Upgrading your stock Surron throttle is a relatively straightforward process that allows you to get the exact feel that you’re after on your e-moto. While the stock throttle is very light, snaps quickly back and is smooth, some riders would prefer a different feel to their throttle.
The stock Surron LBX throttle has little resistance. While this might sound good in theory, think about what might happen when you ride over bumpy surfaces. Your hand resting on the handlebar will be enough for the throttle to change position.
It is also difficult to get precise power application when the throttle is too light. However, it’s possible you only need to upgrade parts of your throttle, not the whole thing, which can save on cost and complexity.
In all our years covering many e-moto mods that we consider to be highly necessary due to known weaknesses, the LBX’s throttle just isn’t one of them. We’ve had good success in keeping the throttle stock. This mod is more about your personal preference and what works best for you. But if you’ve upgraded your controller, you’ve also opened up a new world of throttle mods you may not have even known were out there!
Let’s look at different throttle options for the Surron LBX and work out if: 1. You should keep your stock throttle, or at least part of it, or 2. Replace the complete throttle with something new. And what’s this about running a Stark Varg throttle on a Surron LBX?
Key Points
- Prior to 2019, the Surron LBX had a cable throttle, which had a different feel and setup compared to the electric throttle of later models.
- Too much throttle play can result in lurching when riding over rough surfaces. Too little throttle play will make it difficult to modulate power.
- Changing the throttle will help with the physical feel, but it won’t change the power curve. You will need an aftermarket controller to change any power delivery parameters.
- Quarter-turn versus half-turn, friction feel versus smooth feel – it all comes down to personal preference.
Keep or replace your stock Surron throttle?
Before I go into replacing or keeping your stock Surron throttle, have you changed your grips yet? This might sound strange, but if you’re new to the world of dirtbikes or e-moto, did you know you can change the grips without changing the complete throttle?
Read all about different grips here
You could also consider only replacing the throttle tube. If you’re twisting the throttle on, but it’s sticking and not returning to zero, a possibility could be the throttle tube just needs replacing. This could happen simply by having your handlebar land in the dirt and something gets bent or jammed.
👉🏻Get your throttle tube replacement here
Of course, it could also be a great excuse to make a complete upgrade to the whole throttle componentry. Afterall, modding is what we do to all our bikes!
Next, have a think about what you would like from an upgraded throttle:
- Do you want to change the feel to be lighter or heavier (more resistance)?
- Are you after more or less twist from zero to full power?
- A different power delivery or one that is customisable?
- More mechanical feel?
What does all this stuff mean? These are all options you can build into your upgraded throttle depending on what throttle you purchase. Then, like any mods you need to make sure your new throttle is going to be compatible with your current controller/motor setup.
Throttle/controller compatibility
Most throttles are plug and play, and even if they’re not, it’s not overly difficult to change the plugs and re-wire to suit your Surron. However, you need to be aware that not all throttles have the same resting or max voltage. The variations that can occur from different brands of throttles will incorrectly translate how much power you’re really after when twisting the throttle.
If your controller doesn’t have the ability to re-tune the throttle settings, then you won’t be able to make any changes to reset your throttle. The stock controller doesn’t have any option to customise the tunes to this extent, so that is when aftermarket controllers with more customisation options would be beneficial.
When you’re purchasing your throttle – either from us or elsewhere – always confirm that it will be compatible with your current setup. We have notes on all our products, so read them carefully, or send us a message to double-check if you’re not sure or have a unique setup.
Why it could be good to upgrade your throttle
Change the feel
Depending on what brand of throttle you purchase, some are even lighter in feel than the stock Surron throttle. Be careful of any throttle with super light resistance, as you could inadvertently increase power with the smallest movement.
Some riders like a heavier or more robust throttle. I find it much easier to maintain a constant speed with heavier throttles, as you can maintain a throttle position easier, especially when riding rough tracks. But still, I’m picky – I don’t like them too heavy either!
Quick action throttle
Different throttles have a different amount you can turn to get the same amount of power. This is known as the ‘throw’ or twist. For example, full closed to full open may be 90 degrees (also known as a ¼ turn). Other throttles could be ½ turn throttles from full closed to full opened.
Depending on how you ride, you need to find the perfect positioning for your wrist. If the throttle turn is too much, you’ll find you will either be over-grabbing the throttle – which puts you in danger of whiskey throttle – or you may also have to regrip your throttle during throttle application.
On the other hand, (so to speak!), you don’t want to have too much bend in your wrist when you’re at full noise. It all comes down to personal preference, and what is comfortable for your body.
Different power delivery?
If you like to tinker with different ‘mapping’ of your engine, including how the throttle talks to the motor to deliver power, it may actually be a new controller you’re after, not the throttle. An aftermarket controller, such as the EBMX X9000, will allow you to customise almost every part of the power delivery.
Dial in more or less deadband (dead space where nothing happens), change how linearly power is delivered, and much more with a customisable controller.
While different brands of aftermarket throttles will have a perceived effect of changing the power delivery by modifying the feel, it’s the controller that does all the fine-tuning. You won’t be able to achieve anything advanced with a stock controller. Of course, you might not need to, it’s just something to keep in mind.
Read this article here all about controllers to see if this is what you need to investigate further.
Mechanical feel?
