Lubing the cables: Difference between revisions
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[[Category: Controls & Cables]] | [[Category: Controls & Cables]] | ||
==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. | ||
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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?== | |||
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 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== | |||
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. | ||