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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.
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
Best Overall
Krator Motorcycle Cruise Control Throttle Assist
Honorable Mention
u003cstrongu003eSound Off Recreational Vista Cruise for Dual Throttle Cableu003c/strongu003e
Honorable Mention
Avon Grips Lock Throttle
Honorable Mention
ATLAS Throttle Lock
Honorable Mention
GUAIMI Cruise Control Throttle Assist
Honorable Mention
My Band Motorcycle Cruise Control Throttle Clamp
Honorable Mention
Brake Away Motorcycle Cruise Control
Honorable Mention
Cruise-Mate Throttle Control Lock
Honorable Mention
Kaoko Throttle Lock Cruise Control
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.