Bike: 1995 Se.
Cruise will not lock in. It began with intermittent failure and some loss of speed when it did lock in. Now will not lock at all.
Have checked all switches as indicated in manual and found them to be OK. Have checked the Actuator and found that it holds vacuum well.
Have checked the Cruise Control Valve Unit and found the following: The manual specifies certain responses when putting 12v power on the BRN/WHT wire terminal coming from the valve, then ground to other leads and combinations of leads. All works well except the last test. This test shorts the BRN/BLK, BRN, and GRN leads simutaneously to ground terminal of battery. Then the BRN/WHT lead is attached to 12v positive terminal of battery. The expected response is 100 to 150 mmhg of vacuum loss each time the positive terminal is touched. The observed response is that the vacuum is completely dumped as soon as 12v is applied. I don't mind replacing the valve (about $100) but I would like to know how the valve works. What would a drop of 100 mmhg vacuum cause to happen with regards to the bike under operation? Does anyone out there understand the functioning of this valve? Thanks for your input.
Bernie Rose

By Stuart Oltman on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 - 01:28 pm:

You're testing the speed decrease function. It lets you tap the decrease button and reduce your speed about 1 mph for each tap. Make sure the actuator hose port on the valve is completely plugged, or you'll get false results.

By Robert Brown on Wednesday, May 01, 2002 - 04:14 am:

Check the levers. If you have aftermarket levers they sometimes can cause this. I had installed some chrome levers and cruise worked for a while. On a trip the cruise would not work. Went back to original levers and no problem since. Worth a try.

By Bob C on Wednesday, May 01, 2002 - 05:20 am:

Push the clutch lever out manually and see if it sets. The lever and switch button get worn and you can stick a shim on the lever to push the switch in far enough to make contact. A VERY common problem... easily curable. The brake lever switch can have the same effect but it is usually the clutch lever switch. Worn lever pivot bushings can compound this problem.

Bob C