Topic: Honda CB500 Throttle Cable breaks-How to get home without a tow?

[kaptainkid1]

Funny Story and Lesson Learn......:

Well this happened to me today on the 110 Freeway in Los Angeles and in traffic.

I had no tools or spare parts on the bike. I needed to get home in the next hour and I didn't want to get a tow.

So the push and pull throttle cable broke by the handle. I was back on the road in 5 mins get home on surface streets(hint) and not the Freeway...Very import solution on getting home.

What would you guys do??

I'll have an answer shortly but I want to know if anyone has answer???


The gold honda was the problem of the three....

I had a cable break issue on 5 bikes but this was the best solution for Honda CB's. 

[jonda500]

When the throttle pull cable broke on my 400-4, I simply turned the idle speed screw in as far as it would go and although the engine revved up during gear changes I was able to ride slowly home.
John

[Stev-o]

I had a throttle tube break on my 550 leaving the control useless.  I was on a group ride, didn't want to leave my bike, used the idle adj screw as my throttle.  I was about 8 miles from home and made it with no issues.

[kaptainkid1]

Well John, Correct-I used your method to get off the freeway and get home.

I turned up the throttle idle to max. Started the bike and engage the clutch/gear right away from the start. Shifted through the gears to go faster. Pulled in the clutch and shut the engine at the same time to slow down. Every time I needed to stop, I killed the bike and coasted to the red. Honestly never thought about doing this until it happened to me today. Hopefully this will help other rides in the same predicament...

[Hondawggie]

Had a throttle cable break on a vintage Kaw triple.   Unlike 4 strokes, a 2 stroke motor is more fragile. I do not want it stressed.

I pushed the bike home.  Once they get to being worth a certain amount, these vintage machines, and the fact that they are pretty lightweight, you ask your self  'I sit on my azz all day, do I need some exercise here?  Will I get another excuse to spend 2 hours working out?'

A 4 stroke though hell yeah I'm using a screwdriver from the bikes toolkit to operate the throttle butterfly, I'm looping the broken end of the cable and pulling on the sucker, I'm using the idle screw, unless its a '69 or a '70, probably a '71,  a '72 is iffy, I'm pushing it home for the workout and the oohs and ahhs from passerby

[Gene]

I've also heard of the "yo-yo" method - getting a grip on what's left of the cable and pulling/releasing as need be.  Can't verify since I've been lucky enough to not have to try it. *knocks on head*