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Throttle cable hell

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Old Apr 15, 2023 | 05:21 PM
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Default Throttle cable hell

OK, so I was changing the intake seals to hopefully fix a rear cyl cough. And one of the throttle cables broke, inside cable rusted right in the middle and separated. No problem I said, but it's a 2000 1200C and dealer said those cables no longer available but they could get compatible ones.

I figured if they going aftermarket I can just do that myself got some on ebay $19 for the pair. But they are sticky, wont come back on their own. NOT what i want. If the retirn cable fails I want the carb spring to take care of closing the throttle.

One thing, even with the cable's adjusters all the way in, I still had to take the bracket off the carb to get the ends all on, but that was just 2 screws, easy.

There are no sharp bends (tank is even still off). So is there a source for GOOD cables with the proper size ends up at the hand throttle etc? (I dont think thats the problem but hey who knows). Throttle friction adjust is all the way out.

any cable sources advice appreciated, basically who makes a good cable set hopefully in 36"

I wanna ride this thing this year!

Thanks




 
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Old Apr 15, 2023 | 06:23 PM
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Barnett cables are well regarded.

https://www.barnettclutches.com/

Good luck.

You might want to loosen up the return cable and see if that helps. The spring on the carb is more than strong enough to close the butterfly, the return cable is a "nanny state" regulation. I just leave my idle cable slack and worry about the throttle side adjusted to wide open, let the idle cable just follow along. Trust the carb spring.

John
 

Last edited by John Harper; Apr 15, 2023 at 06:26 PM.
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Old Apr 15, 2023 | 06:49 PM
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Originally Posted by John Harper
the return cable is a "nanny state" regulation.
Ha! So true. I ditched mine a long time ago and just run the single cable. Never had a problem. Lowbrow customs has good quality inexpessive cables as well.
 
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Old Apr 15, 2023 | 07:02 PM
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Originally Posted by OCSpringer
Ha! So true. I ditched mine a long time ago and just run the single cable. Never had a problem. Lowbrow customs has good quality inexpessive cables as well.
I tried that on mine, but there was too much over travel when closing the throttle, nothing to stop the barrel from moving forward too much. I thought it would just stop and I could adjust the one cable, but it overslacked. I recall a post about maybe installing a stop screw over on xlforum, but I have been unable to ever find it again. So, I'm still running the fugly two cable rig.

John
 
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Old Apr 15, 2023 | 07:04 PM
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Did ya put some oil on them.? I use atf on mine when i install um,I make sure it gets from one end to the other and have never had a problem, Just my 2 cents i am sure some one else will have a different way of doing it

 

Last edited by wolfryder; Apr 15, 2023 at 07:08 PM.
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Old Apr 15, 2023 | 07:05 PM
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You may want to check the orientation of the cable guides coming out of the throttle, they do not look to be the correct way and causing some of the issue.

Pics of the way they are orientated on my XLH2003S are below for reference.






 
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Old Apr 15, 2023 | 07:19 PM
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Originally Posted by John Harper
I tried that on mine, but there was too much over travel when closing the throttle, nothing to stop the barrel from moving forward too much.
I'm using a kustom tech throttle. Only thing that sucks about using an aftermarket throttle is it can be tricky getting the right cable. It took me 3 cables to get the right length proprotions (housing, elbo, free play).
 
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Old Apr 15, 2023 | 07:33 PM
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thanks guys all good advice.

just checked and barnett doesnt have this cable but they can make anything, I'll give them a shout. lowbrow was very helpful but dont have these cables. the XLH1200C have a 90 degree bend at the handlebar end, and about 36" long (black part). I actually want bigger bars anyway, maybe this is the kick in the *** for that mod... but just bought the bike and havent ridden it yet. its old, lots of miles and dont want to invest too much til a good shakedown.

there was one positive thing, having to take the cable bracket off the carb led to the discovery that the accelerator pump rod (Im sure thats what that is) was out of place, just hanging loose. when I got the bike, the fuel line was off the car too. so someone was messing with the carb.

yes i oiled the cables as best I could (really just the ends) and greased the handlebar for the twist throttle, and also oiled the cable end area. works good until the cables have any bend at all. weird.

Might just ask lowbrow for a 45 degree end cable in same length and see if they work but see what barnett says first



 
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Old Apr 15, 2023 | 08:00 PM
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Originally Posted by sportsterchris
thanks guys all good advice.

the XLH1200C have a 90 degree bend at the handlebar end, and about 36" long (black part).
Yes they have a 90 degree bend; however, they should not be facing forward as in your pic, they orientate to the side toward the frame inline with the handlebars.








 
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Old Apr 16, 2023 | 06:40 AM
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Originally Posted by wolfryder
Did ya put some oil on them.? I use atf on mine when i install um,I make sure it gets from one end to the other and have never had a problem, Just my 2 cents i am sure some one else will have a different way of doing it
New cables I have looked at are plastic lined, possibly PTFE. I don't know if they need oiling or not.
 
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