Best Motorcycle Throttle Locks: Avoid Hand Fatigue and Cramping
These top motorcycle throttle locks will make long rides more relaxing
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›
If you ride a motorcycle for long distances, you have likely experienced hand fatigue. To combat that issue, you can purchase a motorcycle throttle lock. It doesn't actually lock your throttle. What it does is engage the throttle into a certain position using pressure and friction. It also allows you to rotate the throttle when needed to adjust your speed. Check out the best motorcycle throttle locks in our buying guide below.
Krator Motorcycle Cruise Control Throttle Assist
2Wheel Ride Go Cruise Black 7/8" Motorcycle Throttle Assist
It's simple to adjust with your finger. It's really easy to shut the throttle down in a hurry, and it doesn't slip. It does the job at a lower cost compared to other products.
Sound Off Recreational Vista Cruise for Dual Throttle Cable
This compact cruise control is made of glass-filled Zytel nylon and fits many Honda motorcycles with 7/8-inch handlebars. It fits between the grip and throttle housing.
Benefits of a Motorcycle Throttle Lock
- Prevents hand cramps. If your bike doesn't have cruise control, your wrist may become painful after you've been riding for a long time. A motorcycle throttle lock gives relief to those aching muscles in your hands. You don't have to stop your bike to rest.
- Ideal for bumpy roads. A motorcycle throttle lock makes riding on bumpy roads easier. You can adjust it to decrease sensitivity, loosen your grip, and enjoy a relaxed, smoother ride. The device helps maintain engine speed for improved control over bumps.
- Available for different configurations. Motorcycle throttle locks can fit a variety of motorcycles including those equipped with OEM handguards, barkbusters handguards, bar end mirrors, and heated grips. They are easy to install and offer improved long-distance comfort.
Types of Motorcycle Throttle Locks
Throttle Sleeve Motorcycle Locks
Like other motorcycle throttle locks, a throttle sleeve motorcycle lock holds the throttle in place using friction. The friction overpowers your motorbike's throttle body return spring. A throttle sleeve lock is easy to engage and disengage. You simply use your thumb because it is always within reach. Most throttle sleeve motorcycle locks are universal and not built for specific bike makes or models.
Rubber Grip Motorcycle Throttle Locks
This type of lock ensures you don't constantly grip the throttle, tiring your wrist. You can easily control it using your thumb and forefinger. Most of these throttle locks use a composite material that acts like a spring. It has the right amount of tension to grab a motorcycle grip. The locks have no moving parts or switches and can be installed and removed in seconds. However, it is worth noting that these motorcycle throttle locks take up grip space and can make handlebars feel a little cramped.
Bar End Motorcycle Throttle Locks
The outstanding feature of bar end motorcycle throttle locks is they do not take up any space on handlebars. Each lock features a simple and robustly-designed friction nut that is integrated with a bar end weight. You may have to adjust the lock a little to make sure it makes light contact with the rubber throttle sleeve. These motorcycle throttle locks mount securely to bikes and are not susceptible to theft. Once installed, they may not need any adjustments.
Throttle Assists
Throttle assists are easy to use as you can engage and disengage them with your thumb. You can adjust the throttle lock even when you're cruising at 70 miles per hour. You don't have to reduce speed or stop to adjust the lock and it mounts securely to your bike. However, these types of throttle locks have one big disadvantage. They are usually designed for specific motorbike makes and models.
Top Brands
Atlas Throttle Lock
This small company was created by David Winters and his wife when they were on a 15-month around-the-world motorcycle trip. They were in New Zealand seeking shelter from a storm when they came up with the idea for this throttle lock. The company only has one motorcycle throttle lock at the moment—Atlas—but it is very popular with bikers and biking enthusiasts. ATLAS is an acronym which stands for Adventure Touring Leaves All Signs.
Kemimoto
Kemimoto was established over 10 years ago and is a one-stop shop for motorcycle, ATV, and UTV parts. The parts are created and tested with the assistance of four-wheel and two-wheel racers from around the world. The company makes a lot of spare parts and accessories including sliders, mirrors, rear sets, Derlin-based parts, and CNC machined billet aluminum. It also makes efficient throttle locks like the Kemimoto Motorcycle Throttle Lock.
Kaoko
This company was founded in 2001 by Roy Mentis. He got the name from the Kaokoveld in Namibia where he had gone for an adventure trip. The company makes throttle locks and throttle stabilizers and won an award in 2009 for its throttle lock. The Kaoko Throttle Lock Cruise Control is one of its best creations.
Motorcycle Throttle Lock Pricing
- $10-$50: Most motorcycle throttle locks fall in this category. They hold the throttle in place, offering users some rest for a while.
- $50-$100: These throttle locks are easy to install, easy to use, and are usually made of metal for increased durability. Engaging and disengaging them is quite easy.
