The biggest problem is that the two machines turn different....

On a bike, when you turn the machine leans with you, so your arm angle stays the same. You are not pulling on the grips because most of the turn is done in the lean, you are not turning the bars much at all......

On an ATV, the rider leans, and the machine stays flat.... So in turns you are hanging onto the bars like a monkey, turning the bars a lot, putting a lot of torque onto the grips. This makes it very hard to be gentle or fine with the throttle because as you lean it wants to twist....

If you want proof, try riding an ATV with a loose grip....the moment you lean into a turn the grip will twist. So imagine trying to lean or hang onto the bars while still keeping that twisty in the same place, or being fine..... it is very tricky.....

Some people can do it, but for every one person who can there are 10 who can't.... I've seen SOOOOO many people get hurt and change back, even professional racers.

There was a time when every professional ATV motocross racers used a twisty. But now there is not even a single one. Even the few who resisted have changed over. They say the new 450s are just too powerful to be fine with a twisty. In the old days of the 2-stroke it was a different story because it was either wide open, or off. There was nothing in between......

 

I tied my Motocross out on a frozen lake in the winter once and the throttle stuck wide open,moister get trapped between the gripe and bar (large confined contact surface) then freezes especially when parked for a period of time in the cold.

Thumb throttles have very little contact suface for moister to build up and freeze.

Since ATV Manufacturers do not know where these machine will be used or when they side on caution

 

Yep I agree, too dangerous. One wrong twich from a bump while running a slow rocky trail could get you hurt bad.

 

If anyone thinks the thumb throttle is a bear to learn from a twist. TRY using a thumb ext. assist device. When I added that on my quad a while back, I thought it would help me with hand fatigue etc. I ripped that thing off after 5 mins. of riding. TOO jumpy! and unsafe to me - IMO (I am only speakling for myself, some use them with no problems or issues)

 

I have mine with a setup so I can use twist or thumb throttle. It's just a throttle with a little lever that comes down and pushes the thumb throttle. I can use twist throttle or thumb. I've found by far I use the thumb. The twist throttle is good to use on pavement or a long straight away like a cruise control otherwise the thumb is the way to go. I can't remember where I found it I think E-Bay but it installs in minutes. Hope Iv'e helped ya. Have fun rid'in...........

 

I rode motorcycles for a long time to and wondered the same thing. I put a twist throttle on my ATV. It has a lever that comes down and pushes the thumbthrottle. You can use the thumb or the twist. I've found I use the thumb far more. The twist is good for straight aways like pavement to use it like cruise control. I thought I would use the twist all the time but not the case. All you have to do is turn the twist up and use the thumb. Works nice and installs in minutes. They have at Cabela's for $40 even got a video you can watch. Good luck & have fun rid'in...........

 

Cabela's has one you can use the thumb or twist. I have works great. Although I've found I use the thumb much more. The twist is good for a long smooth pavment like cruise control........

 

Cabelas sell them. I have one it's got a little lever that comes down and pushes the thumb. I thought I would like the twist throttle also but not so on a ATV. With this unit you can use twist or thumb. I found the twist to be useful only on a pavement straight away like a cruise control. They cost $40 and in install in minutes.........

 

Cabelas has them........

 

every atv i get the 1st thing i do is convert to a twist throttle.. i cant stand the thumb throttel my thumb gets tired after 20 miles or so..most people dont like the twist throttel but i grew up riding dirt bikes all my life so the thumb throttel is the only way to go. i guess it just depends on ones personal preference