Dirt Bike Twist VS Thumb Throttles

Dirt Bike Twist VS Thumb Throttles – How well do you know your dirt bike throttle? A dirt bike’s throttle, usually on the right handlebar, connects to the engine’s fuel system. When the rider turns the throttle, it tells the engine to increase fuel and air intake, boosting speed and power for acceleration. There are two types of throttles—thumb and twist. For motorcycles and two-wheelers, the twist throttle is often preferred.

If you are considering a vehicle like a dirt bike or ATV, the gears and control of the vehicle are one of many things to consider. If you are interested in how one type of throttle is better than the other, there are different pros and cons to consider.

Dirt Bike Twist VS Thumb Throttles: What Are They

Before we dive into the pros and cons of the two throttle types, let’s get into understanding what they are:

Twist Throttles

The twist throttle is a widely used type of throttle that allows riders to control acceleration or deceleration by twisting their wrist. Located as a twister on the right handlebar, rolling it down accelerates the vehicle, while rolling it up decelerates. This throttle design is prevalent in various two-wheelers, including motorcycles, scooters, dirt bikes, and electric bikes. Twist throttles are the popular choice and are commonly found in factory-installed motorcycles, reflecting their widespread use in the industry.

Thumb Throttles

The thumb throttle is a mechanism featuring a spring-loaded lever designed for bike acceleration through thumb manipulation. By pushing the lever forward with the thumb, the bike accelerates, while releasing thumb pressure causes deceleration. The entire acceleration and deceleration process, and consequently the vehicle’s speed, is controlled by the movement of the thumb. Typically located below the right handlebar, the thumb throttle is commonly found in ATVs, some electric bikes, and a few dirt bikes.

Dirt Bike Twist VS Thumb Throttles: Pros and Cons

Twist Throttle Pros

1. Good Control and Adjustability:
   • Offers excellent control and adjustability, particularly with two-wheelers.
   • Facilitates easier turning, cornering, and maneuvers compared to thumb throttles.
2. Enhanced Handlebar Grip:
   • Provides a solid handlebar grip, crucial for maintaining balance on two-wheelers.
   • A secure grip is essential to prevent the vehicle from easily falling off, especially when encountering obstacles.
3. Easier Vehicle Speed Control:
   • Facilitates easier control of the vehicle speed.
   • Unlike thumb throttles, where speed is sensitive to pressure on the spring-loaded lever, twist throttles use wrist position and movement for speed control, making it relatively easier.

Twist Throttle Cons

1. Challenges on Rough Terrains:
   • Not ideal for riding rough terrains.
   • Maintaining a strong grip on the handlebar can be challenging during offroading, leading to discomfort in wrist grip and position.
2. Preference for Thumb Throttle in Offroading:
   • Many offroading enthusiasts prefer thumb throttles over twist throttles.
   • Thumb throttles are favored for their ease of use and comfort in offroad conditions.
3. Handlebar Clutter:
   • Contributes to handlebar clutter.
   • The presence of numerous switches and buttons, combined with the twist throttle, can be confusing for beginner riders.

Thumb Throttle Pros

1. Ease of Operation on Rough Terrains:
   • Thumb throttles are simpler to operate, especially on uneven surfaces.
   • Modulation is more manageable with a thumb throttle, providing better control.
2. Stability on Bumpy Terrains:
   • Prevents loss of wrist grip, avoiding unnecessary throttle adjustments on bumpy terrains.
   • Particularly beneficial when compared to the potential issues with twist throttles on rough roads.
3. Reduced Wrist Discomfort:
   • Eliminates sore wrists, addressing concerns for individuals with arthritis or limited wrist mobility.
   • Constant wrist movement with twist throttles can lead to soreness, particularly in the radius and ulna parts.

Thumb Throttle Cons

1. Lower Control and Adjustability:
   • Offers inferior control and adjustability compared to a twist throttle.
   • Controlling the entire hand grip is more sensible, especially during challenging maneuvers.
2. Loosened Grip with Twist Throttles:
   • Twist throttles often result in a loosened grip.
   • Critical for maintaining a better handlebar grip, especially during rough terrains or cornering maneuvers.
3. Risk of Losing Grip on Rough Terrains:
   • Loose grip can be risky on uneven surfaces or during cornering.
   • Increased chance of losing balance if the tire encounters obstacles like heavy stones.

Dirt Bike Twist VS Thumb Throttles: FAQs

Can the thumb throttle be changed to a twist throttle?

Yes, the thumb throttle can be changed to a twist throttle and vice versa. However, the process of installing or changing the throttle type is not simple; it requires technical skills and mechanical know-how.

Is a twist throttle better than a thumb throttle?

Both have pros and cons. Generally, a twist throttle is better for motorcycles, while a thumb throttle is more suitable for ATVs.

What is the thumb throttle used for?

Thumb throttles are mainly used in ATVs, some electric bikes, and a few dirt bikes. They are most commonly found in ATVs and are preferred for navigating rough terrains.

If you want to learn more about throttles, you can learn how to deal with a sticky throttle or maintain other parts like changing the grips. You can also explore other gear options like Dirt Bike Knee Pads VS Knee Braces and Automatic Dirt Bikes VS Manual Dirt Bikes.