Lubing the cables - Revision history

Bokonon: /* How to lube the clutch cable */

2011-03-09T21:54:42Z

How to lube the clutch cable

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:54, 9 March 2011
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	[http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/tools/view/cable_luber/ Motion Pro Cable Luber]		[http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/tools/view/cable_luber/ Motion Pro Cable Luber]

			====Cable breakage====

			The clutch cable tends to break more often than many people think it should, usually right here:

			[[image:Fray2w.jpg\|150px]]

			Since dealers quite often don't have these in stock, you might want to get a spare cable and zip-tie it to the current one. Should your cable break, it is just a matter of hooking up both ends and you are on your way home. That or [[Can I ride my bike home if the clutch cable breaks?\|shifting clutchless]] for the rest of your ride.

	==What should I use for lubricant?==		==What should I use for lubricant?==

Bokonon at 17:56, 24 October 2009

2009-10-24T17:56:16Z

Bokonon: /* Other available tools: */

2009-08-15T10:39:08Z

Other available tools:

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:39, 15 August 2009
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	[http://www.protectall.com/cable_life.htm Protect All Cable Luber]		[http://www.protectall.com/cable_life.htm Protect All Cable Luber]

	:*Good how-to from [http://www.protectall.com/~~cablelif2~~.~~htm~~ Protect All]		:*Good how-to from [http://www.protectall.com/cablehowto.aspx Protect All]

	[http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/tools/view/cable_luber/ Motion Pro Cable Luber]		[http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/tools/view/cable_luber/ Motion Pro Cable Luber]

Bokonon at 10:36, 15 August 2009

2009-08-15T10:36:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:36, 15 August 2009
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	[[Image:Clutch_cable_lube_2.jpg\|150px]]		[[Image:Clutch_cable_lube_2.jpg\|150px]]

	At this point, do yourself a favor and depress the clutch switch (a small, 1/8" diameter, 1/4" long spring-loaded piece of plastic that is activated by squeezing/releasing the clutch lever) and use a piece of tape to keep it depressed while you are working, as it is very easily broken off. It can be difficult to do before starting, so ~~you may wish to do so~~ after removing the cable. The switch is most prone to breaking while reconnecting the cable. Don't forget to remove the tape when you are done.		At this point, do yourself a favor and depress the clutch switch (a small, 1/8" diameter, 1/4" long spring-loaded piece of plastic that is activated by squeezing/releasing the clutch lever) and use a piece of tape to keep it depressed while you are working, as it is very easily broken off. It can be difficult to do this before starting, so wait until after removing the cable. The switch is most prone to breaking while reconnecting the cable. Don't forget to remove the tape when you are done.

	[[image:clutch switch.jpg\|150px]]		[[image:clutch switch.jpg\|150px]]

Bokonon at 10:34, 15 August 2009

2009-08-15T10:34:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:34, 15 August 2009
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	[[Image:Clutch_cable_lube_2.jpg\|150px]]		[[Image:Clutch_cable_lube_2.jpg\|150px]]

	At this point, do yourself a favor and depress the clutch switch (a small, 1/8" diameter, 1/4" long spring-loaded piece of plastic that is activated by squeezing/releasing the clutch lever) and use a piece of tape to keep it depressed while you are working, as it is very easily broken off. It can be difficult to do before starting, so you may wish to do so after removing the cable. ~~Do this before reconnecting it, as that is when it~~ is most prone to breaking. Don't forget to remove the tape when you are done.		At this point, do yourself a favor and depress the clutch switch (a small, 1/8" diameter, 1/4" long spring-loaded piece of plastic that is activated by squeezing/releasing the clutch lever) and use a piece of tape to keep it depressed while you are working, as it is very easily broken off. It can be difficult to do before starting, so you may wish to do so after removing the cable. The switch is most prone to breaking while reconnecting the cable. Don't forget to remove the tape when you are done.

	[[image:clutch switch.jpg\|150px]]		[[image:clutch switch.jpg\|150px]]

Bokonon: /* How to lube the clutch cable */

2009-08-15T10:32:34Z

How to lube the clutch cable

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:32, 15 August 2009
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	[[Category: Controls & Cables]]		[[Category: Controls & Cables]]
	====How to lube the clutch cable====		====How to lube the clutch cable====

			This is a fairly easy task that should be done at least once a year, more often if the bike is parked outside or exposed to salt air.

