Regular maintenance is essential for motorcycles that are using cables for lever operation such as throttle and clutch. If you keep riding on your motorcycle without maintenance and the inner cable doesn't have insufficient lubrication, the internal resistor will increase and the lever operation becomes heavier, and wearing of peripheral parts such as shafts and wire stopper also increase.
Although it is difficult to grasp the progressive deterioration, cable cleaning and lubrication should be done for a specific distance and duration. The cleaning and lubricating of the inner cable can be efficiently performed by mounting the cable injector. It is also important to know that the injectors may not be fit or may pull out depending on the cable shape.
1. The effect of poor lubrication
2. Clean first before lubrication
3. Don't forget to clean and lubricate the cable wire stopper and lever pivot.
1. The effect of poor lubrication
There are many operating cables used in motorcycles, such as speedometer wire, throttle cable, clutch cable, brake cables for motorcycle drum brakes.
All cables should be cleaned and lubricated to reduce excessive resistance and prolong the life of the cable itself. It is difficult to notice the effects of poor lubrication on the clutch and throttle cable, in contrast to the obvious defects such as punctures, broken headlight, and changes in handling due to tire wear.
Recently, electronic control throttles have also started to become popular, but cables that combine with fine stainless steel wire have been the main part of the control system transmission for a long time due to its high rust resistance and high flexibility. Currently, most of the cables installed in commercial vehicles include polyethylene plastic liner to prevent the metal contacts between the coiled outer cable and the inner cable, reducing friction and improving lubrication.
However, even if it is a combination of a plastic liner and a metal inner cable, there is no change in the requirement for lubrication. If there are symptoms that you have not seen before, such as the feeling of operation is heavy when the clutch lever is gripped, the lever does not move smoothly, and the half-clutch control feels awkward. These may be a sign that there is already a problem with cable lubrication, so you should perform maintenance early.
・Many operating cables are used on the motorcycle, but the effect of poor lubrication is difficult to notice.
・If the clutch lever is heavy or the lever does not move smoothly, proper maintenance is required.
2. Clean first before lubrication
I will skip the procedure for removing the cable this time, but when performing cable maintenance for both the clutch and throttle, you should remove the cable from the clutch lever and the throttle drum.
Since the lubricating oil flows through the release of the lever on the opposite side and on the throttle drum side, you should also take care of it with a waste cloth. It is convenient to have a "cable injector" to inject oil into the cable.
If the cable injector fits to the edge of the outer cable, the chemical can be injected efficiently into the cable. Even without a cable injector, there is also a way to tie a plastic bag with a rubber band to the end of the cable, put oil in the bag, and lubricate it inside the cable.
However, with a cable injector, you can take advantage of the can spray type chemical gas pressure to save time. One cable injector can be used for a long time, it is recommended for riders who want to cherish their motorcycle.
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Well, the cable that is too hard to operate is certainly insufficient of oil, there is often dirt adhering to the gap between the guide and the inner cable at the same time, and even if it is lubricated with oil, the cable coated with dirt can not be lubricated. Therefore, for cable maintenance, cleaning before lubrication is important, and the chemical used for cleaning can be cleaned not only for parts cleaner but also can be cleaned in moist oil.
The idea is to use the oil for cable lubrication because the viscosity is low and the used oil during operation will become smooth and light. If you blow the oil from the injector, the black and dirty oil comes out from the other side at first, but when it becomes transparent, cleaning and lubrication are complete.
The lubrication condition of the clutch release to be paired with the clutch lever is also important. In case of some motorcycles with a structure where chain grease adheres to the clutch release, there may be gritty by dirty grease. If you continue to use it as it is, there is a possibility that the parts inside the clutch release may wear out, so cleaning and grease up are necessary.
・Cable injector is convenient for cable lubrication and cleaning.
・The cable is likely to be dirty, so be sure to clean it before lubrication.
・Check the lubrication status of the clutch release.
3. Don't forget to clean and lubricate the cable wire stopper and lever pivot.
Applying grease to the cable wire stopper can prevent wear due to clutch operation and is effective in preventing cable breakage.
It is recommended that you check the condition of the clutch lever pivot and cable wire stopper before reassembling the new oiled cable. When the clutch lever is held, if there is a play of the lever not only in the stroke direction but also up and down, there is a possibility of wear out due to poor lubrication of the pivot part. The worn pivot part will not return to its original position. If there is no play or to prevent further wear out even the play is detected, remove the pivot bolt, clean the dirty parts with a dirt cleaner and before removing the lithium apply grease to restore.
The wire stopper at the end of the cable is similar, and if there is no grease, it will rub with the wire stopper hole on the lever side and it leads to uneven wear, so it is assembled after applying a lithium grease with extreme high pressure. Cleaning and lubrication of the cable is a relatively easy task.
In addition to reducing the lever operating force, there is a secondary effect that the shift change is lightened by improving the responsiveness of the clutch, and high satisfaction is obtained. Just immediately remember the feeling after maintenance, if you think that the operability has become slightly worse, clean and lubricate the cable, and the life of the cables and levers will be extended, which is a good thing.
When the grease on the lever pivot bolt will break, not only friction will increase, but also the hole on the lever side will shave and expand.
By applying a thin layer of grease to the lever holder and the sliding surface of the lever, the play of the lever can be controlled. Apply grease to the wire stopper at the end of the cable wire.
・Lubricating the cable edge until wire stopper is effective for preventing the wear out and breakage.
・If the lever rattles up and down, there is a possibility of wear out due to insufficient lubrication in the pivot part.
・Cleaning and lubricating the cables are easy to do and it is a satisfying job on a regular basis.
Cable lubrication and cleaning are important and it will be done as one.
The cable that conveys the intention of the rider is an important part. If the sensitive operation is hindered by friction loss, it will also lead to discomfort of riding. Always give a moderate amount of oil to keep a smooth movement!
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