How much play in the throttle is normal?

[Elvis]

Rode the beast this morning and noticed there is at least an 1/8" play in the throttle when I twist making me lunge sometimes, does the manual show how to adjust that out?

 

[BigWillie]

It should. I don't have a lot of play in mine. Never measured it. If you just give it a lot right from the get, you won't have to worry about the lunging. It will tend to get a little sideways though.

 

[HellFire]

Yeah there is a procedure and specs on it in the manual, you have a copy right? If you want to take just a little out, the cable length adjuster near the throttle is easy to play with. If you just stick with that adjuster, you won't risk getting it all out of whack, see if that takes care of it for you.
Mine had the specified play in it when I first got it, but felt like a little too much. I adjusted some out to where I was happy with it, but made sure it wasn't too tight. There needs to be enough there to account for temperature changes and stuff. I got rid of most of that "lunging" you mentioned by lightly lubricating the bar under the throttle. It was sticking to the dry metal and was really irritating.

 

[Elvis]

thanks, I will try the lubricating first, and yeah I printed off page 220 for the adjustment.

 

[Captain Bob]

I like minimum play in my throttle. But you need to check one thing when you are done adjusting. Start the bike up and while it is running, turn the bars to full lock in both directions. If the engine increases in rpm, you have tightened the outer cable too much.

This little test helps eliminate surprises while riding.

 

[BigWillie]

And that can get a little hairy. Going around a curve and your bike starts to accelerate more than you want. Not my idea of a good time. Always check your cables.