Clutch cable broke on my Ultra Ltd a few days ago, right at the lever. I'm not recommending this, only putting it out there for you to add to your knowledge bank. By grabbing the cable end with a small pair of vice grips I was able to pull on the cable and release the clutch enough to snick it into gear. Rode it about 5 miles home that way, had to stop for traffic or traffic lights 5-6 times, and was able to pull on the cable, release the clutch and get to neutral before stopping every time. I dumped it once along the way while getting rolling from a complete stop by releasing the cable too quickly without enough throttle and stalling the engine, but only once. It can be done in a pinch. The less traffic the better, of course. FWIW.

 

Ya gotta do what ya gotta do! Glad it worked for you.

 

CONGRATULATIONS on doing what was necessary, AND...having the tools to make it happen when they were needed..!!!!
In 317,000 mi. on my bike ( so far....) I've had a clutch cable break twice. Both times it was up at the grip.The small Vise-Grips in my tool bag have been what got me on down the road. I also carry the wrenches necessary to re-adjust the clutch cable and provide enough slack to be able to grab the end of the cable and clamp down hard. Riding with the Vise-grips sticking out from the left side hand lever bracket looks a little weird, but WORKS.

Of course....you could have merely whipped out your cell phone and credit card and called somebody to rescue you. That works too...so long as you don't mind ending your ride right then and there and you never leave your cell coverage area and only ride during normal business hours or stay within range of your home and friends.

 

Good job...times 2!

 

I know an older guy that zip ties a new cable to the old one when he goes on a trip. I switched the push/pull throttle cables on a friend's bike when his pull side broke in the middle of nowhere...the carb had a return spring anyway.
When my Shovel clutch cable broke once, about 9 miles from home, I just shifted carefully, and timed 2 redlights. Had to stop at one of them, but pulled away from a stop in second gear by pushing off with my left leg. No stalling.
Thankfully, clutch cable for that bike is still readily available. I even put a Shovel clutch cable on a H-D Aermacchi Sprint, because the hardare was the same...just had to trim the length. Older H-Ds are pretty forgiving.

 

Good grief that's alot-o-miles! Cool man

 

Funny, first time it happened to me, my old man taught me how to shift without the clutch.
Drive a semi the same way.
Good job.