Throttle issue question...

Tancor

Hi all,

I'm still debating on whether to get an ST; the list is short and I'm trying to understand the potential pitfalls of the various bikes before I make a final decision.

I'm trying to understand this "throttle snatch" issue I've been reading about - is it where you twist the throttle and nothing happens until you hit a certain point and all of a sudden your rpm's shoot up? Does it happen on '07's and 08's?

I've read a bit about attempts to fix by adjusting cables or aftermarket parts - is there a way to tell if a bike has this problem running in neutral? Or is it a feel in the throttle or what?

Sorry for what must seem like a silly question, "throttle snatch" seems to pull up a lot of threads and many seem to have no relation to the st, or are talking about 06 models.

Thanks!

-Tony
 
dang thing will throw ya off if ya ain't careful, say it throwed a feller off out west just tryin' to take pictures!!! ATGATT all the way!!

seriously, the fuel injection and throttle response is not as smooth particularly at slow speeds as some other bikes you have ridden but its not that bad in my opinion. you just get used to how it responds like any other bike.
 
Just buy the ST....you will like it. And if you don't, this forum has a money back guarantee ... Seriously , I have an 06' and the throttle is no more snatchie than any other bike with a lot of power. So far I have not had any issues with the bike ...Heat , Seat , Windscreen etc. No problem ..... I really like the bike stock. And after owning many bikes ....I think I may like the ST best !
 
Any FI system has this issue, the throttle cable play can help as does the Turbo Tom Fuel Pressure Regulator.

Mostly the effect happens at 4K RPM and it is mostly a faint hesitation, nothing major if you do not react to it. Reaction to the effect causes more issue than the actual hesitation and it what you hear reported as a larger problem.
 
Uhh just a dumb thought feather the clutch???
I have not experience this problem you talk of.
Might just be me but my throttle is as smooth as a baby's butt:)


Sean:biker:
 
The best word I've heard used to describe the 13's throttle is "accurate." This bike rewards excellent right-hand technique and doesn't hesitate to point out when you're slacking off. Good use of the friction zone at very low speeds is important, too.

I've read a bit about attempts to fix by adjusting cables or aftermarket parts - is there a way to tell if a bike has this problem running in neutral? Or is it a feel in the throttle or what?
Click to expand...

You really have to ride it. Checking and adjusting play in the throttle is easy, does make a diference and, if you ask me, is mandatory. It's part of the setup procedure, which dealers are notorious for not completing as specified.

Some folks install Turbo Tom's re-tuned fuel pressure regulator to smooth things out, but I can't say I've found a need for it. (Which isn't to say that a ride on a bike with one installed wouldn't change my mind.)

Sorry for what must seem like a silly question, "throttle snatch" seems to pull up a lot of threads and many seem to have no relation to the st, or are talking about 06 models.
Click to expand...

The bike has undergone relatively minor changes since 2002, but none of them were to the fuel system. Unless Honda has quietly made changes to the ECU firmware, they should all run the same way.

--Mark
 
The throttle is a little touchy just off of idle; I believe it's due to the lean mixture necessary to meet emissions standards. You'll get used to it, and your technique with the throttle will improve as you ride the bike. Feathering the clutch at low speeds works wonders. Keep the throttle freeplay adjusted. I have one of the fuel pressure regulators, but haven't installed it yet - I'll get around to it, but the "problem" isn't significant enough to motivate me to do it immediately. This is in no way a reason to not buy the ST. Remember that people here have pretty high expectations, and they are vocal and honest. This sometimes makes "problems" seem more significant than they really are. (Yes, perfection is always better.)
 
I have alot of miles on my '05 and never did anything but adjust the play to a minimum in the throttle cables and go ride.

I notice it most in cornering where I back off the throttle slightly and then try to spool back up on the exit. I know, poor cornering technique I should have set the entry speed better but sometimes something makes me back off the throttle in mid turn. The ST does not like a heavy hand in this situation but it isn't a deal breaker, you just learn to ease it back into it. Whack the throttle open and she will let you know you're ham-fisted rider. You will also feel satisfaction when you do her right - she rewards an accurate wrist.
 
Tancor said:
Hi all,

I'm still debating on whether to get an ST; the list is short and I'm trying to understand the potential pitfalls of the various bikes before I make a final decision.

I'm trying to understand this "throttle snatch" issue I've been reading about - is it where you twist the throttle and nothing happens until you hit a certain point and all of a sudden your rpm's shoot up? Does it happen on '07's and 08's?

I've read a bit about attempts to fix by adjusting cables or aftermarket parts - is there a way to tell if a bike has this problem running in neutral? Or is it a feel in the throttle or what?

Sorry for what must seem like a silly question, "throttle snatch" seems to pull up a lot of threads and many seem to have no relation to the st, or are talking about 06 models.

Thanks!

