Keihin to CV
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2016
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From: Tehachapi, Ca.
Keihin to CV
I'm looking at picking up a 89 Heritage Softail. It's all original and in really good shape. My first order of business is going to be ditching the Keihin carb and replacing it with a CV. I have one on the shelf ready to go. Do I need to get new throttle cables? I know I need a different intake manifold and seals. Just not sure about the cables. Thank you, Todd.
Last edited by TPost; Sep 26, 2023 at 08:49 AM.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,428
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From: NC USA
The are both Keihin, original is butterfly and CV is vacuum slide type 
Yes, the cables have a different housing length. You can cut approx 3/4" off the housings and make them work (I've done that) but with the age and different bends they will be making, I highly recommend new cables. Much easier and faster. Simply order cables for the same bike of 1990 or later and they will be correct.
Be very careful installing the new manifold. I suggest a new one, as old ones can be damaged in ways you can't recognize. Don't ask me how I know...
Same goes for the flanges that attach it to the heads. Don't take a chance on burning up an engine with an intake leak caused by used parts. New ones aren't that much more money.
Be meticulous mounting the manifold. It's too easy to adjust or mis-align to make an air cleaner of choice work (even OEM) and end up with an intake leak. Use a level or magnetic angle finder to make the manifold perpendicular to the engine. And, make sure the manifold is centered by looking at the gap between the flanges and machined shoulder of the manifold. Then shim, adjust whatever you need to make the filter housing bolt up.
CV will not tolerate intake leaks. SO MUCH easier to get the manifold correct on a new install and eliminate future headaches.
Yes, the cables have a different housing length. You can cut approx 3/4" off the housings and make them work (I've done that) but with the age and different bends they will be making, I highly recommend new cables. Much easier and faster. Simply order cables for the same bike of 1990 or later and they will be correct.
Be very careful installing the new manifold. I suggest a new one, as old ones can be damaged in ways you can't recognize. Don't ask me how I know...
Same goes for the flanges that attach it to the heads. Don't take a chance on burning up an engine with an intake leak caused by used parts. New ones aren't that much more money.Be meticulous mounting the manifold. It's too easy to adjust or mis-align to make an air cleaner of choice work (even OEM) and end up with an intake leak. Use a level or magnetic angle finder to make the manifold perpendicular to the engine. And, make sure the manifold is centered by looking at the gap between the flanges and machined shoulder of the manifold. Then shim, adjust whatever you need to make the filter housing bolt up.
CV will not tolerate intake leaks. SO MUCH easier to get the manifold correct on a new install and eliminate future headaches.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,191
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From: South Carolina
If the `89 still has the original switch housings, you need throttle and idle cable for a `90-`95 model year.
When the handlebar switch housings changed for `96, the cables also changed.
When the handlebar switch housings changed for `96, the cables also changed.
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