Sticky Throttle

[Dick]

I've recently noticed the throttle is slow to return to zero. In fact, it may not even return without turning it. Additionally, the enrichment knob on the left grip does not return as it once did. Seems strange both controls would be affected at the same time. Leads me to believe it isn't as simple as lubricating the cables. But, as my bride is quick to point out, I've been wrong before.

 

Any ideas?

[T__]

Dick, you will just have to work yore way through the cables,, twist grip,, & boden box to see where the stickiness lies..

 

BMW says NOT to lubricate the cables as they are Nylon or Teflon lined.. I have lubricated many over the years & you can lubricate them but must be very careful to not use any type petroleum based lubricant (like oil,, or cable lube,, etc).. Tri Flow of similar Teflon based lubricants work great though..

 

I have found quite a few BMW sticky throttles right in the twist grip or the twist grip & bar end cap so start there..

 

With your fast idle lever sticking that might also point to a gunked up boden box (those are a real pain to access) so I hope that isn’t your problem..

 

 

Twisty

 

[OoPEZoO]

What Twisty said......

 

I had the same problem. I had no idea how long the existing cables had been on the bike So instead of shooting it, I just decided it was time for an overhaul. I replaced all the cables and the bowden box all at once. You have to yank it all apart to replace a single cable, so I figured I might as well replace them all. The throttle now works like butter, and snaps back into place like it is supposed to.

 

EDIT: link to my throttle replacement LINK

[boatzo]

Dick,

 

Are you positive that you have a BMW and not a TOYOTA ?

[Rinkydink]

Boatzo, you beat me to the punch...line.

[hotdog7]

Dick,

 

Are you positive that you have a BMW and not a TOYOTA ?

I was thinking the same thing.

[Dick]

Dang, there goes my law suit.

[bimmers]

why do we all think Toyota? They don't make bikes, right?

 

Unstick it and ride....

[Dick]

Decided to check out the throttle situation first and can definitely say that the throttle sticks when the heated grips are turned on. Is this a lubrication issue or deterioration in the grip heating element?

[Boffin]

Decided to check out the throttle situation first and can definitely say that the throttle sticks when the heated grips are turned on. Is this a lubrication issue or deterioration in the grip heating element?

 

No, It is a clearance issue. As the grips heat up the throttle barrel expands and becomes gripped between the switch gear and the bar end-weight. To fix, either loosen the RH switch gear and move it inboard slightly, or remove the bar end-weight and refit it with a thin washer between it and the bar.

 

Andy

[T__]

Decided to check out the throttle situation first and can definitely say that the throttle sticks when the heated grips are turned on. Is this a lubrication issue or deterioration in the grip heating element?

 

 

 

Dick, as Andy says it is simply a clearance issue..

 

First off -- any chance your bike has a throttle lock on the R/H bar end? Try turning the handle bar end weight,, if you can twist it your bike probably has a throttle-locking bar end weight.. If it (the bar end weight) does twist or turn then try simply twisting it until the throttle doesn’t stick with the heated grips turned on..

 

If your bike doesn’t have a movable bar end weight then the easy way to get more clearance is using a THIN washer between the inside of the bar end weight & the end of the handlebar.. Somewhat difficult to find the correct ID,, OD,, & thickness washer but if you look around you can find something.. I would strongly suggest you use a stainless steel or aluminum washer or it will rust up inside the bar end weight area after a while..

 

The other option is to simply loosen then move the entire switch assy & twist grip away from the bar end weight (easier than it looks in the picture)..

 

 

 

 

Twisty

[Dick]

It does have a throttle lock on the right hand grip. Even with the lock backed all the way out, the grip sticks when the heat element is turned on. I'll try your suggestions. Thanks for your efforts to include the picture.

[AndyS]

It does have a throttle lock on the right hand grip. Even with the lock backed all the way out, the grip sticks when the heat element is turned on. I'll try your suggestions. Thanks for your efforts to include the picture.

 

What sort of throttle lock has your bike got on it?

As standard 1150's don't have one, and so, here may be your issue.

Andy

[philbytx]

If it looks like a polished bar end weight, it is most likely a Throttlemeister .

 

Here's the way to adjust it :

First remove the screws on the right hand grip/ brake assembly (someone else posted the fiche with them on it) and that will give you access to the clamp that holds the brake/throttle tube the bars.

As yours is binding, you should move the grip away from the Throttlemeister. Remember that you need to make this adjustment with the heated grips ON!

You need about .045 clearance. Check it after tightening down the grip clamps so that when the TM is activated it makes firm contact with the throttle tube (showing about 1/8 inch of the bronze bushing) and enough so that you can still roll off the throttle.

The end result is that is should be firm enough to hold the throttle when the engine is running. Ensure that it will disengage the throttle so that it is not touching any part of the throttle tube when released .