- $100-$150: Motorcycle throttle locks in this category have a cruise control feature and don’t simply lock the throttle. They can automatically adjust a bike’s speed for wind and hills.
Key Features
Cruise Control
The main function of a motorcycle throttle lock is to lock the throttle. Without it, you have to hold the throttle at all times in order to control the speed. A motorcycle throttle lock prevents hand fatigue on long rides. While not all throttle locks offer cruise control, it is an important feature if you ride your bike often. A throttle lock with cruise control can hold the throttle at a set position and also maintain your bike's speed when you’re going uphill or downhill.
Resistance
A good motorcycle throttle lock offers the right amount of resistance. You should be able to adjust it with your throttle hand as you ride your bike. It should offer friction resistance to the throttle to prevent it from swinging back. When the throttle is locked in place, your hand can rest as you only need to control it every now and then. You will avoid cramping of the fingers and wrist.
Ease of Use
The best motorcycle throttle locks are easy to engage and disengage. You can quickly perform these two processes with your thumb. They don't take up grip space, so your hand won't feel cramped as you ride. The throttle lock should be able to mount securely to your bike and offer a smooth riding experience. Remember, the main reason you buy a throttle lock is to enhance your comfort. The easier the throttle lock is to use, the more you'll enjoy your ride.
Other Considerations
- Ease of Installation. A throttle sleeve lock clamps onto your bike's plastic throttle tube and does not require you to drill or remove any parts from your throttle. No matter the throttle lock you choose, it should be easy to install. A good motorcycle throttle lock should take less than five minutes to install.
- Materials. Good motorcycle throttle locks are made of stainless steel and are built to last. They are not made of plastic or sheet metal. Make sure the one you choose is made of high-quality material so it doesn't get damaged when you're on the road.
Best Motorcycle Throttle Lock Reviews & Recommendations 2020
It's hard to move around on your bike and relax when your muscles are overtaxed. You start thinking about your hurting hands and divert your attention from the road. Enter the Krator Motorcycle Throttle Lock, a simple device that relieves stress on your wrist during long rides. It functions as a throttle lock, a throttle assist, and a cruise control.
This throttle lock sits on the brake lever to hold the throttle in place. When you want to disengage cruise control, you simply roll off the throttle manually. It has a universal fit and virtually fits every motorcycle.
However, it is not the easiest throttle lock to use. You always have to keep your right hand on the throttle because removing it will decrease your response time in case of an incident. The screw also makes it difficult to engage and disengage.
Many motorcycle owners love nothing more than installing a new device that changes the way they cruise down the road. If you're looking to increase the comfort of your bike with something that will not inconvenience you, get this cruise control that's designed by Sound Off Recreational. It is ideal for Honda motorcycles with ⅞-inch handlebars.
This throttle lock fits between the grip and throttle housing and doesn't take up a lot of space on the handlebar. It installs on the handlebar without a lot of fuss and you don't have to make a lot of modifications to your bike during installation. It is ideal for dual-cable bikes but also works on single-cable bikes.
However, there are a few things you need to know if you’ve decided to get this throttle lock. It can be challenging to install but the end result will be worth the effort. You may also have to modify it if you want it to fit on your bike.
This bright silver-colored throttle lock is made from 6061 billet aluminum. It’s designed to rest against your brake lever and hold your throttle in place. This lock comes in two sizes: small and large. You pick the size that fits your handlebars. The small lock will fit a handlebar in diameter of ⅞ inches, while the large one fits a handlebar that’s 1 inch in diameter.
You’ll appreciate how simple this throttle lock is to use. Once it’s in place, your throttle will be held firm in your chosen position. This will relieve the pressure on your hand and wrist when on longer rides.
Unfortunately, just resting against the throttle to hold it in place isn’t the most secure throttle lock method. You may find that it’s not strong enough to hold your throttle at your chosen position. The bright machined metal finish may not look good on your bike.
The Atlas lock wraps around your throttle and features a thumb-activated mechanism to engage or disengage the lock. It comes as either a top or bottom control design, depending on your bike’s handlebars. Check the User Guide PDF to find your bike and determine which is appropriate for your handlebar setup.
What really makes this throttle lock stand out is your ability to adjust your speed incrementally. This lets you refine your speed and adjust for traffic and road conditions. You’ll also love how easy this throttle lock is to install. It’s a simple bolt-on lock that comes with clear directions.
Unfortunately, you’ll need to use friction pads to refine the fitment on your bike. These aren’t the most secure, and they can slip out of place, which will cause your throttle lock to wiggle. You may also find that it restricts your throttle’s movement even when it’s not engaged.
This uniquely-shaped throttle lock helps reduce highway fatigue by allowing you to relax your grip on the throttle and still maintain your speed. It’s made of durable nylon and rubber, which makes it corrosion and rustproof. To install the lock, follow the mounting instructions, and it should be completed in 15 minutes.
