Motorcycle Throttle Locks: Good Alternative to Cruise Control?

Cruise control is among the most notable motorcycle features found on most premium bikes. This is a highly praised tech feature, especially found on motorbikes designed for highway cruising and open road riding. It is designed to ensure the rider’s comfort in mind. Cruise control on a cruiser bike can prove to be very helpful in many ways, especially in reducing the strain on your wrists and back. It can help riders avoid fatigue on long travels.

However, most bikes that were made before a certain time period do not have cruise control. It is not standard on most bikes. Well, it doesn’t mean that riders who own bikes with no cruise control cannot have fun while cruising on freeways. Thanks to Motorcycle Throttle Locks, they can still ride comfortably on motorways without having to keep controlling the throttle. Riders can still let go of the throttle grip and just relax while riding, even if their bike doesn’t have a cruise control feature.

Motorcycle throttle locks are a blessing in disguise for bikers who ride motorcycles with no cruise control. This is especially true on long-distance rides. Nonetheless, are throttle locks as good as cruise control? Are they a good alternative to electronic cruise control on modern bikes? Let’s find out in detail in this article.

A motorcycle throttle lock is a very simple gadget that is meant to lock the throttle in a certain position. You do not need to keep your hand on the throttle at all times. It can be especially useful when you have to ride long distances on highways, where you need to have a constant speed.

There are various designs of motorbike throttle locks available in the market. Some are simple and can be easily fitted on the throttle grip, and others are easy to install. The most common ones are:

Some are bar-end mounted on your throttle and use a friction method to lock the throttle and keep it stationary.

These are installed on the throttle grip and use the clamp to lock the throttle.

Once installed, the throttle lock is easy to operate. Suppose you are going comfortably on a highway at a constant speed, and you wish to relax and stretch your arms and back. All you need to do if you have a throttle lock on your bike is to lock the throttle grip at the speed you want. To alter the pace or to open the lock, simply roll off the throttle for unlocking.

Although a throttle lock may help alleviate strain on the wrist, it does not regulate speed like a cruise control system. A cruise control system automatically maintains the speed. The throttle lock only keeps the throttle steady so that you can keep your eyes on the road.

The motorcycle cruise control is a system that enables the bike to travel at a constant speed without the need to turn the throttle. It is an advanced feature that is usually present on the high-end touring and cruiser bikes. It can aid in reducing fatigue during long rides.

The main concept behind the cruise control on a motorbike is comparable to that of a car cruise control. When it is turned on, the system will automatically regulate the throttle to achieve a steady speed. The majority of cruise control systems have sensors and electronic controls that maintain your speed. It keeps the pace of the bike constant, even on uneven or unpaved roads, such as uphill or downhill roads.

All that riders need to do to enable the cruise control is to press the button on the handlebars. When the cruise control feature is turned on, it will control the throttle and keep you at your desired speed. In case you need to reduce speed, just apply the brakes or pull in the clutch, and the cruise control will switch off.

Newer bikes also have electronic or adaptive cruise control, which automatically speeds up or slows down the bike depending on the distance between you and the car in front of you. Nevertheless, this advanced feature is only present in certain premium motorcycles in the market.

Motorcycle throttle locks available in the market have a number of pros for riders who want to be comfortable on long rides. These include:

The cost of throttle locks is quite low compared to cruiser control features on motorbikes. The price of a good throttle lock usually ranges between $20 and $200. It can cost more depending on the lock method, design, quality, and dependability. These throttle locks are an excellent budget-friendly choice that riders can use to enjoy comfort without spending a lot of money.

Throttle locks are also easy to install, and they are compatible with nearly all motorbikes. You do not require being a mechanic in order to fit one on your bike. Throttle locks are usually accompanied by clear instructions, and within a few minutes, you will have it installed.

Long rides can stress your wrist, hand, and arm, especially when you are on a highway and you need to hold the throttle open. A throttle lock will allow you to take a break with your hand and wrist without letting go of the bike. This comes in handling, especially when you are riding on straight roads with minimal traffic.

Throttle locks are mechanical only. They do not need any wiring, batteries, or sensors to work. This also makes them quite dependable, and they will not break down due to electrical problems.

Thrittle locks tend to be small and light. They are not bulky or add weight to your bike. They also do not occupy any space, making them easy to store or carry around.

