How to choose the right motorcycle cruise control?

Whether you're curdling your coals at the Millevaches winter festival, taking a bend in the Tarn or kissing grandma's ass on the other side of France, you can find yourself swallowing miles and miles of highway. What could be more boring? Well, there's a magical device to help you enjoy the straight and narrow of the asphalt: adaptive cruise control. Long hours of continuous introspection are yours! Of course, if you ride a modern bike with ACC and all the rest, this article won't be of much interest to you. Otherwise, we'll tell you all about this magical product!

At a time when BMW is launching an active cruise control system with automatic adaptation of the safety distance, we're entitled to ask ourselves a few questions. Is such a technological debauch really necessary? Is the ultimate goal to be able to tootle along on the handlebars? However - and even if we're not fans of this overabundance of assistance - we have to admit one thing: cruise control is very practical. Indeed, maintaining a constant speed over long distances can be tedious, even physically exhausting. That's right, a motorcyclist's wrists are under almost as much strain as those of a pubescent teenager!

The other benefit of the speed stabilizer? By freeing ourselves from that regular glance at the speedometer, we're more attentive to what's going on around us (traffic, road conditions, etc.). So you can devote yourself fully to contemplating the landscape, or even meditative introspection. Obviously, using cruise control is not recommended in urban areas or when there's a lot of traffic. In these situations, you'll need to adjust your speed frequently. But it sounds like common sense, doesn't it?

Speed regulator or speed stabilizer - two rather inaccurate names. But why? These devices do not maintain a specific speed, but only the position of the throttle. As a result, the motorcycle will naturally slow down when going uphill and accelerate when going downhill. This device is therefore ideal for flat journeys, and much less so on mountains (Russian or otherwise).

But what's the difference with a real cruise control? The absence of feedback. In fact, modern devices are servo-controlled, i.e. they compare actual speed with a given setpoint and adjust the throttle accordingly. A motorcycle "regulator", on the other hand, simply locks the throttle in a given position, regardless of how fast you're going. Okay, but how would the late Bernard Pivot describe this device? Handle lock, gas-hold or gas pedal lock? As you'll see, even if the term "cruise control" isn't exactly accurate or sexy, it does have the merit of being meaningful.

As the speed stabilizer acts directly on the throttle, it's crucial to choose it carefully. You wouldn't think of installing a piece of junk on such a sensitive component, would you? Here are the criteria for selecting the right model:

Safety in use

This is obviously the key element! The question to ask: how does the device deactivate? It has to be simple and intuitive. Ideally, you should be able to stop the regulator simply by cutting the throttle. In the event of emergency braking, it's all a matter of reflex. Additional action (such as pressing a button) becomes dangerous, as it lengthens response time.

Compatibility with your motorcycle

Some models, such as Bera Cruise or Go Cruise, are universal. That way, there's no headache! However, other technologies (such as the one developed by Kaoko) require precise mounting specific to a given motorcycle model. So be careful! And don't forget to check compatibility with accessories you've already fitted. For example? Heated grips, handlebar end mirrors or handguards.

Speed adjustment method

This is a matter of feeling. In fact, each governor manufacturer has its own way of holding the throttle. Magnetic hold for Bera Cruise, with a revisited "clothespin" for Go Cruise, or with a knurled handlebar screw for Kaoko. It's up to you to decide which device you're most comfortable with.

Here, just for you, are our 3 favorite models of motorcycle speed stabilizers. 3 technologies, 3 budgets and always ultra-safe, quality products.

Bera Cruise, made-in France

Let's start this selection with our favorite model. And with good reason: we worked hard to develop it! The heart of this device? A magnetic lock! No wear, no maintenance, it's guaranteed to feel the same on every ride. The Skate Lock also offers many other advantages, such as perfect integration with the handlebars and universal use. Practical, isn't it? To complete this already impressive picture, this Bera Cruise model can also be fitted to heated grips.

----> BeraCruise SKATE LOCK motorcycle cruise control

Go Cruise: efficient low-tech

Don't let the clothespin look fool you! This Go Cruise, from Bike It, is as simple as it is effective. Installation? Absolutely trivial. And using it is just as simple. Once you've reached cruising speed, all you have to do is lower the regulator onto the brake lever to lock the gas pedal. And to deactivate it? Just cut the throttle. Simple, we tell you!

----> Bike It GO CRUISE motorcycle cruise control 22 mm

Kaoko: discreet and ingenious

If this model is specific to each motorcycle, it's to fit in discreetly. In fact, the Kaoko regulator replaces the handlebar clamp. How does it work? A knurled screw that brakes the throttle to maintain the desired rpm. It's super-intuitive to use, as you activate or deactivate it as you accelerate/decelerate. Simple, ingenious and effective!

----> Motorcycle cruise control KAOKO CCF400-13WC R1200GS LC /Adv R1200R 15- S1000XR

Adaptive cruise control is fast becoming an indispensable tool for heavy drivers. Less time looking at the speedometer means more attention on the road. So why not put together a little playlist of motorcycle music for your next road trip?

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Photo credits: banner image - Freepik; image of biker overlooking road - image by pikisuperstar on Freepik