How do you determine/find what length cables for new handlebars?

[WilliamGLX81]

Sooo... I've put new Daytona handlebars on my GS650GL. Aside from needing to find an M8x1.25 cap screw (argh), I'm almost done.

I've got a brake line on order 3" shorter than the old one. Is there a way to determine what length other things you will need, like the throttle cable? I think another throttle cable 3" shorter would be perfect too.
Once you find the length, how do you find it? Most places list things by model, not length.


My throttle cable also has a snapped plastic piece for adjusting length. It getting all catty-wompus is pulling on the throttle cable, I think.

[Charlie G]

William,

When I changed to superbike bars I ordered throttle and clutch cables for a 1983 650m and they fit the lower bars perfectly. Your forks are different but If you like I could measure the lengths of mine for you to compare. Send me a PM if I can help.

cg

[cableguy]

Do have Ace hardware stores out there? They beat everyone around here for selection of bolts.

[WilliamGLX81]

Yes, Ace is great for hardware like that. They have a very thorough selection, and I live <2 miles from 2 of them in either direction.

Charlie, I'll let you know what length mine are tomorrow. It's dark out and it's relaxing time for now. Thanks for the help

[WilliamGLX81]

A new Throttle cable from Z1 is listed as 47.25" long. The one listed for the 750/850/1000 is 43" long. Hmmm.

Is the threading on the connector standard? Are there multiple different ends, or is it standardized across brand and application?

[Guest]

A new Throttle cable from Z1 is listed as 47.25" long. The one listed for the 750/850/1000 is 43" long. Hmmm.

Is the threading on the connector standard? Are there multiple different ends, or is it standardized across brand and application?

Depends on the year also, you have to find cables off a bike with CV carbs, I'm betting the one from the 75/850/1000 is a cable off vm carbs. In your application I would look at cables from the 650m or maybe a 83-750 ESD

[Guest]

So, if you want custom length cables, where do you get them? Can you make your own? I think that was the OP question and one I would like to see answered as I would like to change my bars too.

[Hone101]

Motion Pro will make custom cables for pretty cheap. When I updated all my switches to newer GSXR I had a custom pull cable made. I had to get on the phone and talk to one of their techs but the whole experience was pretty painless.

[Guest]

So, if you want custom length cables, where do you get them? Can you make your own? I think that was the OP question and one I would like to see answered as I would like to change my bars too.

You can pay to have custom cables made or I find it easier to just find a model with shorter cables that will retro fit for alot less money than customs.

[Guest]

I wonder if anyone has complied a list of GS cables and their lengths and end styles? That would be super helpful.

[WilliamGLX81]

Yes, a list of lengths and styles would be very helpful, or even just knowing what other people have used on the same bike, like Charlie provided me (similar, not identical bike though).
This is why I'm asking how. If I randomly select models not knowing what length or style ends they have, it is a wild goose chase.

[Guest]

Agreed. Maybe I will find the time to assemble the list someday.