The Honda Pacific Coast seems to have very strong throttle return springs and for me at least, causes some wrist fatigue after a few hours of riding. I decided to add a throttle lock to relieve this problem when riding in uncongested areas. Actually the term throttle "lock" is a misnomer - it's just a friction device which resists throttle movement rather than preventing it.
I read the references in the PC800 listserver archives and concluded that I wanted the Vista-Cruise device rather than the Throttlemiester. Both accomplish the same thing... holding the throttle in a fixed position; but, the Throttlemiester has no quick release. In order to release it, one must back out the friction screw. Even though the Throttlemiester appears to be higher quality device (and at around $100 a considerably more expensive one, I might add), I opted for the Vista-Cruise with it's quick release lever.
I bought my Vista-Cruise at the local Yamaha shop. I paid $22 which is probably at least $5 too much but, hey, it was in my hand and we are an instant gratification society after all. There were two models. One was "for most Hondas and other bikes having a dual throttle cables". The other was for single cable throttles such as those on the Yamahas. Since I really hadn't figured out exactly how I would mount it, I bought the Honda model. In retrospect, it really doesn't matter since it doesn't mount on the PC against the throttle cables anyway.
The archives described two slightly different techniques for mounting. One involved cutting a slot in the plastic handlebar cover and the other involved mounting the Vista-Cruise with a screw. I chose the "screw into the plastic" technique which I will describe step by step below.
The Vista-Cruise is a simple friction device. It consists of two semi-circles of molded, glass fiber reinforced nylon. The two pieces are hinged on one side and have a spring loaded latching mechanism on the other. The device is mounted to a stationary object on the handle bar and holds the throttle by squeezing it when latched. When unlatched it opens slightly and allows the throttle to operate normally.
INSTALLATION
The instructions refer to the two halves as the "face" the lower part with the latch and the "crown", the upper part which is pulled against the throttle by the latch. The face has a mounting foot. On the model I purchased the mounting foot was molded with a offset tab (perpendicular to the tab itself) intended to slide between the two throttle cables. I looked briefly at the single cable model in the shop and I don't think it has this offset. If so, it would be the better choice since you need to saw it off anyway.
#1 Sooo, I started by sawing off this offset to provide a flat surface which could be mounted against the PC's plastic handlebar cover.
#2 Drill a 1/8" hole through the mounting tab. This hole is for the screw which will attach the mounting tab to the plastic handlebar cover.
#3 Remove the vibration damper from the throttle end of the handlebar using a 5mm hex wrench.
#4 On my bike there was almost (but not quite) enough clearance between the grip flange and the plastic handlebar cover to accept the Vista-Cruise. It was the "not quite" part which caused me to have to partially remove the rubber grip. This is not really difficult although the rubber grip is glued to the plastic throttle using some type of rubber-based adhesive. I found the best way to remove the grip is to roll it off.
#5 Locate the Vista-Cruise around the throttle and against the plastic handlebar cover in the position you want to be permanently mounted. You might want to give this some thought. I located mine with the mounted tab straight down which places the latch between my starter button and kill switch. For me this works well but a person with small hands might find it interferes with starting. After locating the Vista-Cruise where you want it, LATCH IT TIGHT on throttle. This will position it correctly so that it doesn't interfere with normal throttle operation. Mark the location of the hole previously drilled in the Vista-Cruise on the plastic handlebar cover. Temporarily remove the Vista-Cruise.
#6 Drill a tiny (I used a 1/16" drill) pilot hole for the mounting screw. The plastic is not very thick here and the drill will probably strike metal after penetrating the plastic. Stop drilling at that point. Also, you want to be careful to drill your pilot hole parallel to throttle rather than perpendicular to the surface of the plastic handlebar cover.
#7 Mount the Vista-Cruise to the plastic handlebar cover using a small sheet metal or wood screw. The screw I used came out of my screw bin and was probably a #4 x 3/8". Since the screw is visible, you might even want to get a nice looking one. A black anodized Phillips head would be nice. Because of the shape of the plastic handlebar cover, you'll want to use a small washer between the Vista-Cruise and the plastic. I used an 1/8" aluminum rivet washer which is about 3/32" thick. This provided the correct offset to allow the Vista-Cruise to align properly with throttle.
#8 IMPORTANT Don't forget to Install the clear plastic spacer between the Vista-Cruise and the rubber throttle grip. This acts is an anti-friction device preventing the rubber throttle grip from sticking on the Vista-Cruise body.
#9 Reinstall the rubber grip at this point. Some of the earlier posts described cutting off the outside end of the rubber grip to make clearance for the Vista-Cruise. I didn't have to do this. I simply centered the rubber grip between the Vista-Cruise and the vibration damper when I reinstalled it. However if you find you need more space, it's a simple matter to select a washer (or multiple washers) of the correct diameter and place them between the vibration damper and the bar end to effect more clearance. I'd suggest a split washer rather than a flat one as these are generally thicker and you'll get the added advantage of "locking" the vibration damper to the bar end. You'll probably want to use some adhesive when you reinstall the grip. I've found the best way to do this is to use an alcohol-based hair spray as the adhesive. Just give the surface a liberal spraying then slide the grip into place while it's still wet. Let it dry overnight and your grip should stay put.
#10 Reinstall the vibration damper (and any spacing washers) and you're done. You'll need to adjust the Vista-Cruise according the instructions on the package so that it holds the throttle when latched but has no effect when unlatched.
APPEARANCE
Although relatively inconspicuous, It looks nice. The charcoal color blends nicely with the color scheme of the PC's plastic parts and the Vista-Cruise looks like a factory installed component.
ROAD TEST
The Vista-Cruise does exactly what it claims to do. When latched it attemmpts to hold the throttle exactly where you put it by providing friction against the rotating "drum". You can easily make adjustments even when latched but it's more of a stick-slip kind of movement rather than the normal smooth linear motion. Releasing the latch by flicking it with your thumb, instantly releases the friction and the throttle return spring does it's thing in the expected way.
HOWEVER, unless you ride in Kansas, the Vista-Cruise will not hold a constant speed. Since all it does is hold a constant throttle positon, the bike will slow down when climbing grades and speed up when going down. I live in a relatively mountainous area and frankly, I didn't realize how much I modulate the throttle to maintain a constant speed when cruising. When I set the Vista-Cruise for 60 mph on level ground, the PC slowed to about 50 going up a moderate grade and hit about 75 going down the other side.
The Vista-Cruise does allow your right hand to rest by "holding" the tension of the throttle return spring. You can even take your hand off the right grip to adjust your ride side mirror, scratch your nose or make obscene gestures at stupid drivers. Even though it's not (and I didn't expect it to be) a true cruise control, it's a very useful and a worthwhile addition. It was cheap, mounting it was no big deal and when unlatched, it has no effect whatsoever on throttle behavior. I recommend it highly.