Clutch cable about to let loose
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- Tom
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Clutch cable about to let loose
27 Aug 2008 09:29
On the way into work this morning i pulled my clutch lever in and i could feel the cable tension change. I made it to work ok but noticed that the barrel is only being held on by about 3 stands:woohoo: I just ordered a new one from Z1. Hopefully i can make it home alright.
Tom
Holland, MI
1980 KZ550 ELR
2011 Concours14
2017 KX450 [/color]
Holland, MI
1980 KZ550 ELR
2011 Concours14
2017 KX450 [/color]
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- BSKZ650
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Re: Clutch cable about to let loose
27 Aug 2008 09:35
hate it when that happens, hope you dont have too many stops along the way.
I keep a spare in the shop for just such occasions
I keep a spare in the shop for just such occasions
77 kz650, owned for over 25 years
77 ltd1000, current rider
76 kz900, just waiting
73 z1,, gonna restore this one
piglet, leggero harley davidson
SR, Ride captian, S.E.Texas Patriot Guard Riders.. AKA KawaBob
77 ltd1000, current rider
76 kz900, just waiting
73 z1,, gonna restore this one
piglet, leggero harley davidson
SR, Ride captian, S.E.Texas Patriot Guard Riders.. AKA KawaBob
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- ltdrider
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Re: Clutch cable about to let loose
27 Aug 2008 09:47
Order two from Z1, and keep a spare.
Here's mine, just before I changed it.
I caught it in time, but it didn't have much life left in it...
Here's mine, just before I changed it.
I caught it in time, but it didn't have much life left in it...
'76 KZ900 LTD (Blaze)
'96 Voyager XII (Dark Star)
'79 KZ650 Cafe Project (Dirty Kurt)
Greensboro, NC
'96 Voyager XII (Dark Star)
'79 KZ650 Cafe Project (Dirty Kurt)
Greensboro, NC
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- RonKZ650
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Re: Clutch cable about to let loose
27 Aug 2008 10:12
Luckily 95% of the time they will break at the lever and give ample warning. Also unless you have stoplights and large uphill grades, riding without a clutch is not all that difficult. Put her in neutral at stops, peddle with your feet and jam it down in first to go. I've ridden many a time this way. Little rougher with hills or if a passenger is involved though.
321,000 miles on KZ's that I can remember. Not going to see any more.
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Re: Clutch cable about to let loose
27 Aug 2008 14:22
Well, I'm glad to say i made it home w/o a problem:) I only used the clutch about 3 times all the way home. Hopefully my new one will be here in a day or two.
From the response i got with this thread it looks like a fairly regular occurrence although i have never had this in 30,000 miles of riding.
From the response i got with this thread it looks like a fairly regular occurrence although i have never had this in 30,000 miles of riding.
Tom
Holland, MI
1980 KZ550 ELR
2011 Concours14
2017 KX450 [/color]
Holland, MI
1980 KZ550 ELR
2011 Concours14
2017 KX450 [/color]
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- MFolks
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Re: Clutch cable about to let loose
27 Aug 2008 16:57
Keep the control cables well lubed and inspect them for potential failure.
1982 GPZ1100 B2
General Dynamics/Convair 1983-1993
GLCM BGM-109 Tomahawk, AGM-129A Advanced Cruise Missile (ACM)
General Dynamics/Convair 1983-1993
GLCM BGM-109 Tomahawk, AGM-129A Advanced Cruise Missile (ACM)
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- dkmk
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Re: Clutch cable about to let loose
27 Aug 2008 17:36
Not sure who posted it, but I thought the tip about taking a spare cable and tie-wrap/tape/wire it to existing cable was a great idea, and I've kept one there ever since.

Northern Ontario
Zapp: "Kif, I'm feeling the Captain's Itch."
Kif: "I'll get the powder, sir."
Zapp: "Kif, I'm feeling the Captain's Itch."
Kif: "I'll get the powder, sir."
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- Sandy
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- Fly High,Tony
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Re: Clutch cable about to let loose
27 Aug 2008 20:27
I KNEW there was something I forgot to pack on our trip up north.
The cable I'm using is new though,but ya...good idea,packing a spare.
The cable I'm using is new though,but ya...good idea,packing a spare.

1977 KZ1000 A-1
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- RonKZ650
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Re: Clutch cable about to let loose
27 Aug 2008 21:00
I took everything but the kitchen sink on trips. 145lbs of luggage last time, but no spare cables. Being clutchless never worried me on the road.
321,000 miles on KZ's that I can remember. Not going to see any more.
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- kawsakiman
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Re: Clutch cable about to let loose
27 Aug 2008 22:16
RonKZ650 wrote:
as well as you take cae of your bikes ron, i'm sure a cable would be the last of your worries.
( btw, what the hell did you take that weighed 145lbs? )
I took everything but the kitchen sink on trips. 145lbs of luggage last time, but no spare cables. Being clutchless never worried me on the road.
as well as you take cae of your bikes ron, i'm sure a cable would be the last of your worries.
( btw, what the hell did you take that weighed 145lbs? )
someday i will be able to afford my kz habit.
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- RonKZ650
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Re: Clutch cable about to let loose
28 Aug 2008 07:05
kawsakiman wrote:
Just about everything, besides 2 weeks of clothes, spare chain, every tool I may need, spare tubes, oil, 2.5 gal gas, 3 or 4 sets of gloves and boots, 3 or 4 leather jackets, regular stuff like spare headlights/bulbs, plugs, chain oil, all my cleaning supplies. All adds up quickly. Cheap Poloroid camera photo from Key West on how to pack with no luggage rack
RonKZ650 wrote:I took everything but the kitchen sink on trips. 145lbs of luggage last time, but no spare cables. Being clutchless never worried me on the road.
as well as you take cae of your bikes ron, i'm sure a cable would be the last of your worries.
( btw, what the hell did you take that weighed 145lbs? )
Just about everything, besides 2 weeks of clothes, spare chain, every tool I may need, spare tubes, oil, 2.5 gal gas, 3 or 4 sets of gloves and boots, 3 or 4 leather jackets, regular stuff like spare headlights/bulbs, plugs, chain oil, all my cleaning supplies. All adds up quickly. Cheap Poloroid camera photo from Key West on how to pack with no luggage rack

321,000 miles on KZ's that I can remember. Not going to see any more.
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- donthekawguy
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Re: Clutch cable about to let loose
28 Aug 2008 23:39
When I was about 17 I used to ride a Bennelli something or other. I started going thru clutch cables. When it got to once a month I gave the bike to my dad. :laugh:
Rathdrum Idaho
1971 Kawasaki g3ss
1972 Yamaha R5 350
1965 Suzuki Hillbilly
1964 Yamaha 125
1971 Kawasaki g3ss
1972 Yamaha R5 350
1965 Suzuki Hillbilly
1964 Yamaha 125
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