I Broke A Clutch Cable Where?
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 844
Likes: 4
From: Central California
I Broke A Clutch Cable Where?
...the metal ring at the end of the cable that wraps around the clutch lever. Yepper.... broke clean in half. Happened around 9 PM Friday night. Pulled on to a busy street, went to shift to second, pulled in the clutch and "snap". Pretty screwed when that happens. Fortunately the H.O.G. membership came through and the towing was completely covered. Plus the guys knew exactly how to get a bike home...not one scratch.
Anyone see one break like that? I've already started the process of changing the cable, unfortunately it looks like the right side exhaust has to come off to access the clutch cover. Those of you who have done this, any tips? I'm also installing an Easy-Pull Clutch kit while I'm at it. The bike is a 2001, but I'm sure that the amount of pull it takes to disengage the clutch may have played a role?
Anyone see one break like that? I've already started the process of changing the cable, unfortunately it looks like the right side exhaust has to come off to access the clutch cover. Those of you who have done this, any tips? I'm also installing an Easy-Pull Clutch kit while I'm at it. The bike is a 2001, but I'm sure that the amount of pull it takes to disengage the clutch may have played a role?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,663
Likes: 7
From: Northeast Ohio
You did not indicate how many miles are on the bike, or if it had an SE or other heavier spring, but for being 9 years old, most anything like a cable might just fail due to age or use. Yes, I have heard of clutch cables breaking, happens all the time, but ususally is not something that is replaced "just in case".
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1
From: Desert S. West
I got lucky with my 99 FLHT when I put a lighter pull device at the end of the cable at the trans I was able to just use a short arm allen/hex wrench to get the cover off and back on. Quick and easy. Even used the same gasket.
I should have gotten the HD kit with the spring but I cheaped out and got the $12 one. It did make it 50% better.
I should have gotten the HD kit with the spring but I cheaped out and got the $12 one. It did make it 50% better.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,719
Likes: 1
'01, completely stock with only 18K? Sitting idle, not being used can be a bad thing...
Brass ring and steel or stainless steel cable, could be a victim of galvanic corrosion. Lack of use can allow cables to seize, or lubrication harden. Besides, the ends of cables are the weak point and high stress areas. As far as I know, my clutch cable is stock and mine is approaching very near 80K miles. I'm expecting it to go any time...
Brass ring and steel or stainless steel cable, could be a victim of galvanic corrosion. Lack of use can allow cables to seize, or lubrication harden. Besides, the ends of cables are the weak point and high stress areas. As far as I know, my clutch cable is stock and mine is approaching very near 80K miles. I'm expecting it to go any time...
Last edited by CroK; Mar 22, 2010 at 10:14 PM.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 0
From: Olympia Wa.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 844
Likes: 4
From: Central California
Evidentally not often enough..I have had more bikes than I can count, never had this happen. Cable was serviced around 3-4k ago. Oh well....one of those things that wil take longer to get to it than change it.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From:
Just changed out my cable after changing to new handlebars. Not difficult, but I did underestimate the amount of work. The directions in ther service manual should start with "first, disassemble the motorcycle"