[Benny Payne]

For me, the only thing that’s been missing from my CTX 1300 has been that it lacks cruise control. I don’t mean a throttle lock, (which I’ve used for the past few years), but an actual cruise control that maintains speed regardless if the road is flat or flowing with hills and valleys. I’ll be retiring in July, and my retirement gift to myself is purchasing a McCruise cruise control. A bit on the pricey side, but I’m looking forward to spending lots of road time. Y’all probably think this is silly, but I’m like a kid at Christmas, and just wanted to share.

 

[Gregory Tubbs]

Congratulations! And no, I don't think you're being a kid. The cruise is great and is worth every penny. MCCruise went to a lot of trouble making an installation manual that covers it all. And if you do it exactly in the order they laid out, the final calibration goes without a hitch. Don't try to second guess and decide, well, I can go ahead and finish tightening this part now
What I like about it is it doesn't require cutting and splicing into your existing wiring. The only issue I had was the controller bracket. They want you to file out 4mm of the clutch lever clamp to put the bracket behind the clamp. Not necessary. I wrapped a thin layer of plastic around the handlebar so there was a gap in the clamp when tightened down. That gave me the room for the controller bracket.
Or, you could opt for the ring shaped controller the wraps around the handlebar. It's not as conspicuous as the above handlebar controller.

 

[Benny Payne]

Congratulations! And no, I don't think you're being a kid. The cruise is great and is worth every penny. MCCruise went to a lot of trouble making an installation manual that covers it all. And if you do it exactly in the order they laid out, the final calibration goes without a hitch. Don't try to second guess and decide, well, I can go ahead and finish tightening this part now
What I like about it is it doesn't require cutting and splicing into your existing wiring. The only issue I had was the controller bracket. They want you to file out 4mm of the clutch lever clamp to put the bracket behind the clamp. Not necessary. I wrapped a thin layer of plastic around the handlebar so there was a gap in the clamp when tightened down. That gave me the room for the controller bracket.
Or, you could opt for the ring shaped controller the wraps around the handlebar. It's not as conspicuous as the above handlebar controller.

Greg,
Thanks for the tip about using a plastic wrap. I also had second thoughts about taking a file to the clamp. I too, like that it doesn't require cutting and splicing into your existing wiring.
I inquired about the ring shaped controller, but the guys "down under" recommended the standard setup due to having to modify the ring to make it fit (reshaping the housing). Because of the size of the CTX handlebars, they said in an email that the "handlebar diameter may not provide a very 'stable' contact area for the switch to mount on". They were very helpful in helping me decide what controller would work best for me.

Besides, seeing the pic you provided, I like how it looks.

 

[Gregory Tubbs]

Greg,
Thanks for the tip about using a plastic wrap. I also had second thoughts about taking a file to the clamp. I too, like that it doesn't require cutting and splicing into your existing wiring.
I inquired about the ring shaped controller, but the guys "down under" recommended the standard setup due to having to modify the ring to make it fit (reshaping the housing). Because of the size of the CTX handlebars, they said in an email that the "handlebar diameter may not provide a very 'stable' contact area for the switch to mount on". They were very helpful in helping me decide what controller would work best for me.

Besides, seeing the pic you provided, I like how it looks.

It sounds like a piece of plastic under the ring might help. If I understand what was said, seems like it fits a little loose.
The plastic I used was from a plastic slip sheet, used in place of a pallet. It's about as thick as maybe a 2 litter soda bottle. Maybe use soda bottle plastic.
If your CTX is a standard model, I have a couple more pics for you. It has to do with the mounting location of the solenoid. The brake lines are located differently for a non ABS system, and they are in the way for mounting the solenoid where MCCruise shows you.

 

[Benny Payne]

Would definitely like to see the extra pics you have. My CTX is the standard model, so any ideas are positively appreciated!

 

[Gregory Tubbs]

Looked at your profile pic, and you Do have the standard. Duh!! My lightbulb is growing dim my friend.

This is where they want you to mount the solenoid. You can see the plumbing is in the way, and I'm not one to try and bend brake lines. Might kink one, or put stress on the fitting.

So mount it underneath. Drilled two holes for the zip ties and used the supplied velcro in between to prevent any sliding. This location also keeps the cable coming out of the solenoid straight. It's not bent around anything to make it fit.

I had to cut out this little notch, and like this, the side cover just cleared the other end of the solenoid. I came back with a butane fired soldering iron with a hot knife tip. I cut out the plastic enough to allow the screws on the end of the solenoid to clear the plastic. The hot knife made the cut look better and the extra 3mm gained from the screws helped with the clearance of the side cowl.

 

[Glen Chapman]

I'm with you Ben, Santa is bring me one this xmas

 

[Benny Payne]

That’s awesome, Glen! I’m really looking forward to getting mine in and putting it to use!

