Why do you need a cable on a motorcycle?
Motorcycle cables have been used since motorcycles were first manufactured. These simple mechanical devices give the rider a means of controlling the throttle, clutch, and brakes (where applicable) from the handlebars or foot pedal.
What causes a clutch cable to break on a motorcycle?
Most of the time, cables break at the clutch lever or throttle when fittings cannot pivot freely causing cables to bend. Keep your fittings and brackets lubed to extend the service life of your cables.
How do you cut a cable for a motorcycle?
Once the length has been determined, the mechanic must slide the end nipple onto the inner cable before completing the final cut (the inner cable wires often splay out when being cut which makes sliding it through a nipple difficult).
How big is a throttle cable on a motorcycle?
Inner cable (typically sized ‘1’ for throttle cables, ‘2’ or ‘3’ for clutch cables and ‘4’ or ‘5’ for heavy duty brakes—rear brake applications on sidecars, for example) If the old cable is still available, the mechanic can duplicate the inner and outer lengths.
What kind of cable does a motorcycle use?
Your typical old motorcycle will have several – for the front brake, the clutch, the throttle – and maybe for the back brake, an air slide, a decompressor and the magneto as well. You may have noticed that these cables are not identical – in fact there is a whole variety of components used in control cables throughout the biking world.
Most of the time, cables break at the clutch lever or throttle when fittings cannot pivot freely causing cables to bend. Keep your fittings and brackets lubed to extend the service life of your cables.
When is it time to replace motorcycle cables?
Inspect your cables for any signs of wear. If the housings or fittings are damaged, it is time to invest in new cables. Also, if you notice that the vinyl coating on your cables is cracked, it means that the lubricant can escape allowing moisture and debris to get in.
How are the front brakes on a motorcycle?
Front brakes are usually operated by the hydraulic pressure transferred via the brake line from the main cylinder on the handlebar to the pistons in the brake caliper.