Is this for the 550 race bike?
Checked my 550 cable and you need 3 1/2" of free length. Sounds like the cable you have has too much FL, and would make adjustment difficult if not impossible. Just ordered a Motion Pro (I know you don't like them
) for the cafe that is 1 1/2" shorter than stock (p/n 02-0124). Has a 46" housing, and 49 1/2" inner vs stock 47 1/2 / 51.