If you need advice on how to lubricate motorcycle cables, look no further. With this blog, you will be able to apply lubricant effectively to your motorcycle’s clutch, throttle, and brake cables.
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Importance of Motorcycle Cable Lubrication
If you fail to lubricate and maintain your motorcycle cables regularly, you could end up with a bike that is incredibly hard to control.
As well as making riding more comfortable, lubricating your cables will reduce excessive resistance and increase cable longevity.
The cables on your motorbike aren’t always as obvious as punctures, tyre wear, and other problems you might encounter. It is possible, however, to indicate that your bike’s cable lubrication needs to be replaced if your clutch lever does not move smoothly, or feels heavy when gripped.
To prevent these types of issues, you should make sure your cables are lubricated, but if you suspect a problem, act immediately.
How to Lubricate Motorcycle Cables (Clutch, Brake & Throttle Cables)
You can lubricate your bike’s cables by following our step-by-step guide.
Determine the cable type
Identifying the type of cables and whether they need lubrication is the first step to lubricating them. Refer to your motorcycle’s owner’s manual to find the location of the clutch, brake, and throttle cables.
In older steel cables, heavy lubrication is required. Teflon-lined cables don’t require heavy lubrication.
Apply a suitable lubricant
Using a product that is formulated specifically for cables is essential when lubricating them.
You will need a lubricant specifically designed for cables such as a lightweight lithium-based grease or a silicone spray lubricant, a clean rag, and a small brush or an old toothbrush.
We recommend reading reviews beforehand to see what previous customers have said about each cable lubricant. There are many cable lubricants available and they range in price.
Unplug the cables (optional)
When cables are removed from the bike, it is much easier to apply lubricant.
In order to ensure a proper installation and re-hooking of the cables, we suggest taking a picture of their current configuration before you unhook them.
In order to avoid reattaching damaged cables, check their condition. If they are damaged, worn, or frayed, order replacement cables and install them instead.
To unplug a motorcycle brake cable, first, locate the cable where it connects to the brake lever or caliper. Then, locate the cable connector or clip that holds the cable in place. This connector or clip may be a small lever, button, or screw that needs to be released in order to detach the cable from the lever or caliper. Once the connector or clip is released, the cable should be able to be pulled out. It’s important to remember to consult your motorcycle manual for the specific instructions of your bike model.
To unplug a motorcycle throttle cable, follow these steps:
- Locate the cable where it connects to the throttle grip on the handlebar.
- Look for a small plastic or metal clip that holds the cable in place.
- Use a small flat-head screwdriver or a pair of pliers to gently push or squeeze the clip, releasing the cable from the grip.
- Pull the cable out of the grip.
- Repeat the process on the other end of the cable, where it connects to the throttle body or carburetor.
The process can vary depending on the make and model of the motorcycle. It is always recommended to refer to your motorcycle’s service manual for specific instructions.
To unplug a motorcycle clutch cable, follow these steps:
- Locate the clutch cable where it connects to the clutch lever on the handlebar.
- Look for a small plastic or metal clip that holds the cable in place.
- Using a pair of pliers or your fingers, gently squeeze the clip and slide it toward the end of the cable.
- Once the clip is removed, you should be able to gently pull the cable out of the lever.
- Repeat this process on the other end of the cable where it connects to the clutch mechanism on the engine.
The specific steps may vary depending on the make and model of your motorcycle. It’s recommended to check your bike manual for more detailed instructions.
Clean the cables
Use the brush or toothbrush and the clean rag to remove any dirt or debris from the cables.
Lubricate the cable with a cable luber or with a funnel and apply lubricant
To lubricate the clutch, brake, and throttle cables on a motorcycle, you can use a cable lube tool or a funnel, and a lubricant specifically designed for cables.
You don’t even have to remove your bike’s cables to apply lubricant to your cables. Using a cable lube tool to lubricate your bike’s cables is the easiest and fastest method.
- To lubricate motorcycle cables using a cable lube tool, follow these steps:
- Locate the cable housing where it enters the handlebar or engine.
- Remove the end cap from the cable housing.
- Insert the lubrication tool into the cable housing and press the trigger to release the lubricant.
- Move the tool back and forth to work the lubricant into the cable.
- Repeat this process for each cable (clutch, brake, and throttle)
- Reinstall the end cap on the cable housing and wipe away any excess lubricant with a clean cloth or rag.
Be careful not to over-lubricate the cable, as it can cause the cable to become too slippery and reduce its effectiveness. It’s recommended to check your bike manual for specific lubricant recommendations for your motorcycle.
Consider cleaning the cable before lubricating if it’s dirty, rusty, or corroded. Also, check the condition of the cable, if they are worn out or frayed, it’s better to replace them.
Cable lubrication tools are designed to make lubricating cables much more efficient, by allowing the lubricant to be inserted directly into the cable housing, so it’s a good investment if you are planning to maintain your motorcycle regularly.
- Using a funnel and lubricant:
- Place a funnel into the end of the cable housing where the cable enters.
- Pour a small amount of lubricant into the funnel.
- Work the lubricant into the cable by moving the lever back and forth.
- Repeat this process for each cable (clutch, brake, and throttle)
- Wipe away any excess lubricant.
Be careful not to over-lubricate the cable, as it can cause the cable to become too slippery and reduce its effectiveness. It’s also recommended to check your bike manual for specific lubricant recommendations for your motorcycle.
Some cables only require light lubrication, and it should be done only after dust and debris have been blown out.
It is important to note that, you should use only lubricant recommended by your motorcycle manufacturer, as some types of lubricants can cause damage to the cables. Additionally, it’s recommended to lubricate your cables every time you change your oil or at least once a year.
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Reinstalling the cables
In the event that you used a cable lube tool, you’ll be able to skip this step. However, if you removed the cables from your bike, you will have to reinstall them. Remove your funnel, wipe down the cables, and reinstall them in the manner in which you took your step three photo.
FAQs
1. Can I use WD-40 to lube cables?
WD-40 or any other type of penetrating oil should not be used on cables that have slick inner sheaths. In the absence of an appropriate aerosol product, regular motor oil will suffice.
2. What type of lubricant do you use on throttle cables?
It would be nice to use silicone spray. Any unrelated oils, such as motor oil, should be avoided. Cables should not be lubricated with chain lube. You can extend the life of your throttle cables by cleaning and lubricating them. This prevents fraying and snapping.
3. How often should you lube motorcycle cables?
Some days, it’s just another item on our to-do list. You should lubricate your motorbike’s control cables once a year or whenever the throttle sticks.
4. Can you use chain lube on throttle cables?
Cables should not be lubricated with chain lube. Motion Pro offers pressure cable lubers that are ideal for quick work on cables. A rubber stopper is clamped over the cable end, a silicone tube is inserted into the hole in the stopper, and the tube of lubricant is squeezed.
5. Should I lubricate my bike cables?
Especially if your cable housings are old or you ride in the rain, you should lubricate your cables. There is no need to lubricate brake and shift cables today because they are lined with plastic.
6. Can I use chain lube on the clutch cable?
Cables should not be lubricated with chain lube. Motion Pro, an accessory company that makes cable lubers, is the best for quick work on cables. By clamping a rubber stopper over one end of the cable, inserting a silicone-based cable lubricant tube into a little hole, and squeezing the nozzle, you lubricate the cable.