	Here's the genuine Kawasaki cable lubrication tool:		Here's the genuine Kawasaki cable lubrication tool:
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	[[Image:Clutch_cable_lube_1.jpg\|150px]]		[[Image:Clutch_cable_lube_1.jpg\|150px]]

	~~Do yourself a favor and depress~~ the clutch ~~switch (a small, 1/8" diameter 1/4" long spring-loaded piece of plastic that is activated by squeezing/releasing~~ the ~~clutch~~ lever~~) and use a piece of tape to keep~~ it ~~depressed while you are working, as it is very easily broken off. It can be difficult to do before starting, so you may wish to do so after removing~~ the ~~lever, but before reconnecting it, as that is when it is most prone to breaking. Don't forget to remove~~ the ~~tape when you are done~~.		Disconnect the clutch cable from the lever (loosening it at the [[Adjusting the clutch cable\|clutch cover]] first makes this task easier):

			[[Image:Clutch_cable_lube_2.jpg\|150px]]

	~~Disconnect~~ the clutch ~~cable from~~ the lever ~~(loosening~~ it at the ~~clutch cover first makes~~ this ~~task easier):~~		At this point, do yourself a favor and depress the clutch switch (a small, 1/8" diameter, 1/4" long spring-loaded piece of plastic that is activated by squeezing/releasing the clutch lever) and use a piece of tape to keep it depressed while you are working, as it is very easily broken off. It can be difficult to do before starting, so you may wish to do so after removing the cable. Do this before reconnecting it, as that is when it is most prone to breaking. Don't forget to remove the tape when you are done.

	[[~~Image~~:~~Clutch_cable_lube_2~~.jpg\|150px]]		[[image:clutch switch.jpg\|150px]]

	Clamp the tool to the cable. The thin part of the tool goes on the cable and the wider part attaches to the sheath. This lets the lube run down the cable, inside the sheath, without making too much of a mess.		Clamp the tool to the cable. The thin part of the tool goes on the cable and the wider part attaches to the sheath. This lets the lube run down the cable, inside the sheath, without making ''too much'' of a mess.

	[[Image:Clutch_cable_lube_3.jpg\|150px]]		[[Image:Clutch_cable_lube_3.jpg\|150px]]
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	[[Image:Clutch_cable_lube_4.jpg\|150px]]		[[Image:Clutch_cable_lube_4.jpg\|150px]]

	Hook the cable back up, [[Adjusting the clutch cable\|adjust the slack]], and enjoy silky smooth clutch action!		Hook the cable back up, [[Adjusting the clutch cable\|adjust the slack]], and enjoy silky smooth clutch action.

	====Other available tools:====		====Other available tools:====

Bokonon: /* What should I use for lubricant? */

2009-03-15T11:21:49Z

What should I use for lubricant?

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:21, 15 March 2009
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	====What should I use for lubricant?====		====What should I use for lubricant?====

	Pretty much anything that won't gum up your cables will work. There are a couple things you shouldn't use, though. WD-40 is not a lubricant. Also stay away from chain wax. You don't want something waxy building up. It doesn't cost much to get the right stuff. Your motorcycle shop should have something similar to the Protect All [http://www.protectall.com/cable_life.htm Cable Life Kit]. You can also find multi-purpose lubes such as those made by [http://www.kpg-industrial.com/products/all_purpose_silicone_lube Krylon] or [http://~~performancelubricant~~.dupont.com/~~dp_products_multi~~.html Dupont] in many hardware stores and big boxes. If you have a good [http://www.finishlineusa.com/products/teflon-plus-lube.htm bicycle lube] that will work fine as well.		Pretty much anything that won't gum up your cables will work. There are a couple things you shouldn't use, though. WD-40 is not a lubricant. Also stay away from chain wax. You don't want something waxy building up. It doesn't cost much to get the right stuff. Your motorcycle shop should have something similar to the Protect All [http://www.protectall.com/cable_life.htm Cable Life Kit]. You can also find multi-purpose lubes such as those made by [http://www.kpg-industrial.com/products/all_purpose_silicone_lube Krylon] or [http://www2.dupont.com/Consumer_Lubricants/en_US/products/dryfilm.html Dupont] in many hardware stores and big boxes. If you have a good [http://www.finishlineusa.com/products/teflon-plus-lube.htm bicycle lube] that will work fine as well.