What’s nice about this throttle lock is its universal fitment. It comes with interchangeable rubber inserts that let you create a custom fit to the size of your handlebars. It can fit OEM handlebars with a diameter of ⅞ to one inch. If you have aftermarket grips, it’s compatible with an outside diameter of 1 ⅛ inches to 1 ¾ inches.
Unfortunately, this throttle lock feels a bit flimsy. This is because it’s not made out of metal like many of the other locks on this list. You may also find that it doesn’t hold a consistent speed and will let you gradually slow down. The screws tend to get loose from the vibration of riding, so check them every so often.
This all-black throttle lock has a minimalist design. It’s made of aluminum alloy and silicone. To install, slip the silicone band onto the base of your throttle. Then unscrew the clamp and slide it onto your throttle. You can tighten it down using the top screw to adjust the fitment.
The fact that it’s made out of aluminum alloy means that it’s resistant to corrosion and rust. This makes it perfect for being exposed to the elements. The black color means this lock will blend in and not take away from the look and style of your bike.
Unfortunately, you’ll find this style of throttle lock hard to use. It doesn’t hold if you’re going too slow or too fast. Sometimes the throttle will snap back into the neutral position, and other times you’ll have a steady loss of speed. You should also be careful when installing it because it could scratch the finish on your handlebars.
This throttle lock is specifically designed for sport bike throttles. It’s made of high-quality billet components and is made in the United States. It is compatible with handlebars that are 1 3/16 inches to 1 ⅜ inches in diameter. Once installed, you can set the lock to hold your throttle in a chosen position. You can also adjust the throttle to any position while the lock is engaged.
You’ll love this throttle lock on your sport bike because it includes a unique feature, the immediate release trigger. This trigger will automatically release the throttle lock if you engage the front brake or manual lever. When it comes to safety, this feature is key because it removes the revving of your throttle in situations when you need to brake.
Unfortunately, if you have a motorcycle that isn’t a sport bike, you’ll probably find that this throttle lock isn’t compatible with your handlebars. This lock also lacks style and will look noticeably out of place on your handlebars.
This throttle lock is meant for use on a Yamaha or Kawasaki cruiser. It works via a lever to hold your throttle in place. The internal components are made of stainless steel. The external components and mounting brackets are made of zinc with a nickel chrome finish.
You’ll find that this throttle lock is easy to install and use. You can work the lock and release mechanism with just your thumb. The customized compatibility of this throttle lock means that it’s specifically designed for your bike. This will help it to work better than many of the other universal compatibility throttle locks on this list.
Unfortunately, this throttle lock is very bike specific and will not work on sport bikes or other motorcycles that aren’t Kawasaki or Yamaha cruisers. You also need to keep an eye on the metal because it could tarnish or corrode.
This throttle lock installs on the outside edge of your throttle. It uses a friction nut to hold your throttle in place and replaces your bar-end weight. The installation is super easy and takes a few minutes. The device is black and features the KAO branding.
You won’t have any problems with slippage with this throttle lock. Once you tighten it down, it stays there. It also seamlessly integrates into your handlebars and grips, so unless someone is specifically looking for it, they’ll never notice it.
Unfortunately, this lock takes some getting used to. It isn’t the easiest of throttle locks to learn how to use so that you can operate it without looking at it. It also may not fit your bike due to its unique mounting method. You’ll also find that it’s one of the more expensive locks on this list.
Tips
- A throttle lock is geared towards bikers who ride machines without cruise control. Make sure to practice a bit when you first install it to make sure it's adjusted to your liking.
- Do not use a throttle lock in traffic because it will require a lot of adjustments, which can be very inconvenient. It is designed for using on longer stretches of open road.
- A throttle lock may not work as well on bikes that vibrate a lot, such as Harley-Davidsons. However, if you have a smooth, well-balanced motorcycle, it should work just fine.
FAQs
Q: What is throttle assist?
A: When you use a throttle lock, you don't have to squeeze the grips to increase, decrease, or maintain speed. It acts as a throttle assist and allows you to operate the throttle with a relaxed hand so it doesn't cramp up.
Q: How do I install a motorcycle throttle lock?
A: Most throttle locks will come with instructions from the manufacturer. You may also find some tutorials online. Most do not require you remove the grips during setup.
Q: How do I know if a throttle lock will fit my bike?
A: It’s important that you read the manufacturer’s description. Some throttle locks are designed for specific makes of motorcycles, while others offer a universal fit.
Final Thoughts
Our pick for the best motorcycle throttle lock is the Krator Motorcycle Cruise Control Throttle Assist. It fits on a large variety of bikes and helps relieve pressure in your hands during long trips.
For a more budget-friendly option, consider the 2Wheel Ride Go Cruise Black 7/8" Motorcycle Throttle Assist.
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
Learn more