Harley Davidson Maintenance — Throttle Cable Lubrication and Adjustment

Adjusting and lubricating the throttle cables on a Harley Davidson motorcycle is a very simple process that can be accomplished in just a few minutes. Follow the step by step instructions below to quickly and efficiently adjust and lubricate the throttle cables on a Harley motorcycle.

This is important to prevent sticking and potential problems when shifting or adjusting speed.

Things You’ll Need

• Bike wrenches
• Cable lubricator
• Motorcycle stand that securely holds motorcycle in place

Adjusting and Lubricating the Throttle Cables

1. Make sure the motorcycle is securely anchored in place on the stand. Take the appropriate wrench and loosen the back screws on the throttle cable adjusters all the way back.
2.  Remove the screws of the switch housing and open it up. Take the cable lubricator, insert into the end of the cable and then squirt a few drops into the end of each cable.
3. Reattach the switch housing.
4. Open the throttle all the way.
5. Adjust throttle cable closest to the tank of motorcycle all the way out until the butterfly intake manifold is level (horizontal), rather than straight up.
6. Take the motorcycle off the stand and put it on the kickstand. Turn the handlebars of the motorcycle all the way to the left. Turn the throttle until it’s completely open and then make sure the throttle snaps back.
7. Turn the handlebars of the motorcycle all the way to the right. Turn the throttle until it’s completely open then and make sure the throttle snaps back into place.
8. Turn the handlebars of the motorcycle until the wheel is straight. Turn the throttle all the way and open and ensure the throttle snaps back. You need to make sure the throttle snaps back in the entire range of motion of the handlebars (if it doesn’t snap back, the throttle may stick during use.) If the throttle fails to snap back, then loosen the adjuster of the throttle cable until it snaps back in all positions.