Push-pull throttle cables

[BrianG]

How long has Harley Davidson been using dual (push-pull) throttle cables?

Is this really necessary?

[hbkeith]

i think it was like 1980,throttle will still work without idle cable

[FSG]

It was 1981 and yes it'll work without the idle cable.

[mrmike]

Think of it as a spare in case one breaks.

Mike

[CraigArizona85248]

It's actually a Pull-Pull setup.  I only point it out because from the early 1900's all the way up to the mid 60's they actually did use a Push-Pull setup.  Push-Pull is a single solid (non-braided) cable that does both the job of pushing and pulling.  There was no throttle return spring on the carb.  The new double cable system only uses each cable to pull (it's impossible to push with a braided flexible cable).

The idle cable is only there in case of a problem with the throttle cable (frayed wires can stick in the housing) or a broken return spring on the carb.  You can remove it.  But if you do, pay closer attention to the condition of your throttle cable.  You don't want it fraying and sticking the throttle open.

-Craig

[BrianG]

It seems like a piece of lawyer-tech, to me. The throttle return spring is a pretty substantial piece that snaps back the throttle against the friction of the two cables.  Also, the ignition switch is close at hand, as is the kill switch.

[CraigArizona85248]

Yes and no.  I believe there is some CYA going on.  But at the same time, you should recognize the risk of going to a single cable.  Twisted strand cables will start to fray as they get older.  If the frayed part of the cable is inside the cable housing, it can hang up the cable and the throttle spring is not strong enough to dislodge it.  If this happens as you are approaching stopped traffic it can get dicey.  You've lost a second or two figuring out that you need to take alternative action and that could be costly.  Yes... kill switch and clutch are your friends.  Learn to use them, you never know what might arise where they are needed.

I'm not advocating the need for the secondary (idle) cable.  I just think you should go into it with all the information.  I run a single cable on my bike.  I change the throttle cable about every 18 months before it even starts to look worn.  Cheap insurance to help avoid a stuck cable.

-Craig

[BrianG]

Yes and no.  I believe there is some CYA going on.  But at the same time, you should recognize the risk of going to a single cable.  Twisted strand cables will start to fray as they get older.  If the frayed part of the cable is inside the cable housing, it can hang up the cable and the throttle spring is not strong enough to dislodge it.  If this happens as you are approaching stopped traffic it can get dicey.  You've lost a second or two figuring out that you need to take alternative action and that could be costly.  Yes... kill switch and clutch are your friends.  Learn to use them, you never know what might arise where they are needed.

I'm not advocating the need for the secondary (idle) cable.  I just think you should go into it with all the information.  I run a single cable on my bike.  I change the throttle cable about every 18 months before it even starts to look worn.  Cheap insurance to help avoid a stuck cable.

-Craig

Quite right Craig!  Knowledge is power.

My Nortons, Triumphs, and early Hondas all were single cable throttle systems.  I'm thinking that with all of the other run-away devices on board it's not a real safety issue.

[ou812]

Does this go for S & S Super E's also? 

[Winston Wolf]

I had mine break in the middle of nowhere.  I pulled out my tool kit on the side of the road, and switched the cable on the carb side. I had to run the throttle backwards, but at least I could drive the thing...  Might save your ass one day, it saved mine.

[BrianG]

I had the same thing happen once.  I had to ride with a "suicide" throttle ....  no biggie.

[emxgarcia]

Think of it as a spare in case one breaks.

Mike

Yep!

[gonefishing_68]

Try that with TBW.

[emxgarcia]

Try that with TBW.

I think TBW is more than ready for primetime and trust
in a couple more years the discussion will fade away

But yes, try that with TBW.....

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[CraigArizona85248]

I've also done the swap with the idle cable on my FXDWG (it still has the double cable setup).  Works in a pinch.  Never worry about breaking cables with my panhead since I change them out before they are fully ready for the waste bin.  Preventive maintenance can go a long way towards avoiding these kinds of problems.  Of course, that's no gaurantee.  You could break a cable in the first week of use if it's got a defect.

TBW... well, there is no cable to break.  There are electronics though.  Probably will outlast the engine life, but if it does fail out on the road, you're screwed.  That's gonna be a tow and a costly repair.

-Craig

[BrianG]

My 2003 Toyota Tundra is TBW.  With over 100,000 on the clock there have been no issues with it.  TBW is hardly new technology at this point.

[CraigArizona85248]

Nobody said TBW was new technology.  The discussion was around "if it does break" (remote chance) you're not likely to fix it on the side of the road.

-Craig

[Ultrashovel]

I like the double cables. It's a definite safety issue. When I bought my 2011 Dyna Street Bob last April, I was pleased to see that it still has the double cables as I really don't care for the wire throttle.

[gonefishing_68]

TBW is is far from new. The f-16 was the first 100% FBW aircraft. They have 1000's of hours on them. Yes cages use that tech also. The point was as stated, that all it takes is moister in one connection and you have NOTHING. @#it happens, and you will not have a cable to pull on.

[truck]

Years ago I had a solid wire throttle cable that broke. I was able to ride 2-3 miles home by reaching down and working the carb butterfly by hand.

[BrianG]

TBW is is far from new. The f-16 was the first 100% FBW aircraft. They have 1000's of hours on them. Yes cages use that tech also. The point was as stated, that all it takes is moister in one connection and you have NOTHING. @#it happens, and you will not have a cable to pull on.

Precisely why HD has ejection seats.....

Some people think they can out-brake ABS too.

[gonefishing_68]

Most folks can out brake it when a sensor is not working right. Keep it simple stupid.

[BrianG]

Most folks can out brake it when a sensor is not working right. Keep it simple stupid.

Seriously?
Most people can outrun a Harley when its out of gas too.  How stupid simple would you like it?

Do you actually have some mean time between failure data on ABS sensor failure or on TBW system failure or are you just talking outa your hat?

[Dan89flstc]

Most folks can out brake it when a sensor is not working right. Keep it simple stupid.

ABS is simple stupid.

[gonefishing_68]

The first time you step on the brakes and the peddle bounces back because a sensor was screwed let me know how simple it was. Take the electronics out of the system and all your left with is machincal failure as a probelm. Thats why they make more than one bike. You ride your new up to date, and I'll ride my old worn out bike. Smile    By the way Brain there is a service bulletin on the connection for your TBW.