Adjusting the Free Play in your Motorcycle Throttle

www.DaveMossTuning.com
It's very difficult to operate your motorcycle smoothly when there's too much free play in the throttle cable(s). But too little free play can cause the bike to accelerate unexpectedly. Dave demonstrates how to properly adjust throttle free play using a Triumph 675 as an example.

[@saulocirineuaraujo751]

Thank you! My throttle has a lot o free play and I was planning to go to the shop to fix it. But now I have fix it myself and it got awesome!

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

Thanks for rolling up your sleeves and having a go!

[@ScarySquirrel]

I wondered why my gear changes had become so bad recently, and also the snatchy throttle. I'm pretty certain I've got too much play in my throttle. I'll adjust it when it stops raining, thanks for the clear explanation.

[@harrybrown4815]

As someone who has had to use good engineering practices and a suck it and see approach to mechanics its nice to see someone confirm what has been learned. My baby bro and myself had this very issue last week were he had over tightened the outer cable and was holding the revs up as the throttle wasn't returning. Exactly as shown by Mr Moss. RF900R completely original has had everything done since it was purchase last September £1000 to purchase just under £1000 on parts and labour was gratis. This included new springs for the forks and a full service on both forks and shock. Different bike to the sorry thing we picked up.

[@gun123456zak]

8 months ago got my first bike, yesterday I adjusted the levers and now adjusted the throttle play. It always bothered me but I never thought it's just a small fix. Would have never thought that turning the handlebars changes the free play though. Haven't started it yet to check but I moved the bars all the way both ways to make sure I still had some room and was not locking the throttle. Thank you!

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

Great thought process in checking free play before starting the engine. If the cable is too tight, idle rpm;'s will rise slightly as you get to full lock.

[@tulypasuli1085]

Amazing video, helped me alot and made me feel comfortable to adjust the acceleration on my own triumph for the first time in my life lol, thanks for the video once again.

[@thomaswarren2699]

Nice one dave Love the sound of those triples!

[@angelakorte9013]

Thanks, you made it look easy! Been doing my own repairs and appreciate this video.

[@fudzzz]

Thank you for this easy tutorial and also explaining WHY we need to turn the bars before completing the adjustment. Cheers mate.

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

Glad it helped

[@garywinkworth3380]

makes a huge difference taking the slack up. Ive done it on all my bikes over the years. good video. Oh nice bike too sounds great. thanks mate

[@ReadyEddie17]

Thank you Dave! Going to fix my throttle cable today after work and this showed me exactly how to do it 👍🏽🏍️💨

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

If you still have free play, the cable needs to be adjusted on the engine end with the adjuster at the throttle end at minimum. Unfortunately, that is the only way to resolve your issue.

[@4WLEX]

Thanks for this helpful video mate. I've got a FZ6R Yamaha, and I need that adjustment. Will mind to move the bar to see if the RPM are climbing.

[@roninwithscissors]

thank you so much for these videos!

[@michaelgriffin1601]

Throttle play is the first thing i did on my mt07 after setting the rear sag. Factory position for the rear of this bike is no sag at all for some reason. Put an r6 throttle tube on for less throw and adjusted the freeplay down to a minimum and everything that has to do with throttle input feels 100x better. Downshift blips so smooth now where factory setting the timing was a littke wonky. No more twisting my wrist past where it can go for full throttle or having to have an adjusted grip to be able to open it up all the way. Now i can have my grip in a comfortable spot for braking off throttle, for braking on a little throttle, and wide open without adjusting grip at all. Simple things sometimes can transform a motorcycle like fine tuning control inputs to you. Everyone should go out and expiriment with their throttle today!

[@halfbakedgaming69]

Great explanation thank you. Translated over perfectly to my Speed Triple 955i. I'll be putting a 1050 throttle tube on it soon enough!

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

Thank you for watching and I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts!

