restrictor kit or throttle stop for my first motorcycle?

Question

I live in the US and plan on taking a MSF course soon and getting my first motorcycle. I would like to eventually take road racing classes. Used 600 cc sport bikes seem to go for good prices, but I know they would have too much power(for learning on the streets and the track).

Does anyone have experience or advice about acquiring and using restrictor kits/throttle stops or other methods on a motorcycle to improve safety when learning?

Also, I am 6'2 and it sounds like many of the intro bikes may be too small. I would like to put a restrictor on something like a ZX6R or CBR600.

Answer 1

I would recommend you NOT buy a zx6r or cbr600 as your first bike. Especially if your concern is to learn how to road race. Being a somewhat experienced racer and track instructor, I can tell you that you will learn light years more on an underpowered bike. Corner speed is what road racing is about and to master that, you are best served on an underpowered bike. Ask any established racer or instructor, and they will tell you that a small 250 or 500/650 will allow you to learn the most about getting a bike to corner...fast.

To answer your question about restrictors, you could put some intake restriction or exhaust restrictor on the bike, but that may not be the best thing for the motor. You may have to retune the bike to run with a restriction on it...plus, it likely wouldn't have any real usable power at low rpm. This power is actually useful to get out of trouble situations.

Regarding throttle stops, you could easily build something that prevents the main linkage from going full throttle, but this is still not a good way to learn throttle control or how to ride a bike.

If you're 6'2, you'll probably look pretty oversized on any 250, 500, or 650 motorcycle...even a 600. It's better you have a small bike that you can easily maneuver then a large bike that you aren't comfortable on.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Motorcycle Restrictor Kits

Answer 3

JustAngle your wrist farther back and you will not be able to open up the throttle all the way . Simple solution that wo.nt cost you a dime. For a first bike I woukd go &50 Virago Not overly fast but enoygh powerr for a person your size to get in trouble with if you are not careful a good learners bike for the steet For dirt I prefetrered the 500 cc bikes

Answer 4

I think your question has been answered pretty well already - don't spend any money on a restrictor when you can do it yourself.

I have a 6R myself. I'm only 5'3, so I had to have it lowered and the handlebars raised. You shouldn't have much problem with your height, but just know that both the 6R and the RR are fairly extreme when it comes to riding position.

But I guess that's what you want if you plan to race, so it's all good!

Answer 5

In Europe younger, inexperienced riders have a horsepower limit imposed on bikes until the reach a certain age or skill level. Many European market bikes have a "de-tuning" option the restricts the motor to something like 35 HP . I know for a fact some of the Ducati Monsters have this option. The service manager toyed with the option of doing it to my bike, as he tries to keep me in his mirrors, when riding his Buell.
Anyways, I'm sure that this option may be available on some Japanese makes as they are also sold in Europe. may be a simple case of a re-map on the ECU, which can be reversed once you figure out what you're doing.

Or you can just put a really heavy spring on the throttle return, making it nearly impossible to "crack it" before you have time to think about what lies ahead.

Answer 6

your brain should do nicely. all you have to remember is 'DONT FLOOR IT!' and you'll be fine. fine throttle control is needed for street use anyways, and will save you the money and labor of a restrictor/throttle stop.

Answer 7

The "restrictor" as you call it is located on the right side of the handle bars, learn to use your "brain" to control it.