So I have a 2009 Dyna FXD Superglide. Just had some handlebars installed. I've found now that the throttle grip now has some play in it, when you push it in the opposite direction. It had SOME before, but hardly any to speak of - in fact it was pretty tight. It's downright squishy now. Every time I go for the brake I can feel it give a bit in the opposite throttling direction.

My question is, is this normal? if not, can it be adjusted? Is it recommended to keep it this loose?

Just curious, it's just a mild annoyance that i'll have to get used to otherwise.

 

If it is smooth in operation, adjust the free play at the adjusters. Break the jam nut loose( 2 wrenches) and unscrew the sleeve until you have the desired play. You need to have "some" play so the throttle is not in any bind.

 

From the 09 book,, sorry can't do the "figures/pics"

Inspection and Lubrication
1. See Figure 1-29. Remove two screws (1) to separate the
upper handlebar housing from the lower housing.
2. Unhook each ferrule and cable from the throttle grip and
remove the throttle sleeve.
3. Apply a light coat of graphite to the handlebar and replace
throttle grip.
4. Put one or two drops of SUPER OIL (Part No. HD-94968-
85TV) into the housing of each cable.
5. When assembling the handlebar housing, tighten both
screws (1) to 35-45 in-lbs (4.0-5.1 Nm).
Adjustment
The throttle control must operate freely without binding. With
the throttle friction adjustment screw backed off, the throttle
grip must freely return to the closed (idle) position. The throttle
control also must open and close freely when the front wheel
is turned to both the right and left fork stops. If the throttle grip
does not return to the idle position freely, check the throttle
friction adjustment screw tension. If the adjuster screw is
backed off, inspect the cables for short bends.
Before starting engine, be sure throttle control will snap
back to idle position when released. A throttle control that
prevents engine from automatically returning to idle can
lead to loss of control, which could result in death or serious
injury. (00390a)
Do not tighten throttle friction adjustment screw to the
point where the engine will not return to idle automatically.
Over-tightening can lead to loss of vehicle control, which
could result in death or serious injury. (00031b)
Adjust throttle cables:
1. See Figure 1-29. Slide rubber boot off throttle cable
adjuster mechanism (2).
2. Holding cable adjuster with a 3/8 inch wrench, loosen jam
nut turning in a clockwise direction.
3. Back jam nut (3) away from cable adjuster until it stops.
Turn cable adjuster clockwise until it contacts jam nut.
Repeat procedure on idle cable adjuster.
4. See Figure 1-30. Point the front wheel straight ahead.
Gently turn the throttle grip so that the throttle is wide open
(fully counterclockwise) and then hold in position. Now
turn the throttle cable adjuster counterclockwise until the
throttle cam (2) just touches the cam stop (5) on the
induction module.
5. Release the throttle grip, turn throttle cable adjuster
counterclockwise an additional 1/2-1 full turn, and then tighten the jam nut against the cable adjuster. Cover cable
adjuster mechanism with rubber boot.
6. Turn the front wheel full right. Turn the idle cable adjuster
counterclockwise until the cable housing (4) just touches
the spring (6) in the cable guide (as seen through slot).
7. Work the throttle grip to verify that the throttle cable returns
to the idle position when released. If the cable does not
return to idle, turn the cable adjuster clockwise slightly
until the correct response is achieved.
8. Tighten jam nut against the cable adjuster and cover cable
adjuster mechanism with rubber boot.

 

Are you saying that the throttle grip is loose on the handlebar or the throttle has too much play in it? I need a little play in the throttle cable to keep me from blipping the throttle when I hit bumps...

 

Undo the jam nuts and give slack to both cables. Turn the the throttle full open. Hold it there and start taking all the slack out of the THROTTLE cable until it touches the stopper behind the intake. Once it makes contact, reverse and give it some slack so that you see about the thickness of a dime between the throttle and stopper.

Tight the throttle jam nut.

Now tighten your idle return cable. What you want to do is turn the handlebars all the way to the left. If you've tighten the idle too much, when you open the throttle it will not snap back or will snap back slowly.. you want it to snap back immediately. So if if doesn't give it more slack until it does.

What I do, is once it immediately snaps back (with the bars turned all the way to the left while I'm sitting on the bike) I then give a tiny bit more slack. Then tighten the jam nut. This keeps me from blipping the throttle when getting jarred on large bumps.

 

Oh.. and just my personal opinion..

But i no longer put anything in my cables or throttle. The only thing I do now is every 6 months I run wd40 down the cables and let them dry and i clean off any gunk that may accumulate in the throttle sleeve.

 

I have adjusted my throttle cables many times, so many times in fact, that it takes me a few minutes and I do it by sound and feel. Adjust the throttle cable until I hear the throttle body hitting the stop. Then I adjust the idle cable to take out the slack, then make sure that the throttle snaps back with the front forks turned full both ways, then fine tune for a little play in the throttle control and lock it all down and get a cold one. 10-15 minutes, tops.