Clutch cable snapped from handle

I had my clutch cable break a few months ago while riding on the highway, right at the clutch lever. Luckily I only needed to make one turn onto my road and then into my driveway. I was on a 50+ mile ride, so I lucked out. I had to keep adjusting the clutch tighter throughout the ride, so I had a feeling it was about to let go. After installing the new cable, I couldn't believe how much better my clutch felt. I'll be sure to keep it properly oiled from here on out!

Jeff.Saunders wrote: There's a few things to check.

The cable barrel end should pivot in the lever. If it's too tight, it will cause a premature failure right at the upper end nipple. Clean the area in the lever and if necessary smooth any imperfections in the barrel on the end of the cable. A silicone lubricant is good as it won't attract dirt.

Check the cable adjuster. Many of these have rough edges. A small file can help relieve any of these.

Make sure the cable is routed correctly. If the handlebars have been changed it's possible you may need to reroute the cable so it isn't too tight a turn at the handlebar end.

All good advice,
An older rider told me a long time ago,
If you love to ride and love your bike,
Buy it a Christmas present EVERY year,
NEW CABLES ! And put them on during winter.

Whats the down side?
Spare used but OK cables?

I have not been stuck or having to wait for a replacement for many years.

Mike

I like to spray cleaner down the cable and remove all the old, nasty, gummy oil residue before re-oiling. I noticed this helped make the clutch feel muck better than just adding to the sludge. Good way to get an old gummy cable to work better and actually last.

I also carry extra cables.


.

Finally got the new cable installed yesterday and am super happy with the results. Took everyone's advice and did what the manual said and it feels like the clutch on a brand new bike. Cleaned and lubed up everything. The clutch release mechanism had a ton of built of crud on it. It's never felt this good. Only takes a couple fingers to pull it down now and just feels great.

Only issue, the cable was longer than the one I took off. I temporarily zip-tied it to the speedo cable for the time being, but when I turn the handle bars to the right, the clutch cable hits the front tire and looks dangerously close to going between the fender and the tire. I've got it running up from the trans, through the bars and to the handle. Any better way to do this?

Get a shorter cable? ... what cable was installed?
Does your bike have cable clamps on the frame &/or a cable guide at the handlebars?

The same thing just happened to mine. Got on the net and ordered 2 new cables. Lubed the new cable, installed, and adjusted all 3 places. Works so much smoother than before, plus I do have APE clutches and springs. Mine is shorter than stock because of the "Superbike" bars. Mine is the 03-0030 Motion Pro. Cable length is going to be different on any bike that has non stock handle bars.

martin_csr wrote: Get a shorter cable? ... what cable was installed?
Does your bike have cable clamps on the frame &/or a cable guide at the handlebars?

Ordered one for Z1. Not sure what the cable guide is, but no clamps. I seen Z1 does have clutch cable-to-frame clamps that I may pick up.

You may have ordered or received the wrong cable, perhaps the one listed for the 750H Ltd?
The Ltd clutch cable is almost 10" longer than the one Z1Ent has listed for the GPz.
Their part numbers are similar - only the last digit is different.

I installed the GPz MP03-0030 onto my 650 & even without the clip it wouldn't be near the wheel/fender.

The Partzilla Cables diagram shows 2 frame cable clips, but I'm not sure they are both for the clutch cable.
I'm assuming your bike is the 82 GPz750 R1.

Pretty sure I have this one, will have to check when I get home. This was the one that shows up in the KZ750-H3
www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?i...Z1000&item=MP03-0033

Why do no parts ever fit for this bike!?

david-b wrote: Pretty sure I have this one, will have to check when I get home. This was the one that shows up in the KZ750-H3
www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?i...Z1000&item=MP03-0033

Why do no parts ever fit for this bike!?

The 750H Ltd has mini ape-hanger handlebars, so it uses a long clutch cable which is too long for Standard model & GPz handlebars.

You probably need MP03-0030 which is 49.5" long - Z1Ent has it listed for the 82 R1.
But verify for yourself whatever clutch cable is correct for your bike. Measure the old cable & measure the slack... don't ignore the slack as it may matter. I found that out the hard way when I got throttle cables. doh.

Think you should have ordered #03-0030. It shows its for the 750R and the 750L model Kawasaki's

The cable you have is for the tall LTD style bikes.

But what do I know, I'm just a stupid former parts person with too many years behind the counter.