	====Lubing the throttle cables====		====Lubing the throttle cables====

Bokonon: /* Other available tools: */

2009-03-15T11:18:05Z

Other available tools:

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:18, 15 March 2009
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	[http://www.protectall.com/cable_life.htm Protect All Cable Luber]		[http://www.protectall.com/cable_life.htm Protect All Cable Luber]

	:Good how-to from [http://www.protectall.com/cablelif2.htm Protect All]		:*Good how-to from [http://www.protectall.com/cablelif2.htm Protect All]

	[http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/tools/view/cable_luber/ Motion Pro Cable Luber]		[http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/tools/view/cable_luber/ Motion Pro Cable Luber]

Bokonon: /* Lubing the throttle cables */

2009-03-15T11:17:11Z

Lubing the throttle cables

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:17, 15 March 2009
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	====Lubing the throttle cables====		====Lubing the throttle cables====

	Lubing a throttle cable is done in the exact same fashion as lubing a clutch cable. Use the same cable lubing device. Work the cable back and forth a few times throughout the process. There is one difference, though. The throttle cables are '''a bear''' to get off and then back on correctly, much more so than the clutch. Putting all the throttle components back in the correct place can be an exercise in frustration. Also, there are two throttle cables: one to open the throttle and one to pull it back closed. It is very difficult to get a cable luber on the opener cable. It has this weird, J-shaped guide on it that can't be removed, and if you pull the cable far enough to get that out of the way, there's a big plastic thing on the end of the sheath that won't budge, or fit in the cable luber. What to do?		Lubing a throttle cable is done in the exact same fashion as lubing a clutch cable. Use the same cable lubing device. Work the cable back and forth a few times throughout the process. There is one difference, though. The throttle cables are '''a bear''' to get off and [[Throttle cable dis/re-assembly\|then back on]] correctly, much more so than the clutch. Putting all the throttle components back in the correct place can be an exercise in frustration. Also, there are two throttle cables: one to open the throttle and one to pull it back closed. It is very difficult to get a cable luber on the opener cable. It has this weird, J-shaped guide on it that can't be removed, and if you pull the cable far enough to get that out of the way, there's a big plastic thing on the end of the sheath that won't budge, or fit in the cable luber. What to do?

	Don't try to lube the throttle cable from the bar end. Go down to the carb end and work from there. Mark or measure the position of your cables relative to the adjusters, so that when you put them back together you won't have to readjust them. Then, simply loosen the adjusters, put your cable luber on the end of the cable, and spray until you see the lube coming out the top end. You will want to have a rag at the top to collect drippage. Wes says he's been doing it this way for seven years and has had no problems with the switches.		Don't try to lube the throttle cable from the bar end. Go down to the carb end and work from there. Mark or measure the position of your cables relative to the adjusters, so that when you put them back together you won't have to readjust them. Then, simply loosen the adjusters, put your cable luber on the end of the cable, and spray until you see the lube coming out the top end. You will want to have a rag at the top to collect drippage. Wes says he's been doing it this way for seven years and has had no problems with the switches.

			[[image:cablelube1.jpg\|150px]]

	Details:		Details:

Bokonon at 00:58, 4 February 2009

2009-02-04T00:58:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:58, 3 February 2009
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	[[Image:Clutch_cable_lube_4.jpg\|150px]]		[[Image:Clutch_cable_lube_4.jpg\|150px]]

	Hook the cable back up, [[~~How do I measure chain slack?~~\|adjust the slack]], and enjoy silky smooth clutch action!		Hook the cable back up, [[Adjusting the clutch cable\|adjust the slack]], and enjoy silky smooth clutch action!

	====Other available tools:====		====Other available tools:====

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:56, 24 October 2009
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category: Controls & Cables]]		[[Category: Controls & Cables]]
	====How to lube the clutch cable====		==How to lube the clutch cable==

	This is a fairly easy task that should be done at least once a year, more often if the bike is parked outside or exposed to salt air.		This is a fairly easy task that should be done at least once a year, more often if the bike is parked outside or exposed to salt air.
Line 26:		Line 26:
	Hook the cable back up, [[Adjusting the clutch cable\|adjust the slack]], and enjoy silky smooth clutch action.		Hook the cable back up, [[Adjusting the clutch cable\|adjust the slack]], and enjoy silky smooth clutch action.

