Monday, April 1, 2024

Ultimate Guide to Motorcycle Cruise Control Options: Factors to Consider and Adaptive Technology Spotlight

cruise control for a motorcycle

They’ve designed advanced systems that make long rides more comfortable than ever before. This isn’t a cheap option (don’t confuse this with TuneECU, another hacky engine reprogrammer) and still costs hundreds of dollars (generally between Australian dollars, or roughly USD). But it’s a way of getting cruise control onto a few motorcycles that have most of the internal hardware in place, but don’t have a cruise button enabled. This is harder, as it’s rarely an option on its own — you either get it in a deluxe pack with a bunch of other things, or you don’t get it at all.

cruise control for a motorcycle

Ducati Motorcycles with Adaptive Cruise Control — Multistrada V4 (Various trim levels)

BMW's Motorcycle Active Cruise Control - Cycle World

BMW's Motorcycle Active Cruise Control.

Posted: Wed, 22 Jul 2020 07:00:00 GMT [source]

One thing I love about it is how easy it is to swap out to other bikes. And any additional tech is just one more thing that will eventually go wrong. To use cruise control safely and effectively, choose the right system for your needs, practice using it in different conditions, and perform regular maintenance to ensure proper functioning. This can include the actuator, throttle cable, and other components. To keep your cruise control system running smoothly, make sure to lubricate any moving parts as needed. Regularly inspect the wiring on your cruise control system for any signs of damage or wear.

GO CRUISE 2 Universal Throttle Control System (Best Motorcycle Throttle Lock Overall)

The brake system consists of dual 298 mm front discs and a single 245 mm rear hydraulic disc, both equipped with ABS. It is also lightweight, which makes it easy to maneuver, quick to accelerate, and agile on city streets. They just updated the Suzuki Hayabusa to the 3rd gen — that would have been a prime candidate. But Suzuki is a little slower to bring premium features to their bikes, which I don’t mind, because it keeps their bikes affordable. The Super Adventure S is the street-oriented super tourer in the Super Adventure line. KTM also makes the Super Adventure R, with more off-road touring gear (for example a 21-inch front wheel), but the SAR doesn’t get active cruise control just yet.

Motorcycles with Adaptive Cruise Control — A Complete List

This is in contrast with the brake lever rests (which are universal) or even the Atlas Throttle Lock, which only comes in two varieties, one of which (the “bottom kit”) works on most motorcycles. Generally, the brands of brake lever rest-style throttle locks are made of good quality material, like billet aluminium and stainless steel, and rubber for the contact points with the motorcycle. This is true of the original brands as well as the knock-offs that have permeated the market.

I will say that the installation instructions are good enough that even a klutz like me could complete the process successfully. The cruise works very much like an automotive cruise with on/off, set/accelerate and resume/decelerate functions on three buttons that are also illuminated. During the initial speed sensor calibration, I set it while going up a slight hill at 45 MPH. I was all ready to take the big ride a see how this thing performs on the long haul. Again, it is important to read the instructions carefully and perhaps even take them with you on the test and tune portion of the ride.

Clean the Control Unit

With the list of advanced tech features on the Harley-Davidson Pan America (like adaptive ride height, I’d expect that to be the first candidate. Kawasaki has for a long time been the Japanese manufacturer to bring high-tech features to everyday motorcycles earlier than the others. This was true with ABS, Traction control, and even cornering ABS (the consumer-oriented 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 had cornering ABS). You can also set a few other settings from the menus, like how active you want the cruise to be in adjusting its speed. When you ride around a curve, the ACC system reduces the bike’s speed, aiming to keep the motorcycle at a comfortable lean angle. As I mentioned above, in principle, you set the speed and let the system figure out if it’s safe to keep going at that speed.

