09 FLHTCU. Putting new bars on and new braided/shielded clutch cable. I am also adding an Arlen frame grill to the front downtubes. I currently routed the new cable behind the downtubes giving the front a more clean aesthetic. It is a bit close to the cylinder now, especially the rubber cover over the adjustment turnbuckles.

Does anyone run clutch cables behind the downtubes or will this end as I imagine...a melted rubber cover mess? It's about 1/2" at the top gaining more gap as it heads down.

 

Its not how id do it. I wouldn't want my clutch cable that close....but keep an eye on it and see how it goes. Check it regularly, and if you see it becoming heat damaged re-route it then.

 

Form follows function
When you get that wrong, you will get to do it again.
Unless you are Frank Lloyd Wright, or Ness.
Then do anything you Fn want.

 

A stock clutch cable is a pretty unforgiving thing! It doesn't flex much and needs plenty of space IMHO, so it can move while turning the bars. I've tried 'tidying' it up in the past and given up - the stock route works fine!

 

unclear how you'd do a clutch cable adjustment w/ the cable in there. I use 2 small wrenches, no room for tools w/ that routing location (unless I'm missing something in the photo)

 

That's how mine is run, although my adjuster is up a bit from yours.