Grouch Posted June 21, 2017 Posted June 21, 2017 I've gone through plenty of clutch/throttle cables over the years and after the latest one today I'm not sure about something. On the end of the cable which goes into the actual clutch lever or throttle there is always a plastic bit around the bar. Every time I have done this I have always cut the plastic bit off. But today I'm thinking am I meant to, or have I just been an idiot for the past x amount of years?
Moderator drewpy Posted June 21, 2017 Moderator Posted June 21, 2017 you mean around the cable nipple? yes leave it on, its nylon and very hard wearing and acts like a bearing between soft alloy and the brass nipple 1
jimmy Posted June 21, 2017 Posted June 21, 2017 As above, but that shouldn't be the reason you have " gone through plenty of clutch/throttle cables over the years". I've been riding bikes for over 35 years and can count on one hand the amount of throttle or clutch cables that have snapped on me. You should check your routing avoiding any tight bends, as well as ensuring that all cables are well lubricated and properly adjusted 1
slice Posted June 22, 2017 Posted June 22, 2017 I'm with Jimmy on this, in more years than I care to remember I have had 0 breakages on my bikes. I always grease my cables as well so that might be part of the reason. Buy a cable oiler Grouch they are cheap and effective. I use a dollop of Bluetac formed into a funnel and pour oil down the cable every couple of years, tho the FJR is all hydraulic now.
Moderator drewpy Posted June 22, 2017 Moderator Posted June 22, 2017 be careful, not all cables can be oiled as some have a silicone lining and oil will swell them with dire results.
Grouch Posted June 23, 2017 Author Posted June 23, 2017 For some reason I have been cutting the nylon bit off. I know for next time. In three years I'm on my fourth clutch cable and second throttle cable. I use my bike 365 days a year come hail or shine so things like cables, brake pads, chains and sprockets do have to be replaced more often than usual or weekend riders.
Moderator Cynic Posted June 23, 2017 Moderator Posted June 23, 2017 Agree with the c+s but not the cables i ran a 600 suzuki full time for 4 years as 365 transport after we bought the house. None of my cables failed. I was obsessive about maintainance though. Even stripped all the bodywork off come november till the end of march to make any slips on ice several hundred quid easier to sort. Not that we have proper winters any more. 1
jimmy Posted June 23, 2017 Posted June 23, 2017 As above, my first 15yrs on the bike was all year every year. xs 250 81 -83 No new cables Triumph Bonnie 83 - 89 I new throttle cable (snapped about 2 miles outside Filey at the start of my holiday, ran about with the cable wrapped around a bit of twig, luckily it snapped at the top nipple) and 1 Clutch cable (December, bike loaded with wife and xmas pressies so an eventful trip home) xs1100 89 - 2000 No new cables New Triumph 2000 - 2004 No new cables Triumph Bonnie 2004 2012 No new cables New Triumph 2012 - present No new cables Triumph Speed Twin 2012 - present Cables replaced when new, no breakages The first 3 bikes were all year round The 4th bike was all year round for the first 2 yrs with 53 mile each way commute The last 3 were/are toys Regular preventative maintenance carried out
Tommy xs Posted June 23, 2017 Posted June 23, 2017 XS400 1982 was my only transport for first two years still had original cables till last year when I changed the clutch cable due to stretch, turned out it hadn't so now have a spare. I've only ever lubed mine using engine oil once a year using similar method to Slice.
Grouch Posted June 29, 2017 Author Posted June 29, 2017 I wonder why I go through them so regularly? Maybe because my bike is kept outside?
Tommy xs Posted June 29, 2017 Posted June 29, 2017 Yes but your not living on the north pole either grouch, your bike lives outside but it has cover yes? The only thing I can think is maintenance or like Drew said you're oiling cables that shouldn't be oiled. Your not using something like wd40 are you as that won't do them any good.
Grouch Posted July 2, 2017 Author Posted July 2, 2017 Yes its covered, I suppose I could make more of an effort to oil them more regularly. I use engine oil.
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