throttle and idle cables

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May 13, 2007 | 09:07 PM

Godfather86

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Joined: Oct 2006

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From: New York

throttle and idle cables

how do i put cables on a new sportster as far as the throttle and idle cable. if you respond can you talk to me like a three year old so ill undersand. thank you guys.

May 14, 2007 | 02:35 PM

capttawes

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Joined: Jan 2007

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From: Crisfield, MD

RE: throttle and idle cables

No offense but the best solution is to buy a service manual like the rest of us did as it explains everything in more detail than any of us are likely willing to type.
I'm not trying to be an a$$ or anything but explaining in simple terms removing your air cleaner to get to where cables mount on the carb.and installing them in the switch housing and throttle grip as well as adjusting them properly is a lot to describe.

May 14, 2007 | 09:08 PM

Godfather86

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Joined: Oct 2006

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From: New York

RE: throttle and idle cables

I have the owners manual and still am stuck on how to tighten the cables. All i did was take my carb off to rebuild it and put the cables back on and there was no movement on the carb. So i read the manual about loosen the nuts and turn the wheel right and all that good stuff and still am lost so not to be an A$$ but thats why i request it in detail because i do not know if i am missing anything in that wonderful book.

May 14, 2007 | 09:12 PM

UNCCHarley

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Joined: May 2007

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From: Great State of NC

RE: throttle and idle cables

I think he meant buy a service, not owner manual. Clymers sells a very good one that goes in depth on many things and would be beneficial I am sure.

May 14, 2007 | 10:13 PM

freekinfreak

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Joined: Jul 2006

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From: MA/NH Border

RE: throttle and idle cables

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Godfather86
if you respond can you talk to me like a three year old so ill undersand.

[sm=funnypostabove.gif][sm=happybounce.gif]

May 14, 2007 | 10:18 PM

dbleagle

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Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 8,438

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From: Gulf Coast of Mississippi

RE: throttle and idle cables

I don't know what you did... with the cables...

Does the carb work normally with the cables disconnected???

Issounds like maybe you put the cables on just the opposite of what they should be...

If you're not getting any movement... sounds like the throttle cable is in the idle arm and the idle in the throttle side???

I don't even know if that's possible...

Just a guess...

Charlie D.

May 15, 2007 | 12:24 PM

capttawes

Road Warrior

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 1,688

Likes: 4

From: Crisfield, MD

RE: throttle and idle cables

Its the factory service manual (like the one a mechanic would refer to) not the owners manual that you need. Will cost you less than $50 from www.zanottimotor.com and explains in detail everything about the bike and will come in handy in the future.

Anyway, sounds like at the carb you have the cable ends reversed. Assumming the cam rotates fine and the return spring works on the carb itself pull off the cables and just install the throttle cable (it should be the one with the longer reach at the carb end), the throttle cable goes in the slot on the cam closest to you and the idle goes in the back slot. Just install the throttle cable since its all you need to test to see if it opens (if the spring is in place on the cam it will close automoatically without needing the idle cable). If this works then reinstall the idle cable, if it then binds and does not open/close with ease then your idle cable might be bent and binding in the housing or is adjusted too tight. Generally the throttle and idle cables at the switch housing are slightly different diameters and should not slip easily into the wrong slot.