Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: ZG on May 14, 2011, 06:29:51 PM

Title: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: ZG on May 14, 2011, 06:29:51 PM
Ok, this should get some responses for folks to use the search feature later down the road on this forum...
 
I would really like to get the MCcruise, but man it's not cheap, $1k, yikes...  :o
 
http://www.mccruise.com/Kawasaki-Z1400GTR-Concours-Cruise-Control.html (http://www.mccruise.com/Kawasaki-Z1400GTR-Concours-Cruise-Control.html)
 
What do you guys have, use, recommend, hate...
 
 :popcorn:
 
 
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: manowarwi on May 14, 2011, 06:36:07 PM
My concours came with a throttlemeister lock but so far I have been unable to find that sweet spot where my speed doesn't continuously creep up or down.  I've used a $10 cramp buster throttle rocker on my last two bikes and I've found that is enough to keep me happy on 300 miles days.
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: Bob on May 14, 2011, 06:47:43 PM
For an all out cruise control:
 I've had two McCruises on two different bikes. Both worked flawlessly! Awesome product, but pricey! I can't recommend them enough!

For throttle locks:
I've had multiple Throttlemeisters as well. The best looking device, since it looks like it belongs there. Adjusting can be a challenge to get it just right. But a great unit, once you get use to them.

I've use the plastic vista style locks. Cheap and effective, but make the bike look cheap!

The best throttle lock I've had is the Breakaway. But I don't know if someone found which would fit the C14. The Breakaway CC is a quality piece that looks great and works great too. It also has front brake disengage feature which is the best idea IMO, for throttle locks. I love the one on the Mean Streak!
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: justbob on May 14, 2011, 06:48:59 PM
I installed a Rostra electronic cruise control for those long interstate runs. It works perfect, + or- 1 mph at about 70 to 75 mph. and the cost was around 200 bucks. I think they are about $240 now and about a full day to do the install.
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: Rhino on May 14, 2011, 07:28:19 PM
+1 on the Rostra. $240 and not too bad to install. Works very well.
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: maxtog on May 14, 2011, 07:34:54 PM
My concours came with a throttlemeister

That is a throttle lock, NOT a cruise control... wrong thread
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: ZG on May 14, 2011, 07:50:05 PM

The best throttle lock I've had is the Breakaway. But I don't know if someone found which would fit the C14. The Breakaway CC is a quality piece that looks great and works great too. It also has front brake disengage feature which is the best idea IMO, for throttle locks. I love the one on the Mean Streak!


I haven't heard of this one Cap'n... Any pics or a link??
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: ZG on May 14, 2011, 07:54:59 PM
That is a throttle lock, NOT a cruise control... wrong thread

The thread title is purposely "options" Max, not neccesarily only true cruise control mechanical units, anything goes, bring it all brothers...  ;D 
 
People want/need to know what all is out there for future searches... we are rebuilding here.  ;)
 
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: bruceg on May 14, 2011, 08:06:25 PM
+1 on the Rostra. $240 and not too bad to install. Works very well.
+2
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: manowarwi on May 14, 2011, 08:11:45 PM

I haven't heard of this one Cap'n... Any pics or a link??

http://www.brakeawayproducts.com/ (http://www.brakeawayproducts.com/)

I'm guess those are what Cap'n is talking about.  Looks like an advanced version of the traditional throttle lock that auto disengages when the brake lever is pulled.  The website claims they don't work with heated grips.  They make a claim it has to do with the wires getting tangled, but I wonder if they are concerned the slight expanding of the rubber with heat may be enough to not allow them to properly disengage. 
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: ZG on May 14, 2011, 08:17:01 PM
http://www.brakeawayproducts.com/ (http://www.brakeawayproducts.com/)

I'm guess those are what Cap'n is talking about.  Looks like an advanced version of the traditional throttle lock that auto disengages when the brake lever is pulled.  The website claims they don't work with heated grips.  They make a claim it has to do with the wires getting tangled, but I wonder if they are concerned the slight expanding of the rubber with heat may be enough to not allow them to properly disengage.


Thanks Mano, a good looking product indeed. But yes it does look like they cater to more of the cruiser style bikes, and they don't list the Connie in the Kawi model drop down list...  :(
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: maxtog on May 14, 2011, 10:09:40 PM

The thread title is purposely "options" Max, not neccesarily only true cruise control mechanical units, anything goes, bring it all brothers...  ;D 
 
People want/need to know what all is out there for future searches... we are rebuilding here.  ;)

I suppose, but they are two separate things.  I think there should be a separate thread for throttle locks.  Perhaps I will make one...
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: Bob on May 15, 2011, 05:52:08 AM

Thanks Mano, a good looking product indeed. But yes it does look like they cater to more of the cruiser style bikes, and they don't list the Connie in the Kawi model drop down list...  :(

IIRC, I remember someone saying that the ST1300 application, should fit the C14. But I don't remember if it has been confirmed or not.
 I can say that the unit does work great. Although you do have to adjust the front break release feature to work correctly on the bike!
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: scjaws on May 15, 2011, 08:31:39 AM

 I've had two McCruises on two different bikes. Both worked flawlessly! Awesome product, but pricey! I can't recommend them enough!

