1978 GL1000 Throttle Cable

[Stealth126]

I'm just getting ready to put my carbs back on after a rebuild and I decided to check my throttle and choke cables. The cable that lengthens when you accelerate and retracts when the throttle returns to idle doesn't move at all. I've adjusted the length to see if it makes a difference. Nothing. Is there a lubrication for throttle cables? Or is this an indication to just replace it? Is there something I'm missing? This is my first project.

[Stealth126]

Also, when I rotate the throttle handle back and forth it sounds like there's sand in the mechanism. That can't be right. I looked in the service manual, but don't see anything about taking that apart. Any suggestions. It may be the cable that's not moving in and out curling up in there, but I don't know if I can just take the unit apart or if there's something in there I'm not anticipating that I'll ruin.

[pidjones]

It is probably broken. Time for a new one. All you have to do to take it apart is remove the two screws that hold the unit together. You'll have to anyway to replace the cable. Bet that if you grab the carb end of it and pull you will find it comes apart. They rust away up inside. I had to replace the one on my '79 two months ago.

[Stealth126]

Thank you. I'll take it apart and get a look.

[Fred Camper]

There is red powder lub inside that actually impedes motion. Some call it oxidation...

[Stealth126]

Got it unhooked and it pulled apart. Broke in half. New cables here I come.

[BlueThunder]

Make sure you lube the cables with DriSlide, a dry graphite lubricant. Doesn't attract dirt, grease, etc. Then install and adjust.

[Sidecar Bob]

FWIW, the one that broke (commonly referred to as the "push" cable is there to allow you to close the throttle if the return spring breaks. The problem is that I've never heard of a return spring breaking but I've heard of more than a few of those cables breaking or (more commonly) getting stuck and causing a lot more problems than they could ever solve.
Because of that I won't have a push cable on any bike I own.