How To Adjust Motorcycle Throttle Cables

[@mw-dc1by]

Your videos are actually informative. MUCH more valuable than others on KZbin.

[@gabewindt]

Cody you rock man. I have a few vintage bikes I've been working on and I'm telling you what your channel is amazing! Thank you so much good sir!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

+Gabe Windt No, You rock Gabe!! Thanks for hanging out

[@gabewindt]

dude I just got a 1974 xs650 that's going to be a fun project

[@reprintrightsbiz5584]

Best video out there yet because you explain which way to turn the cables to loosen and to tighten them, the reason for some free play and the all-important part about turning your handlebars both ways while adjusting. Thank you.

[@randallissimo]

Cool, I just learned something. I was replacing all the old philips screws on my bars with stainless hex, and when I was done my throttle was a little sticky, and didn't snap closed. Turns out a little play was needed by slacking off the nut a bit. Works great now.

[@cri8tor]

Please consider more tutorials on the 2003 Honda Shadow 750 when you have time. Appreciate all the effort it takes to create content for your channel. Cheers brother

[@juanduque8244]

Could you make a video showing how to adjust the cable at the carburetor? Trying to replace my grips and I don’t have any slack in the cable to get the old grips off or new ones on.

[@michaelh3544]

Same here, please let me know if you figured that out.

[@enochdemchuk8354]

Did you figure it out? Got that issue right now

[@vmoya6631]

Over 5 mins of your video was for something other than the title. Nice you share a bonus. Hit the target 1st...then a bonus.

[@stevewasilow5556]

Sweet video nice to watch an expert explain, any advice on how often to libel the cables? Good pace

[@raleigh5here182]

NOTE: you can skip the advertisement portion by going direct to ~5:30 of this vid.

[@mar1video]

So that was an infomercial for the first 5 minutes 🤔 Now it makes sense 😉

[@robertreffitt8328]

Thanks again man your videos have pretty much put my bike together for me. Don't know what I do without you..... Yeah, I do. Who am I kidding? Throw things kick over my bike? Few choice words. You know the usual

[@kennethmathurin8244]

Great video you really explained it very well .. I had so much free play rolling off the throttle and didn’t know why and it was sensitive rolling back the throttle now I know why .. fixing my bike now thanks

[@jqpublic08]

I am soooo happy that your shop is as messy as mine... Love your vids!

[@matdube3577]

Really enjoy your vidz dude. I own 1997 VT1100 ACE that needs some love and your advices come right handy. BTW, I work on trains so makes me smile when I hear it in your video 😂

[@MCarberry89]

I cant get enough of your videos. Keep up the great work!

[@jamesdover713]

Awesome video man, fun, well explained and educational. Shame you haven’t opened your own DIY Bike fixing Center

[@redpossum2010]

Just followed your vid. Adjusted it to where I had practically no slack in the cable on my 1800 Neo. The lil turnbuckle lookin nut (adjustment nut) was like at 1 or 2 threads before coming off. Is it on, to have it on the last 2 or should I have bring it back in and set it ar 4 threads? Galfer cables & brake lines are my next big purchase.

[@kkooloo5781]

Good video i dont mind Train adds to Video but can Imagine it gets on your nerves.Hello from England 👍🇬🇧

[@DYT_GAMING]

Tq so much.....7 months nobody can fix my problem....with this video....I done my self...tq so much for the video bro ..

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

So glad it helped man! 🤙🏻

[@heyboss318]

Just subscribed and liked your video... You explain way better than others...you go to the point and focus on the problem with details and facts.

[@ShadowOfTheZone]

Really well edited video, it's both educational and funny, especially with the occasional mistake and train horn, it gives the video a little comic relief!

[@---gz1cf]

this is the best channel hands down. i will share for sure brotha. also you should do a video on valve adjustments if you can im new to the game and would like to see how its done for my vn750 or at all for that matter

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

bruiser cruiser I will keep this mind for sure man! Thank you for your views!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

+bruiser cruiser definitely in the books to come out with a video on this topic. Thanks for your shares and time viewing!

[@DivergentDroid]

Cool, you explained why if it's too tight that can be bad. For my new scooter, I had a lot of free play from the factory. I found adjusting it at the throttle didn't work, the adjustment nut wanted to come off the threaded part before it was tight like I wanted. I set it about middle ways then adjusted it at the carb but now I'm going to loosen it at the throttle because I think it's too tight. Thanks.

