Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Throttle Sensitivity Adjustments?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 1, 2012 | 11:30 AM
  #1  
unclerogi's Avatar
unclerogi
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Springfield MO
Default Throttle Sensitivity Adjustments?

This is going to seem really backward, but the throttle on my new (to me) 2004 softail deuce is waaaay too sensitive and I want to make it less so. Seems that it's relatively difficult to even apply the front brakes without giving revving the engine. It's so easy to turn that I could do it with one finger and a thumb (maybe that's a slight exaggeration, but not by much).

It only has 3890 miles on it, so I wouldn't think that there is something broken on it. Is this level of sensitivity normal? What is the best way to make it just a little more difficult to twist the throttle? Or should I just get over it and relearn my standard grip?

mike
 
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2012 | 11:34 AM
  #2  
Hogpro's Avatar
Hogpro
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
Default

You can adjust the throttle with the throttle and idle cables on the adjuster on the cable. On stock cables they are under a rubber boot on the cable.
 
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2012 | 12:49 PM
  #3  
Benway's Avatar
Benway
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 19
From: Dayton
Default

When you're done adjusting it, just make sure it snaps back to idle when you let go.
 
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2012 | 01:09 PM
  #4  
Hogpro's Avatar
Hogpro
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
Default

With the bars turned in all positions as well.
 
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2012 | 01:39 PM
  #5  
NoRegerts's Avatar
NoRegerts
Seasoned HDF Member
Veteran: Navy
Shutterbug
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 10
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 16,982
Likes: 9,059
From: Texas Hill Country
Default

There might also be a thumb screw on the bottom of the throttle box on the bars. It's black and has 6 spokes. Once you adjust the cables you should be able to adjust that screw and make it tighter. Just be carefully, because too tight and it won't snap back to neutral and is dangerous.
 
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2012 | 02:33 PM
  #6  
unclerogi's Avatar
unclerogi
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Springfield MO
Default

Perhaps I'm misunderstanding the first set of adjustments suggested by HogPro - aren't those to adjust the slack in the throttle cable and not necessarily the "friction" or ease in turning the throttle? From what I've read, there are two things to adjust under the rubber boot: the control cable adjuster locknut and the cable slack adjustment. Please keep in mind that I'm not a mechanic, I just play one at home. I do have the service manual for this, and I'm not following on how this will help... My service manuals just don't give details on using these for increasing friction in the cable, but to adjust for the proper amount of slack in the cable.

And yes, you may slap me upside the head if I'm just being totally oblivious about this whole thing.

mike
 

Last edited by unclerogi; Jun 1, 2012 at 02:35 PM. Reason: clarification
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2012 | 02:42 PM
  #7  
unclerogi's Avatar
unclerogi
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Springfield MO
Default

RIPBiker13,

I've read about those adjustments here on the forum and from what I read, it appeared that the main use was for some form of cruise control? But if I adjust it carefully and make sure that it isn't binding and stopping the throttle from snapping back to zero, that could work?

I'm at work and after posting my initial question, I continued to research for an answer. So I'll have to check if I have an external adjustment for that one... If not, from what I've read, this is located in the lower switch housing and would require me to disassemble it for adjustments.

mike
 
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2012 | 02:42 PM
  #8  
Hogpro's Avatar
Hogpro
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
Default

The best way to understand how these adjustments work is to pull the rubber boots off and fiddle with them. It could also be the throttle lock adjustment behind the cables but from what you described above "way too sensitive" just loosen the cables a tad bit. Is there any free play on the throttle itself?
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jun 1, 2012 | 02:46 PM
  #9  
oct1949's Avatar
oct1949
Club Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
Default

If someone put too much oil between the bar and throttle pipe (See below) that would make it really easy to turn. Lubed mine and got tooo much and its really easy to twist also.

https://www.denniskirk.com/custom-ch...pe.ph59031.prd

Might remove the throttle pipe with the grip on, clean everything off and add a little lube. then re-install.

Or U might even try spraying a little degreaser at the top of the grip and the brake housing to see if it'd wash some out. U'd need to remove the grip to let it drain.



.
 
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2012 | 02:50 PM
  #10  
Smdugan40's Avatar
Smdugan40
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Newburgh IN
Default

I'd check for the thumb screw under the hand controls first, you can play around with that while in neutral in your driveway and find a setting that feels good to you, but like a previous poster stated if you tighten too much it won't snap back to idle correctly so I'd just do all of your adjusting while in neutral at a standstill
At least that's how I did mine and now the have the throttle where I like it while still getting the "snap back" to idle that is safe
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:10 PM.

story-0
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-3
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-4
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-5
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE
story-8
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

Slideshow: Graeme Billington's left-hand-drive Shovelhead is as much about problem-solving as it is about classic Harley form.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-30 11:27:08


VIEW MORE
story-9
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025

Slideshow: A clear-eyed look at what actually worked for Harley this year, and what quietly undermined its progress.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-29 17:10:48


VIEW MORE