how to install a dual throttle lever

Are you left handed and sick of your right-handed throttle? Have you always dreamed of having a left-handed throttle on your sled? Well now you can and the dual throttle control is the answer.

A dual throttle system is a reality. This is not a gimmicky system, but one that incorporates state-of-the-art safety technology with current original equipment manufacturer safety components.

For years, many aftermarket companies tried to develop such a system,but failed to do so- the electronic throttle override circuit kept trippingthem up.

This throttle system is available for Arctic Cat, Polaris and Yamaha snowmobiles. The builder and supplier is Startling Line Products.

Before we dive into the installation, we should highlight the features of a dual throttle control system.

First, the dual throttle system makes mountain sidehilling on the leftside as easy as sidehilling on the right. In the past, mountain riders havebeen somewhat handicapped when sidehilling on the left side of their snowmobile.This system will solve that problem. And when a dual throttle system iscombined with a mountain bar, full use of the mountain bar can be aggressively applied, regardless of the side.

For those trailblasters who want to lean as aggressively to the left as to the right, then this is offers you added value.

What about those long, long, long cruises? For the trail cruiser who makes several 100-mile or longer one-day trips a season, this system is ideal for such adventures. Since it allows the right thumb to get a well deserved rest.

Arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or any physical ailment that affects the movement of the right hand or thumb, is also a reason to install a dual throttle system.

Technicians have ensured the throttle lever matches the right lever in feel, size and shape, so getting used to it takes no time at all. The throttlelevers work independently of each other. This prevents pinching one hand while using the other throttle.

Now that you know some of its features, let's talk about installing one.

Jerry Mathews at SLP assisted on the installation. The snowmobile chosen for this was a 1999 Polaris 700 RMK- a natural mountain muscle sled forsuch a system.

Unless you have working knowledge of the throttle position sensor system, Mathews recommends the installation be done by a snowmobile dealer or an SLP authorized dealer. The reason for this is the OEM throttle overridesystem must be changed to match the SLP system and the carburetor will have to be synchronized.

Here are the fundamentals of the installation.

1. Remove the handlebar cover. If your sled is a Polaris, you will need a torx head screwdriver and an 8mm wrench to do the job.

2. Remove the air box. If the snowmobile is equipped with an altitude compensating system, be careful not to pull any hoses or loosen any of its circuits.

3. Remove throttle cable from throttle assembly. Pull throttle cables through the handlebar assembly.

4. Loosen the bottom throttle cable nut from the oil injection unit. Remove the clip that holds the cable to the oil injector unit, then remove the cable.

5. Unscrew the carburetor slide caps and pull out the slides.

6. Disassemble the carburetor slide units from the cable.

7. Install the new carb caps and slides on the dual throttle control cables and place inside the carbs.

8. Using the original retainer clip, install the dual throttle oil injection cable. Be sure to align the marks on the pump and lever- failureto do so can cause engine failure.

9. Thread the throttle cables up through the handlebar housing.Be sure the cable cannot be snagged or pinched by handlebar movement.

10. Install the right cable into the right throttle lever.

11. Loosen the brake master cylinder assembly and slide the brake unit toward the center of the handlebars- about one-half inch.

12. Mount the left-handed throttle lever assembly.

13. Remove the electronic circuitry that kills the motor- from the right-side throttle assembly. This throttle override system will needto be spliced and soldered and adapted to the dual throttle override system.Failure to do this correctly can result in severe injury.

14. Reinstall the throttle override system.

15. Synchronize the carburetors. To get the carbs in sync, consult your dealer or read "Get in Sync" in the February 1997 issue of American Snowmobiler (p. 78).

16. Reinstall the airbox.

The dual throttle control system can make an aggressive, albeit, competent rider more sure. For mountain riders, sidehilling on the snowmobile's leftside now equals sidehilling on the right. And to a long tour rider, the willingness to move down the trail one more mile may be just a throttle lever away.