SV650 Throttle Cable Lubrication to Fix Sticking- No Fancy Tools!!

My SV650 throttle was not snapping closed like it should do, a fairly simple job to oil the cable without any fancy tools. Now it springs back quicker than a bikers grin on a sunny day! As always this is a guide to how I did it, get a professional guide if you are unsure!

[@ryanpinder3383]

This is 5 years old but saved me a trip to the mechanic massive thanks to the beaut who made this .

[@goodlife6942]

you know i used to drive a harley softtail... and i was always wishing it would have auto cruise... it got to a point where my throttle would actually get stuck where ever position i left it at, and i never fixed it lol it was like my ghetto cruise control.

[@rupturemetal5471]

Hmmm, my cruiser currently has that problem. Maybe I’ll hold off on try to fix it so I can test out the cruise control 😂

[@eddyywf]

Yeah mannnn , me two 😂😂😂 ,i never fix it at all ,i like the way it is , sometimes i get tired in middle of my riding ...This issues came to help me ,because my z1000 it is so disconfortable in some point .

[@JobForACowboy0069]

Just stumbled across your video as recomentation by the youtube algorithm. I have a 97 mk1 bandit and the throttle is indentical. Just spent 10 minutes giving my cables an oil and wow it's night and day. the snap return now is on point. Thanks for the upload 👍

[@kennethodonnell2068]

Tamsen, I've got an 04 SV650 with 5000 miles that had been sitting for over 10 years in a garage with a tarp over it. I bought it for $400 and cleaned it up, fixed what needed to be fixed and now I ride almost daily. Your videos are my go to for maintaining my baby. Thanks for the wonderful videos!

[@TamsenCooper]

Oh that is really cool! glad you got the bike going again! I am so pleased you are enjoying the videos, I will be sure to add some new ones soon!

[@genarocabrera2869]

My K7 has a free throttle again, thanks! Every KZbin tutorial must have such a nice voice tone, turns tasks into a real joy.

[@kylejcool]

sticky throttle cable gave me tennis elbow in DC traffic. These videos to the rescue!! lol

[@DanDan123yoo]

Got my first motorcycle a few months ago, noticed after cleaning the throttle got a bit sticky. After watching this video it made it very easy to fix! Cheers!

[@TamsenCooper]

That is brilliant! How are you enjoying your new bike? What did you go for?

[@strongocho]

Your channel is an absolute life saver. I bought a heavily used 1st gen SV650 and have been trying to bring it back to it's former glory. Your videos are a great resource. I have some mechanical background in cars, but this is my first ever motorcycle.

[@macaroyo2]

one of the best videos on KZbin how to take care of a sticky throttle .

[@TamsenCooper]

Thank you, so pleased you enjoyed it!

[@nickclarkuk]

Watching this is therapeutic. If you whispered the instructions it could be ASMR 😂 .

[@andrewmrazek5171]

Very nice video, you have such a calming voice! :)

[@TamsenCooper]

+Andrew Dombeck Thank you, I enjoy making these videos and I am glad you are enjoying them

[@nathanielpeter3296]

@@TamsenCooper You forgot to keep 3 mm slack which is very important to having proper idling as shown here kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKqVlZ1vi9t4mqs

[@WorldMinuteOne]

Thanks for you brilliant up load! I am learning so much about motorcycle maintenance by buying a cheap chinese bike and then soughting videos as this - Thank You x

[@brentoned]

Love your videos, just bought my first SV (K1) a few months ago and I've watched several of your videos for help. Your one-handed skills are very impressive. :) Keep up the great work. Thanks!

[@TamsenCooper]

Thank you, I have now got a tripod for the camera so that should make filming a little easier. I like doing the close up shots though as that is the most clear way to show what I am describing!

[@MattyH1992]

Best guide yet. Your voice is so easy to listen to.

[@TamsenCooper]

Well thanks for the nice compliment. More videos coming over the next couple of weeks, I hope you enjoy those too!

[@MattyH1992]

Absolutely, I'm sure I will!

