nosbig
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From what I have read here is the vac. model works better on the gen 1. Sounds like a few people have had problems with the electronic cruise.
throttle clamp recommendations?
- Thread starter texomawaves
- Start date
From what I have read here is the vac. model works better on the gen 1. Sounds like a few people have had problems with the electronic cruise.
Quiksilver
Registered
I'm gonna have to look into this.
It is sort of interesting. The Vac version is bigger when you look at the piece but the vac bottles can go in the rear signal humps so they are out of the way. The actuator on the vac version is much smaller than the electronic version so it eats up less trunk space. The brings up the issue of the trunk itself, which I recommend the trunk expansion mod for either version of the cruise control. I found the electronic version a bit finickey to get set properly. The writeup on here calls for a different dip switch setting than I had to use to get it to work properly. This brings us to another tip: Mount the servo housing so you have access to the dip switches on the side or you are in for massive frustration in the setup.
Basically the vac version of the CC looks at engine RPM when you set it and maintains that RPM. While there are obvious errors inherent in this method of managing speed (load changes, wheel spin, etc.) it actually works pretty well and I never got speed creep except on mountain roads where the up and down was significant. The electronic version monitors the speedo input so it looks at bike speed. This is a better way to monitor but the end result is it is a bit finickey to setup and dial in. I don't know if the electronic CC has a weaker servo pull or not but routing of the throttle cable must be very clean or the electronic version can be jerkey to initiate.
So a few things about CC on a bike. First the CC is canceled by either a dramatic change in engine RPM (shifting gears) or actuation of the brake lights. This is pretty flawless in my experience once it is set up. The critical thing there being once it is setup - test this thing. Remember if the bike takes off the kill switch should bring the situation under control. Don't reach up and try to turn the key off - that dangerous. Also check your brake light before each ride. You should be doing this anyway but it's super important if you will be using a CC. Also the engagement of the CC can be abrupt so get both hands on the bars and be ready. The electronic CC seems to jerk the bike a few mph faster and then settle into the speed you set it for. I usually only use the CC in 6th gear but the lower the gear the more aggressive the engine will be when engaging the CC - so beware. I do not think any of the changes necessary to install the CC are reversible if you want to take it off (selling the bike, racing and need to lose 2lbs, etc.). Finally do not sell your bike with the cruise installed as this is could potentially land you in court. You can leave the wiring but take out the servo and hand it to the new owner so they have to install it.
So this is my evaluation (IMHO) on the two:
Vacuum CC:
1. Pro - Simpler to dial in
2. Con - More difficult to install and makes taking off rear cowl more difficult.
3. Pro - Takes up less trunk space.
4. Con - Can have more speed creep than the electronic version.
5. Con - Vacuum hoses can work lose, needs periodic checkup.
6. I haven't seen the vacuum version for sale in awhile
Electronic CC:
1. Con - Dial in is a bit of trial and error on dip switch setting and cable routing.
2. Pro - More wires but easier to install overall.
3. Con - Eats up more trunk space.
4. Pro - Pretty reliable once it works.
Edit: I meant to say that all of the changes necessary to install the CC are reversible. I also forgot to mention that the cruise is for cruising - meaning be reasonable on settings! This is not for setting to 100 mph and screaming down the highway as that is very dangerous. The throttle can still be increased with the CC engaged, it cannot be reduced lower than the servo deems necessary to maintain the set speed.
Basically the vac version of the CC looks at engine RPM when you set it and maintains that RPM. While there are obvious errors inherent in this method of managing speed (load changes, wheel spin, etc.) it actually works pretty well and I never got speed creep except on mountain roads where the up and down was significant. The electronic version monitors the speedo input so it looks at bike speed. This is a better way to monitor but the end result is it is a bit finickey to setup and dial in. I don't know if the electronic CC has a weaker servo pull or not but routing of the throttle cable must be very clean or the electronic version can be jerkey to initiate.
So a few things about CC on a bike. First the CC is canceled by either a dramatic change in engine RPM (shifting gears) or actuation of the brake lights. This is pretty flawless in my experience once it is set up. The critical thing there being once it is setup - test this thing. Remember if the bike takes off the kill switch should bring the situation under control. Don't reach up and try to turn the key off - that dangerous. Also check your brake light before each ride. You should be doing this anyway but it's super important if you will be using a CC. Also the engagement of the CC can be abrupt so get both hands on the bars and be ready. The electronic CC seems to jerk the bike a few mph faster and then settle into the speed you set it for. I usually only use the CC in 6th gear but the lower the gear the more aggressive the engine will be when engaging the CC - so beware. I do not think any of the changes necessary to install the CC are reversible if you want to take it off (selling the bike, racing and need to lose 2lbs, etc.). Finally do not sell your bike with the cruise installed as this is could potentially land you in court. You can leave the wiring but take out the servo and hand it to the new owner so they have to install it.
So this is my evaluation (IMHO) on the two:
Vacuum CC:
1. Pro - Simpler to dial in
2. Con - More difficult to install and makes taking off rear cowl more difficult.
3. Pro - Takes up less trunk space.
4. Con - Can have more speed creep than the electronic version.
5. Con - Vacuum hoses can work lose, needs periodic checkup.
6. I haven't seen the vacuum version for sale in awhile
Electronic CC:
1. Con - Dial in is a bit of trial and error on dip switch setting and cable routing.
2. Pro - More wires but easier to install overall.
3. Con - Eats up more trunk space.
4. Pro - Pretty reliable once it works.
Edit: I meant to say that all of the changes necessary to install the CC are reversible. I also forgot to mention that the cruise is for cruising - meaning be reasonable on settings! This is not for setting to 100 mph and screaming down the highway as that is very dangerous. The throttle can still be increased with the CC engaged, it cannot be reduced lower than the servo deems necessary to maintain the set speed.
nosbig
Registered
Great post arch. I just installed a cruise on my bike and have not yet had a chance to test ride it yet (due to snow and ice). Would you by chance have your dip settings written down so you can post. I do not yet have the tail back on the bike and it would be very easy for me to change it now.
I will look in the garage. I have them somewhere.
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