[@jamesgrates7170]

Love your channel sir thank you for doing this

[@RickyJr46]

Job #1! Thank you, Dave!

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

Excellent!

[@aob.aob83]

Thank you so much for sharing the knowledge i appreciate it very much

[@stevemcmosh4271]

Lovely stuff, thank you. Picked up an SV650 recently and only downfall is that I keep shutting the throttle off because the play is ridiculous. Hopefully I'll be able to get it just from top adjustment.

[@gone1583]

Dave is so awesome!

[@precioushooligans5740]

Just went out and fixed mine thank you!

[@KyleMicena]

This is one of my biggest motorcycle pet peeves. I will ever will ride a bike with throttle free play.

[@BB3Lions]

Brilliant mate, thank you so much.

[@Walkeranz]

Thanks for this. Great stuff

[@Shagro89]

After 3 years of riding my street triple 675 08 without a problem it suddenly revved when turning out of parking.. Thank you!

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

Thank you for watching! Glad the video helped you.

[@rajeshkhanna8010]

Thank you friend I did my self today 🙏

[@geneahart5607]

Hi Dave 1st time viewer, the throttle on my 2022 T100 is very snatchy, everyone is buying those ' spacer ' kits to solve the problem, I think I will try this first. Like doing my own work. Great video!

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

Thank you - please report back to give your honest opinion on the fix and if it truly worked.

[@stinkerdoodle1737]

I just got a 2012 Triumph 675R w/4600 on it (track bike) and it has the same amount of free play......at least their consistent. I got it dialed in now. I couldn't believe the last owner rode on the track like this I just rode it up the street and it drove me crazy.

[@S1KQuan]

Great video

[@nevricutube]

This video was just what i needed to solve my sticking throttle!

[@Apollo-Computers]

Cable lube is your friend as well. :)

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

Glad you took the time to get it corrected.

[@Soccer-yute]

Me too !!

[@ahmedatm]

Good information ❤

[@afawakefrontiers]

Best explanation ever!!

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

Thank you!

[@bariltv3186]

Thank you very much!

[@jamess5415]

I don’t even own a bike but enjoy these videos for when i do get one

[@TK-cl1jm]

You know what that means, sir...

[@AyWick_3]

Did you get one yet

[@witjas123]

Great video 👍🏻 thanks

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

Thanks for watching!

[@JCollaseum]

Appreciate it dude!

[@motorcyclegarage2307]

Good one David, In uk if the bars are turned and the revs rise that is a MOT failure.

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

Thanks for sharing that nugget. I hope that helps a lot of UK riders pre MOT test so they do not have a surprise waiting for them!

[@carltondeepceebaker3186]

Nice video.👍🏾

[@johnherian781]

I ride a royal enfeild himalayan,R.E. recommend play is 2-3 mm.After 1500 miles,had to adjust.Thanks friend.

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

Thank you for using this video for a reference!

[@VVHlTEY]

Nice vid!

[@wayne7862]

Really helpful, thx.

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

Thanks for watching!

[@WhippyWhip2]

Thank you for the video, i have a new bike and too much play is bithering me with slow speed control, i guess the dealers dont really do much setting up for these things

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

Dealers are required to sell as delivered and not change the bike at all.

[@atakancrew]

thank you so much, thank you

[@Skelly_777]

Thank you

[@czondag]

Thank you sir.!

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

I appreciate you watching and enjoying the video.

[@A.Doll.Fiddler]

If it's all been taken apart and I'm starting from scratch, it takes me ages to find the best adjustment but still it's too much free play yet hangs the throttle on right steering lock. If you loosen the throttle cable should you tighten the return to compensate? Do you recommend cable lube or leave dry? (Ireland weather, outdoors 24/7)

[@TK-cl1jm]

Definitely should lube the cable.

[@mplscarsales6652]

Mines under too much tension I checked the adjust on the handle and the carb linkage seems I need more wire ? Please help revving too high new carb installed

[@brandonadams8361]

I have that same exact bike. Haven't touched the suspension. It's a bit stiff but I don't want to change anything without guidance.