[@jbizmirli]

My Hayabusa has been doing this as well. I took it apart and lubed it like you did but i had used a different lube. And problem has returned. I will try 3 in 1 next time. Thanks for the great video! Refreshing to see a female expert for change. Well done!

[@TamsenCooper]

Thank you for your lovely comment! I did some research and learnt that some lubes will work great at first, but can then attract grit and dust causing them to clog a bit, and then of course the lubricaton property is totally lost! 3in1 oil has worked a total treat for me, but I need to put a few drops down my clutch cable next!

[@shanemcredmond9751]

Thanks for upload, I just fixed this problem on my zx10 with your help. My throttle started sticking open while out on a spin last week, quiet a scary experience, took a few seconds to cop what was happening, luckily I was on a straight bit of road and not mid corner.

[@TamsenCooper]

I bet that was scary! Glad you are all ok and the video helped.

[@Luciferms09]

I just cut my grips off thought it was the problem but it really needed to go, it was bubbling up left one came loss, rotted on the bottom of the grip it needs to go too more more and more you find wrong with used bikes once you look at them closely

[@keithnolan830]

Excellent video , my CB1 also has a push/pull assembly and I noticed yesterday the throttle was sticking , gonna try this fix out today and see if we can get it to snap back Brilliant content 👍👍

[@raecarter82]

once again superb video I'll do this soon. Today I removed my rear shock and replaced it with a second hand one in excellent condition. Your page gives me encouragement to crack on and do things myself

[@TamsenCooper]

+Rae Carter What an awesome thing to say, thank you. That has made my day! I am yet to tackle the rear shock, you didn't make a video did you?

[@raecarter82]

+Tamsen Cooper that's okay it's true. No I didnt unfortunately. I turned the foot pegs over lifted the back on a a paddock stand then put axle jacks under the foot pegs it was easy to be fair. cracking off the nuts on the shock was not

[@raecarter82]

+Tamsen Cooper I accidentally flagged your comment! sorry. I need a new linkage I think. I am going to buy a second hand one. I got a replacement shock as couldn't find a heavier model from another bike that fits and I need a working bike

[@RenchRanch]

Sometimes the cable routing impacts how loose or tight the throttle is. Some bikes will climb in RPM when you turn the handlebars because the cable routing is too tight. So it's good to check it at full right to left lock. Great video, just one of those things that people need to check on a regular basis. There should never be any throttle bind. Once again, I just recently did the same thing on my Speed Four! LOL ;-) For me lubing the cable wasn't enough. I had two additional issues. First was the previous owner packed the throttle tube and hosing with white lithium grease and it had caked / gummed up with dirt. I completely cleaned it when I lubed the throttle cable. I used small bit of graphite lock lube on the tube housing as it should probably be dry. Second, the previous owner also had re-routed the cable improperly (not sure why) according to the manual. So at full left lock the RPM would increase due to the cable strain. Once I sorted it back the bike was a lot better to ride. Also cleaned and lubed up the push / pull, pulley assembly on the engine side (throttle bodies for my bike, carbs for others). Enjoyed it as usual. Thanks again for sharing! Cheers! Mike

[@TamsenCooper]

+Michael Rench Great tip about full left and right lock, you wouldn't want the bike to suddenly accelerate as you were going round a corner! Thanks for your comments.

[@RenchRanch]

I certainly enjoy the videos. The SV650 is one of the potential bikes I am considering for my wife Melanie after she outgrows her Rebel 250 she's currently riding. So watching your videos lets me know what Melly and I may be in for! ;-)

[@TamsenCooper]

+Michael Rench I love riding the SV650- the earlier models (99-02) are known as curvy due to the shape of the headlights and fairing, a personal choice for me but I think they look so much nicer. Good value for money bike which is easy to ride and reliable!

[@michaelobrien4259]

Excellent, Tamsen, straight to the point with easy to follow video and description. Thank you.

[@TamsenCooper]

Thanks Michael, really pleased you enjoyed it!

