Please Help--Messed up Grip Install
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,547
Likes: 7,153
From: Oxford, Nc
[quote=MiniWolf;10336137]
And the cables are running in their groove in the new grips, right?
In the morning, follow the cables down to the throttle body. Make certain the the "*****" on that end are still attached to the bell crank. If they somehow slipped out, you'll need to put them back in too.
But I gotta' think that your problem is still up on the handlebar side.
Open the adjuster on the throttle cable until the slack is gone. Adjust the idle cable, ( ferrule closest to you when in the seat,) until most of the slack is taken out. ( This one should not be "tight", a little slack is good.)
The problem is there is slack everywhere. It doesn't matter how much I adjust the throttle adjustment cables/screws either way. It gets to a point where it remains limp and lifeless.
I will try to do some more in the AM. I am just furstrated to the max. I thought I was fairly good with working on autos and such. I guess have a lot to learn when it comes to bikes.This just doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Followed the service manual instructions to a tee. Even consulted a youtube video on a harley cable adjustment and did same exact thing. Can't take up slack.
The problem is there is slack everywhere. It doesn't matter how much I adjust the throttle adjustment cables/screws either way. It gets to a point where it remains limp and lifeless.
I will try to do some more in the AM. I am just furstrated to the max. I thought I was fairly good with working on autos and such. I guess have a lot to learn when it comes to bikes.This just doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Followed the service manual instructions to a tee. Even consulted a youtube video on a harley cable adjustment and did same exact thing. Can't take up slack.
In the morning, follow the cables down to the throttle body. Make certain the the "*****" on that end are still attached to the bell crank. If they somehow slipped out, you'll need to put them back in too.
But I gotta' think that your problem is still up on the handlebar side.
Thread Starter
|
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 6,905
Likes: 4,877
From: Midwest
[quote=Stiggy;10336165]
And the cables are running in their groove in the new grips, right?
In the morning, follow the cables down to the throttle body. Make certain the the "*****" on that end are still attached to the bell crank. If they somehow slipped out, you'll need to put them back in too.
But I gotta' think that your problem is still up on the handlebar side.
Yes. They are in the grooves. In the morning, I will try to take some photos.
Can you explain something for me?
What exactly is the main purpose of the idle cable? What is the point of having it? The action all takes place with the throttle cable and associated pullback.
And the cables are running in their groove in the new grips, right?
In the morning, follow the cables down to the throttle body. Make certain the the "*****" on that end are still attached to the bell crank. If they somehow slipped out, you'll need to put them back in too.
But I gotta' think that your problem is still up on the handlebar side.
Can you explain something for me?
What exactly is the main purpose of the idle cable? What is the point of having it? The action all takes place with the throttle cable and associated pullback.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,960
Likes: 26
From: Sonoma County, CA
This doesn't make any sense. There's only so much slack in the cables and if they worked before, they will work on the new grip. I don't know what specific year your bike is, but as long as it didn't come loose or apart at the carb end it should be just replace things as they originally were. Make sure you have the throttle cable and the idle cable in the right locations. Are you sure you are adjusting the barrel adjustment in the right direction? You want to make the barrel "Longer" so it takes up the slack. I know this may sound elementary, but I'm just throwing out ideas. Good luck.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,547
Likes: 7,153
From: Oxford, Nc
[quote=MiniWolf;10336263]
The idle cable was mandated by the government back in the 70's (?) to prevent a run a way bike with a stuck throttle wide open. It isn't necessary IMO ( you've got a KILL switch,) but can make the adjustments a little tougher. That's why you make the throttle cable adjustment perfect and the idle able adjustment a little loose. 2 cables too tight will bind on the grip and prevent smooth rotation.
I would have guessed that you bought the wrong grip, but if you say you tried it with the original grip and it's still loose, there's something you're missing.
As was suggested, you adjusted the cable adjusters 'out' throttle cable first.....?
I would have guessed that you bought the wrong grip, but if you say you tried it with the original grip and it's still loose, there's something you're missing.
As was suggested, you adjusted the cable adjusters 'out' throttle cable first.....?
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 5
From: Coweta, Oklahoma
Hey miniwolf on your computer go to youtube and google harley throttle adjustment. Then scroll down the page until you come to Softail dyna glide harley davidson maintenance video. Michael Durham does the video and he is really good at showing as well as explaining what he is doing with the throttle adjustment. The manual is a very good tool, but I always find it easier and more understandable if I can see someone doing it. Don't worry you can do it yourself and save yourself some money for more inportant things like chrome.
Last edited by Jeff's 1st Harley; Sep 16, 2012 at 07:11 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 663
Likes: 2
From: ...
I can't imagine what you did. Here's a video that takes you through the process. Hope it helps.
http://www.ehow.com/video_5538516_re...bar-grips.html
http://www.ehow.com/video_5538516_re...bar-grips.html
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,580
Likes: 215
From: Illinois
I installed Avon grips on my buddies bike and the cables weren't seated correctly plus adjustment was to tight but once you take your time it will snap back. Just slow down and take it step be step.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 6,905
Likes: 4,877
From: Midwest
You guys are going to laugh at me. It was the throttle tension screw.
I have never used it but it was in a position that was not all the way open. When I was messing around with the grip install I must have somehow done something to either tighten it it was rubbing the new grips. I noticed the throttle would open and snap correctly when the top housing was not on. When I screwed the housing on, it would always rub the new grip and throttle would never close. I let it out all the way and it goes back.
At first, today, I kept thinking something was rubbing on the grip or a cable was kinked somwehre. After almost giving up, I started troubleshooting more components that might be somehow effecting the throttle as the cables are adjusted correctly according to manual and the throttle body position etc..I then played with the thumb screw adjuster and let it out. Everything snapped into place.
Did the whole thing--turned wheel left, center, etc to make sure no changes in idle. It looks like I am ok now..hopefully.
This was just one hell of a furstrating experience. I chalk it up to my noob experience with bikes and lack of experience with motorcycles in general. I lost almost the whole day yesterday of riding, accept when I went to pick up the grips. But I am going to go out know and have some fun.
Thanks for the input and instructions to everyone who responded. You often learn a lot from your mistakes or lack of experience. This was a learning experience, thats for sure. I now know a lot of about throttle bodies, cable adjustments, throttle housings and all the other stuff I read in the service manual and watched on youtube. Damn enar read half the service manual last night.
I have never used it but it was in a position that was not all the way open. When I was messing around with the grip install I must have somehow done something to either tighten it it was rubbing the new grips. I noticed the throttle would open and snap correctly when the top housing was not on. When I screwed the housing on, it would always rub the new grip and throttle would never close. I let it out all the way and it goes back.
At first, today, I kept thinking something was rubbing on the grip or a cable was kinked somwehre. After almost giving up, I started troubleshooting more components that might be somehow effecting the throttle as the cables are adjusted correctly according to manual and the throttle body position etc..I then played with the thumb screw adjuster and let it out. Everything snapped into place.
Did the whole thing--turned wheel left, center, etc to make sure no changes in idle. It looks like I am ok now..hopefully.
This was just one hell of a furstrating experience. I chalk it up to my noob experience with bikes and lack of experience with motorcycles in general. I lost almost the whole day yesterday of riding, accept when I went to pick up the grips. But I am going to go out know and have some fun.
Thanks for the input and instructions to everyone who responded. You often learn a lot from your mistakes or lack of experience. This was a learning experience, thats for sure. I now know a lot of about throttle bodies, cable adjustments, throttle housings and all the other stuff I read in the service manual and watched on youtube. Damn enar read half the service manual last night.