Friction and non-friction

Reading Rob Carmichael’s letter on “How to Throttle Parkinson’s” reminded me of the friction screws that were found on the twist grip of what are now classed as vintage machines, BSA Bantam, AJS 16M, Norton Dominator etc. Yes I can remember these when they were new off the production line. The screw was tightened onto a brass clip which put friction onto the twist grip sleeve until it would slowly turn under the throttle sleeve spring and then the screw locked in position. Now being the rider of a Honda with two carburettors, I find a cross section of inner tube, a rubber band, can be placed

over the rear view mirror stem and under the twist grip to give the friction required to just allow the throttle to slowly close when the hand pressure is removed. It didn’t cost $1000 or even $100 but it does the job and irons out some of the rear view vibration. Who said Titus was a Roman? John Wilford Queensland