Some judicious adjustment with a couple pairs of pliers might be able to straighten out that kink enough to make it a serviceable backup. I'd have them return it to you with the bike if they would be willing.

 

I'm taking the bike back as-is so the current cable will be installed. I've gotten used to returning the throttle back to closed so I can live with it until the new cable comes in. I will attempt the install I can't imagine it that difficult, although it looks like I may need to lift the tank a bit for routing purposes. I'll need to check out the routing in the service manual.

 

I never thought to look there for cable routing. I should do that. I have a strong suspicion mine aren't routed correctly. They work, but they aren't very tidy.

 

You may need to lift the front of the tank to change out the cable; I've got a 2" tank lift and can get to the cables easily but if you're not running a tank lift you may not have enough room. If you do need to lift the front of the tank don't forget to loosen the rear tank bolt so you can rotate the front of the tank upward when you pull the front tank bolt...

 

Thanks TCC. Yup I had to do that when I did the turn signal relo kit.

There is definitely a page in there on it. I saw it when I was poking around at the throttle cable adjustment.

Ok so now I'm both pissed at the place I went to and disappointed in myself. I picked up the bike. I paid for the part. It should be in next week. I take off with the bike. I get back to around my house and stop at my local favorite convenience store to have a small coffee. For ***** and giggles I go ahead and test out the throttle and that bitch snaps back like it should. They are correct that the cable has a kink, but that clearly was not the problem.

I'm pretty disappointed in myself because I could not get it adjusted like that. I know it's not rocket science. I don't think I can get my $25 back on that cable. I could always post it up in the forum. This is where I want to give up on trying to do my own work. I'd love to know what I did wrong. I watched the videos CG posted multiple times, the Fix My HOG videos, J&P Cycles Video. I really thought I was doing everything right. I am bummed for sure.

 

Don't be hard on yourself. Like I tell my kids, we all have different talents and nobody can do everything well.

I was born with good spatial and mechanical aptitude but I get lost leaving my own home town and can't do anything musical despite a strong desire and effort to learn. I just got no rhythm or ear...

Besides, adjusting a throttle is less science than art. Takes a "feel". You may find other types of maintenance more to your liking.

 

Brother, do not give up on this. These bikes are as much art as science; I mess up constantly, and I learn from it. It's the subtlest change in throttle and idle cable freeplay that can alter everything. You are on the path, don't give up. Most HD owners haven't got a clue, right now you're in that learning curve and you will make mistakes, we've ALL done it; it's that feel, the touch you're developing right now.

I may have a couple of high end degrees but it was life and actually doing things in the real world that taught me the most. You're willing to grab ahold and try and that is where you'll actually learn anything in this world...

 

Thanks guys for all the help you have provided. Onward and upward...