choke lock nut

[blynn]

All,

I have an '81 GS650 G and like probably all other ealrly model bikes, the choke cable has a lock nut just below the pull knob. My lock nut is creacked so I can't tighten it down enough to exceed the return force at the other end (springs on the carbs). I would consider any remedy short of replacing the cable because a complication in doing so is that the cable passes through the stearing head.
Is it easy to somehow replace the lock nut?

[ddaum]

You can't just replace the lock nut because that would require removing the knob that you pull on to engage the choke and you'd probably never get that knob back on strong enough. As long as you don't have a fairing or something it's pretty straight forward to replace the cable. i can do mine without touching anything else.
1. On the carbs, loosen the screw or bolt securing the cable, then pull the choke linkage back far enough to disengage the cable end.
2. Below the choke lock nut is a larger gripped plastic nut that is basically the body of the choke knob, just unscrew that (rotating the body of the choke knob) and the cable will slide right out.
3. Route the new cable the same as the old one, and installation is reverse.
Good luck

[duaneage]

I have the same bike.

Replacing the choke cable is not too bad. Just remove the tank and it is really easy. As to the nut not holding the choke, try this:



Use one of these clips to hold the choke up and pop it off when the bike warms up. Easy and cheap, it fits in your pocket. I did this trick for awhile before I just changed the cable out.

[blynn]

Great! I'll use the Staples clip until the new cakle comes in. Then I'll follow the installation directions for the new cable. Thanks.

R/ Bill

[SqDancerLynn1]

The cable is realy quite simple to replace... MAKE note of how the cable is routed before you remove it. It sides right down thru the steering neck out the bottom

[Doctor Shifty]

I use a spring loaded clothes peg which stores on the throttle cable once the bike is warmed up. The width of the peg matches what the bike likes in cooler weather.

I started using a red one to match the bike but the red faded and cracked too quickly, so now I use a green one. We've got some really high tech stuff in this part of the world :-)

Kim