Author Topic: Broken clutch cable in the middle of no where  (Read 5774 times)

Offline Laitch

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Re: Broken clutch cable in the middle of no where
« Reply #25 on: March 11, 2020, 01:03:57 AM »
If your moto has an RT handlebar and that cable is from a stock RS, that could be a problem. Does the cable have some slack? If the cable is too long, that could also cause binding in lever action. You seem to be able to set free cable length so things might be ok.


Here's how I do a basic clutch adjustment on my K75.
  • Disconnect the side stand retractor rod by removing its rectangular nut.
  • Adjust the free cable length using the hand lever adjuster.
  • Loosen then back off the clutch arm bolt from the piston/boot assembly, tighten it until it touches the assembly then lock it.
  • Set the hand lever free play to 2–4mm when operated with one finger on the lever.
  • Reattach the retraction rod and set it so the stand will retract with a firm—not heavy—pull. Don't sweat this now. Just attach the rod with bare tension and move on.
Clutch cable routing affects ease of pull. Move it around to determine if the pull improves. Lubrication of the clutch arm affects ease of pull. Corrosion might be at play. Oil the pivot if you can.
  • Along the Ridley in Vermont.
  • 1995 K75 89,000 miles
I wept because I had no radials until I met a man who had no splines.
https://tinyurl.com/RillRider

Offline beemuker

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Re: Broken clutch cable in the middle of no where
« Reply #26 on: March 11, 2020, 09:07:42 AM »
all this clutch cable talk has me thinking of putting a spare on the brick. max wants $50+, what about this aftermarket one on fleabay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-CLUTCH-CABLE-K75-K75-C-S-K100-K100RS-K1-Made-by-Venhill-USA-Dealer/222485236799?hash=item33cd274c3f:g:y7oAAOSw~gRVx5yP

best option?
  • Panama City, FL
  • '00 R1100RT,’92 K75 RT,past tense:'83 R80ST, '93 K1100LT,,94 R1100RS K75s, Honda NC700, Suzuki Bandit 1200, bmw R75/5 Honda 750

Offline Laitch

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Re: Broken clutch cable in the middle of no where
« Reply #27 on: March 11, 2020, 09:25:27 AM »
all this clutch cable talk has me thinking of putting a spare on the brick. best option?
According to tribal lore, just carrying any spare cable is insurance that you won't need it. I've read some good forum reviews of Venhill cables. The ad indicates they'll fit low bars. I'd ask the vendor for tip-to-tip measurements.
  • Along the Ridley in Vermont.
  • 1995 K75 89,000 miles
I wept because I had no radials until I met a man who had no splines.
https://tinyurl.com/RillRider

Offline The Mighty Gryphon

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Re: Broken clutch cable in the middle of no where
« Reply #28 on: March 11, 2020, 09:40:57 AM »
From what I have learned doing graduate work at the school of hard knocks is that the only spare parts that prevent failure are expensive OEM. 

There are stories about that aftermarket cables are not as reliable as OEM.  An unreliable cable will not prevent the cable on the bike from breaking. 
  • In my garage in Marilla, NY
  • '91K100RS White/Blue
Current:
'91 K100RS16V "Moby Brick Too"

Past:
'94 K75RT "Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS"
'92 K100RS16V "Moby Brick" (RIP, deceased in a vehicular assault)
'94 K75S Special Edition Dakar Yellow "Cheetos"
'89 K100RS Special Edition "Special Ed"

Offline Laitch

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Re: Broken clutch cable in the middle of no where
« Reply #29 on: March 11, 2020, 10:25:30 AM »
An unreliable cable will not prevent the cable on the bike from breaking.
Now there's shamanic lore from an irrefutable source.  112350
  • Along the Ridley in Vermont.
  • 1995 K75 89,000 miles
I wept because I had no radials until I met a man who had no splines.
https://tinyurl.com/RillRider

Offline beemuker

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Re: Broken clutch cable in the middle of no where
« Reply #30 on: March 11, 2020, 11:37:45 AM »
so string and / or bailing wire is out?
  • Panama City, FL
  • '00 R1100RT,’92 K75 RT,past tense:'83 R80ST, '93 K1100LT,,94 R1100RS K75s, Honda NC700, Suzuki Bandit 1200, bmw R75/5 Honda 750

Offline beemuker

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Re: Broken clutch cable in the middle of no where
« Reply #31 on: March 11, 2020, 11:42:47 AM »
According to tribal lore, just carrying any spare cable is insurance that you won't need it. I've read some good forum reviews of Venhill cables. The ad indicates they'll fit low bars. I'd ask the vendor for tip-to-tip measurements.

New message from: ocd_machine Top Rated Seller(1,908Red Star)
Approximately 59 3/4 inches, stock size.

Best regards,
Lyn
  • Panama City, FL
  • '00 R1100RT,’92 K75 RT,past tense:'83 R80ST, '93 K1100LT,,94 R1100RS K75s, Honda NC700, Suzuki Bandit 1200, bmw R75/5 Honda 750

Offline Laitch

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Re: Broken clutch cable in the middle of no where
« Reply #32 on: March 11, 2020, 11:52:46 AM »
Stock S cable is 1510mm; Venhill is 1518mm so it's in the ballpark for length and it's Teflon lined, too. If you use it, please review it.

