Cruise Control Function?

[NeoCon]

Mornin' Everyone!

My first proper post after boring everyone with my introduction and it concerns cruise control.

On a new Electra Glide, once set, will the cruise control adjust the throttle settings so as to maintain the set speed regardless of hills.

I'm guessing so or a screw clamping the twist grip would be used and be VERY much cheaper.

Thanks.

NeoCon

[DeuceBG]

Originally Posted by NeoCon

Mornin' Everyone!

My first proper post after boring everyone with my introduction and it concerns cruise control.

On a new Electra Glide, once set, will the cruise control adjust the throttle settings so as to maintain the set speed regardless of hills.

I'm guessing so or a screw clamping the twist grip would be used and be VERY much cheaper.

Thanks.

NeoCon

Cruise should take into account general undulations in the terrain but, given that the bike has a manual gearbox, it can't change down the gears for you if you encounter more severe climbs.
In which case (and I'm happy to be corrected here) I think it cuts off rather than stall the engine.
In an automatic car the gears change to suit the load put on the engine so (theoretically) you can cruise all day long without touching anything but the steering wheel.

[Tony Cross]

The cruise control setting works in gears 4, 5 and 6. Very accurate at holding speeds up or downhill. Works from about 25mph so very useful when in a camera zone. Tends to save a bit on fuel. Had one fitted to my 09 RK.

[DeuceBG]

Originally Posted by Tony Cross

The cruise control setting works in gears 4, 5 and 6. Very accurate at holding speeds up or downhill. Works from about 25mph so very useful when in a camera zone. Tends to save a bit on fuel. Had one fitted to my 09 RK.

So how does it cope with steep gradients Tony?
Does the rider have to take control if the the ascent suddenly increases?
I had it on my 09 RK but didn't keep it long enough to use it.
Do you still have yours?

[Tony Cross]

If I was in a situation where I needed to to drop gear then having done so I would press resume and contiue at the preset speed.

[DeuceBG]

Originally Posted by Tony Cross

If I was in a situation where I needed to to drop gear then having done so I would press resume and contiue at the preset speed.

I thought that must be pretty much the way it works.
What would happen though if you let the bike carry on in cruise without dropping down, would the cruise cut off or what?
I only ask out of curiosity because I don't have the facility on my current machine but I'm guessing there must be some sort of idiot proof override in there somewhere?

[Tony Cross]

Originally Posted by DeuceBG

I thought that must be pretty much the way it works.
What would happen though if you let the bike carry on in cruise without dropping down, would the cruise cut off or what?
I only ask out of curiosity because I don't have the facility on my current machine but I'm guessing there must be some sort of idiot proof override in there somewhere?

I would have to experiment to find that out. It is bloody good though.

[Daggers]

When going down steep declines it is possible for the speed to get fast enough for the autopilot to self-cancel...leading to frantic fears that the bike has broken itself the first time it happens on the peage!

[Kernow]

Always thought Cruise Control was for idiots and half asleep drivers/Riders anyway. Stay awake and drive on brain power. If you're not watching your speed in controlled areas perhaps you shouldn't be driving anyway

[Urrell]

Originally Posted by Daggers

When going down steep declines it is possible for the speed to get fast enough for the autopilot to self-cancel...leading to frantic fears that the bike has broken itself the first time it happens on the peage!

When going down steep hills one would keep speed in check as you would normally do. Cruise control will keep speed constant on most hills, up and down. The only way it disables is if brake or clutch is operated, the system switched of by the operator or a bump as in going off the road.

Originally Posted by Kernow

Always thought Cruise Control was for idiots and half asleep drivers/Riders anyway. Stay awake and drive on brain power. If you're not watching your speed in controlled areas perhaps you shouldn't be driving anyway

Its idiots and half asleep drivers that should not or do not use cruise control. Most cases of it "running away with them" is where an overtaking manoeuvre has been completed with it still engaged and the speed comes down to match the speed set and they forget it will hold the pre-set speed perhaps quite a few miles later. It has to be second nature. I use it on my car perhaps 80% of the time. For long journeys its a godsend but still very useful at all steady speeds at 30 mph or over.