Page 1 of 1
Heavy Throttle
Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 3:08 pm
Author: Jet
I have a 1977 Z1000 A1 and I have just had to have an operation on my hand and I now find the throttle is rather heavy can anyone help with advice of how to lighten it if this possible.
Thanks
Jet
Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 3:14 pm
Author: tlc
I bought a little device that goes over the end of the cable and allows the tube from an aerosol can to fit into it.
With this device you can pump brake cleaner through the cable until it runs clear thus removing any dust / dirt / moisture from said cable.
After allowing the solvent to evaporate WD40 can be pumped through.
I used this on my dirt bikes over the years and have never since had a broken or even sticky cable.
Do make sure the carb linkages are properly cleaned and adjust the cables correctly !
I now have the lightest clutch action and cannot believe what I put up with when I was younger

Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 3:37 pm
Author: eastlondon
You can do as Chris has suggested or alternatively use this cheaper method:
Get a polythene carrier bag and cut into a 6 inch square. Undo the throttle cables from the throttle and poke a small hole through the middle of the polythene and put one cable through the hole and then using a bit of sellotape or rubber band seal the bottom so that a funnel shape is formed where the inner and outer cables meet. Position upright and fill the funnel with a small amount of engine oil and leave for about 30 minutes.
You will be surprised how smooth the cables operate once done.
Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 3:57 pm
Author: tlc
Eastlondon is right, but..................
The idea of a lubricant is that it should not be so thick / sticky that it retains dust / dirt which then takes on the consistency of valve grinding paste.
WD40 needs replacing every 3 months or 6 months depending on your usage.
It is just as important to clean out the old lubricant before replacing with new
When dirt biking I did it after every ride.
Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 4:03 pm
Author: Pigford
Try one of those things that fit on the throttle grip, and support you hand...
Seen 'em fitted to tourers.... they allow support for your wrist... plastic things only a few quid... M&P

Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 4:27 pm
Author: Taffus
as above but make sure the routing of the cable is correct. Also lubricate the throttle tube that the grip sits on.
Another thing you can do is take the carbs off and then take the carb bank apart, to reduce tension on the return spring, the last set of carbs for a 1100 had 1 or 2 turns of tension already on when I took them apart ( and yes the spring tried to escape the garage!)
You could try lubricating the the butterfly spindles as any drag in there will add to the problem
Oh and well done lads, no inane comments, I 'm impressed (I resisted the urge too!)
Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 4:39 pm
Author: Pigford
Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 8:06 pm
Author: Steve Cooke
I don't know how true it is myself but I was told by a fairly reliable source never to use WD40 on cables as it dries them out or something, and only ever to use a light oil.
Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 8:13 pm
Author: tlc
WD40 evaporates pretty quickly.
The point is that it doesn`t attract dust like oil does.
Always clean your cables thoroughly before relubricating. Just flush brake cleaner through until it runs clear.
Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 9:51 pm
Author: Al
Hello Jet, my handlebar grips are made for an Ariel (brit bike) and have that logo on them. The key thing is that when i bought them they had two raised longitudinal ribs on them.
I cut off the one which would have ended up across my palm and arranged the other one to be in between the second and third segment of my fingers where it locates with the folds in my gloves.
This takes a great deal of pressure off my fingers and allows the throttle grip to bind better with my gloves.
My problem was similar to yours but caused by continually ringing the buggers neck and having the throttle ease round in my gloves.
P.S. Bought them from Netley Marsh autojumble couple of years ago but have seen them many times since including Kempton Park etc.
AL
Thanks
Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2008 8:42 am
Author: Jet
I am amazed no dirty comments only sensible helpful ones. I would not really know anything about limp wrists anyway being a girlie. Thanks for all the suggestions I am now off down the garage.
Cheers Lads
xxx