 

[Benny Payne]

Greg,
Your pics are perfect descriptions of how I can install mine. Thank you for the much needed instructions. I will be doing exactly what you’ve showed me. 👍

 

[Gregory Tubbs]

Greg,
Your pics are perfect descriptions of how I can install mine. Thank you for the much needed instructions. I will be doing exactly what you’ve showed me. 👍

If it doesn't go right, I'm turning into Sgt. Shultz. I know Nothing! 😆😆

 

[Stlburd2]

You guys are making this sound easy. I’ve considered getting one a long time. Maybe a winter project. I’ll be following your progress.

 

[Gregory Tubbs]

You guys are making this sound easy. I’ve considered getting one a long time. Maybe a winter project. I’ll be following your progress.

I wouldn't consider it easy, but certainly not hard. It's just time consuming. If you're accustomed to turning a wrench and not intimated taking things apart, it's not difficult.

 

[Duff]

If you have any problems during the install shoot them an email they are very helpful.

 

[Benny Payne]

The McCruise is installed, and - HOLY COW!!! - what a difference! Thank you, Greg for the tips and pics for installing to the standard model. My riding has become even more enjoyable (which I didn’t think possible with my CTX1300). Installation was lengthy, but instructions were very clear, and the simplicity of operation made the unit well worth the price. My only regret was not doing it sooner. I appreciate this forum for the people willing to share their experiences and suggestions. Everyone be safe and enjoy the ride!

 

[Gregory Tubbs]

The McCruise is installed, and - HOLY COW!!! - what a difference! Thank you, Greg for the tips and pics for installing to the standard model. My riding has become even more enjoyable (which I didn’t think possible with my CTX1300). Installation was lengthy, but instructions were very clear, and the simplicity of operation made the unit well worth the price. My only regret was not doing it sooner. I appreciate this forum for the people willing to share their experiences and suggestions. Everyone be safe and enjoy the ride!

Funny, I just posted a couple of pics for you since I had my "hood" up.
It does make a difference for me because my tendons are giving me trouble on long rides.

 

[JRLinTN]

Benny, I am pleased to hear your installation was uneventful with a successful install. When I initially installed an MCCruise on my CTX1300 it did not work properly (mostly intermittent engagement issues). I sent an email and then talked with Tony Guymer at Motorcycle Cruise Controls. Tony and his brother Frank are the co-directors there. I was asked to pull the servo and the computer and send both back to the factory for testing. According to Frank it was determined that there was a defective switch in the servo. The servo and computer were sent back to with about two weeks gone, and I reinstalled it. This is a great cruise control. For me it took parts of several days for the original installation, but the instructions that come with it included multiple photos and with very detailed instructions. When I got the repaired servo and computer back there were more detailed instructions included that helped me fine tune the system. I really enjoy riding more using a cruise control, and use it nearly every time I ride. Easy to use. Accurate. No lag time. This is a great cruise control.

 

[George Kreamer]

@JRLinTN thanks for your post. I bought the MCCruise and an planning on installing overwinter. I'm a little intimidated by it but am looking forward to having cruise control.

 

[PapaJohn]

I have thought about the McCruise for some time now too, and after a long trip this summer where my right hand/wrist just got too sore, I was about to pull the trigger and spend the time this winter installing, but with some advice from others to try a cheap solution first (about $30 bucks), I decided to try the Go Cruise throttle lock. I've had some issues preventing me from riding at all the past 2 months since I purchased the Go Cruise, so I've not had the chance to try it. Weather warms up considerably this weekend here in Iowa, so I'm hoping to get in a longer ride before winter sets in. Um.......then again maybe it already has!

My only concern with the Go Cruise is that when I do take longer trips, it's always to places that have hills, mountains, so I'm not sure I'll be able to use it enough with all the speed variations that might occur to make a difference. BUT, it may help with many of the riding portions that could be enough to give my hand a rest and help with the issue. If not, I will certainly consider the McCruise again next year as I'm nearing retirement too and will plan to ride more. I had a Goldwing with cruise and man........that just helped so much in having that consistent speed no matter the terrain if my wrist needed a break. It just simply made longer touring trips easier for me personally. I know everyone has their own style and preferences. I've just noticed as I've gotten older, I can't find a position that removes the hurt 100% when it starts happening and I just really liked having it when my wrist was asking for a little break.

 

[Anthony]

For me, the only thing that’s been missing from my CTX 1300 has been that it lacks cruise control. I don’t mean a throttle lock, (which I’ve used for the past few years), but an actual cruise control that maintains speed regardless if the road is flat or flowing with hills and valleys. I’ll be retiring in July, and my retirement gift to myself is purchasing a McCruise cruise control. A bit on the pricey side, but I’m looking forward to spending lots of road time. Y’all probably think this is silly, but I’m like a kid at Christmas, and just wanted to share.

Mate you won’t regret it cause it’s well & truly worth it 😊

 

[Gregory Tubbs]

Mate you won’t regret it cause it’s well & truly worth it 😊

Ditto