-Tony
Click to expand...

I remember the throttle being my #1 complaint as soon as I drove the bike home from the dealer. It seemed not matter what I did coming off of a closed throttle the bike would "lurch" forward. Somewhat unsettling to me in a straight line - but really worried me in the corners. Coming from a Triumph Sprint ST, which had a buttery smooth FI/throttle, the Honda seemed like it might have been a mistake. 10,000 miles later, it's a complete non-issue - I have a hard time remembering when I was last bothered by it. I guess you just develop a light touch over the miles. (BTW - I've made no adjustments to the throttle or FI system)

As for "detecting" the throttle issue - you have to ride it. I don't see how it would be felt in neutral or on the center stand.

-Brian
 
After a week or so you will not notice it at all with the exception of riding slowly on rough surfaces were the bumps introduce sufficient throttle adjustments to make it noticeable. You can mitigate this problem to a large extent by riding with two fingers on the brake lever to help steady your hand. I always ride this way in an urban environment anyways.
 
Rob Hephner said:
Any FI system has this issue, the throttle cable play can help as does the Turbo Tom Fuel Pressure Regulator.

Mostly the effect happens at 4K RPM and it is mostly a faint hesitation,
Click to expand...
Mine hits that feathery spot at about 3800 RPMs...doesn't bother me now, just caused me to sit up and take notice the first time it happened...a hold-over reaction from the carburated, drag pipe days :eek:
 
i have an 07, keep the throttle play within spec (even on the tight side) and i've never felt the throttle response was anything other than precisely what my right hand was telling it.
 
06 here and if you leave the throttle cables where the dealer left them at delivery you'll go crazy.

Get all the slack out and no problems. I don't think I'll ever do the FPR mod. No problems.
 
I have had the same issue with the sensitive throttle and I have found that the following adjustments help to mitigate the problem:

- Turbo Tom Fuel Pressure Regulator ? This has had the most favorable impact on the issue so far

- Throttle cable adjustment - Helped quite a bit

- Keep the air filter clean. I got lazy and extended recommended mileage change for the air filter by about 5K miles. I found that the filter was pretty clogged, and it made a big difference when I changed it. Did not realize how big a difference it made until I changed it.

- Watch the gasoline brand/EPA location that you use. I find that when I get outside of the New York/New Jersey EPA gasoline area the bike is smoother. Different brands (outside the NY/NJ area) can also change the throttle sensitivity. Notice the gasoline dye in different areas. Mobil/Exxon high test in the NY area is blue. If it is clear you are probably getting regular out of the premium pump (or a different brand). Not unheard of in this area along with the gas pumps shorting on gallons. Regular will also affect smoothness.

- Higher temperatures (and hot gasoline) make it worse. Not much you can do about this.
 
I noticed the throttle snatch on my new 05 as being a very slight lean hesitation, most noticeable accelerating thru the apex of a turn.
The Turbo Tom fuel pressure regulator set for 56psi (stock is 50psi) completely solved this minor issue, and also gave a good midrange power boost.

The ST is not perfect, but is very close. Minor mods will help you set up the bike to your own personal taste, whether it's carving canyons or touring across the country.
Jefro.
 
Hi everyone,

I want to thank you for your information. I do have another question now - it relates to adjusting the throttle...

I'm reading the 2008 ST setup manual (per the link on the first page), and I see on page 20, near the bottom - step 20 there is a paragraph about "throttle freeplay" - is that what needs to be adjust with regard to slack? Also it is stating a freeplay movement of 2-6mm, is there less of a "control" problem at 2mm or less closer to 6mm? It really doesn't describe what exactly you are doing (short the losten locknut, modify adjuster, tighten locknut), and how that affects performance (I guess they assume whomever is reading the manual already knows)

-Tony
 
Tancor said:
...on page 20, near the bottom - step 20 there is a paragraph about "throttle freeplay" - is that what needs to be adjust with regard to slack?
Click to expand...

Yep, that's exactly it.

Also it is stating a freeplay movement of 2-6mm, is there less of a "control" problem at 2mm or less closer to 6mm? It really doesn't describe what exactly you are doing (short the losten locknut, modify adjuster, tighten locknut), and how that affects performance (I guess they assume whomever is reading the manual already knows)
Click to expand...

What you're doing is adjusting the amount of extra slack in the upper throttle cable, the other end of which is connected to the crank on the throttle bodies that makes it go vroom-vroom. :D If there's no slack in the cable, turning the handlebars will have an effect on engine speed, which is not something you want. If there's too much slack, the "closed" end of the throttle travel gets sloppy.

How you adjust it is a matter of personal preference. Personally, I find 6mm to be far too much play, so mine gets adjusted toward the tight end. I like it so you can give the throttle the slightest little jiggle when at idle, but beyond that you're pulling cable.

HTH.

--Mark
 
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