Topic: Cables: OEM vs. Motion Pro

[Scott S]

 What's everyones opinion on OEM cabes vs. aftermarket? Namely, Motion Pro?

 I tried aftermarket cables on my CB500. The throttle cable was too long, even when adjusted all the way out. The clutch cable fit and I was happy with it....until I rode a bike with genuine Honda cables.

 I'm now riding my '78 550K project bike. The throttle cable seems stiff and the clutch cable seems stretched (I'm running out of adjustment at the grip).
 A few people on here have said they're happy with the Motion Pro throttle cables.
 I can get BOTH cables for what just the OEM Honda throttle cable costs. There's also a very good chance I can get them locally, too. I'd have to order the Honda cables.

 What would you do?
 FWIW, the bars are Euro Stle bars, so, a little bit lower than stock.

[dhall57]

I always get OEM on my 750KO and K6.

[IndyFour]

I replaced my original (I assume) clutch cable with a Motion Pro last year just as a precaution....the old cable was working fine when removed, just old.  The regardless of routing, the new cable always seemed stiff.  Just last week while out on a ride, the new cable (one year old) failed.  Now the original cable is back on and working great....will still get a replacement and keep it on the bike just in case the old one fails someday.

The failure of the Motion Pro was probably a fluke or I just got a bad one....I'll probably get a different brand or OEM next time, though.

[DJ_AX]

Motion Pros have worked ok for me so far... no failures for 5 years and about 30k miles.

[Deltarider]

Have a close look at OEM cables and you'll be convinced. It's build quality and... Honda has different models to fit the various handlebars.

[Flying J]

I have been hit and miss with the Motion pro cables. some fit well some dont. OEM is hands down the best but when i build a custom bike I like to get custom length cables from motion pro.

[Scott S]

 Ordered new OEM clutch and throttle cables today from Western Hills. I'll wait until it's time for the next valve adjustment and swap the cables when the tank is off. I'll let you know if it makes a difference.

[Tugboat]

Note that Motion Pro cables are dry when you get 'em.... might explain why yours is stiff? Also, I have the -3.5" MP clutch cable on my 750F w/ Euro bars.. fits perfectly.

[BrockSamson]

Note that Motion Pro cables are dry when you get 'em.... might explain why yours is stiff? Also, I have the -3.5" MP clutch cable on my 750F w/ Euro bars.. fits perfectly.

+1 you need to lube the cables from Motion Pro.  If you read accounts of premature failure of these cables that is most likely the reason.  I haven't had any fitment issues with their throttle cables.

[Really?]

Note that Motion Pro cables are dry when you get 'em.... might explain why yours is stiff? Also, I have the -3.5" MP clutch cable on my 750F w/ Euro bars.. fits perfectly.

Ditto but on the K5.  Lubing is a PITA though, even using the tool they sell.

[Duke McDukiedook]

OEM all day if you are keeping stock length.

[westondc]

I've switched to Motion Pro cables on my CB500 and my quads. Really just because the local bike shop sells them and not the OEM. If i have an issue with the cable not fitting for some reason or prematurely breaking i can take it to them for a return... but I've never had a problem with the MP cables.

[becken]

I use stock Honda cables on my 550 set up stock and don't think you can find better. That being said, I put pullback risers on my VStar and needed 2" over stock cables and went with the Motion Pro and am very satisfied. You should lube the cables every year and don't forget to put a little grease on the barrel on the end of the cable where it fits into the lever as the barrel needs to pivot a little when you pull the clutch lever. If it doesn't pivot you will be bending the cable at the barrel and cause it to work harden and eventually break. If the cable breaks at the barrel this is most likely the reason.

[CBNJ74]

 I just snapped a motion pro pull cable after about month of use...never again. I just installed an OEM cable last night and it is the way to go.

[Deltarider]

OEM never ever need lubrification. Teflon inside. >130.000 kms, all cables are renewed only once.

[HondaMan]

It is easy to accidentally get the wrong cable: in particular, the PD carbs take slightly longer cable free-end than the earlier carbs, and trying to use a PD cable on early carbs results in slack that can't be removed. Going the 'other way' results in a very tight (if at all possible) fit-up. When I get these "grab bags" of old shop parts from "sales", the cables are often in the wrong bag, and I suffer wasted time (and $$) from it.

The Honda cables last for YEARS. My Honda throttle cables are 21 years old. The Motion-Pro sets are not as smooth and don't have the 'feel' of the superior cables, but are serviceable and in some cases, the only option. It's great of them to still make them available!

[Scott S]

 Well, I ordered my OEM cables from Western Hills and used their parts fiche to find the proper #'s for my '78 550K. Hopefully, they'll be correct. I'll let you know how they feel once I get them on.

[john_matrix]

I just replaced my original clutch cable with an OEM one.

Pricey, yes, but you use the clutch a lot. And it pulls sooo smooth. About the only thing on my bike that operates as nicely as a modern bike.

[Tamothy]

Testament to the criticism of Motion Pro cables as replacement. . . .
New throttle cables from Motion Pro for my '77 CB550F leave little room for future adjustment.  Definitely not the proper length for my application.

[HondaMan]

Testament to the criticism of Motion Pro cables as replacement. . . .
New throttle cables from Motion Pro for my '77 CB550F leave little room for future adjustment.  Definitely not the proper length for my application.

Their CB750F2/3 throttle cables are like that, too...

[1977_cb550k]

Partzilla have cb550 OEM cables at a reasonable price with low international shipping fees.
https://www.partzilla.com/product/honda/22870-374-000