Trying to do the 10K service myself on my '06 1200C, I've discovered that the Idle Control cable is disconnected. This is the one which runs from the throttle grip to the throttle body on the carb that would return the throttle to idle if the return spring were broken (it's the one that tightens as you roll the throttle grip off).

I'm guessing that it's been disconnected since build because, looking at it, I can't see how just taking the tension off of it would allow the ferule to come loose. But, I don't know for sure. So, the question is, am I OK to ride with that disconnected until I can get the right tools and get in there to sort it out?

Help, please! Today is one of the handful of sunny days we've had all year and I'm desperate to put some miles on the bike!

 

It's a safety item,.. I'd say get in there and reconnect it, it's not that hard to get to on an xl. But, then you've been running without it for this long.. so.. your call.

Hogdoctor

 

I'll definitely reconnect it as soon as I can but it's Sunday, I don't have a socket that will let me get the air filter back plate off (so can't get to the throttle cam) and, being in the UK, no place that's open on a Sunday has imperial sized tools (damn the metric system!).

Part of learning to wrench your own bikes is learning what's a no-go item and what's not. I don't know enough about this to know for sure.

 

I rode mine for many years with only one cable,only went back to using the idle cable when I changed to a S&S carb.ride and enjoy,but get it fixed for safety sake and peace of mind.

 

Bob,
So it is really just a redundant safety system in case the spring breaks? That's what I thought, but wasn't sure. Your statement about riding with one cable for years with no problems is what I was looking to hear. Many thanks! I'll go and get geared up now and to the tool shop tomorrow!

 

It's amazing that HD muttersickles existed for eleventy-seven years with one throttle cable, and prior to 1973 they had a solid wire throttle with no return spring. Is it less safe? Yup, but then muttersickling is less safe than a cage.

Gooberment mandates right side rear brake pedal, electric turn signals, handlebar height, etc. Most of these happened because some riders, and many cagers, were too stupid to take care of business.

1967 Norton P-11 Scrambler - 1 cable
1972 XLCH - 1 cable, soild wire, internal throttle, no spring return
1978 FLH - Converted to 1 cable, soild wire, internal throttle, no spring return; also had 3 speed w/reverse, hand shift, foot clutch
1987 FLST - Converted to 1 cable, internal throttle; also has jockey shift, suicide clutch
2007 Nightster - Still stock, but will eventually have 1 cable, internal throttle

 

They only thing that I would recommend is to secure (ziptie, tape, string whatever) the idle cable out of the way so it doesn't somehow get bound or caught and hang the throttle open. Then I would say...RIDE!

 

OK, now we're talking. See what a little enthusiasm and lot of ignorance will do for a guy? But this is how I'm gonna learn. Not having a background in bikes (therefore no knowledge of their evolution as expertly explained by Pococj) means you've gotta just get stuck in and ask the stupid questions when they come up. I had no brothers, Dad wasn't into cars or mechanical stuff, so I never really had much interest or exposure to bikes and engines. But I'm learning as I go.

And you know what? I just did 100 miles without the Idle control cable and she worked just fine.

Thanks for the help, guys. I'll try the second item on the service checklist tomorrow! At this rate, I should finish the 10K service just in time for the 15K!