Cruise Control Rules

[gpolakow]

I have developed some general guidelines for myself about the use of cruise control. But I'd love to hear what rules others have -- i.e. when to use it, when to shut it off, etc. I think this bears some discussion because as i see it there are some real pitfalls and substantial dangers to using cruise control, even on the highway.

[nctarheels]

I don't use it intown, of course I don't live in a big town with freeways. I always use it on the highway. Keeps my speed steady and my hand from going numb.

[mwnahas]

Highways if limited traffic.

[jzeiler]

I use it when ever I need to let go of the right grip, like to move the wind deflector. But it goes right back off if in traffic. I did use it quite a bit on my 6,181 mile CCR trip but most of that was wide open road and little or no traffic.

I did avoid the use of it for extended periods and late in the day. The body normally compensates for fatigue by slowing down the speed of the vehicle, that is a disaster waiting to happen if the cruise is on. Bike going 70 - brain going 45. Nuff said. (Thanks Don Aurthur).

[grifscoots]

I don't use it in the rain, or when I'm drunk.

[scurrie]

or when I'm drunk.
How do you know?

-Scott

[Dick]

How do you know?

-Scott
Hee hee - well, he don't know, cuz he don't drink! ;) 'Cept for that breakfast concoction every mornin' - butt that takes a blender and closed eyes to put down, so no cruise control then either!!! :cool: :)

[DubLNawt]

I have never used a cruise control much on any of my cars or trucks, however I use it on the LT a LOT on the road. It's just easier on your hand. Your foot on the car throttle just isn't quite the same as keeping something in your hand rotated against a spring. Also it's nice to be able to speed up or slow down the bike in 1 mph increments using the Set/Resume switch.

[itspossible]

I use it mostly when I need to scratch my nose, open or close zippers on clothes, pat my SO on the leg if she gives me a hug...oh ya, on long trips to stretch the hands.

Ron

[rkimmel2]

Was that really a scratch, or a Seinfeld pick?

[razman10]

I use it mostly when I need to scratch my nose, open or close zippers on clothes, pat my SO on the leg if she gives me a hug...oh ya, on long trips to stretch the hands.

Ron
+1

(and I think it WAS a Seinfeld pick ;) )

[JimH]

I use speed control a lot with ALL my vehicles, well at least those that have a functioning control. That way, I am not surprised by Officer Friendly with his radar unit.

I even use it in town, since it is harder to stay under 40 than under 70... :D

[gpolakow]

Here are my rules. I use it a lot on the super slabs, but if I accelerate away from the set speed, I always take the Cruise off. The reason is, if I don't, and then try to slow all the way down later by just releasing the throttle, like to take an exit or slow for traffic and forget I have the cruise on, it can be a rude awakening at an inconvenient time. I also tend to take it off for curves or when passing semis. Just feel I want more direct control over the bike in those situations. Other than that, like others here have said, I use it when I am closing or opening the wind wings or changing channels on the XM radio or zipping or unzipping jacket zippers.

[dfinazzo]

I use cruise a lot and quite frankly as much as I can on the straight slab - period. Yes I use it in traffic since a tap or use of the brakes or clutch takes it off just a fast as my right hand would do as well. Not sure what the issue is here with not using in traffic- "if you have a clear path". I am certainly not talking about about the 1 or 3 second use - clear path to me is 5 seconds or more.

A problem I do have and find myself doing all the time is after setting the cruise I find that I have unconsciously twisted the throttle and I am going faster. I cannot for the life of me figure out why but I always having to let the grip go and let the bike get back into the cruise mode. What's that all about! Any others have similar experiences . . . ?

This particular habit might be causing problems since l last summer one of the throttle cables broke from over flexing about an 3/4 of an inch from the grip / cable end. So I do carry and extra cable just in case. Breaking a cable on the road can be a major problem. Luckily I was able to make some repairs to my 2002 to get me home and I have since upgraded to the new cable set and handle bar components as well about $180.

So for all you cruise control people check and inspect your cables near the handle bars - mine broke (flexed and cracked) after 4 years of service.

My 2 cents . . .

[Steve_R]

Hee hee - well, he don't know, cuz he don't drink! ;) 'Cept for that breakfast concoction every mornin' - butt that takes a blender and closed eyes to put down, so no cruise control then either!!! :cool: :)It might take a blender, but I ain't got to close my eyes to put it down. Good stuff!!!

[c00k1e]

My rule is to make sure I use cruise when passing cars with children in - they love it when you have your hands behind you head!
Seriously though +1 on ............. if I accelerate away from the set speed, I always take the Cruise off. .

[dmatson]

It's another tool in the tool box so I use it when ever it makes life easier. Wish I could use my brain that way.