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

That is why I created Remote tuning, so I can guide you with tools to get the correct set up for you and your bike.

[@gay80461]

Thx for share

[@1k9trainer]

I just adjusted my Monkey, I had to do it at the throttle body because I didn’t see any other adjuster, but what a difference, like riding a different bike.

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

Thanks for having a go and finding out how big a positive it can be with the right adjustment.

[@enrivaldez41]

wonder if theres another video like this near the back end of the throttle cable, should be a part 2 for the other side of the throttle cable

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

I believe we have one of those videos for the R6 or GSXR. I reset on the throttle bodies to go to minimum adjustment at the bar. If not, time to make that video.

[@douglasreid699]

in 2021, i bought a new motorbike, a kawasaki 650 versys, and when picked it up a rode it home, the free play in the throttle was about 10mm it felt, every roundabout going to the right i had a dead spot where the throttle was not engaging and it made me look silly and like a learner being unstabel on sharp right bends at low speed. at its first service, i told the guys behind the desk, they were all "oh you need some free play blah blah blah" and i said, come sit on that bike, start it in the car park and do a right hand turn. their face was like "ooooohhh thats not correct". i am like, yup, get it tightened up for me please but i do understand free play is needed, but not that much. so yeah, not too much and not too little, you need it just right lol

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

Great share with a focus on your personal experience! Thanks for sharing.

[@matto1475]

Is there a way to adjust electronic throttle free play? Same issue but no cable to tighten to fix.

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

Throttle free play is like any other adjustment. Set it to what you prefer! The housing sends the electrical signal.

[@usernamemykel]

How to adjust throttle slop on a 2018 Honda Grom which has no adjustment turnbuckles in the cables? Thank you!

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

eBay shows Grom cables with an adjustment on the throttle body end. That is where you adjust freeplay.

[@usernamemykel]

@@CatalystReactionSBW Don't know that I can trust Ebay because I bought a $46 luggage rack which was SUPPOSED to fit my Grom but doesn't, and to send it back to China, FedEx would charge me $100!!

[@chrismoody1342]

Already knew how to adjust the cable play. I run mine with next to zero play on my ZX6R, making it much smoother manipulating the throttle, as he said not so snatchy. Needs periodic attention over the years.

[@shainexxxsescrimshaw7605]

My throttle rolls on and snaps back OK, the problem with mine is that when it snaps back, any pressure put on the throttle causes it to move 1 to 2mm forward and the bike stalls, I've tried tightening and loosening the cables and still does it, can't find any information anywhere, riding is quite difficult atm

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

One cable is for pull and that sets the "gap" for free play when turning the throttle in the "on" direction. If you are able to push it forward, do you have an adjustment for the opposite cable? If so, that free play can be mostly removed. Also check for cable slop in the housing on the bar and at the throttle body/carb side.

[@shainexxxsescrimshaw7605]

Not done anything at carb end yet, last night I really tightened the return adjuster at the throttle itself and it got rid of the forward movement but really stiffened the throttle quite badly, so if I'm right I'm going to put the throttle end adjuster back and get down to the carbs and adjust the return cable down there, fingers crossed and also thanks

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

@@shainexxxsescrimshaw7605 That would be correct. There should be a tiny amount of free play, so take your time with the adjustment.

[@thecappy]

Wish mine wasn't electronic. I had to use the ducati spacers for my Speed Twin.

[@Jayenduro]

Tnx

[@MadaraUchiha-fg6pz]

What about ride-by-wire throttle. My MT-10 have lots of free play😐😤

[@fulesmackofule]

Hi Dave and guys, what can I do if I cannot screw it out enough the cylinder to eliminate the free play? The other side has only a lock nut down at the throttle body. Does it mean that the cable got stretched out too much and need to be cut, also that knob reinstalled?

