Broken clutch cable 79 GS1000L

[Rodman]

My clutch cable broke on me today while on the road !@#$%. I was able to get home while stuck in 3rd. At home I pulled the slack out of the cable cover and can see that it broke right at the lever, however there is no tension on the clutch release arm??? When the cable broke the lever worked as normal, no excessive force was needed to pull as it tooks its last shift from 4th to 3rd. Why would this be? It looks like the clutch release pinion is gear driven to the clutch release rack (part call outs from mico fiche) and the lack of tension is probably due to some broken teeth one of these or both. Any ideas on this and how to fix?

Thanks

[koolaid_kid]

1) Obviously you need a new cable. Lack of maintenance causes them to break at the same spot every time.
2) I doubt any damage occurred at the clutch release mechanism. It is pretty simple and bulletproof (mostly).
Just install the new cable correctly:
a) Install at the clutch cover first, and thread the hollow bolt (for lack of a better name) all the way into the housing.
b) Route the cable up to the lever and install with the adjuster all the way in.
c) Use the adjuster on the clutch cover on the engine to get the slack close.
d) Use the adjuster at the clutch lever for fine-tuning the adjustment and you should be fine.
e) Maintain the cable by inspecting and lubing every year and this will not happen again.

[Rodman]

Koolaid Kid, after your reply I went back to the arm and pushed on it way hard and there is lots of spring in it. I already have the OEM part on its way, guess I was still freaked out on the episode as I've only had the worst luck when something has gone wrong to date. Although this bike is in great shape esthetically, routine maintainance was never done and the work that was looks like someone was bored and wanted to fiddle, of course never doing it correctly. Many thanks!

[koolaid_kid]

Certainly. Be sure and lube the cable prior to installation. Several methods are available. I used to hang the cable and drip 3 in 1 oil down into it. Takes a while. Now you can buy cable lube and a fitting that allows you to spray it down into the cable and be done in a jiffy. Both work. One is cheap and takes a while. The other costs more and is over in a minute. Dealer's choice.