Clutch Cable Routing
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 42
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From: Alberta
Clutch Cable Routing
Have a 1985 FXWG, Trying to determine how the clutch cable was routed originally. Does it go on the left side of the forks or between the forks between top and bottom triple trees? Also on left side of the frame close to the neck there is a small bracket sticking out. Is this where clutch cable is attached? Thanks a lot.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
Not sure on a FXWG but on both my softails it curves around between the oil fitter and the frame down tubes then curves up the left down tube then curves to go into the clutch perch.
When you route your clutch cable you want no sharp bends in it.
Any sharp bends just cause a friction point on the inside of your cable making it pull harder and will eventually damage the cable.
When you route your clutch cable you want no sharp bends in it.
Any sharp bends just cause a friction point on the inside of your cable making it pull harder and will eventually damage the cable.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 183
Likes: 105
From: Indiana
My Road King has a small bracket on the outside of the left fork it goes through, then crosses at front of frame to the trans side down at the base of the front of frame. Then follows frame to trans.
No pinching
If you have a factory service manual, it's in there. If you don't, and plan on keeping the bike, it's worth the investment.
Good luck
No pinching
If you have a factory service manual, it's in there. If you don't, and plan on keeping the bike, it's worth the investment.
Good luck
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,233
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From: England
The manual for 2017 XL1200s instructs to put the cable inboard of the left fork.
The manual for 2008 XL1200C instructs to route the cable to the outboard side of the left front fork slider tube.
This might have something to do with the fork spacing as the 2008 is narrower than the 2017.
The manual for 2008 XL1200C instructs to route the cable to the outboard side of the left front fork slider tube.
This might have something to do with the fork spacing as the 2008 is narrower than the 2017.
Last edited by Andy from Sandy; Dec 7, 2018 at 05:00 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
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Have a 1985 FXWG, Trying to determine how the clutch cable was routed originally. Does it go on the left side of the forks or between the forks between top and bottom triple trees? Also on left side of the frame close to the neck there is a small bracket sticking out. Is this where clutch cable is attached? Thanks a lot.
Last edited by pjb; Dec 7, 2018 at 06:35 AM.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
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The cable attaches to the frame bracket you mentioned, goes behind the triple trees, then behind the handle bar, and over to the clutch lever.
The only part I'm not sure about is the bottom of the handle bar, whether the cable is in front or behind. I think that because the FXWG uses straight risers (not the pullback ones the FXST uses), it would have to go behind the bars, then up between the bars to the lever.
The only part I'm not sure about is the bottom of the handle bar, whether the cable is in front or behind. I think that because the FXWG uses straight risers (not the pullback ones the FXST uses), it would have to go behind the bars, then up between the bars to the lever.
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From: MASS_hole
Always use the least obstructed placement.
With a clutch cable, having it bind or contort in any way that reduces ease of movement will cause unwanted or negative friction
the looser the fit the better. Or the straighter it routs with out binding
If you have a the right cable for the right bar you’re good
With a clutch cable, having it bind or contort in any way that reduces ease of movement will cause unwanted or negative friction
the looser the fit the better. Or the straighter it routs with out binding
If you have a the right cable for the right bar you’re good