Twist grip or thumb throttle? Another which and why thread.

**BIGKAHUNA** · 01-22-2003, 12:31 AM

Do you use a twist throttle or thumb? What are the pros and cons of each?

**200x Basket** · 01-22-2003, 12:43 AM

unless you are racing get a thumb throttle. twist is good for all out but sucks on a tight trail turning corners.

**BIGKAHUNA** · 01-22-2003, 12:56 AM

Yeah X basket I had a twist on my 200X many moons ago and I took it off and put the thumb back on...I prefer the thumb for the exact reason you stated...it offers better control in tight situations, for me anyways.

**DixiePlowboy** · 01-22-2003, 05:57 AM

Myself, I prefer a twist throttle for every type of riding. In some of the positions I find myself in, the thumb throttle is more difficult to operate than a twist. They both have their strong and weak points of course, but it all comes down to personal preferrence.
I've owned several 3 wheelers that had a twist and a couple of dirt bikes(new '86 RM 250 back in '86..and a new '92 Yamaha WR500 back in '94), and I just feel more confident with one.

**Jeb** · 01-22-2003, 02:19 PM

Count me in for twist throttle also. :-D But it really all boils down to personal preference and which one YOUR more comfortable with. Everything I've ever had personally except my 82 ATC 70 has a had a twist throttle. When I ride a sport machine with a thumb throttle, I don't feel as comfortable and I find it harder to operate in tight situations because I'm not used to them. When I got my Tri-Z, it had an aftermarket twister already on it. I was happy. remember also a twist throttle needs to be set up with some play to prevent accidentally cracking the throttle open. which on a high performance machine can be a hair-raising or even an @$$-busting experience for someone not used to them.

**BIGKAHUNA** · 01-22-2003, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by Jeb

Count me in for twist throttle also. :-D But it really all boils down to personal preference and which one YOUR more comfortable with. Everything I've ever had personally except my 82 ATC 70 has a had a twist throttle. When I ride a sport machine with a thumb throttle, I don't feel as comfortable and I find it harder to operate in tight situations because I'm not used to them. When I got my Tri-Z, it had an aftermarket twister already on it. I was happy. remember also a twist throttle needs to be set up with some play to prevent accidentally cracking the throttle open. which on a high performance machine can be a hair-raising or even an @$$-busting experience for someone not used to them.

Funny you should mention the free play thing...Mind you when I had my X it was I believe the first year for the blue seat maybe 84 or 85 so its been awhile. I didnt know much back then (and how much I know now is debatable! LMAO) and that was one of the things I experienced...often times if I moved my body downward on the throttle side of the bike I would crack the throttle wide open....Down right scary when I think about that happening on a 250R when your out of position unprepared. LOL!

**plkmonster2** · 01-22-2003, 02:56 PM

i only use the thumb throttle, i like how you can still have plenty of grip on the handles. with a twist, my arm gets tired after a couple hours of trail riding, also, when i pop a wheelie, i always pull back too much because of the angle i ride it at, just what i think (two pennies)

**200xer** · 01-22-2003, 03:09 PM

I grew up on thumb throttles, so a twist just feels wrong.

**Jeb** · 01-22-2003, 03:09 PM

One bad thing I will say about a twist even though I prefer them is the tendency to get stuck open in a spill on a dirt bike or 3 wheeler. I would assume that problem would be almost none existant with a thumb throttle.

**TimSr** · 01-22-2003, 06:55 PM

I was going to mention that jeb. Any twist throttle should be accompanied by a tether kill switch!

I grew up on bikes, but much prefer a thumb throttle on my ATVs. Twist is nice for trail riding, as your thumb doesnt get so tired, but I tried a twsit on the track with both the Z and the R, and I hated it! After you get really tired, you end up cracking it wide open upon every landing. A lot of guys love a twist, but Im not one of them!

**mudfreak99** · 01-22-2003, 08:43 PM

I personally like a twist because that is what I have grown up with, when I was younger I started racing motocross, and just always been easier to ride with a twist...

**theeechozen1** · 01-23-2003, 04:17 PM

Twist all the way! I can't stand the numb thumb

**Kilborg** · 01-23-2003, 06:13 PM

Which: whatever the hell you feel more comfortable with

Why: because relying solely on the opinions of others is idiotic

**tony_250r** · 01-23-2003, 11:00 PM

I say for me, the twist throttle works best for drag racing. And that the thumb throttle works best when riding hard to handle trails, whoops, bumps, cornering and such.

A twist throttle can be un-safe on three wheelers and quads. That's why the MFG's use the thumb throttle instead of the twist.

**3WheelHouston** · 01-23-2003, 11:58 PM

My vote is for thumb, even though it can take some conditioning so you don't get "numb thumb". If you get sore it's because you're not riding enough.

And also, if you're not a veteran with a twist throttle, it can be easy for a rider inexperienced with one to whiskey throttle on a jump when trying to pull the front end up. And if you're on a powerful bike, nailing the throttle right before you hit the ground can mean alot of hurt for you and the trike.

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Twist grip or thumb throttle? Another which and why thread.