Clutch Cable Routing - Is THIS ok?!

[Showdown]

I finally got it started so I'm taking a look at other 'issues...'

Is it ok for the clutch cable to be routed over the gauges and on the right side with the throttle cable?!
...Definitely the previous owner's doings. I'm also guessing these aren't factory handlebars?

Thanks in advance!



P.S. Yes it's inside my condo, and yes I'm being safe!

[bbytes]

I wouldn't route it that way. I would keep the manufacturers routing, but maybe find a cable that better fits those handlebars. Routing the cable the wrong way can lead to the cable snapping. Trust me, I've snapped a few.

[koolaid_kid]

Clearly not stock bars. Looks like someone tried to reuse a cable that was too long for the stock routing.
However, when routing cables, you should look out for several things:
No binding. This is usually caused by too sharp a turns. If the clutch release lever is on the right side of the bike, this may not be an issue. (You have not told us the model.)
When turning the bars slowly or rapidly from lock to lock (full left to full right) the clutch should operate smoothly and correctly through all phases of the turn.
It does not look really stupid. Brrp! Fail! (Just kidding, the color alone fails this test.)
But seriously, as long as it does not bind and operates smoothly, you should be O.K., you will just look a couple of fries short of a Happy Meal.

[pete]

Looks like the PO stuck some drag 'bars on there and kept the stock T cables and routed it to take up the extra length... may or may not be an issue as George said.

An E/S cable should be shorter, but maybe not short enough.

From the factory it routes down the left of the headstock, strapped to the left top frame rail, then curves down to the sprocket cover.

I have the factory manual here which shows the routing but not sure when I'd be able to get a photo of the page posted up. Maybe tonight, more likely tomorrow or Monday night.

[koolaid_kid]

Someone told me that Z1Enterprises can have a cable made in custom lengths if you give them the measurements. You might want to give them a call.

[Steve]

(You have not told us the model.)

psssst, K_K, look in his sig.

It does not look really stupid. Brrp! Fail! (Just kidding, the color alone fails this test.)
But seriously, as long as it does not bind and operates smoothly, you should be O.K., you will just look a couple of fries short of a Happy Meal.

I think the yellow dots are just edited in to show the routing of the cable.

I really doubt the actual cable has yellow dots.

.

[koolaid_kid]

I think you are right on both counts, Steve. I should know better than to post before my first six pack in the morning.

[pete]

I think you are right on both counts, Steve. I should know better than to post before my first six pack in the morning.

I like your diet George... me gotta try some of that!

[hjfisk]

Try a 83-85 750/ 700 e/es cable it is shorter and has a 90 degree bend right at the lever, have made this style cable work on many different bikes

[Showdown]

No my cables aren't yellow polka dot lol...

What sort of fitment issues should I look out for?

Anything to worry about on the lever-end or clevis?

Thx.

*EDIT: Checked Ebay and a few parts-site diagrams and don't see this bend you mentioned... source?

[Mekanix]

I finally got it started so I'm taking a look at other 'issues...'

Is it ok for the clutch cable to be routed over the gauges and on the right side with the throttle cable?!
...Definitely the previous owner's doings. I'm also guessing these aren't factory handlebars?

Thanks in advance!



P.S. Yes it's inside my condo, and yes I'm being safe!

LOL welcome to my kitchen




Take the cable and run it under the cluster and route it the same way. Try to avoid the steering stops.



Or get a cable for the same bike but use the gs450E model cable.

[Showdown]

Ok, I routed it up through the forks, between the headlight bracket, behind the guages, and under the speedo cable.

Doesn't bind or pinch. Adjusted the cable by loosening everything, remove locknut under cover. Turn in until pressure, then back out 1/2 turn. Tighten. Adjusted the two other places to take up the slack. (~half way on each?)

I think I have 1/4" of freeplay but wont know until I ride it (waiting for valve cover gasket).

How do I know if I have too much freeplay, or not enough?

Thanks.

[koolaid_kid]

Please explain what you mean by freeplay, where and how measured, and we can help you.

[Mekanix]

By feel.

Too loose and it engages sooner than you want, and too tight makes the clutch disengage as soon as you touch it.

Way too tight and its holding the clutch disengaged.

You want to have some play in the lever when the clutch is fully engaged so that its not holding it back at all.

Set it to 1/4'' now and you'll set it to what feel's right later on.

The clutch has a short throw to disengage it.

Hey also keep in mind that if your adjusting the throttle cable freeplay that it is too tight when the bike rev's up when you turn it all the way to one side or the other.

[koolaid_kid]

Again, where is the freeplay being measured? Is it the gap between the lever and the perch? Is it the movement of the lever itself? If so, at the ball end or the end nearest the perch? No accurate answer can be formulated until this is clarified.