Topic: Shorter throttle cables

[rangelov]

I have a CB750K4.  I have shorter handle bars.  As a result, my stock throttle cables are too long.  They go forward from the throttle and loop back to the steering head.  They are excessively long.

What other stock throttle cables could I use to so they would fit better?

[rangelov]

Anyone?

Someone has to done this before.

[MCRider]

It's trial and error depending on your bars. If you could get to a salvage yard and try some out...

The 550F and 400F cables should work and are shorter. I wouldn't pay retail to find out though.

[Gordon]

Anyone?

Someone has to done this before.

Lots of people.  In fact four pages of topics come up when searching for "shorter cables" on the tech forum.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?action=search2 

[odiewan]

MotionPro does custom cables. You can send them your stock cables and then give them instructions on what you want them to do.

http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/custom/

I have made my own as well. Racing bicycle cables and housings are much better quality that the stuff usually usually available for motorcycles. Making your own usually involves desoldering and soldering the little barrels onto the ends of the cable. Only thing is, good quality bicycle cables are stainless steel and you can't get solder to stick to them.

You can go down to your local bicycle shop and get brake cable housing (there is a difference than shifter housing) and the little end pieces (called ferrules). The other thing you will need is cable cutters. You can't cut bicycle cables or the housing with anything else. It will destroy the tool and your cable/housing.

It's kind of a pain, but then you have total control of what you want. The local vintage moto shop also has the brass barrels you need for the ends.

I made a set for my SV650 and it totally works great (I have done 3-4 trackdays with said cables).

[nancy]

Hi Rangelov,
I bought throttle cables from David Silver. These are a good fit and I have lower than spec bars - about 80mm height. If you tell me what you current cable measures - I'll tell you mine!
Regards
Mark

[swellguy]

It's not rocket science; it's easy to shorten your existing cables and Bob's your uncle.
This thread on Chopcult has become somewhat of a classic:

http://www.chopcult.com/forum/showthread.php?t=166

Now, having read the thread, I'll offer my 2¢ worth-
- finding ferules, cable end caps and screwmounts that hold the cable to the carb shouldn't be too hard to find. I would call around to independent bike shouldn't be too difficult. Some guys use premade bicycle cables but you're still left with trying to get the shorter cables to hook up to the carb (i'd leave the throttle tube ends alone). Or search out bits and pieces by say Venhill who make kits and sell them on eBay (along with some dealers, probably Brit ones firstly).
- go to a welding supply place to buy silver solder and the appropriate flux.
- heat the cable end and ferule in a vise which acts as a heat sink to protect the cable.
- once the ferule is pink hot, fill with solder.
- let cool and shape, smooth, etc. with a file, dremel, etc.