Clutch Cable Snapped While Parking

[tkdan235]

Today I got home and pulled my bike into the garage. I pulled it forward and I heard a tearing sound. The bike lunged forward (was in first gear) when I didn't expect it to thus causing me to lean back giving it some throttle. I let go as fast as I could but by that time I had run into my jetski, crashed through some boxes and thank GOD the bike fell over on a futon mattress.

No damage other than the fricken cable! This could have just happened in traffic only a minute before. I am soooo lucky! :blush

So maybe we should all go in our garages tonight and check our clutch cables. I realized that mine was most likely never replaced since 1972, for some reason I just did not think to replace it. I will post a few pictures in a bit.

My poor motorcycle! Frick I need a beer.

[keelerb]

Glad no damage done to rider or bike!

Just this last week I replaced the clutch cable on my 84. I got it used so no idea of condition of the one on there. I figure there's a lot of mishaps that you can hobble home through, but a snapped clutch cable is a toughie...

I did leave the old one in place, put baggies over each end and cable tied in place. If I need it, it's there - which generally perversely means I won't need it!

[kstoo]

so .... that is what futons are for, hmm?
I felt blessed when my R100T clutch cable broke just blocks from home and I still think that was better than breaking while in the garage after hearing your story. I don't have a futon, it would have been another motorcycle that would have stopped its fall.

[Vinton]

Where did it break?

[tkdan235]

<img src="http:///tkdan.com/tmp/garage_crash/800_IMG_3025.jpg" >
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<img src="http:///tkdan.com/tmp/garage_crash/800_IMG_3027.jpg" >
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Jetski trailer scratches and cover scratch...
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<img src="http:///tkdan.com/tmp/garage_crash/800_IMG_3028.jpg" >
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See the burgundy pad? Yea that saved my bike from a lot of damage. BTW I just moved.. I am not normally a slob as the picture below would show.
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<img src="http:///tkdan.com/tmp/garage_crash/800_IMG_3029.jpg" >

[barryg]

Sounds about right. I was riding my '71 R50/5 in Memphis, Tn. last year and my clutch cable broke at a stoplight. POW! Continued riding it without a clutch, just used my feel and rpms to gauge shifting. 30 mile ride back to Marion, Ar.. Can't remember for sure, but the cable was probably the orginal. Makes U aprreciate it when all your parts of the bike work properly.

[boxermaf]

That is usually right wear they break too if they haven't been pivoting properly at the lever end - better check the lever and perch assembly for burrs/nicks that could stop the cable from moving smoothly and pivoting in the receptacle in the lever. USe a little bit of grease on the end where it goes into the slot on the lever, too.

[keelerb]

I had the hydraulic clutch go on a Ducati in downtown Boston a few years ago. Managed to find a can of brake fluid to fill it up, still leaking like a sieve. I figured I had about a half dozen clutch pulls to get me home (15 miles) - including stopping at two toll gates - before the thing wouldn't disengage anymore. (that turned out to be about right....)

QUITE a ride!

Replaced the clutch slave cylinder and now am pretty paranoid about clutch cables....

[108625]

I had the hydraulic clutch go on a Ducati in downtown Boston a few years ago. Managed to find a can of brake fluid to fill it up, still leaking like a sieve. I figured I had about a half dozen clutch pulls to get me home (15 miles) - including stopping at two toll gates - before the thing wouldn't disengage anymore. (that turned out to be about right....)

QUITE a ride!

Replaced the clutch slave cylinder and now am pretty paranoid about clutch cables....

At least hydraulics don't snap suddenly and launch you into a jet ski!

[rocketman]

First lesson to be learned on an airhead, carry a full set of spare cables at all times! They do break, and as pointed out usually at the handle-bar end. The small barrel that fits in the handlebar grip should be well greased with something thick that will stay in place. I replace mine (brake and clutch) every 4 or so years, they are cheap enough to do so and will help prevent such. New cables have nylon coating inside the cable housing so that does not (nor should not from I've been told) need any lube just the pivot points.

RM

[From MARS]

First lesson to be learned on an airhead, carry a full set of spare cables at all times! They do break, and as pointed out usually at the handle-bar end. The small barrel that fits in the handlebar grip should be well greased with something thick that will stay in place. I replace mine (brake and clutch) every 4 or so years, they are cheap enough to do so and will help prevent such. New cables have nylon coating inside the cable housing so that does not (nor should not from I've been told) need any lube just the pivot points.

RM

As a soon-to-be airhead owner, I have started a list of things I need to carry on the bike. Cables are now on the list. Thanks for the heads up.

Someday, somewhere we can share our "broken clutch cable" stories. Mine was on a '71 H-D Sportster back in '73.

Tom

[crazydrummerdude]

I replace mine (brake and clutch) every 4 or so years, they are cheap enough to do so and will help prevent such.

Got some old ones you want to donate to a broke college student? :ha

[lkchris]

Good time to use that kill switch!

[kstoo]

Good time to use that kill switch!

WOW! You have got awfully good reactions!!
:stick

:bolt

[Rod Sheridan]

Two words...........Preventive maintenance.


Cable inspection is part of PM..............Regards, Rod.

[rocketman]

Got some old ones you want to donate to a broke college student? :ha

Well I did till this summer when one spare went to a fellow airhead at the rally I put on in WV when his clutch cable broke and another needy rider required spare brake and throttle cables this fall, so now I'm down to just one set of spares... they do tend to go quickly,, don't suppose you could come down to WV next summer for the rally and then suddenly "break" a few (?) as I should be replacing mine this winter so will have a second extra set by the next rally. Can you wait that long? :laugh

RM