Throttle Cable Housing Lubrication

[badgertom]

During a recent ride my throttle keep getting stuck. I traced the problem to the mechanism in the throttle cable housing. Apparently,
gunk prevented the proper operation of the throttle. I cleaned everything and the operation is much better. My question is should I
use some lubricant ( ie.  motor oil, WD-40, grease) to make operation even smoother? Or, will any sort of grease, etc  eventually gum up the operation again?

[Oconner]

Used light grease on mine. don't use wd40

[montmil]

Are you asking about lubing the gears in the throttle twist grip?

I use white lithium grease. WD-Farty eventually turns gummy, attracts grit and you're right back where you started.

[Barry]

Definitely grease if you want to avoid premature wear and it needs a thorough clean and re-grease quite often if the gears are to last.   I use a thin moly grease every few years.

If you look carefully at the first few teeth that get the most use they are probably already worn. That's inevitable given the pot metal construction.  In terms of originality this is one of the parts on our bikes that's going to be problem if the they become "no longer available"  so they need looking after.

[Bob_Roller]

Just a note if you do have to replace the cam gear with the chain attached to it, the replacement part is different and you need a new cover as well .

A light application of a light grease is all it needs you don't need to fill the area up.

[Tony Smith]

All of the other respondents have focused the actual throttle barrel, and good advice there as always.


However I read (possibly incorrectly) that you have identified a cable problem.

The cables come dry-lubricated and should not require further lubrication in service. That said, even if yours are on their way out, you can secure a little more useful life from them by lubing them up.

Firstly, order new cables. Spare cables should be part of the basic "spares kit" that all airhead owners should have on hand at home (and take with them on long tours).

Next free the handlebar end of your cables (If you have the later 3 cable setup , same advice but you need to go about it differently).

Once upon a time I would have talked about using a funnel and plasticine to introduce oil into the cable and then leave it for a day or so to soak through.

There are better "high tech" solutions now.


Firstly a cable oiler something like this will do perfectly

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Motorcycle-Dual-Cable-Oiler-Luber-Lubricator-Tool-for-Suzuki-Models-/111118277845


Then some really high-tech modern aerosol chain lube like:-

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/Silkolene-Titanium-Chain-Lube-Gel-500mL.aspx?pid=338124#Recommendations

This stuff is my new favourite chain lube, using it on everything that moves at my place.

Anyway, fit straw to can, shake well and then apply using the instructions with your cable oiler. Non-sticky, doesn't run and the PTFE cannot do much harm either.

Frankly this is the best stuff I have ever put on a chain and I am thinking of a Viking funeral for my tin of Duckhams.....