Twist throttle to brake lever throttle conversion

[thall320578]

I converted our older Vanguard to a generic mountain bike brake lever for throttle control, as the twist throttle would leave both my wife's and my wrist hurting after just 10-15 minutes of riding.

The entire setup is DIY using parts sourced online, all in was less than $30. It works GREAT, so much better than the twist throttle; easier on the hand and wrist, easier to maintain a stead throttle, and can still keep good control of the right stick for braking/turning.

The only problem is that it lever does not have enough throw to be able to get full throttle actuation. The 16hp Vanguard has SO much throttle throw needed to achieve full throttle... It's not a huge deal as it gets maybe 85%-90% throttle, but that extra little last bit would be nice, especially for longer water crossings...

Before buying this lever, I tried a universal thumb throttle assembly, a Yamaha ATV thumb throttle assembly, and even a Yamaha ATV brake lever assembly, but they all had the same issue (actually worse) and wouldn't achieve anywhere near full throttle.

So I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a specific hand lever that CAN get a full throttle actuation on the Vanguard engine?

Thanks!

[Noel Woods]

I have a similar throttle on my Super Swamp Fox Diesel. I experimented with cable length as I had the same issue you have. I visited with a local motorcycle shop and watched how they made custom throttles and learned how to make my own ends with a soldering gun. Once you know the length you need that works you can buy extras and solder the end up as I mentioned.

In the process I ended up with some extra cables that I keep as backup.

[thall320578]

The cable seems to be a good length. It's the actuation distance of the cable that's keeping me from getting full throttle. I either need a brake lever that will pull the cable farther when pulled, or attached the cable to the throttle mechanism on the engine to get more leverage when the cable is pulled.

[trevorakm1]

I went through just what you did, thumb throttle and all. Same issue on the cable pull. I bought the brake lever on ebay. I started looking at all available and noticed angular differences amongst the brake levers. I bought a second lever slightly different geometry and got lucky get full throttle.
the brake lever definately gives better throttle control and helps smooth the ride during bouncy areas of trails. also helps new drivers manage the throttle and brakes easier. My argo had the motorcycle throttle on the left when I bought it. made some sense as you are always pushing foward on the bars driving but the brake lever is much better.

[ARGOJIM]

I had just suggested a shorter or straighter lever elsewhere

[trevorakm1]

I went with the bmx two finger brake lever. so uch more comfortable and never get fatigue in my hand.

[Ruffus]

If you can't get full throttle control with the lever, you have two possible DIY options. Either relocate where the hand lever pivots, for a longer arc, or the easier route, drill a new hole on the throttle lever on the carb where the cable attaches closer to the pivot point. On the carb you don't need to move the hole far from where it is because movement will amplify quite a bit as you get closer to the pivot pint.

[john swenson]

i too had the same problem not getting full throttle on my 21 h.p. vanguard ...even with all the slack taken up in the cable. i did two things that solved it. bolted a small piece of flatbar on the round circle thing that the cable attatched to on the carb. about a 1 1/2'' long piece at an angle and attatched the cable to the end of that so i got more '' throw '' distance . also took the hand lever off and ground some off the pivot end so the lever opened up more from the handle , thereby pulling the cable farther . hope this is understandable . johnboy va.

[thall320578]

Ended up getting it sorted out. I simply drilled and tapped a new mounting hole just beside the other. Works great now! Uses the full throttle sweep

[john swenson]

so nice that guys share all the different ways to tackle a problem ..... great solution , thanks . johnboy va.

[trevorakm1]

Another thing I did with the brake lever was I drilled a couple hole in the lever so that when pulled I can then insert a pin/ nail into the hole to hold the throttle open. This way if I get high centered or no traction situation I can pin the throttle open and allows me to go hands off so I can grab the roll bars and rock the piss out of the argo till she starts getting traction and pulling out of the immobility. The throttle is not pinned wide open so I have the opportunity to pull the pin and regain throttle control on the extraction from the stuck.
I drilled two holes so I get two different RPMs settings. This works great when in the water for extended periods of time.
I drilled the holes in the portion of the brake lever that when closed recesses into the mounting bracket portion of the brake control. Obvious but clarification for those that may not understand. I use one of those pins that have a pull ring and paracorded to the tiller. when not in use I just store in the end of the tiller grip. I wish it were easier to load pics on this site.

[thall320578]

Another thing I did with the brake lever was I drilled a couple hole in the lever so that when pulled I can then insert a pin/ nail into the hole to hold the throttle open. This way if I get high centered or no traction situation I can pin the throttle open and allows me to go hands off so I can grab the roll bars and rock the piss out of the argo till she starts getting traction and pulling out of the immobility. The throttle is not pinned wide open so I have the opportunity to pull the pin and regain throttle control on the extraction from the stuck.
I drilled two holes so I get two different RPMs settings. This works great when in the water for extended periods of time.
I drilled the holes in the portion of the brake lever that when closed recesses into the mounting bracket portion of the brake control. Obvious but clarification for those that may not understand. I use one of those pins that have a pull ring and paracorded to the tiller. when not in use I just store in the end of the tiller grip. I wish it were easier to load pics on this site.

That's a pretty good idea sir

That's sort of the reason why I tried an old Yamaha brake lever that I had laying around. It was a rear brake lever and it had the parking brake built into it. Pull the lever back and push down a spring loaded tab, and it would hold the lever down at what would have been about 75% throttle. A quick squeeze of the throttle and the tab would automatically release and spring open so the lever would be able to spring back to idle. Thought that would have been pretty cool

[Anywhere]

All 2020+ argo come with thumb throttle. Including the frontier 600 with 18hp briggs. Just order and install.