Hey, I have a 96 Warrior and I was thinking about putting a twist throttle on it. I just wanted to get some info on the before I ordered it. What are the advantages? Disadvantages? Is it hard to put on? Well thanks for any info!

 

Blaster,

I just had my first experience with a twist throttle on a quad a few weeks back. It wasn't pretty. My old man decided that it would be easier on his hands to use a twist throttle on his 300EX. So he ordered a Motion Pro and installed it.

For some reason we just couldn't get the hang of it. I ended up nearly killing myself two different times. The problem I had was that as I traversed rough terrain (like a big ditch) I would end up hanging on too hard with my right hand as I leaned my body. This of course resulted in the throttle going wide open, throwing me further back and leaving me with the option of hanging on and running full speed into a tree or letting go and falling off.

Fortunately, I only ended up running into a bunch of saplings. It could have been much worse. I can honestly say that it was my most terrifying experience on a quad - and I've had a few.

I'm sure that after a while I could have gotten somewhat used to a twist throttle. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I would have lived long enough to become proficient.

Plenty of ATV riders use twist throttles, but if you've been using a thumb throttle for a long time, it's hard (and potentially deadly) to switch over.

Regards,

Dennis

 

I've had Twisters on all my machines!

I have also ran them enough on thumbers to know that I feelllike I can talk about the differences to me anyway.

As was pointed out, the bike is real different with the twist throttle on it. In the real rough stuff is where you need to be the most aware of the differences. That is no place to explore the differences until you are very used to how they react on a quad.

I just put on my 300EX. Personally I like it. But in that real slow, snarly stuff it is not as convinente or as safe as a thummer.
Much is what you are used to and what you can adapt to. My son has never really operated with a twister and he is real unsure about it.

If you do put one on take your time to get used to its operation on a quad. You need to change your grip depending on the terrain. Take it easy at first as they are very different. But they do the same thing. Spark'em up and make it all go!

 

I have an interesting story about twist throttles. Last January ('98) my dad and I went to Gordons Well to ride Imperial. My dad started out riding a dune buggy and then shortly after we started riding, a guy from out group offered to let him ride his Banshee. My dad hoped on the Banshee, clicked it into gear and twisted the throttle. He got into second, and then cranked it into third. Bam, he hit the powerband and pulled into an impressive wheely. The powerband hit so hard that it threw his weight back, and therefore, his hand twisted back, bringing him into an even higher and faster wheely. He finally let go of the throttle, and nothing happened, but is surprised him an aweful lot. He now loves the Banshee for its explosive power.

 

Blaster2000, Well, you've heard a lot of horror stories about twisters. It would take some getting used to especially if you've had no experience on dirt bikes.I have a KQ ute quad that I put a twister on before it ever left Hales Motors in Prescott, & my warrior the same story. Contrary to some opinions you should have much more throttle control over rough terrain because you have your entire hand on the gas, including your thumb which is the strongest finger of all. I see a lot of riders at our cycle park & I'm amazed at how many riders have their arms positioned with the elbows down around their waists as tho they were riding a Harley. I think that those who have had experiences twisting the throttle on accidently were riding in that manner. If you ride agressively, the proper position is called the attack position...elbows high and bent, the upper part of your body leaning forward giving you more leverage on the bars, the equivalent of two more shock absorbers,less impact being absorbed by your
body, and resulting in a less tiring ride. One other important advantage of the attack position is in the case of a hard, unexpected hit such as a deep rain rut , rock,drop-off,etc.,having your elbows high & bent can give you the additional leverage needed to prevent going over the bars.
If you drop your arms down, then yes, It's easy to roll on the throttle accidentally so just get the habit of the attack position till it becomes second nature.
As to the twister itelf, I put one on myself but I wouldn't tell anyone it was easy.. maybe on a Blaster. Motion Pro is about the best one as far as I'm concerned. If I were you I'd just call Big Joe's Cycle shop right there in your town. His prices are right & he is a good mechanic & could do the whole job for you. I've ridden with him & his daughter here in the Verde & he's an ok guy.
Good luck on the twister, you'll like it.

THE AZ HARD PACKER,
calmiller@kachina.net




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[This message has been edited by hot_shoe_cv (edited 10-05-1999).]