[@ArcherDubs]

Just got my bike from Honda of Norfolk and saw this video. I was like, I know I've seen him and I know that shop. Lmao. Great work. I need to adjust my throttle now.

[@bobbyhutcheson5192]

Aaa

[@paulacabbo466]

there isn't a video i can find on adjusting them at the carb so there's the right ammount adjustment available at the grip, sometimes ill see a bike with the adjuster all the way out to get the right ammount of slack because the carb side adjustment is wrong. i try to get mine so when the top adjuster is set its only open a 1/4 inch or less, but thats just me being fussy

[@nobody2254]

Subscribed! Nice video. Thanks for updating me with good knowledge. My CBF 125 has inconsistent engine rpm when cold. I've taken it to the shop, to check if it was needing valve check or injector cleaning/replacement. Mechanic answer that none of the above seem to be the problem. Since I couldn't get my issue fixed, I'm getting my hands on the bike. I suspect it can the the cable.

[@clipper489]

Excellent video! I could not make a sharp turn to the right without the rpm going up. Thanks.

[@SpentBrassAdventures]

Thank you. I got my fork seals replaced and noticed afterwards the idle would spike when I turned the handle bars to the right. I've known about the adjustment process but got stuff thinking it could be something more involved. Thank you for the reminder.

[@delta32112]

I know it's an old video, but I had some issue with my Hornet. I also watched the video on turn light switch cleaning which helped me A LOT as all the other awesome videos you put here! Now, the ignition switch is sticky as well and sometimes remains on and lights go off... and since we are at the throttle cables: do I need to take off the throttle cables to take the switch apart and clean it? How? Cleaning I'll do it as in turn light switch I guess. It does not look like I can get enough play in the cables to take them off at the handle... Thank you again for the great content!

[@sunsetoriginals7320]

I purchased a 2004 Gl1800 last summer with 180000km on it. I noticed after it sat for the winter, the throttle is super slow to retract. The bike has aftermarket heated grips (just wanted to note this incase it was important). I have tried lubing the tube under the grip with silicone spray as a hopes to an easy fix. It seems to have fixed my problem but the throttle still doesn't snap back like my 2013 CB500 does. Is the GL just slower in general to retract or should it be snappy like my CB? I love your videos! Keep em' coming!

[@G23Bulldog]

Love the videos man, you are very articulate and the video quality is great. I'm working on cleaning my carbs on a 98 gsx600f and your video have helped tremendously. Keep up the great work.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

+G23Bulldog So glad you have found some value in the content brother 🤙🤙

[@paulacabbo466]

The first adjustment is always to remove all slack from the deceleration or push cable at the carb and then you adjust for free play, me i always aim for the top and bottom adjusters on the pull cable to be in the middle of the adjuster with the throttle at 3mm free play

[@Thatguy-tn5vj]

Best part of the video “take the thingy put it in the hole you know how it goes”

[@tyrssen1]

What a terrific tip! Ya just made a new subscriber here.

[@kenti8294]

Very informative video. Thanks. I had just adjusted mine at the grip end the best I could get was about a 1/4 inch fee play. The bike did not act up so I guess that was good

[@jakefall9838]

Hey man I have a 1997 rm250( close enough to a motorcycle) and I don’t have free play. It worked great until I changed throttle tubes and now it has no free play and does not return to neutral. When I first put them on, the throttle kinda locked and I man handled it back after opening it up and trying the different cams that come with it. I’m 98% sure I got the right one on, ive tried making the screws and bolts less tight. Any recommendations would be cool.

[@rashellyohn5128]

Thnxs for the vid. I have a 84 Honda Shadow VT700c w/75,000 original miles. It sat for a while and boy did it backfire after I got it up and running. So I took off the carns and cleaned them up. But it stills rids a little rough. So I am thinkging its the carb and it need a tune up. I just need the reight specs on the idle screew . what screew I should start with and how many turns. Start with it all the way closed and back it out how many. Or open it all the way and close it down. Thanks for your brain power.

[@ALEXGSXR]

i needed this video 2 weeks ago haha

[@petrperez461]

What a great vid!!! Thanks a lot!!

[@enzoferrarii4800]

Love the train bro

[@notsotacticalninja2409]

nice video!

