Brakeaway throttle cruise control review

[mdglaw]

When I decided to take my trip across the United States I wanted some type of throttle cruise control device. I wavered between the throttlemeister, the homemade throttlemeister from the existing bar end caps, and the Brakeaway. The homemade version had the advantage of cost, the throttlemeiseter runs I believe $113 and the Brakeaway costs the most at roughly 200.

I went with the Brakeaway because it appeared to me the easiest to set while riding and the easiest and fastest to disconnect. The throttle bar end type requires you to both hold the throttle in the position that you want it to be and then also turn the control. In order to turn it off you must move your hand to turn it.

The brakeaway had the advantage of either engaging or disengaging with the press of a thumb. Also it you touch the brake it disengages. The device appears to very well made out of aluminum. Sounds great, but unfortunately I had real issues with it.

It takes a fine line to get it to the point where it does not bind the throttle, but still be effective. In addition on the rocket it uses a lot of the handgrip. This is not a real issue with me but might be for those with larger hands. To get it adjusted correctly you have to cut off the rubber flange on the grip, otherwise it will not quite reach the pivot screw of the brake lever to which it attaches.

You need to attach it to the pivot bolt, and not the adjustment bolt thinking that is the pivot bolt (first mistake). I had this thing set several times and it seemed to be OK and then when I rode for a while it seemed to go out of adjustment and not engage. At one point one of the adjustment screws fell out. I was able to replace it and this time used locktite. I was 2/3 across the country before I got it to work consistently. When I got it right I liked it. It is very handy to have some way to hold the throttle in position when either stretching out your hand, or adjusting something using your major hand if you are right handed.

 

[Indyrocket3]

Good review....... I went w/ the Throttlemeiser some time ago and I really like it. It's much easier to set the lock then it sounds; and the good thing about it is that it unlocks in the direction that you "throttle down", so disengagement is quick and easy. I have always wondered if I had made the right choice or not between the two.

 

[DCRocket]

So, IndyRocket3, do you throttle down and throttle on pulling the Throttlemeister on at the same time, OR do you try and use your outer two fingers to roll the throttle lock on keeping a constant speed? Just curious

DC

 

[Indyrocket3]

I us my outter finger to take up the slack, which is usually good enough to hold it in place, and then I let go of the throttle and lock it in place. I dont loose any speed at all. After a few uses it's pretty easy IMO....... but to each his own...... :wink:

 

[TurboFan]

I had the throttle meister for a while, and it isn't that hard to set, ... but not that convenient either. I only gave up on it cause it smacks the car mirrors so hard... :shock: Throttle rocker is very cheap, easy to install and really.... not that good etither, but at least it is cheap and you only need put it on, late in the day when you can't stand it any longer. I bought a cheap verson of the brakeaway, but it looked to poorly made to be worth fooling with. Got to find something if we go to Americade next year. 8)

 

[mdglaw]

Use throttle rocker also

I should add that I used a throttle rocker in adition to the Brakeway. I have the old model which has a much wider paddle. I think this is a very useful device whether you have a lock or not. Many times the lock is not appropriate, but the rocker allows you to alter your grip to relieve tension in your hand.

 

[TSTALL]

I tried the throttle rocker and quickly discarded it after accidently bumping it in traffic after a long highway ride. It worked ok for reducing hand cramps on the highway, but make sure you take it off in the city. I bought the throttlemeister about a month ago and I love it. I use it the same way as IndyRocket3.

 

[Captain Rich]

I've had the throttlemeister on my Classic for awhile now and while I like the ease of on/off, I've found it a bit tempermental to set so I've developed the habit of setting the tension partially (using the 2 finger method), tweaking the throttle to where I want it and THEN cranking down the lock. Only thing bad I've found is that 'mind set' that occurs once you get it set where you want it: You REALLY don't want to back it down. I've had a couple of hairy moments with this setup, hope I get smarter some day! :cry:

 

[Captain Rich]

Gary, I've seen ads for the Throttle Rocker before - thanks for the testimonial, I think I'll get one.

 

[Howard_inGA]

I liked and have extensivly used the Throttlemeister. Tried the rocker, but it gave me hand cramps...