[Castorp]

I was trying to adjust the free play in the throttle cable for the first time and while attempting to loosen the locknut on the bottom cable, the threaded part of the sheath snapped. I found that I could temporarily join the two broken parts screwing them into the lock nut, and the throttle appears to work, but I want to replace that throttle cable.

What brand of cable do you all recommend?

Does the stainless steel/"Platinum" and other sheathing make a difference? or is Vinyl just as good?

I'm seeing quite a range, from cheap cables on ebay to expensive ones with fancy coverings, push and pull sold separately.

I'm assuming I should just go ahead and replace both "push" and "pull" cables while I'm at it.

The bike is 2013 with almost 19K miles.

Thanks!

 

[RB 32504]

Motion pro is perhaps the largest manufacturer of motorcycle cables. The generic brands may be just as good but if I had to replace mine, I’d likely go with motion pro. A set of the armor coats for the throttle side would be about 85.00 As far as vinyl versus stainless; im sure the stainless is more abrasion resistant if you were to drop the bike, but most people go with them more for the looks.

Motion Pro

Motion Pro - High quality cables, tools and controls for motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles and personal watercraft.

www.motionpro.com

 

[Castorp]

Thank you. It looks like Motionpro has discontinued their vinyl cables. I'm seeing only stainless for the 900. I’d really rather have vinyl both for price and looks (personally I don’t want any more shiny stuff on the bike, and from what I’m reading on various sites it seems there’s no real advantage to braided other than looks).

The other major brand that makes cables for the 900 is Barnett, and I see in some early threads here that some had trouble installing them on the 900. The ends didn’t quite fit or something.

I keep investigating, but I’m finding mainly unbranded cables, eBay and Amazon stuff, and I’m wary of no name brands. I do a lot of distance riding and I don’t waa any cable trouble out on the road.

I will probably just go with the motion pro steel braided even tho that’s not my preference. I do Wish I could find a reliable aftermarket brand that offers quality exact fit cables for the 900 in vinyl or, failing that, “blackout “

 

[RB 32504]

I would try to call or email them. I see the same thing. Since they also do custom cables, I can’t believe they wouldn’t make them in either their black steel or their vinyl.

 

[RB 32504]

Custom Cables - Motion Pro

Motion Pro - High quality cables, tools and controls for motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles and personal watercraft.

www.motionpro.com

custom cable program by contacting us at 650-594-9600

 

[RB 32504]

Well crap. I can’t believe I forgot about partzilla. Looks like they have them. OEM parts. this was my bike, just change the bike year model but it should be the same anyway. https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/kawasaki/motorcycle/2014/vulcan-900-classic-lt-vn900def/cables

 

[Castorp]

I will write to Motion Pro as you suggest and see. I'm also looking into cables from Euro/British companies: "slinky glide", paaschuburg and wunderlich, etc. These cables go for about the same price as the old motion pro vinyls, and they at least have a name to investigate. If for some reason none of that works out, I will go for oem. Thanks again for your help.

 

[Castorp]

I did write to motion pro. The custom vinyls would be quite expensive: $84 per throttle cable and $95 for the clutch. The representative himself recommended just going oem if I wanted vinyl. And I probably will. But if anyone out there has experience with aftermarket cables on the 900, I'd love hear about it.
Thanks!

 

[RB 32504]

I did write to motion pro. The custom vinyls would be quite expensive: $84 per throttle cable and $95 for the clutch. The representative himself recommended just going oem if I wanted vinyl. And I probably will. But if anyone out there has experience with aftermarket cables on the 900, I'd love hear about it.
Thanks!

I would agree with the rep. If you want vinyl then why not go with oem. Both throttle cables are about 65.00 total. Clutch cable is probably around 30

 

[Castorp]

It seems that’s what I’ll do. But oftentimes the aftermarket offers a superior product (with seats, steering head bearings, etc). I just wanted to see if anyone here feels this is the case with cables.

 

[RB 32504]

Order a cable luber when you get them…once when you install them and maybe once every couple years. I’m sure they will outlast the bike.