  • Along the Ridley in Vermont.
  • 1995 K75 89,000 miles
I wept because I had no radials until I met a man who had no splines.
https://tinyurl.com/RillRider

Offline beemuker

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Re: Broken clutch cable in the middle of no where
« Reply #33 on: March 11, 2020, 12:49:31 PM »
Stock S cable is 1510mm; Venhill is 1518mm so it's in the ballpark for length and it's Teflon lined, too. If you use it, please review it.
I’m going to get it as a spare and hope not to need it but you never know
  • Panama City, FL
  • '00 R1100RT,’92 K75 RT,past tense:'83 R80ST, '93 K1100LT,,94 R1100RS K75s, Honda NC700, Suzuki Bandit 1200, bmw R75/5 Honda 750

Offline Laitch

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Re: Broken clutch cable in the middle of no where
« Reply #34 on: March 11, 2020, 12:58:55 PM »
. . . but you never know
evanwellsK75 probably wouldn't dispute that.
  • Along the Ridley in Vermont.
  • 1995 K75 89,000 miles
I wept because I had no radials until I met a man who had no splines.
https://tinyurl.com/RillRider

Online Martin

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Re: Broken clutch cable in the middle of no where
« Reply #35 on: March 11, 2020, 02:05:42 PM »
I've seen the nipples pull off on non OEM cables. A mate who used my spare when his non OEM cables nipple came off wanted to replace it with a Venhill I declined. A mate of a mate tried the same thing wanted to use my spare and replace it with a Venhill, I declined and he had the longer cable anyhow. I found this site on cable reviews a bit of a mixed bag https://www.amazon.com/Venhill-U01-1-100-BK-Universal-Motorcycle-Clutch/product-reviews/B00O1C26SW
Regards Martin.
  • North Lakes Queensland Australia
  • 1992 K75s Hybrid, Lefaux, Vespa V twin.

Offline beemuker

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Re: Broken clutch cable in the middle of no where
« Reply #36 on: March 11, 2020, 02:25:37 PM »
I've seen the nipples pull off on non OEM cables. A mate who used my spare when his non OEM cables nipple came off wanted to replace it with a Venhill I declined. A mate of a mate tried the same thing wanted to use my spare and replace it with a Venhill, I declined and he had the longer cable anyhow. I found this site on cable reviews a bit of a mixed bag https://www.amazon.com/Venhill-U01-1-100-BK-Universal-Motorcycle-Clutch/product-reviews/B00O1C26SW
Regards Martin.
Oh well I already ordered it but going to use it as a spare hopefully if my original breaks it at least get me home without having to clutchless shift it
  • Panama City, FL
  • '00 R1100RT,’92 K75 RT,past tense:'83 R80ST, '93 K1100LT,,94 R1100RS K75s, Honda NC700, Suzuki Bandit 1200, bmw R75/5 Honda 750

Online Martin

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Re: Broken clutch cable in the middle of no where
« Reply #37 on: March 11, 2020, 02:44:41 PM »
My OEM cable is coming up to it's 28th birthday. The key to long cable life is make sure the routing is correct, lube the cable with a PTFE lube, fit a grease nipple to the clutch arm, grease the nipples at both ends, grease the wear points on the lever, and make sure the clutch lever is not worn and catching on the cable. The reason I declined the Venhill swap was they were half the price of an OEM cable, and I had at that point never replaced a OEM cable on my bike. However last year I did have to replace my 27 year old throttle cable.
Regards Martin.
  • North Lakes Queensland Australia
  • 1992 K75s Hybrid, Lefaux, Vespa V twin.

Offline BlitzenGruv

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Re: Broken clutch cable in the middle of no where
« Reply #38 on: March 13, 2020, 01:28:17 AM »
There's another time-tested solution: carry a spare cable when riding long distance! We used to coil it up inside the headlight shell. But, as much trouble as it is to get the headlight outta these bikes you must find another place.
  • Crossville, TN
  • '92 K100rs, 16v, '71 BSA Lightning, '72 Triumph Bonneville, '72 Triumph Trident
You say I'm schizophrenic, but I don't believe we are.

Offline Laitch

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Re: Broken clutch cable in the middle of no where
« Reply #39 on: March 13, 2020, 01:47:22 AM »
Oh well I already ordered it but going to use it as a spare hopefully if my original breaks it at least get me home without having to clutchless shift it
If you don't have confidence using the cable you just purchased as a spare, I suggest you install it when you receive it and use your current cable as a spare. That would serve two purposes. You'd be able to review its fit and performance for us and you would insure having a proven working spare cable for yourself.
  • Along the Ridley in Vermont.
  • 1995 K75 89,000 miles
I wept because I had no radials until I met a man who had no splines.
https://tinyurl.com/RillRider

Offline volador

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Re: Broken clutch cable in the middle of no where
« Reply #40 on: March 13, 2020, 03:24:20 AM »
As magical as a unicorn, a few drops of PTFE silky smoothness. For all your clutch cable lubrication needs, use on a regular basis. It is just a wonderful product.

  • NYC NY
  • 1991 K100RS 1993 K75S ABS
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Online Martin

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Re: Broken clutch cable in the middle of no where
« Reply #41 on: March 13, 2020, 04:02:45 AM »
While working for ESSO in the mid 1980's I was given a can as a trial. I had a sticky Rollador on my garage so I sprayed the runners. On the first lift it shot all the way to the top with no effort. I now only use it on cables, it is just about on it's last legs and I'll have to buy a new can. Really good stuff I've been using on my Brick cables for over 20 years.
Regards Martin.
  • North Lakes Queensland Australia
  • 1992 K75s Hybrid, Lefaux, Vespa V twin.

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