[@TamsenCooper]

+Michael O'Brien thanks Michael!

[@TamsenCooper]

+Michael O'Brien thanks Michael

[@deersbrook4485]

Michael O'Brien

[@potnoodles4life171]

Thank you so much having the same issue on my bandit 600 gonna do this tomorrow hopefully. Gotta respect the fact you basically did this one handed 😂

[@rikyjo8966]

I'm here for the how-to-fix... and the British accent.👍Thank you for the great tutorial.

[@eldiablo4143]

Your most mens dream girl 😁 Not only riding a bike but fixing it as well... kudos to you.

[@tjolofree1134]

Affirmative!

[@Dolan1492]

woke comment award 👑

[@santoshsarkar55]

It's a very easy job. I just did this in my Honda Scooter. But still, I enjoyed Your Video. Thanks.

[@igichan]

Nobody ever shows how to get into that assembly! Very helpful

[@andicookson]

hi! just bought a sv 650s on saturday and i enjoy watching your videos. i plan on blogging but nothing as mechanical as you do. i can put fuel in my bike and thats about my knoledge on tech stuff. glad you put these videos up so i can maybe do some work on mine. once i get started ill tell you so you can see my sv. keep up the videos!

[@TamsenCooper]

+Andrew Richard Cookson Hi Andrew! When I first started riding I could only put petrol in too! Slowly, one job at a time, some help and with a Haynes manual, every time I take the bike apart I get a bit deeper in. I am loving doing my own maintenance and I am glad you are enjoying the videos. Look forward o hearing from you and seeing your SV too!

[@GTsGarage]

+Andrew Richard Cookson Most start with just fill and ride skills, but go on to some of the really easy things to do. As long as you know which tools you need, know when to walk away when you can feel yourself getting frustrated and have access to the wealth of knowledge on the tubes... you will surprised just how easy these small tasks are. You will soon find very little is beyond your capability and with each task comes confidence.

[@TamsenCooper]

+GTs Garage I could not agree more! To begin with taking the fairings off was a big deal, and now I don't think twice as they come off to get cleaned! Confidence is the key but remember to get some experienced help if you are uncertain, like I do.

[@jamienorthup6265]

Thank you for this video I rode my bike today after having it in storage for the winter and I was excited, but the dam throttle was sticking. My father changed the handle bars/grips for me and I notice the throttle wasn't going back on its own. He said I had to roll my hand I was like "yeah but shouldn't it snap back?" I tried to ride it and the throttle kept locking and redlining I kept going into first and pulling in the clutch because I was nervous as all hell. He refuses to fix the problem saying I am a bad rider. Said he rode it and was fine as long as I rolled my hand manually over it. I was like "I don't think thats normal"

[@TamsenCooper]

Hey Jamie, yeah that is not normal at all- and as I mentioned in the video, could actually be very dangerous. You don't want the throttle being stuck open as you approach a roundabout or junction etc. I can see that you could roll your hand to close it, but that is why the design is to spring shut, safety. Were you able to sort it in the end? I hope that experience has not put you off, if anything, take it as an opportunity to learn from it, thats what I do.

[@stfuhr]

Best video I have seen on lubing the throttle cables.....thank you.

[@rarri6301]

Just saved me a fortune on new buell throttle cables. Cheers

[@TalosIO]

Just to add a tip to your excellent video.An old trick is to make a small funnel around the top of the Cable entry with some Plasticine.You can then top this up and go and have a cup of tea and the oil will drain down nicely :)

[@TamsenCooper]

+paul sheppard lol! Great idea! Thanks for the tip, that would save standing there holding it!!

[@TalosIO]

I also lube the nipples with the wonderful anti-corrosion Treatment ACF50.This stuff is just too good not to use.I do all my electrical connectors with it and even rad hoses/wiring as it prevents decay of plastic and rubber as well as it's electrical properties, www.acf-50.co.uk/motorcycle.htm allyearbiker.co.uk/ You can get it from local bike stores as well as online.It's not cheap but is is not expensive as Can lasts for ages.

