Anybody going thru clutch cables????

[crag antler]

I had my clutch cable break tonight on a ride :evil: right at the lever end. :evil: :evil:
I replaced it back in June with a somewhat, cheaper replacement .
Now time to get another. Last time I had replaced it, it had lasted about 2 years. Now this one about 3 months.
Any recommendations for a quality clutch cable? Name brands and such.
Do I have to lube it new??
When I bought this one, I also got a spare, so my riding time isn't hurt. But I am thinking I may just wait until I put a quality cable on and save the other for a riding spare.
Thanks for the help.

 

[scotty]

so far no caBLES GOING BAD HERE DOUG BUT YOU MOUNTAIN FOLKS MUST SHIF THE DICKENS OUT OF YOUR BIKES. THE GROUND IS USUALLY SO FLAT AAND NOT CALLING FOR MUCH THROTTLE THAT I RARELY USE THE CLUTCH. nOW IF I COULD JUST GET GOING FROM A LIGHT WITHOUT IT.

caps

 

[mcycle-nut]

You just have to watch if the cable contacts the perch when you pull it in. I had the same problem with my 750, ( Having Barnett springs I'm sure doesn't help either. :roll: ). Now I just make sure the slotted end of the adjuster is pointed back, so when the clutch is pulled in it's not rubbing on the inside of the adjuster. 8)

 

[crag antler]

Gee Dom, we had to ride home about 8 miles without the cable.
Lucky for me that traffic is light now that Labor Day is over. 8O 8O 8O :twisted:

 

[crag antler]

You just have to watch if the cable contacts the perch when you pull it in. I had the same problem with my 750, ( Having Barnett springs I'm sure doesn't help either. :roll: ). Now I just make sure the slotted end of the adjuster is pointed back, so when the clutch is pulled in it's not rubbing on the inside of the adjuster. 8)

Thanks Kevin.
I will keep that in mind when I put in the new one.
Something I never would have thought of.

 

[Buffalo Breath]

cable

cable

Check the lever if they have a lot of up and down slop that can work harden the cable at the mounting point of the cable as well as wear rub the cable if its really a lot of play also if the hole for mounting the lever is oval shaped it can affect cable life, also if the clutch is really hard to pull in due to cable drag or heavy duty springs, but Iam sure you know that already, if its a nylon lined cable then no lube, is needed, it depends on the maker of it, I always lube mine with TRI-FLO oil its safe for plastics and stuff

 

[Joe Nardy]

I bought two new ones from my local Suzuki dealer last year. The prices were pretty reasonable. I've never had any luck with aftermarket cables. I apply grease to whatever part of the cable I can reach. I then hang it from one end, tape a tiny paper funnel to the top end, and drip Tri-Flow through it until it drips out the other end. I have very good cable life.

Just a simple trick in case you get stuck farther from home and don't have a spare. Carry a small pair of vise grips with you. Last year when my clutch cable broke miles from home I was able to let the adjuster on the engine out to give some slack and vise grip the cable to the side of the lever. It wasn't pretty but it allowed me to use the clutch when necessary.

Joe

 

[IanFrancisco]

Just a simple trick in case you get stuck farther from home and don't have a spare. Carry a small pair of vise grips with you. Last year when my clutch cable broke miles from home I was able to let the adjuster on the engine out to give some slack and vise grip the cable to the side of the lever. It wasn't pretty but it allowed me to use the clutch when necessary.

Joe

I'll be the lever wasn't too pretty afterward either...

I've read about guys doing long trips actually installing a spare cable right alongside the one in use and taping them together. If it breaks, a roadside repair is fairly simple, especially if you've replaced the Phillips heads with Allens.