	====Other available tools:====		====Other available tools====

	[http://www.protectall.com/cable_life.htm Protect All Cable Luber]		[http://www.protectall.com/cable_life.htm Protect All Cable Luber]
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	[http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/tools/view/cable_luber/ Motion Pro Cable Luber]		[http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/tools/view/cable_luber/ Motion Pro Cable Luber]

	====What should I use for lubricant?====		==What should I use for lubricant?==

	Pretty much anything that won't gum up your cables will work. There are a couple things you shouldn't use, though. WD-40 is not a lubricant. Also stay away from chain wax. You don't want something waxy building up. It doesn't cost much to get the right stuff. Your motorcycle shop should have something similar to the Protect All [http://www.protectall.com/cable_life.htm Cable Life Kit]. You can also find multi-purpose lubes such as those made by [http://www.kpg-industrial.com/products/all_purpose_silicone_lube Krylon] or [http://www2.dupont.com/Consumer_Lubricants/en_US/products/dryfilm.html Dupont] in many hardware stores and big boxes. If you have a good [http://www.finishlineusa.com/products/teflon-plus-lube.htm bicycle lube] that will work fine as well.		Pretty much anything that won't gum up your cables will work. There are a couple things you shouldn't use, though. WD-40 is not a lubricant. Also stay away from chain wax. You don't want something waxy building up. It doesn't cost much to get the right stuff. Your motorcycle shop should have something similar to the Protect All [http://www.protectall.com/cable_life.htm Cable Life Kit]. You can also find multi-purpose lubes such as those made by [http://www.kpg-industrial.com/products/all_purpose_silicone_lube Krylon] or [http://www2.dupont.com/Consumer_Lubricants/en_US/products/dryfilm.html Dupont] in many hardware stores and big boxes. If you have a good [http://www.finishlineusa.com/products/teflon-plus-lube.htm bicycle lube] that will work fine as well.

	====Lubing the throttle cables====		==Lubing the throttle cables==

	Lubing a throttle cable is done in the exact same fashion as lubing a clutch cable. Use the same cable lubing device. Work the cable back and forth a few times throughout the process. There is one difference, though. The throttle cables are '''a bear''' to get off and [[Throttle cable dis/re-assembly\|then back on]] correctly, much more so than the clutch. Putting all the throttle components back in the correct place can be an exercise in frustration. Also, there are two throttle cables: one to open the throttle and one to pull it back closed. It is very difficult to get a cable luber on the opener cable. It has this weird, J-shaped guide on it that can't be removed, and if you pull the cable far enough to get that out of the way, there's a big plastic thing on the end of the sheath that won't budge, or fit in the cable luber. What to do?		Lubing a throttle cable is done in the exact same fashion as lubing a clutch cable. Use the same cable lubing device. Work the cable back and forth a few times throughout the process. There is one difference, though. The throttle cables are '''a bear''' to get off and [[Throttle cable dis/re-assembly\|then back on]] correctly, much more so than the clutch. Putting all the throttle components back in the correct place can be an exercise in frustration. Also, there are two throttle cables: one to open the throttle and one to pull it back closed. It is very difficult to get a cable luber on the opener cable. It has this weird, J-shaped guide on it that can't be removed, and if you pull the cable far enough to get that out of the way, there's a big plastic thing on the end of the sheath that won't budge, or fit in the cable luber. What to do?
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	This same method can be used for the clutch cable, if you like.		This same method can be used for the clutch cable, if you like.

	====How to lube the speedometer cable====		==How to lube the speedometer cable==

	Speedo cables will sooner or later dry up their original lubrication, and you will see the needle start to jump on the dial. It wants lubrication. If ignored, it will get worse and break. The cable is a tiny, long, coiled spring with square ends formed on it for a drive. You can lube the cable by disconnecting the knurled knob on the speedo gearbox on the front axle with your fingers. No need to disturb the upper end fitting at the speedo.		Speedo cables will sooner or later dry up their original lubrication, and you will see the needle start to jump on the dial. It wants lubrication. If ignored, it will get worse and break. The cable is a tiny, long, coiled spring with square ends formed on it for a drive. You can lube the cable by disconnecting the knurled knob on the speedo gearbox on the front axle with your fingers. No need to disturb the upper end fitting at the speedo.