Topic: Switching to single cable throttle?

[Jbird]

I wanna switch to a single cable throttle grip on my 76 Restobob 750K. I've got the throttle assy & cable offa chopper I'm stripping. Do I just need to fab up a return spring to pull the carbs back to idle or am I not that lucky?  I need to snap some pics of my powdercoated tank and post them here, maybe tomorrow, if the sun comes up. Thanks in advance.  Jbird

[mystic_1]

It should have a return spring already.  If not, you're missing something

The stock return spring is plenty strong enough to close the carbs in most conditions without a push cable.

When I first got my K0 it had no push cable on it when I bought it, I rode it like that for a season with no issues (well aside from side covers blowing off the bike on the highway, but that's another story)


mystic_1

[joeb]

me to did the same thong for about a year and had no problems.

[JZEROE]

My throttle has 10x better feel since I ditched the push-cable. Stock return spring is plenty strong enough to snap your air mixers closed. Plus, you get to shed nearly a pound. 

[plastikjock]

I had been wondering about this. My bike came without any throttle cables, but the spring in the carbs is so strong why does it need a push cable? My Vespa (px200) works fine with a tiny little return spring, you've just got to keep everthing lubed up with light oil.

 

[Gordon]

but the spring in the carbs is so strong why does it need a push cable?

Because if anything happens to that spring, or for some reason the throttle sticks open, you can still close it. 

[JZEROE]

Has anyone had that return spring fail?

[Steve F]

Ditched the "push" cable long ago with no issues.

[754]

I think the safteynazis required it..

and I have heard that on some newer sportbikes lack of vacumn or something makes the harder to close right off  when closing the throttle.

Regardless from a saftey standpoint, I think it is ok for general use.. BUT.. a bit safer if you have a kill-switch..

[BobbyR]

It is not really a push cable, it will pull the carb closed. If you have the two cable system when you apply the brakes hard you will notice the grip will be pushed forward automatically. When I am at high idle or regular idle I can lower the RPM pushing the grip forward. At high idle I use it lower the idle when I shift into first and it will pop right back up. I would naver count on trying to find the kill switch in a tight spot. It's a $15.00 item at Motion Pro.

[scondon]

It is not really a push cable, it will pull the carb closed. If you have the two cable system when you apply the brakes hard you will notice the grip will be pushed forward automatically. When I am at high idle or regular idle I can lower the RPM pushing the grip forward. At high idle I use it lower the idle when I shift into first and it will pop right back up. I would naver count on trying to find the kill switch in a tight spot. It's a $15.00 item at Motion Pro.

   x2 on bringing a high idle down, especially at stoplights. I ran with a single cable for a short while but really missed this feature. The slight gain in throttle ease just wasn't worth it for me.

    If your in the habit of waiting until your cables are binding before replacing or lubing them then all the more reason to keep the return cable installed

[Terry in Australia]

Get some K0 carbs with the single cable mate, they're a little harder to keep synched, but the spring is a lot easier on the wrist, and they seem to be a lot more responsive than the later push/pull cable set-ups. You'll find a good set on EBay for under 200 bucks. Cheers, Terry.

[333]

Argument to keep both cables;

I had the "pull" cable snap on me out in the boonies on a Sunday. I removed the bad cable and switched the good one at the carb end.  It was weird twisting the throttle backwards, but it got me home.

[BobbyR]

Argument to keep both cables;

I had the "pull" cable snap on me out in the boonies on a Sunday. I removed the bad cable and switched the good one at the carb end.  It was weird twisting the throttle backwards, but it got me home.

What a sissy. The REAL MEN here would say you should just reach under the tank and turn them by hand till you get home.
 

[333]

I couldn't do that and not spill my beer.

[BobbyR]

I couldn't do that and not spill my beer.

Oh OK you are excused, safety first I say.

[mystic_1]

It is not really a push cable

Oh I know, it's not a push cable any more than centrifugal force is a real force in a non-rotating reference frame   That's just what a lot of people know it as.

I agree that there's some good reasons to have the second throttle cable, and that when properly installed and adjusted it doesn't cause any drag at all on the system.  When I got my bike it didn't have one, and the return spring was a non-stock wimpy little affair.  I bought OEM parts and put the whole kit and caboodle back to stock.

A lot of people ditch the second cable strictly for aesthetics, to clean up the number of cables hanging off the bars, or when extending cables for higher bars.

mystic_1

[Terry in Australia]

I couldn't do that and not spill my beer.

What a bloody sheila. Drinking beer while riding is "as camp as a row of tents". For fuucks sake, you live in the only place in the world where Makers Mark is cheaper than gasoline, and you drink beer?

Off to the Blue Oyster bar with you young fellow, and don't complain about beer making your bum hurt either!

[754]

The whole point of the thread was to clean up the controls visually, but some missed that.

[Gordon]

The whole point of the thread was to clean up the controls visually, but some missed that.

Well then, thanks for setting us all straight.  We truly appreciate your services.

[Terry in Australia]

Time for some popcorn and Bourbon I reckon, it looks like there's gonna be an e-fight down at the old SOHC site, tonight!

[BobbyR]

I dunno about a fight. If you separate looks from function. This is going to be a custom bike so you must make allowances. The spring on my 78K is pretty robust and if your cable is well lubed and in good shape you would be fine. Since I am running a stock bike the second cable is not detracting. If you are just trying to save $15.00 to compromise safety I don't see that as being prudent. 

[333]

Jbird started this.  He asked a question.  And knowing this group, there were plenty of answers.