Have to remove tank to change clutch cable?

[ThreeTimer]

Hey all,

My clutch cable snapped right as I was putting my bike away last fall. I got her running yesterday and now have to change the clutch cable. Do I have to remove the gas tank to do so, or is there some clever way of doing so with tank in place?

Bike is an 83 GS1100ES.

Thanks,

ThreeTimer

[chuckycheese]

Remove

You need to remove it in order to route the cable properly. It's really easy to day and will just take a few minutes. You'll need to remove the seat and the bolt and rubber grommet between the seat and the tank. Then, remove your gas line and vacuum line (if you have a vacuum petcock). Then disconnect the two wires that go to your fuel gauge sending unit. It's located near the left side of the junction between the tank and the seat. Then....lift off the tank! You'll know what to do from there by looking to see where the old cable was routed.

P.S. You can remove these things in any order but make sure you do all these steps before removing the tank!!!! When you reinstall the tank, you'll need to re-route the gas tank sending unit overflow tube but you'll see how to do that when you remove the tank. Just make sure it's on the right side and not on the chain side!

[doctorgonzo]

I need to rig up a workshop tank with an old plastic gas container. I had my tank off and on 3 times yesterday working on the carbs.

[knotzilla]

I would also replace the throttle cable since you're replacing the clutch cable. Lubricating the choke cable would be a good thing. Ted

[litshoot]

i just recently replaced my cable. it worked fine the way it was routed for over 30 years so i just taped the old cable to the new and pulled it through from the handlebars. pull gently and smoothly, i lifted the tank a little and pushed slack, but didn't need to remove it. just my bit though
seth

[ThreeTimer]

You need to remove it in order to route the cable properly. It's really easy to day and will just take a few minutes. You'll need to remove the seat and the bolt and rubber grommet between the seat and the tank. Then, remove your gas line and vacuum line (if you have a vacuum petcock). Then disconnect the two wires that go to your fuel gauge sending unit. It's located near the left side of the junction between the tank and the seat. Then....lift off the tank! You'll know what to do from there by looking to see where the old cable was routed.

P.S. You can remove these things in any order but make sure you do all these steps before removing the tank!!!! When you reinstall the tank, you'll need to re-route the gas tank sending unit overflow tube but you'll see how to do that when you remove the tank. Just make sure it's on the right side and not on the chain side!

Your steps were right on the money. This forum rocks!

ThreeTimer

[chuckycheese]

Great!

Your steps were right on the money. This forum rocks!

ThreeTimer

I'm glad it worked out well and that you're back on the road!!:-D