+1 om the MCcruise.  Had one on my 08, moved it to the 10.  Works fine, lasts a long time.

Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: GPz1100 on May 15, 2011, 09:23:27 AM
rostra. best bang for the buck
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: Steve D on May 15, 2011, 09:56:07 AM
Yeap, the Rostra is working great for me too. Installation is a little involved but doable if you have some mechanical and electrical skills. 
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: sherob on May 15, 2011, 11:42:44 AM
Had a McCruise on the ST1300... just plug and play.  It will be on the C14 soon, unless someone comes out with something as good/better that installs just as easy.
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: Shadowofshoe on May 15, 2011, 03:51:20 PM
  Slightly different input here...I had flawless factory CC on my BMW LT but I still used it only to flex my hands and such....a throttle lock device will work for me. Connie still shoulda had it ;D

                Mike
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: Zman on May 15, 2011, 04:55:32 PM
http://www.2wheelride.com/throttle_pro.html (http://www.2wheelride.com/throttle_pro.html) ....... $20.00 throttle lock.......
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: Mister Tee on May 16, 2011, 10:15:12 AM
Yeap, the Rostra is working great for me too. Installation is a little involved but doable if you have some mechanical and electrical skills.

Had anyone done up a step by step tutorial on how to mount one on a C14?
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: GPz1100 on May 16, 2011, 10:18:05 AM
yeah. brian did. if you look over on murphs site he had the step by step listed over there
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: jayke on May 16, 2011, 10:20:02 AM
Had anyone done up a step by step tutorial on how to mount one on a C14?

Look over at Murphs:http://www.murphskits.com/catalog/docs/Rostra%20install.htm (http://www.murphskits.com/catalog/docs/Rostra%20install.htm)
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: gflint on May 16, 2011, 10:27:12 AM
Brian's step-by-step is great.  It took me a week to get the thing working because some of the colors were different but I am not very smart.  The Rosta has the right price and works.  There is a bit of drilling required on the throttle body lever but if I can do anybody can.
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: B.D.F. on May 16, 2011, 10:31:31 AM
Yeah, as others have said, the tutorial w/ photos is over on Murph's site. Make sure you get the most recent update though, I believe it was dated 29 March.

Brian


Had anyone done up a step by step tutorial on how to mount one on a C14?
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: Wanderlust on May 16, 2011, 10:37:13 AM
I love my MC Cruise Control.
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: topsy_t on May 16, 2011, 11:01:56 AM
+1 on Rostra.  Got a brand new one on ebay for $105 last fall.
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: Mal on May 16, 2011, 08:09:10 PM
Now would  be a  great time for Brian to announce that the cruise control he's been working on is finished and ready for distribution....  :P
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: maxtog on May 16, 2011, 08:22:56 PM
Now would  be a  great time for Brian to announce that the cruise control he's been working on is finished and ready for distribution....  :P

Yes indeed it would be a good time...
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: B.D.F. on May 16, 2011, 08:55:27 PM
You guys have been great waiting for this thing to hit the market. I have been on the slow side, and several things have gotten in the way. The next things in the way are the trip to PA (COG spring fling), a trip to the other coast to see my son, and finally the trip to the Mouse- mont for the national COG event . I appreciate those waiting for this product.

The project is just too involved to move quickly: there is the design, material, legalities (including patents), then the alpha testing, followed by the beta testing. Once enough hours have been applied to the device I can move forward and sell it to the public at large. It has been a long journey, probably announced too early but the project continues on. I still believe it will be a great device and will satisfy even the hard -core and most demanding user.

So I thank you for your support, and gracefully take the occasional poke in the eye.We are nearing the end of the design cycle, where the product, ready or not, goes into public hands for testing.

Again, I thank everyone for their support- you people have really been great through this whole project.

Brian




Now would  be a  great time for Brian to announce that the cruise control he's been working on is finished and ready for distribution....  :P
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: Bob on May 17, 2011, 03:08:36 AM
You guys have been great waiting for this thing to hit the market.
<snip - the rest of the BS>
Brian

You guys are being suckered. Don't you realize it's all been a long running April fools joke? Brian is obviously an employee of Kawasaki and has no intention of doing anything but bump up sales and profits for Kawasaki! The real mission behind the mystery wonder CC is to keep you from spending money with someone else. They really want to get you to buy offical Kawasaki accesories or a newer C14! They don't even plan to release a cruise control! April fools! Sorry Brian, I  couldn't let you con these nice people anymore. It's been two years now!   :o
 By the way, I bet you didn't realize Brian and Mark are actually a team. Good Kawasaki employee, bad Kawasaki employee!   :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: Tactical_Mik on May 17, 2011, 03:22:43 AM
 :goodpost:   :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: B.D.F. on May 17, 2011, 06:20:32 AM
Shouldn't you be polishing your Hardley? Maybe trying to get the last of the baffles out of the pipes?

