Throttle modification

[frank9755]

I've just carried out Flecc's throttle modification on my Wisper. Being somewhat ham-fisted with a hacksaw, it doesn't look quite as tidy as Flecc's, but it works ok and (my main objective) enables me to fit a bar end mirror.

Frank

 

[Haku]

I've read through that modification page but without a pictures guide I don't understand what the modification actually does, that and I don't have a Wisper

But throttle handle modification interests me somewhat because the one on my Urban Mover is too small and the return spring is annoyingly strong, it's only big enough for me to get my index finger & thumb round the throttle grip but using it for too long gives my hand/wrist ache.

I'd love a full length or even 2/3 length throttle grip on my bike, one idea I've had is to find some thin tubing that can sit over the bare handlebar and twist easily so then a grip can be put over that and somehow attached (even ducttape could possibly do the job) to the main throttle grip. Feasable?

 

[Ian]

I'd love a full length or even 2/3 length throttle grip on my bike, one idea I've had is to find some thin tubing that can sit over the bare handlebar and twist easily so then a grip can be put over that and somehow attached (even ducttape could possibly do the job) to the main throttle grip. Feasable?

Flecc designed the modification because many people have found that full length throttles lead to aching wrists and are hard to hold steady. I did a similar modification when I fitted my bike with oval section ergonomic grips and found that by using my index finger and thumb I could get a sensitivity of control not previously possible. I did however considerably weaken the return spring which in my case was an important part of the mod.

 

[HarryB]

Ian, I like the throttle grip - do you know where you got it from and if it was easy to fit?

 

[Ian]

Ian, I like the throttle grip - do you know where you got it from and if it was easy to fit?

I got them from Wiggle about a year ago Harry, they're called Specialized Comfort Grips (Specialized being the brand). I've just checked and unfortunately wiggle don't stock them now, they may be available elsewhere though.

They can't be fitted to a twistgrip so the mod is essential for a throttle bike, but apart from that they are easy to fit. Two grub screws tighten on to the bars to prevent turning, they are open ended so can be used with a bar end mirror or the separate end caps supplied.

PS: Found some Harry, £4.99 from Evans Cycles

 

[HarryB]

Thanks Ian, and what about the rubber grip on the throttle twist grip itself, looks very neat.

 

[Ian]

Thanks Ian, and what about the rubber grip on the throttle twist grip itself, looks very neat.

I realised after posting that that was what you probably meant. It actually came from a twistgrip gearshift, about the only item worth salvaging before throwing a cheap bike away.

 

[HarryB]

Yes I thought so, not sure you can get them. Finishes off the mod perfectly though.

 

[frank9755]

Very nice job, Ian; much neater than mine!
Good idea to put something else over the actual throttle. I might have another go and try to get something nearer to your one.

 

[JamesC]

I realised after posting that that was what you probably meant. It actually came from a twistgrip gearshift, about the only item worth salvaging before throwing a cheap bike away.

I added this same mod of Ian's to my Torq last September. In my case, the throttle sleeve is made from a handlebar grip called Love Handles by Azonic. Easy to stretch over the larger diameter of the throttle tube.

The Torq has no suspension in the front forks, and can be prone to vibration in the handlebars, leading to discomfort in wrists and shoulders.

The Specialized Comfort Grip mod helps a great deal, both to comfort and control.

Further work on the front wheel build in the last week or so has contributed to a softer ride, and appears to have resolved the tendency to vibration when braking. More to follow on this.

James

 

[Haku]

Thanks for the detailed explanation, Ian, it's certainly food for thought, especially the bit about having the entire grip twisting instead of just a portion can give wrist ache. When the 1 year warranty on my bike is up I will be examining the throttle in close detail (read:taking it apart) for a couple of reasons, trying to reduce the spring strength which may negate the need for extending the grip area, and also reducing the 'dead' area - the first 1/3 of the twisting movement does nothing, only when you get beyond 1/3 the twisting range does the motor kick in (after 3 seconds - that's a speed controller issue, wish it didn't wait)

So some interesting modding time coming up in about a month

 

[Ian]

...reducing the 'dead' area - the first 1/3 of the twisting movement does nothing,

That was an issue that I too found irritating Haku. I simply glued a plastic block to the internal return stop to solve it. The spring was weakened by drilling a new hole for its end to locate in, actually I drilled a row of holes to give me a choice, but ended up using the weakest setting.

 

[Cyclezee]

I carried out this modification on a Torq and it made a big difference in reducing wrist strain. I also did this to 905se incorporating some friction so it stayed on when signalling a right turn. Having said that the Wisper throttle on the right never gave me half as much wrist strain as the Torq which is on the left.
I'm expecting delivery of a new 905se this afternoon and I won't bother to modify that one.

John

 

[nigel]

I carried out this modification on a Torq and it made a big difference in reducing wrist strain. I also did this to 905se incorporating some friction so it stayed on when signalling a right turn. Having said that the Wisper throttle on the right never gave me half as much wrist strain as the Torq which is on the left.
I'm expecting delivery of a new 905se this afternoon and I won't bother to modify that one.

John

Hi john just a quick question when i had my ezee torq i found that when it was at full throttle after a few mins the amber light would come on and then on to red does this also happen to the 905se many thanks nigel.

 

[Cyclezee]

Nigel

The 905se doesn't have the same battery/power meter used by Ezee, so the short answer is that doesn't happen. The 905se has power meter and a naff speedo in an funky instrument pod. The meter part isn't bad as a guide to how much power you are using.

John

 

[frank9755]

I'm expecting delivery of a new 905se this afternoon and I won't bother to modify that one.

John

Another bike, John!

Is that a 2008 UK spec? If so, please tell us what's been changed!

Frank

 

[Cyclezee]

No Frank, it's another German import. Bought before the exchage rate made these bike less of a good buy. My reason for buying was it is the only new derestricted bike still available and they are good bikes despite what one owner said in a review.

John

 

[frank9755]

Agreed - that review was odd. I'm not sure whether he had a dud or was comparing it to a motorbike!