Topic: Hard throttle return: solved

[Henry Dorset Case]

On my very original CB400F, one of the jobs that I had been putting off was dealing with the very high throttle resistance.  I could turn it and it would just stop, no auto return.   I had convinced myself that there was something wrong with the throttle or the carbs or both and that it would be a major issue.

I did some searches and came up with this thread, which only kind of made it into a bigger deal in my mind:

http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=1162.0

but I thought the advice about trying the simple stuff first was good advice, so I changed the throttle cables for new tonight.  It IMMEDIATELY cured the problem.  New cables plus correct routing means the throttle snaps shut quicker than new knicker elastic.

I just had to post this because I feel so relieved!

The lesson for me though is:  Do the simple stuff first, then look for harder problems!

[dusterdude]

henry,i had the same issue with my 750.i changed the cables and when i pulled the throttle off the handlebars there was no lubrication between the sleeve and the handlebar.i greased it up and it works real good now.i may still play with the return spring at a later date.its still a wee bit stiff,but not terribly bad

[hymodyne]

had the same issue with the original cables on my 500, it was like having a built in cruise control...changed the cables for new ones and  there was an instant improvement.

hym

[Dennis]

These are 30 year old cables. They have a way of collecting dirt and gunk in places we'll never see. Add a little rust and the original lube is long since gone and you will have a lot of drag in the cable. You will be amazed at the improvement cleaning and lubing (done thoroughly and properly) will give on one of these old cables assuming that there is nothing major wrong with it. Not trying to talk you out of changing them, just commenting.

I did order a brand new (and yes, sorry, but I am going to BRAND BASH here) Motion Pro clutch cable for my Yammie RZ. We were checking out the hanging clutch (it was the basket) and were going to change it (the cable) at that time. Well the OEM cable was not in perfect condition, but it was usable and not stretched. I looked at the MP and couldn't believe it. It was not even close to the Yamaha cable. The Yamaha cable had extra covers plus an exterior spring to prevent the cable from taking too sharp a radius where it had to curve around the frame. It was purchased from a major mail order supplier most of you know and it immediately went back. Yamaha put all that other stuff into the cable and I did not feel comfortable where it was left off.
I will not buy another Motion Pro cable unless there is absolutely no other option.

[LeoLegendATL]

I bought the push and pull motion pro's for my cb750 f and they work great, sure it was the right part?

[Dennis]

I bought the push and pull motion pro's for my cb750 f and they work great, sure it was the right part?

Yes it was the right part. It look right. P/N matched. Length was correct and ends (sort of) fit. All the special features Yamaha put on the cable Motion pro left off. I'm sure it would have worked as well as the old Yamaha one, at least initially, but Yamaha put all of that extra stuff on there for a reason. The RZ is a rather demanding application.
The Honda push/pull throttle cables are pretty straightforward. There isn't much they can cheat on. I am disappointed that they did it on the Yammie cable. I expected better from them. They ain't cheap! The Yammaha cable for that application is even more expensive, about $40, which is why I tried the MP, and then it cost to send it back!! If I remember correctly, the cable was manufactured in China.