The stock throttle has a very smooth action. Different aftermarket throttles have more of a mechanical feel – that is it feels like it gives feedback. Prior to 2019, the Surron LBX had a cable throttle, which again, had a different feel to the electric throttle of later models.
Some brands even have a slight ‘click’ that you turn through when moving the throttle from the stopper.
There isn’t a right or wrong with this, it is all about what you’d prefer and knowing you have options in the aftermarket scene.
Popular throttle upgrades for Surron LBX
Domino and Magura throttles are possibly the most common options when sourcing an aftermarket throttle. Our CEO Bullet and Customer Service guru E-Moto Man do something a little more unique, where they run Stark Varg throttles on their Surrons – I’ll explain how and why shortly.
Magura Throttle
Controller: Stock or Aftermarket
When purchased through some shops, the Magura throttle is ready to go on a stock Surron controller. Always check the compatibility of your Surron prior to any purchase. For the most part, this throttle is plug and play.
The ¼ turn on the Magura throttle means you don’t need to re-grip the throttle during power application, and it is comfy on your wrists. It also has minimum deadband and a snappy return.
Domino Throttle
Controller: Aftermarket Only
The Domino Throttle is plug and play, but it doesn’t work with a stock controller. You need to re-tune the throttle to recalibrate which requires an aftermarket controller.
👉🏻Check out the full range of throttles from GritShift here
With that said, this is a short-twist throttle with a linear speed control and it has a snappy return to zero. Overall, the installation is simple with everything you need in the kit. The Domino throttle also has a zero throttle micro switch which offers additional safety. Ie, no runaway throttles.
Stark Varg Throttle on a Surron LBX
Controller: Aftermarket Only
If this is what GritShift boss Bullet is running on his Surron, I’d be paying attention! Constructed with some solid German engineering from well-known brand Hirschmann, the Stark Varg throttle gives quite a stiff resistance compared to a stock LBX.
To make the Stark Varg throttle compatible with the Surron LBX, you’ll need to lengthen the wires and add new Surron-compatible electrical connectors. Like most aftermarket throttles, this one also requires an aftermarket controller, but if you’ve already got one or are planning to get one, and you have the ability to do a little wiring work, the Varg throttle is the insider’s choice.
How to install an LBX throttle
Depending on what brand of aftermarket throttle you get, these instructions will vary slightly, but it will give you a rough idea of what to expect if you’ll install the throttle yourself.
Removing the stock throttle
- Remove the bashguard using a 5mm allen to get access to the electrical system.
- Follow the wire from the throttle down towards the connector. Disconnect and remove any cable ties.
- Loosen the bolts on the throttle with a 4mm Allen wrench and slide the throttle off.
Installing the new throttle
- Slide the new throttle onto the handlebar and tighten in the correct position.
- Thread the wire down the frame, plug it in, and connect any new cable ties.
- Put the bashguard back on and check everything is tight.
- Test the throttle to ensure you have free movement both twisting on and springing back.
- Re-calibrate if needed via your controller.
Installing a new throttle that isn’t plug and play
- Depending on the length of the wire on your new throttle, cut the stock throttle wires either at the handlebar, or closer to the motor – just make sure you have plenty of wire in total to allow you to route the wire to where it needs to go.
- You may need to remove the bashguard if you choose to make the connection closer to the motor – see steps above.
- Your instructions should come with a list of what colors to match up to the plug or a direct connection. This will vary depending on the year of your Surron and any additional aftermarket mods.
- Follow the instructions to pin out a new connector, or solder the joints together. Use heat shrink over the connections. (Remember to put the heat shrink on the wires before soldering!)
- Attach the throttle as directed and always check that you have full movement and the throttle springs smoothly back to zero.
- Recalibrate the throttle according to your controller’s instructions.
E-Moto Bros put together a great video explaining the differences between some throttles and also how to install them. Check it out here:
New throttle or a new controller?
An aftermarket controller gives you much more customization than what you can do with a stock controller. In other words, through an app on your phone or computer, you can adjust so many parameters and can completely change the feel of your Surron. You can also recalibrate your throttle and reset the zero and max voltages so everything is talking the same language.
Read this article here all about controllers if you’re thinking it may be a controller, not necessarily a throttle that you need. Changing the throttle will help with the physical feel, but it won’t change the power curve. You also run the risk that a new throttle won’t work with a stock controller, and in that case you might be left with no way to retune your new throttle unless you have an aftermarket controller.
Best throttle for my Surron LBX
Personally, I’d be looking into upgrading your controller before the throttle, unless you’ve literally damaged your throttle and need to replace it. Even then, an OEM stock throttle replacement may be all you need. However, if you already have an aftermarket controller, then go your hardest with upgrading your throttle.
If you like it stiff, throttle that is… I’d be looking into upgrading to the Stark Varg throttle. Watch this space! Or our Instagram – you’ll see firsthand what Bullet puts his Surron through!
If you like a more springy throttle, either keep the stock throttle or change to a Magura or even the Domino. In our library of blogs, we mention many e-moto mods that we consider highly necessary due to known weaknesses. However, the throttle just isn’t one of them. We’ve had good success in keeping the throttle stock. This mod is more about your personal preference and what works best for you.
Like usual, we’re always here for you whatever mod you choose next, head over to GritShift.com to see what you’re going to surprise your lucky e-moto with next.
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