Trading in my R75/5 for an R1150RT sure showed me how far motorcycle design had advanced in 31 years, but I did miss not having a throttle lock. Before investing more $'s in an aftermarket throttle lock, I figured I'd try a "poor man's throttle lock" suggested by some on the Forum.
Part 1. Based on a Forumite's recommendation, I got a Danco Company rubber washer, Stk. No. 61274B, from Home Depot. During installation, I noted the 1" ID was about twice as large as the stem mount for the bar-end weight, and the 2.25" OD was significantly larger than the diameter of the rubber grip. Oh well, friction would help keep the washer centered and I could always trim the OD. However, after securing the weight, I found the throttle would barely turn because the washer was too thick. Hmmm...
Part 2. I figured a steel washer would move the weight out enough to free up the throttle action. A 5/16" split lock washer fit fine, but was too thick and the throttle turned freely. One flat washer worked, but the action still was too stiff for a permanent installation, while two flat washers were no better than one lock washer. Hmmm...
Part 3. I thought a bit about what I wanted a throttle lock to do and decided to make the oversized washer work for me. Using a straight edge and an X-Acto knife, I cut a flat (chord) on the OD of the washer. Then I wrapped 5 turns of electrical tape around this side of the washer. The flat provided a sealing surface for the tape and gives a visual and tactile sense of the tape's location. I mounted the modified washer taped end up and used the 5/16" split lock washer on the weight bolt.
I took the bike out for a short 25 mile test ride along the Misssissippi. I pushed down on the flat (taped) end of the washer with the heel of my palm and found the thickness of the tape did a good job of holding the throttle in place. I pushed up on the other end of the washer with a couple of fingers to disengage the washer and release the throttle. I found I liked this PMTL better than the stock one on the /5 because I could operate it with both hands on the bars and still maintain enough pressure on the throttle to hold it in place.
I suspect there will be a "Part 4" as other issues crop up. For example, I don't know how well it will work when wet. Durability is an potential issue, too, but at less than $2 for parts, I'm not too concerned about buying a replacement.
Part 1. Based on a Forumite's recommendation, I got a Danco Company rubber washer, Stk. No. 61274B, from Home Depot. During installation, I noted the 1" ID was about twice as large as the stem mount for the bar-end weight, and the 2.25" OD was significantly larger than the diameter of the rubber grip. Oh well, friction would help keep the washer centered and I could always trim the OD. However, after securing the weight, I found the throttle would barely turn because the washer was too thick. Hmmm...
Part 2. I figured a steel washer would move the weight out enough to free up the throttle action. A 5/16" split lock washer fit fine, but was too thick and the throttle turned freely. One flat washer worked, but the action still was too stiff for a permanent installation, while two flat washers were no better than one lock washer. Hmmm...
Part 3. I thought a bit about what I wanted a throttle lock to do and decided to make the oversized washer work for me. Using a straight edge and an X-Acto knife, I cut a flat (chord) on the OD of the washer. Then I wrapped 5 turns of electrical tape around this side of the washer. The flat provided a sealing surface for the tape and gives a visual and tactile sense of the tape's location. I mounted the modified washer taped end up and used the 5/16" split lock washer on the weight bolt.
I took the bike out for a short 25 mile test ride along the Misssissippi. I pushed down on the flat (taped) end of the washer with the heel of my palm and found the thickness of the tape did a good job of holding the throttle in place. I pushed up on the other end of the washer with a couple of fingers to disengage the washer and release the throttle. I found I liked this PMTL better than the stock one on the /5 because I could operate it with both hands on the bars and still maintain enough pressure on the throttle to hold it in place.
I suspect there will be a "Part 4" as other issues crop up. For example, I don't know how well it will work when wet. Durability is an potential issue, too, but at less than $2 for parts, I'm not too concerned about buying a replacement.