I've been an obsessive motorcycle nut for over thirty years and in six continents. I've been riding since I was 12, have owned dozens of motorcycles, and ridden many more. I'm a lifelong student — always learning more about every aspect of motorcycling, and more importantly, about the people who own, build, and ride bikes. So for most motorcycles, Tuneboy is just engine management programming software. But something Wayne did along the way is enable various functions in the ECU, like cruise control and other things (auto-blipping for quickshifters, for example).

Motorcycle Cruise Control Installation

So, whether you’re a seasoned rider or a relative newbie, there’s never been a better time to explore the benefits of motorcycle cruise control. BMW has been at the forefront of motorcycle innovation, and their bikes are no exception when it comes to cruise control features. From adventure motorcycles to sport touring options such as the BMW R 1250 GS, riders can enjoy the comfort of cruise control on various models.

Most riders will be using the Bottom Kit, but some will need the Top Kit. This switch has better button feel and better waterproofing compared to the previous control switch. All the mounting brackets designed for the old switch will also fit this switch. The bottom line is that you can have less rider fatigue and it just might even save you some money in the long run. The unit mated perfectly with my ride and the performance is fantastic — as long as you take time to follow the directions step-by-step. That may not seem like much, but when you consider a savings of 3.5 MPG and gas costs at or above $3.00 per gallon, you can quickly add up the savings on a long ride.

Because of the complexity of installing an MCCruise unit, many owners opt to get a mechanic to install it — and they usually get the job done within 3-4 hours, even if it’s their first time. But since it’s hard to recoup the value of add-ons to a motorcycle, this wouldn’t be an investment that I would make flippantly. They make a beautiful, well-functioning piece of machinery that is designed to be intuitive to use — just like pushing a cruise control button. Discover the various types of motorcycle helmets for optimal safety and style. From full-face to half-shell, explore the perfect helmet for your ride.

When using cruise control, it’s important to choose the right speed for the road conditions. Aftermarket systems are designed to be installed on existing bikes, while OEM systems are typically integrated into the bike’s original design. Mechanical cruise control is generally less expensive than electronic systems, but it can also be less precise and more prone to wear and tear over time. If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, you’ll be happy to know that cruise control is available for your bike too. A Universal Cruise Control Kit is not for the mechanically challenged. If you can't readily understand and answer the following questions about your motorcycle, then you should not be considering buying or installing our Universal Cruise Control Kit.

You have learned about the mechanics of how this feature works on bikes and its influence on your ride. We have delved into different types of systems, from adaptive to active, showcasing the future of motorcycle technology. Cruise control is a feature that allows a motorcycle rider to maintain a constant speed without manually controlling the throttle. Well, typically it involves connecting the control module to your bike’s existing throttle system using cables or wires from the kit. If you’re having trouble, there are experienced technicians who can assist. CFMoto, a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer, offers cruise control on its 650GT sports tourer model.

Nobody would be surprised to find out big tourers like the K 1600 GTL or R 1250 RT have cruise. The rest of the range (the Scrambler, Pure, and Urban G/S) have conventional, non-adjustable forks. For them to have cruise control (and even an IMU) is quite interesting. Both the RSV4 and Tuono V4 from Aprilia came with cruise control as standard. I love that the RSV4 has cruise — but usually, smaller bikes don’t get all the same technology the big ones do.

The F 900 R is a really awesome street bike that’s totally packed with features and available for a really affordable price. It’s basically as well-featured as the S 1000 R, but with about 2/3 the power, and half the cylinders. Foremost, make sure the cruise control system you’ve got your eyes on is compatible with your motorcycle’s make and model. Every system won’t fit every bike – do your homework before diving in. A variety of adaptable aftermarket systems are available in the market, catering to the needs and budgets of different motorcyclists.

Using cruise control on your bike can have several advantages and disadvantages, depending on your specific needs and preferences. OEM systems are often more expensive, but they may offer better integration with other features on the bike. This type of system uses a mechanical linkage to adjust the throttle, rather than electronic sensors. This can help distribute the pressure more evenly and reduce fatigue. Additionally, taking frequent breaks to stretch your hands and arms can help prevent cramping and discomfort while riding.

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