Shorter cables.

TerryK

TerryK

"Lift up yer' kilt n' let it dangle!"
Obviously building a cafe racer requires shorter control cables. Where do you guys get yours? A dealer here makes them but they suck. I'm in desperate need of a shorter clutch cable for my SR500 project. And help would be appreciated.
 
I had actually bought a set of 10-inch oversize cables since they were a great deal and I shortened them using the instructions in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axGTa0SvXjE

Since then I noticed there is another video from Ichiban Moto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzARBO7Zcnc that might be ever better.
 
Almost forgot. Both videos have you drilling out and reusing the "barrel" that the end of the cable is soldered to. I found this to be quite a pain to do so you might want to buy some new barrels from Dime City: http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-handlebar-parts-carburetor-end-throttle-brass-nipple-01-0011.html
Of course, you'll have to double-check what size you need. They have cable end-caps for sale also.
 
Years and years of messing with cables, from my ACS rotor days to GYROs and knarps and homemade gyro cables to my time messing with powered bikes, I will tell you that using those Napa cable stops is the easiest, safest and economical way to go. I don't use the supplied screws, I use allen head bungs.

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Thanks guys. I used to make my own cables but when it comes to clutch cables I'd much rather have something I trust. Not very much fun having you clutch cable end pull off when you are many miles from home and Ive had this happen more than once with custom cables made by myself and others.

Thanks djfob. Looks like Motion Pro is going to get the nod. They have a page specifically for custom cables and and will build to suit. I truly should have known!! :p
 
Hey man,

You might want to give this a look... I just ordered some to try on my build. I can't comment on the quality yet, but it seems like a reasonable solution.

http://www.venhillusa.com/catalog/universal-cable-kits/venhill-universal-motorcycle-clutch-cable-kit.html
 
The key is to use the brass ones that have threads on both sides. It ensures you don't get the strength from kink, but from even torque pinch. Make sure the hole is drilled for the exact size of the cable.
 
those set screw ends are not a secure deal that you could rely on for the normal life of a cable they are an stop gap emergency repair deal
 
Then you didn't comprehend it.

Using the brass ferrules is a no no. Use steel ones. Using screws? Nope, using ferrules? Yes.

Ferrules put an even amount of torque on the cable and they last as long as a normal cable does. Pinching the cable with the screw shortens the life of the cable dramatically.

But, you don't seem to care or know what I'm talking about. So there will be some short or terse, "fuck you" reply where you claim that 137 years of riding experience trumps all others or something.

So much shit on this site is about hearsay and very little real world practical knowledge. That then becomes misinformation and myth when perpetuated.
 
i still dont feel the 2 set screw deal is as secure as swaged or soldered cable end
most set screws have a sharp cupped end which bites the cable nicely but also cuts into a few strands
i have used them with some success but always grind a little of the cup off the ends of the setscrews
thanks to your post i rememberd that i have some o them in my tool box and am going to start packing a couple of them and a good pair of dykes in my on the bike toolkit...
Having the spares with me to repair a cable will pretty much guarantee i won't break one while out
murphies law dontcha know


oh i almost forgot, fuck off ;D


happy now
 
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