Clutch cable question
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 856
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
Clutch cable question
My old bike has pretty close to 100,000 on it. I have no clue how many miles the clutch cable has on it. From what I can tell it's fine. Should I consider changing it or just keep on riding?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,590
Likes: 444
From: Ohio
Inspect the clutch lever end of the cable. If there are any broken strands, replace it. Read the FSM procedure for care and lube of the cable.
If you are bored out of your mind and looking for something productive to do, change it. Me, I've carried a spare for over 35 years. Ya never know............
If you are bored out of your mind and looking for something productive to do, change it. Me, I've carried a spare for over 35 years. Ya never know............
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,896
From: Bedford UK
When I last took my original cable off the bike the outer was so stiff it didn't flex! I replaced it with a Diamondback which is so much smoother and lighter to use that I suggest you change just for that improvement. I was using one of those lighter clutch devices at the time and actually took it off after fitting my new cable.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 856
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
Yea, the outer casing on mine is pretty stiff also. But, it works well and I can see no issues with the cable. I lube it about once a year. The next time I have to pull the outer fairing I think I'll just switch out the cable for a new one. I'd hate to have to do that job out on the road. It looks like the exhaust and the outer fairing must come off to get it done (along with the trap door or course). That job is probably better suited for my garage.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,059
Likes: 4,534
From: Haslet Texas
Yea, the outer casing on mine is pretty stiff also. But, it works well and I can see no issues with the cable. I lube it about once a year. The next time I have to pull the outer fairing I think I'll just switch out the cable for a new one. I'd hate to have to do that job out on the road. It looks like the exhaust and the outer fairing must come off to get it done (along with the trap door or course). That job is probably better suited for my garage.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,323
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From: Upstate New York
On your older bike, the cable is entirely outside the transmission, so most anything can be used. Graphite or Teflon would be my guess.
On my bike, the lower end of the cable ends inside the transmission end cover. On these, the lower end of the cable gets its lubrication from the transmission oil. When I oil my cable, I use the same oil I use in the transmission.
I may "over maintain" my bike, but I generally change the clutch cable every 50,000 miles or so, just so I won't worry about it.
On my bike, the lower end of the cable ends inside the transmission end cover. On these, the lower end of the cable gets its lubrication from the transmission oil. When I oil my cable, I use the same oil I use in the transmission.
I may "over maintain" my bike, but I generally change the clutch cable every 50,000 miles or so, just so I won't worry about it.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,504
Likes: 150
From: ct
On your older bike, the cable is entirely outside the transmission, so most anything can be used. Graphite or Teflon would be my guess.
On my bike, the lower end of the cable ends inside the transmission end cover. On these, the lower end of the cable gets its lubrication from the transmission oil. When I oil my cable, I use the same oil I use in the transmission.
I may "over maintain" my bike, but I generally change the clutch cable every 50,000 miles or so, just so I won't worry about it.
On my bike, the lower end of the cable ends inside the transmission end cover. On these, the lower end of the cable gets its lubrication from the transmission oil. When I oil my cable, I use the same oil I use in the transmission.
I may "over maintain" my bike, but I generally change the clutch cable every 50,000 miles or so, just so I won't worry about it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 7
From: D/FW Texas
Yea, the outer casing on mine is pretty stiff also. But, it works well and I can see no issues with the cable. I lube it about once a year. The next time I have to pull the outer fairing I think I'll just switch out the cable for a new one. I'd hate to have to do that job out on the road. It looks like the exhaust and the outer fairing must come off to get it done (along with the trap door or course). That job is probably better suited for my garage.