How often do I need to lube the clutch cable?

[Brooksey]

And what kind of lubricant do I use? I've owned my 07 Spirit for a year now and got 6200 miles on it. Thanks!

[Bubba1954]

Visit your local bike shop and buy a cable lube block and a spray can of cable lube. Unhook the cable from the clutch lever then clamp the lube block onto the end of the cable. It has a small hole made just for the long plastic spray tube that comes on the spray can. When the lube runs out the bottom of the cable, you are done.

Do it each spring.

[SHADOW 1100T]

Honda cabels are Teflon lined so you shouldn't need to lube it but if you still want to get some "Lock Ease" it's graphite with a alcohol carrier, most likely what you need to lube is the pivot, lightly grease it.

[Easy Rider 2]

Originally Posted by SHADOW 1100T

"Lock Ease" it's graphite with a alcohol carrier,

You DO come up with some "interesting" ideas.

First time I've ever heard anybody say they think it is a good idea to put graphite into a Teflon lined cable. I suspect it is NOT a good idea, if for no other reason than it will likely make a HELL of a mess.

I like Dupont Teflon spray....or a generic PTFE equivalent....for most lube needs and especially cables. If you rotate the slot in the adjustment sleeve so that it points UP, and then turn the bars so that the left side is also UP and you have a light finger on the button, you can put a few drops in that slot and let gravity pull it down into the cable. It takes a minute or two and several applications and operating the lever a time or two helps too.

[SHADOW 1100T]

You DO come up with some "interesting" ideas.
======================================
Not quite sure on how to take that

I don't know if your familiar with Lock Ease but the graphite is super fine so when the alcohol evaporates it leaves a very fine very sllick coating but like I said it shouldn't be nessessary, how ever I do like your suggestion even better than mine.

[JMK3rd]

Originally Posted by Brooksey

And what kind of lubricant do I use? I've owned my 07 Spirit for a year now and got 6200 miles on it. Thanks!

On my 1994 1100, the clutch lever is hydraulically actuated. No cable. I suspect yours is the same.

[Notorious]

If you open the clamshell housing to disconnect your clutch cable, whatever you do DON'T lube or clean the choke lever mechanism. It's a friction collar, and if you lube it you'll be holding the choke in the on position manually.

Don't ask how I know this...

[adlowe]

Originally Posted by JMK3rd

On my 1994 1100, the clutch lever is hydraulically actuated. No cable. I suspect yours is the same.

Not on the VT1100C since 1997.

[Brooksey]

Thanks everyone for all the comments & recommendations. This web site provides a continual learning experience for a "jack of all trades" like me

[salt17]

Originally Posted by JMK3rd

On my 1994 1100, the clutch lever is hydraulically actuated. No cable. I suspect yours is the same.

+1
good thought I was automatically thinking throttle cables. And you should use something silicon based and yes throttle cables need to be lubed every so often I would guess time would be just as much a factor as mileage. Not just to keep it moving freely but to prevent rust. I just changed the cables on mine the guy before me let one rust all the way thru. Luckily it was the return and it still worked fine with out it. I wouldnt go more than a year with out doing it.

But again this is pointless if your clutch doesnt use cables like mine..