New tiller handle for Suzuki 40-115hp four-strokes

In addition to the acclaimed 15/20hp EFI portable four-stroke outboards (see here), Suzuki debuted a new, multi-function tiller handle for new (2012 only) Suzuki models between 40 and 115hp.

Assembled journalists were able to sample the new tiller handle, as fitted to a 40hp Suzuki four-stroke and set up on a CrossXCountry 4.3m open boat.

The handle can be used in three different positions and the twist-grip throttle has been redesigned to make it easier to grasp.

A digital tachometer is fitted to give an indication of engine rpm -- though it only shows three digits. 2500rpm, for example, is shown on the tachometer as 250.

Above the tachometer is a series of LED lights that illuminate when there is an engine fault.

The hefty, solid-feel gear shift lever is mounted within easy reach about half way down the tiller handle, and the power trim button is now located right on the end of the twist-grip throttle -- so that you can now control your speed and trim the engine single-handed.

Cleverly, the trim button rotates with the twist-grip throttle so that when you accelerate or slow down, the trim button is always under your thumb.

At the base of the throttle is a friction control dial to tighten or loosen the twist-grip throttle. Generally, you would set the friction so that the engine rpm falls back to idle once you let go of the throttle. However, being able to increase the throttle friction and hold the throttle to a certain rpm is useful in some commercial applications and when the engine is used as an auxiliary motor. Locking the throttle allows the boat to be steered with the primary engine -- or with the rudder/tiller in sailing craft.

For anglers, the tiller handle feature of most interest is the new troll mode which can be used to adjust the engine idle speed to suit trolling different types of lures.

To activate you simply hold the troll mode switch in the up position for two seconds. A red LED light on the tiller handle will illuminate to show that troll mode has been engaged. The idle rpm can then be increased from its standard setting of around 850rpm (depending on the engine model) up to about 1,200rpm by tapping the up switch. With each up-tap the idle speed will rise by 50rpm. Tap the down button and the rpm will reduce by the same amount.

Disengaging troll mode is equally easy. Shifting from forward gear back to neutral will turn off troll mode -- or you can simply open up the throttle. Troll mode will disengage once the engine exceeds 3,000rpm.

Suzuki’s current 50/60hp models come pre-rigged with the previous model tiller so you may have to pay extra to upgrade to the new, multi-function tiller handle. Pricing (if there is an extra charge) for this change-over is not yet available -- so you will need to consult your local Suzuki dealer.

The new tiller handle can not be retro-fitted to older Suzuki four-strokes because only the 2012 models have the troll mode system.

As a result, operating a high-power tiller-steer outboard for any length of time can be very tiring -- which is why Suzuki has gone to some lengths to improve the size, shape, and general ergonomics of its new tiller handle.

I tested the tiller handle on a 40hp Suzuki four-stroke fitted to a CrossXCountry 4.3m and found it to be very comfortable to use. The twist-grip throttle was just the right size (not too fat or thin), and the tiller handle was long enough to give me complete control over the steering without it feeling too long or unwieldy.

Underway, there was minimal vibration through the handle and trimming the engine was easy and intuitive.

The gear-shift lever was excellent. The lever looks, feels and shifts like the lever on a proper side-mount, remote-control throttle box. Shifts were solid and with no crunching or hesitation between gears.

The absence of a proper, four digit tachometer seems a bit of an oversight, but apart from that, it is hard to see how the tiller handle could be improved.

The new tiller handle will be available with 40-115hp Suzuki four-stroke outboards from July, 2012.