Fly by my what?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 100
From: Pasadena TX
It replaces a mechanical link to the carb/throttle body (cable) with an electrical circuit. The easiest way I can explain it is it's sort of like a dimmer switch on a light. All the way in one direction it's off, but as it's rotated in the other direction the light gets brighter until it is fully bright. In actuality the tbw works in a completely different way than a dimmer, but my example is easy to understand
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 94
Likes: 2
From: New Orleans, LA
It is easy to misinterpret all of the acronyms nowadays.
TBW - Throttle by wire. Cages have been using it for years. Mechanical cables (wire) can have issues too.
DBW - This one can go a couple of different ways. Drive by wire - already on some vehicles. I haven't heard about this on production motorcycles yet. Die by wire - This is one of those things that I try not to dwell on when cruising at high speeds (Flying By Wire).
ACMBLB - This one can really scare you more than the others.
All Components Made By Lowest Bidder, including the wire.
Like it or not, we are wired.
Captsluggo
TBW - Throttle by wire. Cages have been using it for years. Mechanical cables (wire) can have issues too.
DBW - This one can go a couple of different ways. Drive by wire - already on some vehicles. I haven't heard about this on production motorcycles yet. Die by wire - This is one of those things that I try not to dwell on when cruising at high speeds (Flying By Wire).
ACMBLB - This one can really scare you more than the others.
All Components Made By Lowest Bidder, including the wire.
Like it or not, we are wired.
Captsluggo
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Means exactly the same! No mechanical link between rider and engine, instead some electronic magic stuff. You've probably been driving around with it for several years on 4 wheels.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 45
From: Long Island, NY
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,159
Likes: 1,079
From: Brandon, Mississippi
Off topic. I recently rode a 12 Switchback with a throttle Cable. Talk about hard to get used to riding after the very responsive TBW for several years! You really notice a difference when you get back on a cabled bike!
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 14,438
Likes: 2,421
From: Pittsburgh, Pa
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Northeast
TBW learning curve
TBW seems like the only learning curve for me with my new SGS. Been riding a 05 Road King for the last 10 years. What a difference with TBW. The sensitivity at low speeds is where I need to get better it can be a bit jerky at times in first gear. Then again I only have 260 miles on it so far, I am sure both the bike and I need more miles together
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post