cruise control

[go1dwing]

I cannot get this 1997 SE 40k bike's cruise to engage. The 'cruise on' indicator light goes on. At 50+ mph I push 'set' and the light says it's set but letting off throttle nothing happens. Any ideas? Thanks.

[blupupher]

Take a look at this thread: viewtopic.php?f=14&t=27383

It could be it is so far out of adjustment it will not engauge.

You should check/replace the cruise control filter and the sub filter (viewtopic.php?f=14&t=11036), and also check vacuum hoses.

[go1dwing]

Thanks. Looks like some plastic pieces will be coming off. Worth it. What puzzles me is nobody has taken those parts off before. How would it have gotten out of adjustment? I appreciate the help.

[blupupher]

Just with age.
It is a vacuum/diaphragm setup and over time materials get a little stiffer, tolerances a little sloppier, springs a little streched, and vacuum tubing leaks/decreased vacuum available all cause it to go out of spec.

Again, not positive it is just an adjustment issue, but if your set light comes on, it is not a brake or clutch switch issue which is another common failure point. Usually the cruise will set if out of adjustment, just a delay (mine was almost 2 seconds from time I pushed "set" till it actually engaged).
To be clear, you have a "Cruise On" and "Cruise Set" lit up, but no actual cruise engaging?

[Limpy45]

When riding and you want to set cruise, push forward on both the clutch lever and the brake lever, one at a time. If it then sets, that lever needs the bushing replaced. They are a high wear item and are fairly cheap still available from Honda. Most dealers should have them in stock as most Hondas use them. If not that, then check the switches under the levers.

[Crusty1]

Brake switches (pedal and lever) and clutch switch are very common causes of the issue you described. Check the levers and listen for the micro switches to click. Check with an ohm meter. Clean with contact cleaner. I had the same problem but mine was self inflicted. Cruise was working fine until I pinched a vacuum hose while reinstalling the air cleaner base.