Powersports Throttles

A throttle is one of the main controls in all machines powered by internal combustion engines. By pushing a lever or twisting a grip tube, the rider regulates the flow of fuel into the motor thus adjusting the vehicle’s speed. The vast majority of ATVs, snowmobiles, and personal watercraft are equipped with thumb levers, unlike most motorcycles where you can find twist throttles on right-hand handlebar grips. The reason is that thumb levers can provide powersports riders with more precise speed control while they shift their weight on uneven terrain or make sharp turns. Also, this type of throttle is considered to be much safer for less experienced riders.

The rider can simply lean in the desired direction to turn a motorcycle with very little to none movement of the handlebar. Since the rider’s body remains aligned with the bike, his or her ability to twist the throttle with great precision is not impaired. On the other hand, you cannot lean an ATVs to make a turn. You have to use the whole range of handlebar movement during maneuvering, which can put the rider in an awkward position when utilizing a twist throttle. It is especially evident when turning right. Riders still need to shift their weight to keep the balance making the wrist angle awkward.

An ATV rider must have a firm grip on a handlebar when traveling on rough terrain, bashing dunes, or climbing rocks. The same goes for snowmobiles in deep powder and during steep climbs or personal watercraft on waves. A thumb throttle allows riders to focus on keeping the balance instead of avoiding unintentional speed gains. Another reason to avoid the use of twist-type throttles on powersports machines is a phenomenon called “whiskey throttle.” An inexperienced rider can lose control of the vehicle when sliding back during acceleration thus twisting the throttle even more. It is much easier to let off the thumb lever if you feel that you move too fast.

Still, thumb throttles have their disadvantages, and some riders may prefer to replace their factory-installed throttle assemblies with their aftermarket twist-style counterparts. Twist throttles are preferred by those who tend to ride long distances or spend long hours in the saddle. Many riders complain about wrist fatigue and sore thumbs which can be avoided with twist throttles. On the digital shelves of our store, you can find a wide range of high-quality powersports throttles and related components by such reliable brands as Outlaw Racing, Motion Pro, Terrycable, Full Throttle, SKINZ, and many others. Besides twist and thumb throttles, you can choose throttle flares, left-side throttle kits for snowmobiles, and much more.

A throttle flare for a snowmobile is a simple plastic device with flares on its sides, which sits on a stock thumb throttle lever like a tiny saddle. It enlarges the control surface which a rider can easily grab when making sharp left turns, change the position of his or her hand and reach the lever with other fingers from underneath the grip to reduce fatigue. The installation of a left-side throttle kit pursues the same goals. Swapping the throttle assembly is a fairly simple job that can be done in ten minutes using only a set of wrenches and a screwdriver.