| Author | Message | ||
     Timan |
Two questions in one day after picking up this 2005 XB12R. After a quick once over I took it out for a short ride to get it hot to change the oil. On one of the busiest streets in Raleigh, the clutch cable broke. Is the best option an original part from Harley store or is another source available. I see one on ebay for $32.00, any experience with these? | ||
| Ducbsa |
I have only used factory cables, so no help there. One thing that you might already know from your Uly is to screw the clutch end in fully first, then route it to the handlebar. The fitting at the bottom is very weak and it is easy to snap it off. | ||
| Meggadeath |
The late model stock clutch cables seem to be superior to the aftermarket options in many ways! I have tried the aftermarket options ($30.00 specials) and found the need to slightly modify them to make them work. As stated by Ducbsa, the threaded ferule on the case end is FRAGILE and shouldn't be tightened beyond what's needed to seat the o ring at the case. Lubrication is allegedly unnecessary on the newer stock cables as they have a teflon-like coating on the cable, but I use a teflon spray lube for "good measure" anyway. The lever end MUST be lubricated at the lever (lithium grease) to keep the cable end free at the pivot (where most of the cables break). | ||
| Meggadeath |
BTW, support your "local" aftermarket Buell providers (American Sport Bike) as they have continued to support Buell owners with necessary parts! | ||
| Froggy |
The stock clutch cable has been superseded since the bike was built, the newer cable design is quite nice, with less maintenance required and they are smoother actuating. | ||
| Timan |
A little background on me. I have over 300K miles on old BMW's and another 100K plus on other bikes. As the younger generation would say--it is what it is, but $70.00 for a clutch cable! More than twice what a comparable BMW cable would cost. Fact is, I got to have one. Appreciate the input. | ||
| Froggy |
The comparable BMW cable requires you to replace 3 other pieces, and you need to remove the flywheel to get to the adjustment nut  That said, the cable has gone up in price, retail used to be $45, now it is $56. It is what it is. Part number 38627-02D | ||
| Greg_e |
For clarification, the newer style has nylon or Teflon coating for the entire length making it work better and last longer. Its worth the increase in price. | ||
| Hammer1050 |
Honestly, the new cables are really well made. The clutch cables from Buell don't come any better than these. As already stated, treat the primary cover end like glass. Torque of around 36-100 in/lbs. I stay towards the lower value. Just really enough to seat the o-ring. | ||
| Greg_e |
I finger tighten mine and never had a drop of oil get out past the o ring. Doubt I'm generating more than a few inch pounds. | ||
| Hammer1050 |
Need to have some torque on the cable housing end, otherwise the threads in the primary case will distort and fret as the clutch cable outer housing is tensioned when operated. Also prevents side load on the cable end so it does not crack. Actual published torque from the Buell manual for a 2008 XB is 36-108 In/lbs. Not just about sealing the o-ring. |
