By Jason on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I see that lots of people have heated throttle cables in the classifieds. What is the purpose of them? Are they really essential? I purchased a used Max, how can I tell if it has one or not? Thanks.

By neil otto on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I don't have one yet but wish I did. It is downright distressing to crawl out of your tent in the middle of nowhere and find that your throttle cable is frozen solid and won't move. Had to waste a good pot of hot coffee by pouring it over the cable and down into the hull to get it thawed out. It really tastes awful after it's drained out of the bilge too. Get one. Neil

By Harry Dusseau (Dirtyharry) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Jason-
The heated throttle cable was an option-only item through R.I. for some time, but is now standard on most, if not all, models. If you live where it doesn't snow or get below the freezing mark, don't worry about it. If you DO live where it snows and you like to ride in the white stuff, or if your stock cable needs to be replaced, then you might as well upgrade to a new-style heated one.

If your current cable is still in good shape, or you just can't justify the cost of the heated one, as an alternative, you can play it cheap by injecting a small amount of auto antifreeze down into the throttle cable sheath. This works quite well, and it won't drain your battery like the heated cable does. (Don't worry though, the heat element only runs when you flip a toggle switch - it does not burn constantly.)

I broke my old-style cable at Humphrey two years ago, and picked up a new heated one from R.I. I have yet to use the heat option, but it's nice to know it's waiting patiently for me when I need it. Just remember to keep your cable (heated or not) adjusted properly ...and lubricated! Long throttle cable life depends on this.

Harry

By Jason on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Harry, Thanks for the information. My Max is pretty new, being a '99 model. How can I tell if it's heated or not? I don't recall seeing any switch anywhere for the 'heat' option, so I'm guessing it's not. Any hints? And yes, I do live in an area known for the white stuff, I live in NYS in Rochester. Lots of snow and plenty of low temp days.

By Alan Meeuwsen (Albo) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Jason, If you have a heated throttle cable there should be a lighted switch near the ignition. They are not labeled though. At least mine isn't.
Al

By MaxRules (Brandon_price) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

The heated cable is a nice option anytime you are riding in cold climates. I ride in the snow here in Missouri and use it all the time. It is the cheap fix to a problem that really needs to be fixed on the Max. I get real PO'd at my throttle cable when I have to wait for it to thaw. Then it feels like it is full of glue for a while after. The lighted switches are real cheap also. Mine has been shorting out and not wanting to work. RI needs to just fix this throttle problem and take the heated cable off.

MaxRules

By david berger (Davidrrrd) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

jason,
if your cable pases threw a clear plastic hose with wires in it it's heated.

By Jason on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Nope, no lighted switch near the ignition, too bad.