The Cruise-Mate Install

My Wife calls me the “frequent flyer.” But over the years she’s finally gotten comfortable, on her perch on the bitch seat of my Softail, when I dog down the throttle lock and extend my arms out to the side as I emulate Red-Tailed Hawks and other winged raptors that seem to be able to hang, effortlessly, on the odd thermal in the skies over head.

Yeah, when I find myself on a relatively secluded stretch of two-lane The Deuce becomes my “flight simulator.” Of course sometimes I like to stick my arms up instead of out so I can experience the sensation of free falling. The thing is, I need to constantly make minor corrections to the throttle lock, in order to maintain the proper speed. And I wouldn’t mind that process all that much if the damn thing wasn’t so contrary.

First, I have to dial it back then I try to find the optimal location for the throttle then I must re-engage the device and more often than not by that point I find I need to re-set the throttle again. And so the throttle lock tango continues again and then again, ad infinitum ad nauseum. If only I could merely tweak the throttle occasionally without going through all the rig-a-ma-role with the throttle lock, the experience would prove far more satisfying.

Enter The Cruise-Mate

How many times have I seen an ad for the Cruise-Mate in one motorcycle magazine or another? How many times have I asked myself, “Hmm, I wonder if that thing actually works?” I finally got a wild hair, went to the web site, watched the video of the thing in action and resolved to try one.

I asked Bandit if he had any interest in a Cruise-Mate review. He replied, “Sounds interesting, I look forward to it.” That cemented the deal.

Throttle grip housing disassembled with Cruise-Mate Drill Jig Attached

I wasted little time extricating the gadget from its package, inspecting it and studying the instructions. I determined that The Cruise-Mate should be installed by someone who might actually be in possession of a tap and die set; say, maybe a real mechanic. I was able to schedule some wrench time with Matt Sanna, owner of www.mobilecyclesercice.comin my home town, Corona CA. He showed up at my place with his 16-foot trailer which houses a complete one-bay motorcycle shop. It took Matt a matter of minutes to complete the project and adjust the device.

Mechanic, Matt Sanna (hairy dude), Drilling Out The Original Throttle Lock Hole to Accommodate the Cruise-Mate’s Wider Gauge Shaft.

“So, Matt,” I said, “Rate the difficulty involved to install the Cruise-Mate on a scale of 1 to 5 wrenches.”

Famous mobil mechanic taping new hole.

Matt replied, “That depends on who owns the wrenches; your wrenches, I don’t know, maybe two and a half; my wrenches, I’m thinkin’ about half a wrench.”

Hmm…, I had to ask.

The center hole drilled out and tapped (inside view)

Check out the web site: www.cruise-mate.comWatch the video and read the installation instructions and the reviews.

So, does the thing work? Yeah it works! In fact it works GREAT!

The center hole Is drilled out and tapped (outside view).

I needed to re-adjust the tension after a few hours of saddle time and ever since then it’s been perfect. While it clamps the throttle sleeve flange sufficiently to hold it in position, you can still twist the throttle. I soon learned how to make micro adjustments and now I can leave the Cruise-Mate engaged even during moderate traffic conditions on the freeway as well as on surface roads.

After years of grasping vibrating throttles, I’ve sustained nerve damage to the index finger on my right hand. Now, with the Cruise-Mate deployed, I can rest my over-worked digits and log considerably more miles at a healthy clip, in comfort.

Spring-Loaded Cruise-Mate Shaft Installed.

If I ever sell my Deuce, I’ll list the Cruise-Mate as an up-grade. If I ever buy another bike, the first up-grade I’ll add will be a Cruise-Mate.

Big Dog Motorcycles offers The Cruise-Mate as an option for their new models.

Installing the stainless steel lever.

The Cruise-Mate: Throttle Lock Cruise Control
Cruise-Mate
23 Cedarhill Rd.
Bellingham, MA 02019
877 642 3722
www.cruise-mate.com
Price: $64.95-$79.95 for the 303 Stainless Steel Model,
$49.95 in Black Finish

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