That is an amusing post though.  :D  I am surprised you didn't mention Otto though.

Brian


You guys are being suckered. Don't you realize it's all been a long running April fools joke? Brian is obviously an employee of Kawasaki and has no intention of doing anything but bump up sales and profits for Kawasaki! The real mission behind the mystery wonder CC is to keep you from spending money with someone else. They really want to get you to buy offical Kawasaki accesories or a newer C14! They don't even plan to release a cruise control! April fools! Sorry Brian, I  couldn't let you con these nice people anymore. It's been two years now!   :o
 By the way, I bet you didn't realize Brian and Mark are actually a team. Good Kawasaki employee, bad Kawasaki employee!   :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: Pynikal on May 17, 2011, 06:29:22 AM
Ok, this should get some responses for folks to use the search feature later down the road on this forum...
 
I would really like to get the MCcruise, but man it's not cheap, $1k, yikes...  :o
 
http://www.mccruise.com/Kawasaki-Z1400GTR-Concours-Cruise-Control.html (http://www.mccruise.com/Kawasaki-Z1400GTR-Concours-Cruise-Control.html)
 
What do you guys have, use, recommend, hate...
 
 :popcorn:


this is what my brother uses on his ST1300 and he swears by it.  i justneed to save to get it!.....$1k is EXPAANNSIVE :o
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: Bob on May 17, 2011, 06:44:05 AM
Shouldn't you be polishing your Hardley? Maybe trying to get the last of the baffles out of the pipes?

That is an amusing post though.  :D  I am surprised you didn't mention Otto though.

Brian


 :offtopic: I know were off topic!

I almost did. But he didn't really come into play in the topic.  Besides, most of the new people really don't have any idea about the estate and your man servant. Otto and the estate would be more in a post about your home life. This was about corporate affairs!   :D
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: B.D.F. on May 17, 2011, 11:08:57 AM
Still OFFTOPIC

Yeah, Otto and the estate tend to come up more during the months of August through June, when your bikes are laid up for the 'winter' and you are cozy in your Snuggie....

 ;D

Brian


 :offtopic: I know were off topic!

I almost did. But he didn't really come into play in the topic.  Besides, most of the new people really don't have any idea about the estate and your man servant. Otto and the estate would be more in a post about your home life. This was about corporate affairs!   :D
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: koval68 on May 17, 2011, 12:04:04 PM
You guys are being suckered. Don't you realize it's all been a long running April fools joke? Brian is obviously an employee of Kawasaki and has no intention of doing anything but bump up sales and profits for Kawasaki! The real mission behind the mystery wonder CC is to keep you from spending money with someone else. They really want to get you to buy offical Kawasaki accesories or a newer C14! They don't even plan to release a cruise control! April fools! Sorry Brian, I  couldn't let you con these nice people anymore. It's been two years now!   :o
 By the way, I bet you didn't realize Brian and Mark are actually a team. Good Kawasaki employee, bad Kawasaki employee!   :rotflmao:
:goodpost: Great post, Cap'n.   :rotflmao:
You will be rewarded for that post in Wellsboro with a real Canadian maple syrup lollipop.
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: Bob on May 17, 2011, 02:20:39 PM
Still off topic yet:  It sounds like that Snuggie could come in handy with the cold rainy weather we'll probably be getting at Wellsboro!  ;D


Still OFFTOPIC

Yeah, Otto and the estate tend to come up more during the months of August through June, when your bikes are laid up for the 'winter' and you are cozy in your Snuggie....

 ;D

Brian
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: stuckinohio on May 19, 2011, 05:05:16 PM
Now would  be a  great time for Brian to announce that the cruise control he's been working on is finished and ready for distribution....  :P

And I was going to say the same thing also!
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: Stu57 on February 27, 2019, 07:27:44 AM
The very reason I joined this group is this thread. I have just completed my own rosta cruise install and want to thank Brian and Murphs kits for the installation page. This kits works great. Thanks
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: B.D.F. on February 27, 2019, 10:54:22 AM
Thanks for the kind words and glad to be of help if I can.

Very old thread but glad to hear you got the CC installed and it is working well for you! Best of luck with it.

