Tri-flow: A Better Cable Lube??

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Mar 23, 2006 | 10:54 PM

gliderman

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Road Captain

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Tri-flow: A Better Cable Lube??

Getting ready to lube my new S/S cables before installing them. I have used dri-slide cable lube in the past. Good lube, however, it will darken/blacken the stainless steel cable around the fittings where you apply the dri-slide. Has anyone tried Tri-flow lube?? I heard it will not darken the cable like dri-slide. What lube do you use?????

Mar 23, 2006 | 11:51 PM

POSSUM

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RE: Tri-flow: A Better Cable Lube??

Tri-flow sprays clear. used it for years. My friend has his own bike shop and thats what he uses.

Mar 24, 2006 | 01:34 PM

Thundercloud

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Joined: Oct 2005

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From: Fredericksburg,VA

RE: Tri-flow: A Better Cable Lube??

I know this may seem like a dumb question, but I have never done it before, so I was wondering what the proceedure for lubing your cables is. Just spraying each end where they pivot or what???

I change all my own fluids and do that maitenance, but have only had cables checked and lubed when in the shop for service.

Thanks in advance!!!

Mar 24, 2006 | 01:46 PM

PhilM

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2006

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From: TX

RE: Tri-flow: A Better Cable Lube??

The sprays & powders are a good - for a bit, but they dry out fairly quickly. This is most obvious on the clutch cable.

I made an aluminum block that bolts together and has a threaded hole to accept the end of a grease gun. Maybe twice a year, I'll take the clutch lever off and bolt my grease block "around" the lever end of the clutch cable and slowly "force" grease down into the clutch cable using a standard grease gun.

I have never felt an HD clutch smoother and/or easier to pull than one feels after lubing the cable this way - including the new "easy pulls" or hydraulic clutches. I think there are a few forum members that will attest to that, as several of us use this grease block.

Mar 24, 2006 | 02:46 PM

wglindsay

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2006

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From: NC

RE: Tri-flow: A Better Cable Lube??

I am getting ready to install Diamond Back cables on my RKC and read nothing about having to lube the cables before installation. I know you need to occasionally, but do they not come from the manufacture lubed?

Mar 24, 2006 | 04:18 PM

89FLHT

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2005

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RE: Tri-flow: A Better Cable Lube??

Tri Flow is all I'll use on my bikes. Started wrenching in a Schwinn shop in 6th grade back in the 70's (LOL), used it then and still do to this day.

Mar 24, 2006 | 05:44 PM

GOSTAZ

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RE: Tri-flow: A Better Cable Lube??

If you search around, you can actually find a thing, I think its called a power lube... It's a machined piece of aluminum with a set screw, and it will hold most cable heads and then you put the can of Tri-flow, with the little straw thing in the hole, and it works great. Have a 78 XS 650 that has gray cables, and Tri-Flow is what I use. Cleans up easily, and I have never had it discolor anything except my jeans when it gets full of funk. Have not done anything to the X yet, it is still in the shop for the warranty work or buyback decision...