[@JosephSamsor]

I know it’s an old video but it helped me fix the throttle on my 1978 cb550 (first bike) so thanks!

[@TamsenCooper]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@RealThundar1]

You saved me a huge headache, thanks!

[@TamsenCooper]

Thank you, I am really pleased it helped!

[@theflyinggauntlet]

Thanks. I just did this. You don't need to remove the cables from the throttle. Just add 3 in 21 down the shaft of the cable sheath.

[@OrangeTree253]

They have Teflon lubricants they make for pedal bikes. Good to use in cable jackets because the don’t gum up over time. Everything else makes sense to me

[@archermoody9746]

Awesome! I'm new to all this bike mechanic stuff. Looks a lot simpler than I was making it out to be.

[@BootiBandito]

Same here. I told myself I wanted to do as much of the maintenance and what not all myself. Wasn't sure how it was gonna pan out, but its pretty easy to understand when you have people like this that can explain it so well. Straight to the point and concise!

[@tsundokus]

Dam thanks for this took me 20mins now my bike isn't a death trap.......... Well less of one

[@robertgrant008]

Thanks for video I know it’s quite awhile ago but really helped me and saved me money 👍👍👍👍🖐🏼❤️

[@darksorceresszyra9467]

Thanks Tamsen! Super helpful for the slightly more challenging cables (than say clutch cable) for my FZ6R.

[@TamsenCooper]

That is great news, really pleased I was able to help

[@darksorceresszyra9467]

Heck yeah, we also need more female riders out there! Safe riding!

[@ralphvalkenhoff2887]

Nice videos, love from northern Colorado. I’m going to attempt lubricating my cables.

[@TamsenCooper]

How did you get on?

[@Svn08]

Thanks a lot !!! Your video helps me a lot, I really appreciate you take time to make this tutorial !!

[@smitty9999]

It should be noted the screws are JIS and not Philips

[@chinwakebhai]

As promised, no fancy tools required, and no special (ISS) fluids either. Great job. Same principle should apply to my Vulcan S.

[@seekingthetruth3410]

Good video,nice to see a woman doing her own bike

[@prbh8751]

Very good tip. I was wondering if you can use wd40 or chain lube to lube the cable.

[@TamsenCooper]

There seems to be a bit of a debate when it comes to chains and WD40. Some say that whilst it lubricates the chain, it also attracts grit and long term is not good for the life of the chain. I would suggest using proper chain lube where possible and WD40 only as a last resort.

[@madeleinegillett5892]

Wd40 is not a lubricant. It will eventually evaporate completely and leave you with a dry stiff cable again. You're better off using engine oil or something along those lines.

[@Nek0a]

Should be fine mate. I'm guessing no one read your question properly 😅

[@MMOhawked]

Just slicked up my Yamaha xv250 and it runs like new. Thanks!

[@TamsenCooper]

Excellent! So pleased it helped- and it is such a cheap, easy fix that can make a massive difference to the bike! Thanks for taking the time to post your comment, I appreciate it.

[@Dolan1492]

thank you! Just got finished putting your good advice to work. Was super easy.

[@martinroche6422]

well done tasmen keep the good work up your tips and ideas are great well done you

[@TamsenCooper]

Thanks Martin! Really appreciate you taking the time to write such a lovely comment!

[@carmarusso3869]

Have you seen the little cable lubricating tool before? Look it up. It works amazingly well. One might not be able to mount it on one end of the cable because the head is too large but it will work in many other applications. Its only like $9 on eBay! At least check it out. You stick the extension that comes with spray cans and it forces the lubricant all the way down the liner!!

[@Lochwood92]

I know this is an old vid but it has given me a good insight into fixing my sticky throttle.. very useful and thanks..👍 Now wheres that oil???

[@TamsenCooper]

Glad it helped! Sometimes it is the simple fixes that make all the difference!