Brian

The very reason I joined this group is this thread. I have just completed my own rosta cruise install and want to thank Brian and Murphs kits for the installation page. This kits works great. Thanks
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: katata1100 on February 27, 2019, 05:42:32 PM
I can’t imagine any cc working better than the mccruise, on my bike it’s better than my cars. This is an old thread and the reason I’m responding is that in op post, it says mcruise is over $1,000. Times have changed and those Aussie dingo dollars have dropped against the dollar. Last spring, I paid around $ 780 delivered .
We got off a Royal carribean Cruise in Sydney last month and as avid ( over 35) cheapskate cruisers we never buy cocktails on board. Out of Australia, mixed drinks were cheap than at a chain restaurant in the states, about $6.23, tip included.
My point here is that mccruise is flawless, the one at Murphy’s isn’t and requires more effort for install. At the time of this thread, there was a big difference in price. It has now dropped to around $770 and if history repeats itself like last year, they could have an anniversary Special coming up like last March for 10%.
It’s possible we might see a mccruise sold for under $700. Add on self cancelling turn signals , Bluetooth helmet and you’ll be thinking “ who needs a GW anyhow???”.
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: turbojoe78 on February 28, 2019, 06:21:20 AM
My Rostra has a 2 to 3 MPH variance from the speed I set it to, 1 to 1.5 MPH high or low from set point.

After I adjusted the angle at which the cable pulls the throttle linkage, it is also seamless when engaging, no surging at all.

For around $250.00 (compared to $700, if it ever gets that low) I can live with the small variance.
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: katata1100 on February 28, 2019, 08:12:40 AM
I think mccruise says it is stable to within +\_ .5mph. However, I found that reducing servo play makes even that better,the Speedo needle doesnt budge.
As for cost, also factor in frustration ; I seen a lot more audiovox cc owners post about problems with it than mccruise owners. Mccruise also looks more stock, looks it came with the bike.
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: Stu57 on February 28, 2019, 10:28:03 AM
I have to admit cost was definitely a factor for me. I did have a few changes in my installation due to personal preferences and I just think some ways are better visually. But this system so far on hills turns etc has less than 1mph variance so I am very happy with it's performance. Possibly they have improved their system?
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: robertv on April 07, 2020, 03:39:21 PM
Apology for bringing this back up, but with the downtime due to covid19 I'm finally giving some love & tenderness to my C14 and thinking of adding the McCruise CC. Price seems to have crept up a little from what I've looked at previous posts but what interests me is their BT device + app (iOS only)=> https://www.mccruise.com/collections/kawasaki/products/mccruise-bluetooth-device-connect-your-phone-to-your-mccruise (https://www.mccruise.com/collections/kawasaki/products/mccruise-bluetooth-device-connect-your-phone-to-your-mccruise)

Anyone have this BT option and if so feedback, good / bad? Or in general McCruise feedback?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: Michelle on April 07, 2020, 07:31:33 PM
Hi Robert. I have the MC Cruise. In fact we have 3 bikes here with one of their units. It is a fantastic bit of gear and I fitted mine myself. Quality, instructions and service are second to none.
The BT thing looks interesting. In an academic sense - I don't use my phone for everything like some people and it stays in my pocket.
I'd say it will do exactly what it says on the box.
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: robertv on April 08, 2020, 09:15:19 AM
Thanks Michelle! Looks like we both have the same year C14. Since I plan on keeping it instead of upgrading to a newer model, might as well add the last items on my wish list.

Can you share any pics of your install?  I have Canyon Cages and a few items installed on the handlebar so need to figure out installation like where to put the control switch and actuator/throttle servo, etc. With a fuse box, accessory lights and a few other farkles I'll have to rearrange and move some items.

Here's what my C14 looks like...
https://live.staticflickr.com/4887/32352012218_759bf69623_c.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/4187/34500758202_61ba7dfd3b_c.jpg

Thanks!

PS. And yes I do keep my phone in my pocket when it rains, its useful though seeing who's calling or changing my playlist when stopped. I can see the app being useful for CC fine tuning and this device piqued my interest more.


Hi Robert. I have the MC Cruise. In fact we have 3 bikes here with one of their units. It is a fantastic bit of gear and I fitted mine myself. Quality, instructions and service are second to none.
The BT thing looks interesting. In an academic sense - I don't use my phone for everything like some people and it stays in my pocket.
I'd say it will do exactly what it says on the box.
Title: Re: Whats the best cruise control option?
Post by: Michelle on April 08, 2020, 08:24:35 PM
I'll see if I can dig up some pictures. If not, I'll undo the plastic and take some more. I owe you a favour anyway.
The most difficult part was installing the electric servo because the original kits for the 08 had a vacuum one and they are NLA. MCC had not made a kit with the new servo, but after some discussion we decided that they would send a 2010 kit with a couple of different length cables and we'd be guinea pigs. It worked out very well. If the servo motor was an inch shorter it would be perfect, but it can be squeezed under the 08 skin in a similar position to the 2010.