Throttle issue question...

Ok, so, I loosen the lock nut, then I use the adjuster to adjust the slack, I assume I twist it? How can I feel in the throttle whether I'm turning the right way and if I've gone too far in either direction?

(I know, stupid question, but I'm mechanically challenged =) )

-Tony
 
Before you make any adjustments, get a baseline...

With the engine off, slightly twist the throttle a tiny bit several times to get a feel for the amount of slack.
Then go ahead and make an adjustment. But don't let the actual cable start to twist around, just the long adjuster barrel nut.
Now twist the throttle a tiny bit again.

Make another adjustment, then test again.
You want just a little bit of freeplay.

Now turn the bars Full Right Lock, and test again. You need a tiny bit of slack.
Test at Full Left Lock. If no slack, you tightened too much.
Everything OK?
Tighten the locknut and you're done.

And remember, a new bikes throttle cables will loosen up over a few weeks constant use, so you may need to do this again later. After a few months, they won't stretch anymore.
Jefro.
 
Hey thanks alot Jefro, I really appreciate the info, sometimes it really sucks to be mechanically challenged =D

-Tony
 
I've been running an 07 now for a few thousand miles and I have to say I really like the bike and feel it is a great all around bike, offering a good mix of performance, comfort, and reliability. That said, in my research of the sport touring class, comparison tests kept mentioning ST drivetrain slop that had me worried some. The first time I drove the bike I clunked it pretty good at lower speeds and still do at times, but really think that the drivetrain is pretty tight and the throttle response is more the problem, especially at low speed/high gear running where the drive train isn't loaded up well. When it's all said and done, I think that tighter throttle control (more response with less throttle movement) is better and definately sportier, just harder to modulate and get used to, especially if you are coming off less sportier bikes. I mean do we really want to be running the bike equivalant of a corrola where the throttle needs to be 3/4 open and held there for 10 seconds just to get up to speed? With that kind of performance, throttle response is always good unless you want to actually run. My .02
 
I had to idle mine up a little. My 1972 kaw mach 111 is a lot harder to ride at lower speeds than the ST. But the mach 111 is also a 500 2 stroke. Also the ST is easier to ride at lower speeds that my 07 FXDL. No stumble here, and at high speed mine is very stable. I have had mine up too what my speed-O said, was going past 140. Then I got out of it. Didn't even know I was going that fast. :06biker:
 
I have a brand new 07 with no issues. I had no experience on a big road bike (had and continue to have a dual sport) and I have had absolutely no problems or feelings of discomfort.

I too was worried about adjusting to this bike. However, I have found that it is really easy to ride and that it has been a very comfortable adjustment.
 
The key is to be s-m-o-o-t-h with the throttle. If you chop the throttle to slow down, you're going to get snatch. If you r-o-l-l off the throttle, the ST will be as smooth as you are.
 
Buy the ST, you won't regret it. My '07 had a some throttle "snatch" but MOST was gone after my first service. I requested to have the throttle cables adjusted then and the Service Tech admitted they were to loose. This helped a bunch but I still plan on adding a Turbo City regulator when I have time. For now, it's time to ride!
V/R
Joel
 
I'm not sure what bike you are coming off of..
I came from an underpowerd Honda Shadow, no amount of throttle twist or change caused a problem. I found i was almost smaking the windshiled, then going off the back of the bike due to snatch..we not that bad, but it was harsh.

For the most part, it was me, and my technique and lack of experience on a high output bike.

Here's how I got past it-
Just ride the bike, its a great bike andyou will get used to the throttle
feather the clutch
Adjust the freeplay
I use 89 octane gas to hopefully slightly detune the engine for less power, it seems to help, when I do put 92 octane in, I get a bit more sensativity in the throttle.

I do just fine with 89 octane, no pinging and plenty of power!
 
As stated elsewhere yes the throttle IS touchy at low speeds, and smoother the wrist the smother the bike. I have no other issues with the bike and find that I ride it more then the others. Get it, you'll love it.... By the way, I had the same issue with my KLR at low speeds esp. on bumpy roads.
 
One of the first things I did when I got the ST home was get most of the free play out of the throttle. My preference is closer to the 2mm spec rather than 6mm. Makes it easier for me to be smoother.
The g/f was not happy seeing me get the wrenches out to work on the new (to me) bike so soon.
 
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