[@grahammorris738]

All sorted thanks for your advice

[@BoStErO1905]

Hey brother not sure if you'll see this, but I have an issue. I switched out bars on vtx and shaved off the nub on the throttle cable housing because new bars didn't have the hole drilled. It was fine for I while but now it slides around. What do you recommend? Tape on handle bar? Rubber piece?

[@dalefosterii9929]

Helped a lot. Much appreciated.

[@willnoble9650]

Anyway you can do a full replacement video on throttle cables on a honda shadow ? i have been trying to find one for weeks !

[@Dave-jc6ky]

Do you have a video of removing and replacing the cables on this Shadow? Mine is 2002 VT1100C. Thanks!

[@AlbertoLopez-zu9yf]

Oh men this was so helpful men thank You Honda Jedi 🙏🏽

[@daleallem]

Thank you! Very helpful.

[@straightbuckets9225]

Great my man do it again please

[@CafeRacerGarage]

Love your videos mate :) Quick question about your 750 nighthawk, i think it's very similar to my 93 cb seven fifty that I'm turning it into a cafe racer, I've made a custom box to fit a smaller battery inside the swing arm but trying to figure out how to hide the wires, one thing I'm stuck... is what is the small black box that connects to the + side of the battery? I know part of it is a fuse but the rest of it is about the size of a relay. What is it and can I get a smaller one from aftermarket or another bike? Thank you for answering my question and I will give you a shout out in my wiring part of my cafe racer build.

[@tttrevin]

The red line pic at the beginning is actually a temp gauge

[@TheJakobLott]

Is there anyway to shorten the throw or twist ?

[@simon5786]

Great video 👏. I have a question for you , I friend of mine has a wr450f the idle speed seems ok , but when He is riding it and coming up to a junction and have slowed down , it seems to race on the throttle but if you let the clutch out when in gear and take it to the bite point it then drops back to normal idle ? Could this be an issue with the free play or return cable sticking ? I don't know much about bikes and any help would be appreciated.

[@sv650nyc7]

The second cable is not fixed, it determines how fast the throttle closes. You can also adjust that to your preferences. Just make sure it always closes the throttle quickly and completely when you let go of it.

[@cesartapia610]

So I turn it out (away) to get more tension and better return, correct? Then turn it in to have less pull/return?

[@marekbabik2791]

I did change the handlebar, but the throttle cable on closing side is too short for the new handlebars... and for my bike(yamaha virago 535) I can't find any longer variation what can I do to make it work ??? I already snapped the adjustment bolt ... can u help me with that ? Or I should just buy one for a different bike where the cable is longer ?

[@guessguy209]

Thanks for the video on the freepay...I mean freepray....I mean... Free play. Ha. Question...I just changed my handlebars to something lower (clubman) and now my throttle is binding. If I remove the throttle and get the wire higher where it used to be positioned it does not bind. I know I may need some slight rerouting (hopefully that's all), but does this also sound like something adjusting the free play would correct, maybe without even rerouting? Or am a newb that is way off base with my assumptions. Thanks again

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

The very best thing to do is invest in some shorter cables. Some cafe part websites sell shorter control cables already made for you. But yes it is more than likely putting a bind on the cables with how they are ran. Take the time to make the bike look clean!!

[@boatymcboatface_YT]

Hi mate! Loving your videos. Quick question... What lube are you using in this video? Also, do you see an issue in removing the push cable from a push/pull set up?

[@manuhonkanen2111]

Would it be possible to run the bike only with the pull-cable of the carbs? There is a spring by the carbs that will shut the throttle when one let's go of the handle

[@neil0666]

Can you remove the lower cable at the handlebars and lube it the same as the top, while it's still on the bike?

[@rodgerbaer6382]

I have a VTX 1300C, can you please help me out with the cable routing inside the switch housing and on the barrel sleeve.

[@earnestbrown2643]

So if the throttle is too tight, It needs some freeplay?

[@TIMBHMAXX22]

Hey I have a vulcan 800 but it has the same throttle set up as the one in your video, so I had to adjust the handlebars for my wife to ride this bike when I got a bigger one and I had to replaced the grips with some softer and when I was done I put everything back and I thought I put everything back together correctly but now it's backfiring or sputtering through the intake I can see the air cleaner hood bounce or shake or something it idles ok but if I turn the throttle a little bit it will chug and backfire so the only thing it could be is one or both of the cables are in a bind or something like that so does that mean I need to ger new cables or what? Thanks for any ides

[@jamesratcliffe6579]

Thanks pal helped a lot

[@peregilhagen922]

Great video !