[@JSunday45]

Had same issue. But, mine has a plastic guide that guides it sideways. I had to lube that thing. Found this out after I bought lube for the cable. :D

[@kkooloo5781]

Nice Video just what I was looking for.Thanks for the effort with the Camera Angles. Greetings from Teeside

[@jaredstottler1813]

Awesome video greatly appreciate it needed this today exactly what problem I was occurring with

[@shaneupton1656]

This helped a lot with my VStrom, nice video

[@TamsenCooper]

Really pleased it helped! Thanks for the compliment.

[@KnightShift006]

Once you fixed it. Did it reoccur??? Otherwise you kept ok on the lubricant testing throttle rewind and cable EFi/carb side before every ride..

[@thelimeyrider]

great video, due to do mine, incredibly helpful - thank you!

[@yip2188]

Posted 8 years ago, but still sure damn useful in 2024

[@jjjuio]

Thx u imma fix my zzr600 this weekend with this tutorial I actually dropped my bike while turning because of this issue

[@TamsenCooper]

Oh I am sorry to hear your bike got dropped, that totally sucks. I hope that you are able to get it sorted, let me know how you get on!

[@kiplindsay5111]

Love it. Working on it one handed and all.

[@TamsenCooper]

Yeah, I tell you what, getting the tripod I have now has made filming a lot easier! Glad you are enjoying the videos.

[@stuartelkes4601]

Hi is it exactly the same for the choke cable? Thanks

[@Elsanta666]

lub the lower part on the throttle, also built up on the idle screw adjuster

[@bbjunkie]

Great vid, unfortunately mine was a little more serious, the shaft in the front carb had started to bind, apparently this is a fairly common issue.

[@TamsenCooper]

Sorry to hear there was more work involved, all sorted now?

[@Railmover]

Daft question but would a sticky throttle cause high speed rev.

[@trippledrizzle8446]

I literally cannot remove the throttle cables, how did you do it so easily

[@charlesscottkelly]

Nice one, i will do this to my bandit, thank you.

[@l3ZH7PH7R]

I have this issue on my Hornet 600 didn't want to take to the garage now I know what to do, Thanx

[@TamsenCooper]

I was so pleased that it was such a simple fix!

[@carmarusso3869]

Always liked this bike. Thanks for the tutorial

[@williamyamm8803]

Nice video, thanks from France :) interesting for my Suzuki 650 V-Strom.

[@DatOldeBiker]

Nice work Tamsen, another job well done. :>)

[@TylerCook]

Brilliant! Great video and I will using this to fix my throttle!

[@TamsenCooper]

+Tyler Cook Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! let me know if you need any other how to videos and I will look to make them

[@JustMe-mt5df]

Thanks so much! I had no idea I should oil my throttle cables like that.

[@mailyoder]

Subscribed today - so into my 2002 SV650. What brand is your brake control lever?

[@wobstar40]

Great video, gonna try this with mine, thankyou x

[@comrade837]

Clear and concise. Thanks.

[@TamsenCooper]

Thank you. Really pleased you liked it.

[@bennysbenny2]

Wow! What a detailed video. Legend 🤝👍

[@acemaez3479]

Would WD-40 work instead of the 3-1 oil

[@lalegator600RR]

I got the same question

[@R-K61]

I have used a little plasticine funnel formed around the outer cable works well as it can be filled easier.

[@TamsenCooper]

Yeah that would work really well!

[@R-K61]

Excellent, having watched many so called professional mechanics videos yours are far more informed and entertaining. on another note did you use to practice Shotokan in Ware as you look like someone I use to know? keep the shiny side up.

[@TamsenCooper]

Thank you, I like just being me in the video, mistakes and all- I figure if I got something wrong, and someone sees it in my videos, maybe it might save them some time (and usually money!) from making the same mistake! Never practiced Karate I'm afraid, always thought it looked good though!

[@drowsynectar6173]

Could you use just regular synthetic motor oil to lube it?

[@James-tt7vg]

Good Job...Excellent Video.

[@celticbhoy2927]

hi tamsen. I take it you are mechanically trained. you make everything look so simple. great videos btw. thanks for posting.

