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Cable Throttle => Throttle by Wire

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Old Apr 30, 2026 | 09:36 AM
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Default Cable Throttle => Throttle by Wire

I originally posted this in the Dyna section where I live but thought I'd get more eyes out here. I don't want a debate which is better or questions about why I'm "stupid" so you guys can save your hateraid for someone else.

I have RA everywhere, but I am very blessed to be almost completely controlled with meds; however, the times that my shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, whatever could use a quick break are happening more frequently while I ride. While having a beer in the shop and admiring the bike last night I got to thinking about throttle by wire again. I pulled out the parts book and the shop manual while I sipped and listened to Ella Langley and here's what I found.


By way of simple comparison, a 2017 FXDLS has different numbers for the following parts:
  • ECM 41000057 | $700
  • Wiring harness 39201569A | $400
  • Throttle control 32700050 and tube 65100075 | $165
  • Left lower switch housing (cruise control) 71500282 and switch 71500290 | $100
  • Induction module 22200002 (I'll need an alternative since I'm running an HPI 58/62 setup)
From what I can tell, the ECM has 3 ports instead of 2, the third takes the feed from the throttle control and feeds it back to the induction module and done. Can it be that simple? I do not see any additional speed sensors beyond what my FXDB has, not counting the ABS sensors. Does anyone have any REAL knowledge on the topic?
 
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Old Apr 30, 2026 | 09:43 AM
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Old Apr 30, 2026 | 09:45 AM
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Originally Posted by jbarr1
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^^^ That read "what's the question" ^^^

UM, I see 2.

From what I can tell, the ECM has 3 ports instead of 2, the third takes the feed from the throttle control and feeds it back to the induction module and done. Can it be that simple? I do not see any additional speed sensors beyond what my FXDB has, not counting the ABS sensors. Does anyone have any REAL knowledge on the topic?
 

Last edited by snake_eyes; Apr 30, 2026 at 10:22 AM.
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Old Apr 30, 2026 | 11:57 AM
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You will need a new map. Completly different calibration level between the 2. An extra bonus is you'll have the option of running your ve tables map/rpm.
 
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Old May 5, 2026 | 09:35 PM
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Just a few thoughts - what about a cramp buster, a throttle lock, or lessening the spring force on the throttle body return spring. seems like it would be a much easier endeavor. I have used them on a few bikes.

https://www.crampbuster.com/
 
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Old May 6, 2026 | 08:16 AM
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Originally Posted by Ed Ramberger
Just a few thoughts - what about a cramp buster, a throttle lock, or lessening the spring force on the throttle body return spring. seems like it would be a much easier endeavor. I have used them on a few bikes.

https://www.crampbuster.com/
Thanks for the suggestion, I already have a throttle lock and it works great, but it's not cruise control.

I did find an answer to my question, and its yes. The harness and ECM need to be swapped and a few odds and ends added but it is entirely possible to do and would not be difficult. I estimate that it'd cost around 2k with me doing all the labor.
 
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Old May 7, 2026 | 07:19 AM
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I didn't see the brake switches in your list. Perhaps they are part of
the "odds and ends" you are referring to ? Or does yours already have those ?
Looking at RonniesHD microfiche, it looks like you may need the switch modules and housings.
So when you tap the front or rear brake levers, the Cruise Control should disengage.

I looked at a conversion for my 2013 FLS Slim to the 2017 FLSS ECM/throttle/et-al, but
like you said, it was about ~$2K or more cost. The one thing I did not know if it would
work is to put my 2013 VIN into the 2017 ECM since I have an HD combo speedo/tach.
I am guessing it would show "VIN-ERR" and not work...

Thanks for any clarification,

T.
 

Last edited by WKNDS; May 7, 2026 at 07:26 AM.
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Old May 7, 2026 | 09:36 AM
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Originally Posted by WKNDS
I didn't see the brake switches in your list. Perhaps they are part of
the "odds and ends" you are referring to ? Or does yours already have those ?
Looking at RonniesHD microfiche, it looks like you may need the switch modules and housings.
So when you tap the front or rear brake levers, the Cruise Control should disengage.

I looked at a conversion for my 2013 FLS Slim to the 2017 FLSS ECM/throttle/et-al, but
like you said, it was about ~$2K or more cost. The one thing I did not know if it would
work is to put my 2013 VIN into the 2017 ECM since I have an HD combo speedo/tach.
I am guessing it would show "VIN-ERR" and not work...

Thanks for any clarification,

T.
My original thread on this from years ago is here Throttle By Wire - Harley Davidson Forums, since I wasn't getting much action on it I started this thread looking for more input, in the last week or so I've added a TON of info to the other thread and I'll just direct you there instead of duplicating it. I will tell you that I'm fortunate since my swap is pretty much plug and play, I'm just going from one harness to another that are both made for the same bike, same year, etc. anything beyond that I'm guessing you're going to run into programming issues.

MODS, IF YOU WANT TO LOCK THIS THREAD PLEASE DO, THE LINK I DROPPED ABOVE WILL CARRY ON THIS CONVERSATION.
 
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