IRbCUeHbTI8/w1044-h586-no/IMG_2470.JPG

[Terry Lee]

I just experienced some measure of success. As the video demonstrates, the throttle lock installs and is removed in seconds. When in use, very small adjustments can be made. The throttle is easily closed as shown. The recent change allows the brakes to be applied without changing the throttle setting. However, I'm not sure why you'd want to do that. My first response is to close the throttle while braking, even when I need to stop soonest.
EMBOwc_TzYw

[Terry Lee]

I'm thinking my experiment is coming to a conclusion. I'm satisfied with the function and operation. This is something that for me, is not needed on a daily basis. Just another piece of the puzzle needed for my dream trip is just a few weeks. All polished and ready to go.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qTNmnSaiZyc/VZWD1-D33FI/AAAAAAAAi7I/8t_j-X5FT7k/w1043-h589-no/IMG_2473.JPG

[Fordward]

There's a knurled pattern to the stock grips. I turns out that this grips the clamp very effectively without a thumb screw. I may add a small internal tension spring to add to the grippiness. I've run and set rpm's on the driveway and it holds nicely. I just have to thumb the backside of the clamp to set it. Using the red bead unloads the clamp allowing forward rotation. Just setting up a video camera to go road test and of course share.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vpY8a0uUm9A/VZVb2CMUQlI/AAAAAAAAi60/daIR_CUJzak/w1044-h588-no/IMG_2469.JPG

A slight redesign makes pulling on the brake a neutral affair. Lightening holes added, because I can't help myself. The alloy I've used will easily deflect if the clamp is on so tight it won't rotate.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-z86RQ8tpook/VZVb20L4IzI/AAAAAAAAi64/IRbCUeHbTI8/w1044-h586-no/IMG_2470.JPG



Have to say, that looks good, I'm tempted to make one.


I'm wondering whether the shape of the clamp itself is helping it to grip the throttle, with the tension of the throttle return spring providing a clamping action. In the same way as a plumbers wrench tightens it's grip as you apply force to the handle.

[Terry Lee]

I'm wondering whether the shape of the clamp itself is helping it to grip the throttle, with the tension of the throttle return spring providing a clamping action. In the same way as a plumbers wrench tightens it's grip as you apply force to the handle.

That's whats seems to be happening. When I push on the red bead, the clamp spreads open allowing it to rotate. I lucked out as the clamp was designed for bicycle handlebar diameters, allowing it some additional clamping force on the thicker grip.

If over time it loses its effectiveness, I'll run a small angled screw through the clamp so a pointy end engages the grip. Or maybe a small rubber band to aid the clamp in keeping it closed. Or I think I have some skateboard grippy deck tape that may fit inside. I'll cross that bridge when needed.

[PyroUK]

I'll take 2!

Haha ;)

[Terry Lee]

One slight change to make it more comfortable while it's installed. I didn't like that part of the brake lever was obstructed. A slight angled bend to the left, and it is now out of the way of an emergency handful of braking. I also added a deactivation bead/button.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lV7YqLErKW0/VZqjlxrmI9I/AAAAAAAAi8U/CXMB8GEVlRU/w1044-h589-no/IMG_2487.JPG

[DarrenSV650S]

Could it be made to rest on the throttle cable assembly instead?