Handy Throttle

2LZ · 04-21-2016, 10:53 AM

One of the things I didn't like about my Rhino (and all quads) was the thumb throttle. It was adequate and would work, but it was awkward and not as nimble to use, especially with a manual transmission.

I picked up a Handy Throttle from Cabela's in hopes that it would cure this ill for me. Come to find out, they aren't available on Amazon or anywhere else (that I could find) and it seems Cabela's is the soul source for this product, meaning no competition....meaning 39.95. (or 29.95 on sale, like TODAY!) The good part was my father-in-law was making a Cabela's order so I piggybacked it for his free shipping! :-)

The reviews were very mixed on it. Some complained about getting used to the fast throttle reaction and some complained about its durability, as it broke right away....while others loved it. After summing up all reviews, I saw this as maybe the complainers hadn't set it up properly and it was worth the gamble. After all, I'm not as rough on my equipment as I used to be.

I'm hear to say I LOVE it! After proper install and proper adjustment of the thumb throttle, plus a dab of lube at the meeting points, this throttle reacts GREAT! If you didn't look down, you'd swear it was cable operated.

If you hate your thumb throttle or get hand cramps from hours of holding your thumb in one position, I highly recommend the Handy Throttle.

Longevity? I'll let you know. Just make sure you line up the "impossible to locate reference marks" upon install (they don't' tell you WHERE to find them. Look for the tiny marks on the ends of the pieces) and loosen and set the thumb throttle in the right position, then add a dab of white grease to where they touch each other. Throttle twist is smooth as silk. The only drawback is aesthetically, you have an oddball grip but it's worth it.

Mudflap · 04-21-2016, 11:11 AM

Seems kind of Rube Goldburgish. I've thought of installing a generic pit bike twist grip throttle in place of the thumb lever but found I could modify the lever angle by getting inside and filing a couple notches where the lever shaft attaches to the cable pull plate. Much more comfortable but still a little weird after riding motorcycles for 50+ years.

2LZ · 04-21-2016, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudflap

a little weird after riding motorcycles for 50+ years.

Exactly! I was having serious Old Dog, New Tricks syndrome with the thumb throttle. I think if I had a 150 with a CV tranny, it wouldn't be a big deal to me but having to "clutch/shift" just like a motorcycle created some conflict.

BlackBike · 04-21-2016, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2LZ

Exactly! I was having serious Old Dog, New Tricks syndrome with the thumb throttle. I think if I had a 150 with a CV tranny, it wouldn't be a big deal to me but having to "clutch/shift" just like a motorcycle created some conflict.

hand cramps from hours of holding your thumb in one position, TRUE TRUE.

GOOD FIND FOR SHIFTER QUADS

Mudflap · 04-21-2016, 02:25 PM

I've heard various theories on why thumb throttles are used on ATVs. Mainly that you are less apt to flip over backwards on a steep hill by accidentally opening the throttle while holding on for dear life. I'll be interested to hear how the Handy Throttle works out for you. I may yet switch to a twist grip.

Weldangrind · 04-21-2016, 08:41 PM

I've resisted due to the way you turn the bars on a quad, vs. leaning on a bike. If I was at full left lock and trying to turn the throttle, I could see that being a challenge, particularly if I'm on rough terrain. My solution was a throttle extender / thumb saver, which allows me to reposition my hand.

To each his own. I'm glad this is working out well for you.

04-21-2016, 10:53 AM	#1
2LZ Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Volcano, Ca Posts: 7,078	Handy Throttle One of the things I didn't like about my Rhino (and all quads) was the thumb throttle. It was adequate and would work, but it was awkward and not as nimble to use, especially with a manual transmission. I picked up a Handy Throttle from Cabela's in hopes that it would cure this ill for me. Come to find out, they aren't available on Amazon or anywhere else (that I could find) and it seems Cabela's is the soul source for this product, meaning no competition....meaning 39.95. (or 29.95 on sale, like TODAY!) The good part was my father-in-law was making a Cabela's order so I piggybacked it for his free shipping! :-) The reviews were very mixed on it. Some complained about getting used to the fast throttle reaction and some complained about its durability, as it broke right away....while others loved it. After summing up all reviews, I saw this as maybe the complainers hadn't set it up properly and it was worth the gamble. After all, I'm not as rough on my equipment as I used to be. I'm hear to say I LOVE it! After proper install and proper adjustment of the thumb throttle, plus a dab of lube at the meeting points, this throttle reacts GREAT! If you didn't look down, you'd swear it was cable operated. If you hate your thumb throttle or get hand cramps from hours of holding your thumb in one position, I highly recommend the Handy Throttle. Longevity? I'll let you know. Just make sure you line up the "impossible to locate reference marks" upon install (they don't' tell you WHERE to find them. Look for the tiny marks on the ends of the pieces) and loosen and set the thumb throttle in the right position, then add a dab of white grease to where they touch each other. Throttle twist is smooth as silk. The only drawback is aesthetically, you have an oddball grip but it's worth it. __________________ "Light a fire for a man, and you heat him for a day. Light a man on fire, and you heat him for the rest of his life." 2007 Suzuki DRZ400S (SM convert) 2009 Q Link XP 200 1967 BSA B25 250cc Starfire 2022 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 1948 Royal Enfield Model G 350 Last edited by 2LZ; 12-31-2016 at 03:42 PM.
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04-21-2016, 08:41 PM	#6
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	I've resisted due to the way you turn the bars on a quad, vs. leaning on a bike. If I was at full left lock and trying to turn the throttle, I could see that being a challenge, particularly if I'm on rough terrain. My solution was a throttle extender / thumb saver, which allows me to reposition my hand. To each his own. I'm glad this is working out well for you. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
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04-21-2016, 11:11 AM	#2
Mudflap Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 1,870	Seems kind of Rube Goldburgish. I've thought of installing a generic pit bike twist grip throttle in place of the thumb lever but found I could modify the lever angle by getting inside and filing a couple notches where the lever shaft attaches to the cable pull plate. Much more comfortable but still a little weird after riding motorcycles for 50+ years.
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04-21-2016, 02:25 PM	#5
Mudflap Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 1,870	I've heard various theories on why thumb throttles are used on ATVs. Mainly that you are less apt to flip over backwards on a steep hill by accidentally opening the throttle while holding on for dear life. I'll be interested to hear how the Handy Throttle works out for you. I may yet switch to a twist grip.
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