Throttle Cables....

Just got my 79 KZ 650 SR running,and my throttle cable snapped in the twist grip. I'm not sure if I had it routed right, or what I've done because this is the second one I've had to put on.. If anyone has any tips or hints... Tired of buying these things haha. Also had to replace the clutch cable, they aren't to reliable, are they..?
Thanks,
Ed

I can tell you that the genuine Kawasaki cables (clutch and throttle) last about forever if you lube them once in a while (once every year or so). I replaced mine after 30 years with NOS just because I felt guilty about them being so old, but they would probably have lasted another 30. Did you have aftermarket cables? Were they lubed? If they were routed badly and had so much resistance they broke I would think the throttle and clutch would have been very "sticky." Ed

Didn't feel sticky, the cable was only a week or two old. I didnt lube it though.. Whats a good way to do that? It was aftermarket... 13.00 on z1enterprises.com.
Thanks,
ed

All the stuff I have bought from Z1Ent. was of good quality, completely suitable for the intended purpose and nothing has failed... yet.

Nothing should break in a few days whether lubed or not, especially one of the throttle cables which is not doing much pulling compared to the clutch cable. :huh:

I suggest you find out where it snapped, take a digital picture, e-mail it to Z1Ent. and give them a chance to replace, substitute or refund. This is their big chance to shine in the customer satisfaction dept. and that is the main reason I and many on this site prefer to deal with them and others like them.

IMHO, they should return it to their supplier... this should never happen.

Best of success and let us know how this plays out... I am very curious. :dry:

Post edited by: bill_wilcox100, at: 2007/11/03 04:49

Post edited by: bill_wilcox100, at: 2007/11/15 19:48

Alright.. I'll do that, thanks.. Hope it doesn't take too long I'm ready to ride...
-Ed

Sorry it took so long to post again, they sent me a new throttle cable. I'm getting it today, and will put it on as soon as I get off work. Just curious, so the same thing doesn't happen again, any hints or tips on routing the cable, or hooking it into the throttle grip to get the very least resistance...? I had it run through the headlight holder, by the frame, under the gas tank, and into the carbs... I used silicone spray for a lube. Any tips are much appreciated, thanks.
-Ed
-Also, the cable seemed to be twisted a little...? Should the hand grip be turned in first, then the carb side hooked up? Thanks.

Mine run the same way so your routing is correct. Still using mine from 27 years ago. Recently removed and lubed.

The inside metal cable is actually going the opposite way.. So the bend was at the carb side not the grip side. Also the end that broke seem twisted a little..?
Which side do you usually put in first? Want to get it just right..
Thanks,
Ed

if I am reading this right,
The metal part goes to the grip side not the carb side. I put the carb side on first

You got a replacement cable back from Z1... good stuff!

Check that your cable moves freely before you start routing/installing it. Check again once you have routed it. Finally, check again once you have installed it. It should always move freely otherwise there is a problem with the routing or the cable.

I route the two cables and then attach them at the twist grip end first followed by the carb end. Why because that's the way I did it the first time... that's all.

I can't see why it would make any difference which end you start with.

BTW, the adjustable/expandable part goes at the twist grip end... at least that's what I think was one of your questions.

Rightly or wrongly, I just drip in a few drops of clean motor oil as a cable lubricant.

Best of success!

Thanks for the help, I tried posting a picture so it woulda made more sense, but it was too big and I was having a hard time making it smaller with MSPaint... Ill post up how it goes. I'm so ready to ride, spent all summer trying to get the damn thing together, and now that its winter I've got it nearly ready haha. Oh well.

-Ed

Picture editor: I understand your frustation with MSPaint. A member recommended a program called IrfanView (FREE Download) for opening and re-sizing immages. I found it basic and easy to use and that as long as I reduced the width to 500 or less it fit on the KZR page. You can try this site if you are interested:

www.irfanview.com/main_download_engl.htm

By the way Ed, might be good to put your year, model and location in your signature. Could save would-be contributors some time in figureing out if they have information that might help out.

Best of success!