Bowden cable failed in traffic...

[Glofish]

After 17 years the bowden cable (clutch side) failed while in traffic.
Thank goodness I was mearly a few miles from home and not at the beginning leg of my return commute. I eased the bike into a parking lot and wondered who was going to recieve my 1st grader off of the bus in about 20 minutes.
Bad thoughts were swearling around my head. Didn't want to leave the bike where it was. I decided to give it the 'ol Navy try and attempt to get her home.
Watching the traffic pattern, I found I could get into traffic and make the lights without needing to come to a stop. Stopping was out of the question with no way to feather the clutch. The bike would simply quit if I couldn't find neutral at the precise time. And how to get going, once again, from a complete stop.
Well, the lot I was in had a nice grade towards a drain and was able to get enough forward motion going to bump it into first gear from nuetral without stalling. Next I circled around the lot and timed my re-entry into traffic and was moving with some trepidation towards the next stop light. I just made it through as the light went amber. I was home free now as I knew the durations for the next two traffic lights.
Made it home with time to spare and reflect on my brief oddesy. I could hear the bus rumbling towards the house.
All is good....except for the busted cable and my inability to ride until I order a new cable and install it.

-Glofish

P.S. Anybody know if there are any tricks to installing a new clutch cable on a 1988 K75C?? Thanks in advance : )

[Eric1514]

The only suggestion I can make, is to get the part number off the old cable before you order the new one. It is painted on the sheath. On my 87 K75, the previous owner must have swapped bars or something, but the cable I ordered from A&S was about 4" too short. I didn't find this out until I had removed the tank and old cable. It took a few more days to send the new one back and get the "correct" one.

Just make notes of how the old cable routes. The rubber boot down by the tranny is a minor PITA but you'll figure it out. Also, lube the barrel up in the hand grip that hold the cable and keep it lubed. Check from underneath the lever that it rotates slightly when you squeeze the lever. If it doesn't, you'll be buying a new cable soon, again.

Good Luck,
Eric

P.S. Congrats on making it home. That takes planning, skill and a little luck.

[cjack]

After 17 years the bowden cable (clutch side) failed while in traffic.

P.S. Anybody know if there are any tricks to installing a new clutch cable on a 1988 K75C?? Thanks in advance : )

I usually tape the new one to the bottom of the old one, grease up the bundle making sure it is smooth so it won't catch on anything and pull the new cable thru. Works every time...even in a parking lot in British Columbia.

[Bobmws]

If your cable broke at the lever, make sure to barrel the cable end fits into didn't fall out. Be sure to lube the barrel when you replace the cable.