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

You set the lever adjuster at minimum. You adjust at the throttle body end as best you can. Then adjust at the lever. If you cannot get the correct adjustment the cable is stretched too much and needs to be replaced.

[@fulesmackofule]

@@CatalystReactionSBW Thanks a lot for the fast help!

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

@@fulesmackofule No problem!

[@cmg863]

I adjusted my throttle cable and now my speedometer glitches from 70 to 150 and higher.. Do you know why adjusting it would do that?

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

Throttle cable adjustment issues relate to idle rising at full lock left and right. I have not heard of a speedo glitch. Depending on the year and model, check where the speedo location is and clean it.

[@shanthishourya8082]

I am okay with the freeplay , will it cause any problems in the future??

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

It will not other than you have to turn your wrist further as free play grows with wear.

[@LAIRDO-]

I'm not as concerned about free play at this point (on my first bike I should add). It just seems to me that my throttle moves too easily and I'm having trouble controlling it. How hard should it be to roll it back? Mine gives me very little resistance. I don't know, I'm new. Maybe that's how it's supposed to be?

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

Being new is the best of all worlds as you have an insatiable appetite for learning. Throttles should literally snap back with a "crack". These days, throttles are much easier and smoother so for new riders, bikes generally have a long throw throttle meaning they turn a lon way before you get to full throttle. Kind of an inbuilt safety system. That smoothness is very off putting to new riders as power can build quickly based on the engine size you have. So yes, I empathize with you with this observation as i am like that with some new bikes that have 1/4 turn throttle and are so smooth you do not feel the roll on. Try a little grease on the throttle housing end to give you perhaps a little more feel.

[@LAIRDO-]

@@CatalystReactionSBW Thank you very much for the reply. I'll get there.

[@kylyn4861]

Can you show me what to do when I’ve adjusted this and I still have free play?

[@kylyn4861]

2012 ninja ex250

[@CaptainVelveeta]

My buddies and I all agreed that we would pitch in and buy you a house if you promise to come and build a shop and live in our city. 😎👍

[@federicocao574]

Buy if the bike its By wire?

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

Fly by wire works on the same principle, so a lot of free play in the cable will delay throttle opening.

[@andrewmasonwerdna]

Some ashbag mechanic cut my oem grip cause he said the grip was getting longer cause its old and binding the throttle, no he cuts it and its the same sticky garbage, he just doesn't know how to adjust the clutch... He also charged me 3800cdn for a safety on a 250ninja from 2005.......

[@andrewmasonwerdna]

An it doesn't idle cause he never replaced the broken idle adjustment screw. An doesn't know the proper procedure for starting the bike as it differs from most carberated bikes.

[@Image-X]

I like absolutely zero play in my throttle.

[@MotoGoato]

but my throttle doesn't have cables .. it has electrical wires ... I guess I can skip this lesson 😉

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

That would be correct for cable free play, but you still need to make sure the housing is clean inside and working correctly.

[@ollie246810]

I've got maybe 2mm of play tops. Prefer none.

[@ollie246810]

I blip my down changes so none suits that perfectly

[@ollie246810]

Yeah man, I ride MT07, engine braking is unreal so need to rev match lol. Barely used front brake pads 😂😂

[@pasha_houston]

I love how I watch all these videos and y'all are like tightened your cable otherwise it's gonna be choppy. While me : check throttle free play -2.88mm lose it to 5mm much better lol To each his own, I normally wouldn't do it, but my current bike just has a choppy throttle (maybe TB needs adjusting, maybe poor tune) but on the actual throttle- it felt like I need more Freeplay and so I did just that. much better now. 03 Aprilia Tuono. Been riding for 8 years and many bikes, never had such on off action throttle, however the bike is a blast so I deal w it

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

Thanks for sharing what you found works for you in regards to the throttle cam and cable slack. A tip of the hat to you!

[@m2ugu824]

Thank you

[@CatalystReactionSBW]

I appreciate you watching!