I need advice on how to properly lubrcate the clutch cable on a friends 83 GL1100 Aspencade. His clutch lever is very hard to work and I'm hoping a good lube job will help some. If not it'll be a new cable to install. We need to get this done for a trip we're taking next month. What's the best lubricant to use?

Thanks for the help guys.

Gary Hosfelt
Newark, Ohio

By Bruce Terris on Monday, June 25, 2001 - 01:27 pm:

Gary I do all the cables on my 83 Interstate every year. Last year I bought cable lube from our local dealer, and the little tool to lube it. Prior to this I used WD40 or dura lube or whatever was handy. The cable lube does a much better job and lasts a lot longer.

Any shop that has dirt riding customers should have the lube and the little tool for getting it in the cable.

Good luck

By Jim Wise on Monday, June 25, 2001 - 03:19 pm:

Gary, take a good look at the route the cable takes and make sure there are no tight bends. I've seen cables installed wrong that greatly affect the effort required to activate the clutch or brake on various bikes.

By Gene Gatti on Monday, June 25, 2001 - 04:15 pm:

also check the bushing on the lever. If it is worn replace it.

By j. raymond on Monday, June 25, 2001 - 11:18 pm:

The clutch lifter inside the clutch cover can also be-
come crudy & corroded. This can cause hard clutch
operation. After inspecting/lubing the cable & lever
bushing; this is the next ck.

The clutch cover can be removed w/ the engine in the
frame. Remove it & inspect. You can also ck out the
plates/disks while you're in the nieghborhood.

J.R. '83 GLI (ORG. OWNER)

/jr

By Barry Schwartz on Tuesday, June 26, 2001 - 05:33 am:

Cables can start to fray inside the casing. They get harder to pull shortly before they break. As for lubing the cable, I bought a kit from a motorcycle shop to inject lube into cables. I'd disconnect the cable and make sure it moves very smoothly after the lube job. If not, I'd replace it.