[@Yreikian_Escapes]

Very helpful, thank you! #liked

[@TennRides]

Nice video. What I need to know, the throttle tension on my bike has always been too stiff. First bike I've ever had, I've had many over the last 50+ years of riding, that had such a stiff throttle, nothing binding it, cable is lubed, etc, but stiff to twist it. Is there a way to back off the tension?

[@rcronin1]

I have the same question

[@TennRides]

@@rcronin1 Rebecca, if y'all find a good solution, please, let me know.

[@rcronin1]

What do you guys think about a throttle tamer? I've also seen people mention changing the throttle spring, but I don't even know if my bike has one.

[@TennRides]

@@rcronin1 Hi Rebecca, do you ride a lot of dirt? A throttle tamer is not really something I would recommend, unless a new rider had a liter bike, or some other ride that wanted to jump and run at the slightest twist of the throttle. If you ride dirt, a throttle tamer, I never used one, way back when I still raced in the dirt, can be a good thing. It would be especially useful going over whoops, or any kind of bumpy areas where a rider could end up with whiskey throttle and eating the dirt, or a tree haha. To clarify about my comment regarding tight throttle, I know how to adjust the tension on throttles, been riding since I was 8, but on my current main ride, I have adjusted it and it still seems stiff. Have you made any adjustments to the throttle cables for free play or return?

[@rcronin1]

@@TennRides hey thank you for the reply. This is in regards to a street bike, a new CB550R. I would describe the throttle exactly like how you were describing yours. it's so sensitive that going over bumps blips it. The free play is set correctly. I'm not sure how to adjust it for return though? I also have a Suzuki gw250 that I ride that has a super easy "forgiving" throttle.

[@robertvincent562]

Cory, do stainless steel cables last longer or does it not matter as long as the cable used is properly lubed and adjusted? I'm trying to decide if stainless is worth the extra $. I wouldn't do stainless just for the appearance. (Other's opinions welcomed as well)

[@jeffp.5080]

Ordered the part today, need all the help I can get. Lol

[@The1Tbay]

"There's that awesome train again!" XD good vid man, keep em coming

[@aniketmhatre5219]

like 10 video watched but yours helpfull thanks a lot great work deserve subscribe

[@flexjay87]

I have 2 Honda ST 1100's. one has what i consider normal , the other one has a " Hair trigger" throttle, and its annoying. So i need to figure out to adjust that, if possible ?

[@smrangers22]

Great info , hi from scotland ....

[@jojostwowheels]

thank you for making this video! I am having a hard time how to fix my throttle cable. When I turn right or left, the engine starts revving on its own. I couldn't bring it to the nearest mechanic. I have to do the fixing on my own.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

This adjustment will fix that!!

[@evanbushong4291]

I took carb off because they were leaking fixed that but now I feel like I have loss of power like it’s kinda missing or something could it be throttle?

[@johncarlson8029]

I adjust all throttle cables by finding a little free play when the handle bar is lock to lock, then as tight as possible.

[@icanhasbase]

My freeplay is probably right in line with what you show when you flash "little dramatic..." on the screen. I'm talking a solid inch or more of rotation before engagement. My question is if the amount of pay is too much for the adjustment screw at the throttle is there another way to adjust or is it simply time for a new cable. Bike is an 07 shadow spirit with 110,000 km

[@MartinMKR1]

Great! Thanks!

[@Matt-vo1ge]

I understand that the "B" (idle) cable at the engine just has a lock nut and no adjuster, whereas the "A" (open) cable has an adjuster at the engine and handle ends. Is it just a case of sinching up B and then making "A" taught? Or is there something else to it? I don't get how the B cable doesn't require adjustment.

[@Raining_H]

I need help. I just did a hangle bar change myself and the handle bars look nice but whn i let go of the throttle it doesnt snap back. It just stays in the position i left it. Is that because i need to tighten my throttle cables

[@JarrodKTkach]

Great video man. I have a question. I have a Honda rebel 450 that I replaced the throttle cables on and I have no snap back on my throttle at all. I have to roll forward to turn the throttle back. So you think I need to adjust the cable or check the throttle tube?

