HELP! Replacing throttle cable on 82GS650GL

[cdngeorge]

Last November, my throttle cable snapped, but I was at home prepping the bike for winter storage, so no big deal. I picked up two throttle cables over the winter (one for use + spare), and I can see how to route it, but I can't figure out how to get at the connection point on the carbs. The Clymer's manual isn't particularly instructive on the point.

The gas tank is off (being repainted), and after looking the situation over, my thought was to pull the air-box, pull the "air distributor" between the airbox and the carbs, and back the carbs off to get at the connection point.
But, the regulator/rectifier assembly is bolted to the bottom of the airbox, so it won't come out. It seems ridiculous to have to disassemble half the bike just to replace one cable, so I KNOW there has to be a better way that someone on here could clue me onto.

I'm sorely tempted to just take it to the local dealer for the fix, but I should be able to do this myself. Can anyone give me the step-by-step procedure, please?

Thanks in advance,
Cdngeorge
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

[Anonymous]

I have a 82 GS 650 GL as well. I have rebuilt the whole thing...unfortunately, the only way I could find to connect the cable is to pull the airbox then the carbs. ...I have done this about ten times to fix an unrelated problem....its a huge pain! My suggestion is to wait until it is warm....the rubber intake boots are not very flexable when it's cold!

[Anonymous]

If you are really patient...you may be able to prop the throttle open with a screw driver or your fingers...you can get better access that way. You can still barely see the place where the cable attaches though...

[cdngeorge]

Thanks, Camaroman;
So my initial thought was right - do I take the regulator/rectifier assembly off the airbox to get it out? Does the rear brake reservoir have to come off too?
How the devil would a person be able to fix this on the side of the highway if a throttle cable snapped?

Thanks very much.

[Dark Jedi]

1-800-call-AAA? :?

Same bike, same problem. hint: Use a heat gun to warm those boots, and a shot or two of silicone lube on the rubber makes things slide in and out a lot easier. (I use silicone lube since other lubes can break down the rubber.)

[Anonymous]

Thanks, Camaroman;
So my initial thought was right - do I take the regulator/rectifier assembly off the airbox to get it out? Does the rear brake reservoir have to come off too?
How the devil would a person be able to fix this on the side of the highway if a throttle cable snapped?

Thanks very much.

Yes the brake reservoir needs to come off...just undo the bold and let it dangle. The airbox itself is a d@mn puzzle piece. You have to turn it 100 different ways to get it throught the bolt brackets that hold the brake reservoir and the side covers. Then the pods should slide out through the side. The regulator/rectifier does not need to be removed.

Another thought...you may be able to just pull the airbox toward the rear wheel enough to free the connection between it and the pods. that way you wont have to remove it completely.

As for the highway thing.... Call a cab!

[Anonymous]

1-800-call-AAA? :?

Same bike, same problem. hint: Use a heat gun to warm those boots, and a shot or two of silicone lube on the rubber makes things slide in and out a lot easier. (I use silicone lube since other lubes can break down the rubber.)

Good suggestion! I'll do that when I get the head back from the shop and put it back together.
thanks