Some of the motorcycle throttle locks available in the market are made flexible enough to suit and fit any make and model. The same throttle lock you have bought can be easily installed and removed from any bike. You do not need to sell it with your bike if you plan to switch to a different bike one day. Just remove it easily and install the same throttle lock on your new bike.

Although throttle locks are very useful, they do have a few drawbacks to watch out for. These are:

The throttle lock for motorbikes is only able to lock the throttle. It does not regulate speed as the cruise control does. When going up or downhill, you will still have to control the throttle with your hands to keep up with your speed. 

Theottle locks will make you pay more attention to the bike. It is not possible to take it as easily as you can with the cruise control. When the lock is stuck or fails, you are likely to face issues with releasing the throttle, which can put your safety at risk.

In hilly areas or uneven surfaces, a throttle lock can cause your speed to vary. It does not automatically regulate the throttle, so you may be accelerating or decelerating without noticing it, especially on an uphill or downhill slope.

A throttle lock may prove hard to release fast in an emergency. In case of a stuck lock or malfunction, it is likely to create a big problem. Cruise control systems, on the other hand, tend to be much safer. It automatically disengages when you apply the brakes or pull the clutch.

The cruise control feature on motorbikes has a different set of merits, and it is well-suited to long-distance touring. The pros are:

The biggest benefit of the cruise control feature is that it helps to maintain a constant speed. The system will control the throttle to maintain a steady speed, whether on flat roads or going uphill without any fluctuations. It will continue to push you forward at a constant pace without requiring riders’ intervention.

The cruise control eliminates the fatigue associated with keeping the throttle open while cruising on open roads and highways. It enables you to give your fingers, hands, and arms a break, making long rides more comfortable and pleasant.

Safety features, such as automatic disengagement and the emergency alert system of the adaptive cruise control, are lifesaver functions. The latest adaptive cruise control feature on certain premium touring bikes is also capable of disengaging the cruise control and slowing down the bike by sensing a vehicle in front of your bike.

The adaptive cruise control is also capable of adjusting your speed according to the real-world traffic conditions. This is far safer than throttle locks, which may fail or be hard to unlock in emergency situations.

The cruise control feature on bikes has cons as well, along with the pros. These are:

Cruise control installed on motorbikes is quite an expensive option compared to the manual or mechanical throttle locks. The cruise control feature is not standard on most motorbikes. They are usually stocked on mid- to high-end touring or cruiser bikes. As an aftermarket option, it can be an expensive upgrade.

The cruise control systems are more complex than the throttle locks. They need sensors, wires, and electronics to work, making them subject to breakdown. When something goes wrong with the system, it may prove costly and hard to repair.

Although throttle locks can be used on any bike, cruise control is only installed on a few models. A cruise control is usually optional on older or smaller bikes. So, you are left with aftermarket options that can be costly compared to throttle locks.

The cruise control feature is only appropriate while riding on highways or long-distance touring when the roads are open and there is less traffic on the road. It does not work when you are in stop-and-go traffic and you have to keep changing your speed frequently.

When comparing throttle locks and cruise control, a couple of points need to be noted. These are:

Compared to cruise control, throttle locks are much cheaper, which makes them a better option among riders unable to afford the optional cruise control feature.

Throttle locks are simple to install and apply, but cruise control can be more complex, as it uses sensors and electronics.

Cruise control provides more convenience, especially during long-distance travel. It is very stable in terms of speed, and this is ideal on the highway.

The adaptive cruise control is safer than the throttle lock since it is automated to have a disengagement setting. Throttle locks can be a challenge to unlock in a hurry in case of an emergency.

A throttle lock is a good option when you need a cheap solution for long rides. But in case you take long tours regularly and would like to be less involved in the riding process, a cruise control may be worth the price.

Motorcycle throttle locks and cruise control both have many pros for riders. Though the purpose may be the same for both, they use completely different methods to lock the throttle. Throttle locks are cheap, simple to fit, and are found to be useful in minimizing wrist and arm fatigue during long rides. Nevertheless, they do not lock the throttle as cruise control does.

On the other hand, the latest cruise control system on most modern bikes is the ultimate comfort feature for riders who love to tour and do not want to use the throttle to regulate the speed. Although it is more costly, it is a good investment when you plan to do long-distance touring.

Lastly, it is all about your riding style and preferences, the type of motorbike you ride, and your budget. Both of them can make your ride more enjoyable, yet they are more appropriate for various riding needs.