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

I would put all of the slack down at the carb and slack the adjustment up top. Either the cables were not installed right on the tube, really bad routing or no free play. No offense but it sounds like the cables are either on backwards or on wrong with with throttle pipe! Check that first!

[@JarrodKTkach]

TheMotorcycleMD okay I will check it out. The only reason I think they are on correct is I did them one at a time and the one cable that is adjustable is connected to the twist to give gas. But totally will take your advice here. I'll let you know! Thank you buddy.

[@RamonaTaylor-wv7ix]

How do I reattach my cable to the handle bar

[@teddgibbs5675]

Thanks man

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

+Tedd Gibbs No! thank you!

[@mohammeduvise4760]

nice video very welldone👌

[@64t120r]

Oh hell dude, I was drinking tea when you said throttle free play. Your soaked in oil, I'm soaked in tea. Haha. I had to hit the like button just for that.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

64t120r Be sure to check that throttle freepray 🤣! Glad you got a laugh out of It brother!🤙🤙

[@erebusros7807]

I have a problem there's no adjustment athe the top for my honda and no vide on how to do it at the carb. You mentioned it but didn't show. My throttle is locked fully pulled. Can't make it stop throttling.

[@1canyonguy]

I could not find any video,pictures or step by step directions to do a throttle reinstall on a 1998 KLX 300. I also tried all the forums I could find.- Any help appreciated..

[@intelin123]

I rebuild my carb on my 04 vtx1300 and after putting everything back on. My throttle is too tigh and it does not snap back on. I never touched the upper cable.i took everything apart again and no matter what is do the throttle grip is still tight

[@Tacbi0325]

Hey bro my bike 07 Suzuki after big rain my throttle is like no give gas to the bike ... like the speed screw is dinglin when the bike is on ? When I tight the speed screw is like run normal but after while the rpm go up ?? Helpme pleae

[@anthonyfindley4242]

How do you adjust the cables on the carbs i have sync’d the carbs all is good but when i give throttle the gauges go opposite of each other and i get a couple pops out the carbs

[@PrimalMiltos]

What does adjusting the bottom cable by the throttle do?

[@toddb3342]

PrimalMiltos he has no idea lol

[@chatno1981]

I think my problem is not so much the free play but that my throttle does not snap back fast enough. ("very very slowly") how can I fix that? I have already checked whether my throttle grips against something or hooks on something, but that is not the case

[@cesarmarzan6170]

When I loosen the the cable at throttle body the throttle sticks. Why is that ? Thanks !

[@surfish01]

Hey question for you. I have a 1996 cb750 that is in great condition. I am currently putting on some cafe clip on handlebars and new push pull throttle cables. I am have a hard time getting them to function properly. If the cables are straight the throttle reopens perfect with a snap. If I put the throttle on the handlebar, loop the cables over the headlight with a large loop and down the left side of the frame to the carbs, the throttle stocks open. HELP! What an I doing wrong?

[@telegraphmetrostore5007]

Ya im try it because it feels real stiff

[@jeffp.5080]

Your dramatic is where mine is and I'm having a really hard time. 86 cmx450c

[@bryaneckstrom7169]

SUBBED !!!! Great video. I loved it and was really easy to follow along. Cant wait for more content !!!

[@jones9oh5]

question my throttle has a lot of play, even with the adjustment out as far as it can go i still need to turn the throttle about a 1/4 before it engages, how can i fix it? or does it just need a new throttle cable possibly? oh and this a 125cc pit bike and there is only one adjuster spot not two

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

+jones905 I would check and see if the "push" cable isn't broken. That's what it sounds like the problem is.

[@jones9oh5]

that would require taking the throttle apart correct? and if that is the problem how would i go about fixing that? thanks for the reply by the way !

[@tantaluss68]

I jetted my carbs and my throttle is really stiff wont roll back to idol the cable is very smooth off the carb but when i connect it the throttle stays wherever i turn it to any ideas on what to adjust

[@Sole-Survivor]

Do you have a video illustrating the adjustment procedure for the bottom in the event the proper adjustment cannot be achieved up top?

[@dezarayyoutzy3270]

My bike wont start without the starter fluid and i have replaced the carb..the spark plugs..now the throttle is getting stuck. What cod this be???

[@ghostzombie6397]

I just changed the throttle cable on my 01 vstar and there is so much play in the handle

[@mrfrost9892]

when u shim carb needles what size washer do u use

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Mr Frost #4!