Cruise Assist: Tech
Cruise-Mate included almost everything needed to install the Cruise Assist onto our bike.
Photos: Harley Camilleri
The first step was to open up the right side switch housing and remove the throttle grip.
Photos: Harley Camilleri
Inside the housing, we removed the plastic friction shoe that was part of the factory system.
Photos: Harley Camilleri
Under the shoe was a spring clip that held the original star wheel in place. It was small and we broke ours getting it out.
Photos: Harley Camilleri
To ensure an accurate installation, we set up the drill and tap jig according to the instructions.
Photos: Harley Camilleri
Using a 21/64-inch drill bit, the lower switch housing was opened up to the proper size.
Photos: Harley Camilleri
We kept the jig in place while we threaded the opening with a 3/8-24 tap.
Photos: Harley Camilleri
Once all the metal chips were cleaned out, the Cruise-Mate insert was screwed into place with a dab of thread locker.
Photos: Harley Camilleri
The Cruise-Mate cartridge was tightened into place just to the point where the spring was touching.
Photos: Harley Camilleri
After running through the adjustment procedures, the handle position was set, and we were ready to ride!
Photos: Harley Camilleri
Most motorcycle accessories seem to be born more from necessity than desire. Basically, see a need and fill the need with a product. The Cruise-Mate Cruise Assist from Iron Braid is exactly one of those components. Its creator suffered from an injured right hand and found it harder and harder to hold his Harley-Davidson’s throttle open for extended amounts of time. After searching through all of the available products of the time, he found that necessity was the mother of invention.
The original star wheel provided by Harley-Davidson is very small and tucked under the control assembly, making it difficult to access. With its fine pitch thread, the original star wheel takes several turns before it engages or disengages the throttle lock feature. The Cruise-Mate is intended to be able to reduce the amount of pressure required to hold the throttle open. Once installed, the Cruise-Mate is extremely easy to operate. Simply push the lever forward to set the throttle. Pulling the lever rearward releases the throttle and returns it to normal operation. Installing it was just as easy. Follow along as we add some road going comfort to a Road King.
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