[@TamsenCooper]

+celtic bhoy no mechanical training, it is how I was able to create the video of me snapping a bolt in half... (Funny female mechanic moment) but some good friends to offer advice, a Haynes manual to spend a lot of time reading and a really awesome motorbike garage down the road if I need some professional support!! Lol!

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Really helpful video, nice work :)

[@alanhadley9848]

Thank you for this my Kawasaki is doing the same i will try this now 👍🏻

[@TamsenCooper]

How did you get on? Did it work?

[@alanhadley9848]

@@TamsenCooper hi yes it did thank you very much worked a treat 👍🏻 x

[@louiseheller4602]

Thank you very much! this helped me to lube mine. just need to adjust it, but it's currently too oily haha

[@TamsenCooper]

Really pleased the video helped! Thanks for watching.

[@19wael96]

Hi, I was wondering where you bought those brake and clutch levers from because I really like the design, thanks.

[@TamsenCooper]

Hi, They are CNC levers and I got them online on eBay. there are 2 types, a short lever and a full size lever, I went for the full size. Really easy to fit, I even did a video about it!

[@gypsikat]

I have the same levers on my 2001 Yamaha VMAX! They work great. I like them a lot. Get a lot of compliments too.

[@bryanasmar7682]

Thank you, and I love your accent ,

[@hanussimonsen9556]

can i use 2 stroke oil?

[@jdogg661420]

nice but my grom lately is diff my throttle snaps back quickly but for some reason over the past few weeks it has been holding a stronger idle here and there when i stop sometimes. usually it idles around 1500 and the other day it at one light it was sitting around 2500-3k at first when i was snapping throttle it would usually go back closed but ya im not sure what it is. rest of ride home it was fine though and today was fine also.. but ya last thing i want is a throttle stuck wide open when im not giving it gas luckily its a small cc bike so its not that bad and easy to pull in clutch and kill it but still... i want to fix it asap and i have wed off hopefully i can figure it out.

[@TamsenCooper]

I agree that would be an important thing to sort. Have you oiled the throttle cable recently? If the cab.le is getting stuck somewhere then that may make it stay in higher revs. Let me know what worked when you fixed it!

[@gypsikat]

Notice how she used a real oil, and not WD-40! Smart!

[@olddirtyburt7522]

I think in this application WD-40 actually might be warranted for use because of it moisture repelling properties. However, youd still have to do it every 6 months to keep that crap from getting sticky. I usually use silicone spray for this endeavor, as it lasts a little longer and typically doesn't gum up.

[@jfabia18]

Thanks.this solved my problem

[@stevelocke2804]

Nicely done, and good quality video. Thanks.

[@tuppr7975]

Omg thank you so much my gs500f is doing the exact same thing

[@TamsenCooper]

Really pleased it was able to help!

[@bryceeighmey1743]

Would it be similar on an 03 cbr600rr?

[@flexico1670]

so i have a 07 kx250f that i just bought and the throttle has that really sticky kind of drag so if im going to lube the cables can i use WD40 or just regular motor oil?

[@TamsenCooper]

+Notorious Top I used the 3in1 oil, small bottle and pretty cheap. I have read that WD40 can attract grit and get sticky but others have used it with no problems.

[@GTsGarage]

As always a great walk through. Nicely done.

[@alexandrugabriel1638]

Love your videos:D and they are nicely done, and really useful

[@gameinsane8984]

Free cruise control right there 😂😂

[@MD-xl3lj]

Beautiful job 👍🏽

[@samboles8796]

You Rock Sister!

[@richardriglin4148]

When you took both cables, how did you know which was which?

[@cutty02]

One can be pulled the other one cant.

[@afhostie]

Are those aftermarket levers?

[@TamsenCooper]

Yeah, I did a video on fitting them! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKnclauXp5yNrbc They look really good and feel great to use.

[@omotoqueiro1660]

could you help me out with my bandit. she only has one cable. I ll buy the Aand B cable , than, could u help to install it