Topic: Replacing Broken Throttle Cable (1982 CB650SC)

[leekellerking]

I was on the way to work this morning when my throttle cable broke, leaving me stranded.  It is the "puller" cable that opens the throttle, not the "pusher" cable.

Any hints or tips about replacing the cable?  I have a replacement at home that came with the bike (the previous owner replaced the right-side switch but didn't have time to replace the cables).

From looking at the bike reading the previous related topics, I think I need (1) the "new" cable, (2) needlenose pliers and (3) a Phillips head screwdriver.  I fantasy that I will need to loosen the "pusher" cable at the adjustment doohickey.  Do I need to completely pull the tank? 

Anything else you guys can suggest?

Also, can I lube the cables with Dupont Teflon spray? 

Thanks,

Lee
(Whose bike is sitting at the Chevron Food Mart, like usual when it breaks down)   

[OldSchool_IsCool]

I think you have the general idea.  Pull out the broken cable being sure to note how it is routed.  Adjustments on each end to snug it up.

If the new cable is truly NEW, then no need to lube it now.  You can lube it in a few years then lube all cables each fall.

[leekellerking]

I think you have the general idea.  Pull out the broken cable being sure to note how it is routed.  Adjustments on each end to snug it up.

If the new cable is truly NEW, then no need to lube it now.  You can lube it in a few years then lube all cables each fall.

Unfortunately, it is not really new, just "new to this bike."  At this point, if it will get me running until the weekend, I will be happy.

Assuming I don't drown in the rain trying to fix it in the parking lot of a convenience store.   

Or push it the three miles home.   

Lee

[OldSchool_IsCool]

You could also switch your push cable to the pull side of the carb butterfly.  Your grip will work in reverse, but it could get you home with a minimum of exposure to the weather.

If the replacement cable operates smooth, then really no need to lube.  Its really your call.

[NPHLYT]

If you wait two weeks.......

Man I really need to change my avatar! I think I will gather up my 1970 into a pile and snap a photo. Maybe I will just snap a picture of the engine on the furniture dolly, looming over the frame laying dismembered next to it, tossing it's carburetors back, howling laughter in triumph over the oppressive cage..... In black and white to make it more sexy and timeless.

[tomkimberly]

You will also need two 10mm wrenches, one 12mm, and one 13mm wrench.


Tom

[leekellerking]

Hmm.  What is the 13 mm wrench for?


I'm going to have to get Bikey home and work on him there.  I couldn't get it done last night and I'm going to have to pull the carbs to get access to the cable connector for the "pull" cable (which was broken at the twist grip cam).


Lee

You will also need two 10mm wrenches, one 12mm, and one 13mm wrench.


Tom

[leekellerking]

I'm going to have to get Bikey home and work on him there.  I couldn't get it done last night and I'm going to have to pull the carbs to get access to the cable connector for the "pull" cable (which was broken at the twist grip cam).

Whew!  What a pain in the ass! 

I got both cables attached and didn't have to pull the carbs, which is good because I couldn't get them loose, anyway.

It took freaking hours and I still have to put the tank and seat back on, but I think I've got it right.

The joys of riding a vintage bike.   

[tomkimberly]

Hmm.  What is the 13 mm wrench for?


I'm going to have to get Bikey home and work on him there.  I couldn't get it done last night and I'm going to have to pull the carbs to get access to the cable connector for the "pull" cable (which was broken at the twist grip cam).


Lee

You will also need two 10mm wrenches, one 12mm, and one 13mm wrench.


Tom

One never knows what brand of throttle cable a PO put on a bike. Stock at the grip is 12mm however I have seen some that required a 13mm. Better to have too many tools than not have the right one.

Tom

[leekellerking]

Oh, I see.  Good point.

I got my bike home Thursday with the help of Carl, a Two Wheeled Texan, and I got the cables changed out Friday night.

My cables use a 10 mm at the carb side.

I lubed them with spray teflon sprayed into the ends.  Should be better than nothing.

I may put new cables on the replacement list.  Now that I've changed them once, I think I could do it quicker next time.


Lee

Hmm.  What is the 13 mm wrench for?


I'm going to have to get Bikey home and work on him there.  I couldn't get it done last night and I'm going to have to pull the carbs to get access to the cable connector for the "pull" cable (which was broken at the twist grip cam).


Lee

You will also need two 10mm wrenches, one 12mm, and one 13mm wrench.


Tom

One never knows what brand of throttle cable a PO put on a bike. Stock at the grip is 12mm however I have seen some that required a 13mm. Better to have too many tools than not have the right one.

Tom