OEM v pattern clutch cables

barney01
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Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2012 7:33 pm
Location: Prestatyn.Wales

OEM v pattern clutch cables

Post by barney01 »

Hi Just want to pass on my experience with clutch cables. 2 Years ago I replaced the clutch cable on my GT 550 J and at the time I decided to have a pattern one as I thought there wouldn't be any difference. Last week after having some problems with the clutch I checked the cable and to my horror it was frayed nearly broken. ( see pics) This time I ordered a pukka Suzuki one what a difference well worth the ten quid extra in my view!
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yeadon_m
Posts: 7401
Joined: Sat Jan 02, 2010 7:10 am
Location: Canterbury Kent

Re: OEM v pattern clutch cables

Post by yeadon_m »

Barney,

I have to say, my own experience says pay cheap, pay dear on pattern vs OE cable, especially the ones taking big loads (clutch) and those where total smoothness if a big part of the feel of the ride (throttle). I've not tried speedo / tacho pattern, because the saving must be small. Oh, just remembered, I had a pattern on a 750B I bought. Tacho needle wobbled, until I put a genuine cable on, when it was smooth as.

I did try pattern throttle cables on the GT380 and it was a mistake, at least the ones I got were notchy in feeling (not dangerous, just felt poor on the throtte grip).

It may be as much quality control as anything else, but either way, genuine will fit and work and lasts for ages so the cost washes out over time.

Thanks for sharing your experience!

Mike
Roger Ackery
Posts: 3693
Joined: Wed Jul 20, 2011 3:40 am
Location: Sydney NSW Australia

Re: OEM v pattern clutch cables

Post by Roger Ackery »

+1 with Mike,when it comes to cables OEM everytime...clutch cable especially ;)
Cheers,
Roger
Cheers.
Roger
GT750A.
wardy
Posts: 1244
Joined: Tue Jul 13, 2010 5:36 pm
Location: north lincolnshire

Re: OEM v pattern clutch cables

Post by wardy »

I had the self same problem on my 750 last year and on this forum ask what everybody thought.
to a man. it was a vote for the genuine article, so that's what mine will be getting before the 1st of April.
Haven't done it yet as the bike is in winter slumber, however mine too was frayed to hell at the handle bar end and would have let go at anytime; my clutch was also very heavy in operation , so I'm hoping this will cure it.
Andy;
1976 gt750A; 86 FZ750
1977gt380A
1982 z400j
1981 z650f.....1988 Sufolk punch 14"
"look;it's my bike; when you own it ,you can paint it any colour you like!"
(I once painted my Z650 PINK and had the pink panther logo on the tailpiece)
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Tonto
Posts: 533
Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2011 6:28 pm
Location: Lincoln

Re: OEM v pattern clutch cables

Post by Tonto »

Me too - I'll never buy a pattern cable if OEM are available.
I wasn't on my Kettle, but last year had a throttle cable snap when I was in outside lane overtaking a row of cars; caused a very interesting and challenging 30 seconds or so :o :o
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Haggler
Posts: 487
Joined: Sat Mar 19, 2011 9:33 pm
Location: Northamptonshire

Re: OEM v pattern clutch cables

Post by Haggler »

Totally agree when you can get them unfortunately for bikes like my KH genuine just is not gettable any more :(

Anyone had much to do with Venhill cables? are they any good?
wardy
Posts: 1244
Joined: Tue Jul 13, 2010 5:36 pm
Location: north lincolnshire

Re: OEM v pattern clutch cables

Post by wardy »

just a quickie folks... I'm just about to fit my new, genuine clutch cable aquired from Paul Miller.
is it best to lubricate it or put it on straight out of the bag?... if lubrication is required, what's the best to use?
would grease or oil be best?
Andy;
1976 gt750A; 86 FZ750
1977gt380A
1982 z400j
1981 z650f.....1988 Sufolk punch 14"
"look;it's my bike; when you own it ,you can paint it any colour you like!"
(I once painted my Z650 PINK and had the pink panther logo on the tailpiece)
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KETTLE BOY
Posts: 2098
Joined: Tue May 11, 2010 1:05 pm
Location: Stortford, herts

Re: OEM v pattern clutch cables

Post by KETTLE BOY »

I find when it comes to going and stopping on your bike, don't scrimp on cables.. get the good stuff, better made..or your be let down when you need it.. your be broken down and watching the bikes go by.. :tw
GT750 J 1972
GT750 L 1974
Z900 A4 1976
ZZR1100. 1998
Breville Sandwich Maker
I'm never wrong.. Once I thought I was, but I was mistaken.


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yeadon_m
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Joined: Sat Jan 02, 2010 7:10 am
Location: Canterbury Kent

Re: OEM v pattern clutch cables

Post by yeadon_m »

Andy,

I read that its best not to lube them, don't they have a nylon liner? graphite rather than oil as lube if any needed? not certain but I do recall oiling a clutch cable once and making it stiff to operate! not happy.

Cheers,
Mike
wardy
Posts: 1244
Joined: Tue Jul 13, 2010 5:36 pm
Location: north lincolnshire

Re: OEM v pattern clutch cables

Post by wardy »

thanks Mike.
Andy;
1976 gt750A; 86 FZ750
1977gt380A
1982 z400j
1981 z650f.....1988 Sufolk punch 14"
"look;it's my bike; when you own it ,you can paint it any colour you like!"
(I once painted my Z650 PINK and had the pink panther logo on the tailpiece)
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