KLR650 vista cruise throttle lock assist "no drill" install walk thru

[klm4755]

For long distance travel, I decided the bike needed a throttle lock to ease right hand fatigue and to allow myself to control the bike with either hand (driving with one arm while resting the other) while on a long stretch of road. However, the throttle locks do not lend themselves to the attach to the KLR's bar area without drilling. So, after pondering a bit for a "no drill" throttle lock I came up with this concept. The item is the Vista-cruise model from:
http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/parts_frames.html

small angled aluminum bracket of the size shown

another view unattached

attaches to the front brake pivot bolt

throttle anti-rotation clip is retained by a small threaded fastener

stand-off view

un-engaged....perfect position...place it lower than you would expect for thumb operation.

in clamped position, quick back flick of thumb and the lever will dis-engage the lock

clearance for throttle lock on bars

overhead view
Review:
1. The lock is adjustable tension. You want it to be tight enough to overcome the throttle return cable pull, yet you can still overide the lock with your twist.
2. Great item, almost a necessity for long distance travel. I use it almost daily. I'm sometimes tempted to ride with no hands though!
3. Massively reduces the amount of grip needed to control the bike. Hence, less vibes on hand and less arm and/or wrist fatigue.
4. Semi-easy install, no drill, simple attach bracket does the trick!
Keithm

[Mercury264]

Great idea

I have had one of those for a couple years and NEVER been able to fit it to any of the bikes I have tried it on.

Never thought to rig up a bracket like that. I will now.

[tbirdsp]

I've rigged up Vista Crusies on everything from my ST1100 to a CL350. Some bikes take some creative thinking (as shown) but it can be done.
I have one of the goofy "universal" ones on my KLR right now. I like the standard ones better. I think I'd need the thumb lever much higher though.

[klm4755]

Originally Posted by tbirdsp

I've rigged up Vista Crusies on everything from my ST1100 to a CL350. Some bikes take some creative thinking (as shown) but it can be done.
I have one of the goofy "universal" ones on my KLR right now. I like the standard ones better. I think I'd need the thumb lever much higher though.

I initally installed the locking thumb switch abit higher. This way I can rest the rear of my thumb for a quick disengage if needed. A quick grip twist will overcome the friction of the device in an emergency situation, but in normal use I disengage for tweaking the throttle.
Keithm

[Dan Diego]

I am installing the VC on my KLR today. Thanks for your very helpful mod write-up.

A quick question: Did you shave the VC or cut the throttle grip at all? The space to the left of the throttle grip where the VC goes allows no movement of the throttle. Trying to figure that out.

Modded a piece of aluminum per your photo. Big thanks.