Push/pull throttles were used for two reasons.

1. It was less likly to have a stuck open throttle if one cable pulled the throttle closed instead or relaying on a return spring.

2. It's easier on the wrist. If you had two, three or four carbs and each had a return spring then you would have to have a death grip to pull the throttle open.

Hope this helps. :wink:

 

On a car years ago, I slammed the throttle all out to beat a light. I let my foot up and the pedal wasn't right - oh oh - had one return spring on the carb and it decided to break then. After a little excitement and taking out a little landscape, I finally gained control after turning the ignition off. If it wasn't for someone pulling out in front of me, I probably would have left the landscape as it was. And wouldn't ya know it, I stopped in front of an auto parts place who happened to have a spring - wasn't the right one but good enough to get me back going.

 

I've been running with one cable for several years. The "push" cable is an extra safety measure - it's not necessary for the throttle to work, but IF the return spring sticks one day, I'll be sorry I took off the second cable

 

I don't see any problem using just one cable. My other bike has just one cable and it works just fine. I never could figure out why the reason for a return cable? The spring has plenty of tension to close the throttle in a snap. As long as the throttle cable is free moving and the spring is strong enough, I'd say go for it.

 

Great! that's what I wanted to hear because it's the the first step to cleaning up the bike. Now I need to do something with the trifling speedo! I would like get one that is smaller along with a single throttle cable assembly. Any good online sources?
thanks everyone!

 

by way of comparison, my "77 xs650 has a single throttle cable and the return spring is much weaker than the one on my shadow.

for a speedo, pick up whatever Drag Specialties speedo strikes your fancy (I've got one with indicator lights). Get it with a 2240:60 ratio.

Assuming you don't want to use your stock throttle housing, get a universal 1" one from ebay. You may need to get a special cable made (use motionpro) using the honda connector at one end an the new housing's at the other, but I'm not totally sure.

 

I have been really thinking about trying to clear up my handle bars and front end by removing unwonted housing and moving the high/low light switch, start and kill elsewhere.
I would love to go with a single throttle cable grip and housing but am not sure if it is too risky or dangerous. It does not seem too bad to me but what do I know. thanks!

The only time I've had problems with a stuck throttle using one cable is riding hard in cold weather.

 

Thanks everyone for the replies, they have been very helpful! I think I will change to a single cable soon, but first I need to get the bike running good before I do any more aesthetic mods :roll:
thanks again