Anti Theft Chain

Hi,

My bike has an Anti Theft Chain that does not pull out. I have banged on it using a bar through the loop and have gotten it out about an inch so I feel sure I will be able to get it all the way out, but I don't know if I will be able to get it back in.

This bike was sitting for about 10 years before I bought it and got it running, so I'm guessing it's just corroded. Looking at the little bit I was able to pull out, it appears that this is something like a rubber coated cable. Is that what it is?

Anyone have any suggestions on how to clean and possibly lubricate this so it works?

I don't really need it, but I'm trying to get everything working on this bike. Should I just leave well enough alone?

Thanks,

Yes, it's a rubber coated cable pushed up into the frame tubes. My dad had a brand new 1981 KZ1000J we put this accessory cable lock on. If it doesn't pull out, I'd assume you're correct that it's corroded. Not any other causes possible that come to mind.

Thanks,

Anyone have any ideas on how to best get this working. I'm still afraid to pull it out. Of course I could cut it if I can't get it back in, but I really don't want to do that.

It's just one of those things that bug you because you know it's not working right.

Wes,

That cable was something Kawi offered back in the 80's as an accessory. If you were to look at the round, steel framed street bikes Kawi offered from about '80?~'85, they all had at least one place to install that cable. The place(s) where the cable would install is easiy found, as it's basically a small (roughly about 1"~2" long) tube that's welded into the frame and has a plastic cap covering it to help prevent Mother Nature from rotting the frame from the inside-out.

IIRC, they were offered in several diff lengths and diameters depending on the bike models they were designed to fit. Kawi no longer offers them, but every so often I'll see a new one pop up on eBay.

The cable end that goes into the frame has a chunk of lead molded to the end of it which resembles half of an arrowhead. That chunk of lead will "anchor" itself to the inside edge of that welded on tube when the cable is pulled outwards for use, and helps prevent the entire cable from simply being pulled out completely.

So basically the only way to remove that cable from the frame would be to cut it. Which obviously renders it useless thereafter, and would still leave that arrowhead-shaped chunk of lead and a portion of rubber coated cable rattling around in the frame. :pinch:

I'd suggest spraying either some WD-40, graphite or silicone lubricant in there to see if it frees it up and makes it functional again.

Good luck!

Thanks for the ideas. I originally tried liquid wrench and then got it out about an inch and a half or so. Once I saw it was rubber or plastic, I cleaned off the LW and any corrosion, but it didn't seem too corroded. I then put silicone lubricant on it and beat it back in. I got it back out about an inch, but it seemed as hard as it was the first time.

I really haven't spent much time working on it because I was waiting for suggestions and I didn't want to get it out too far and not be able to get it back in.

Guess I will just keep working it in and out a little further each time and see if it loosens up eventually.