Are Motion Pro cables that bad? I'm pretty sure I've used them on several bikes and never had a failure or anything hinky go on with them. Count me as lucky maybe but being financially challenged, I got what I could afford and was actually pretty happy with what I received and used.
Well, that's the thing: they're much worse but they're not really cheaper. Financially challenged or no, stop and check the pricing and availability of OEM before ordering imitations.
Sure, yeah, imitation cables and levers will usually function OK, assuming they've bothered to get the application data correct. Can you usually get them faster and will they get you out of a pinch? Sure.
I've used the imitations many times as well. My V-Strom is still wearing a crappy set of Motion Pro throttle cables because the OEMs were backordered when I damaged one in the course of some other work. They were $20 more than the OEM set, and very visibly far worse quality. But they did work.
When you put the imitations side-by-side with genuine Suzuki parts, the difference in materials and build quality and smoothness is pretty stark. The housings and hardware are nowhere near as robust, and the cables are thinner.
The control feel you end up with is much worse, and they don't last nearly as long. Clutch levers are especially bad -- they're a much softer alloy than OEM, so the hole for the cable barrel end wears into an oval very quickly; this keeps the barrel from rotating freely and soon the back and forth bending breaks the cheap cable.
Worst of all, imitation crap is usually very close or sometimes even more than the price of genuine Suzuki parts.
The same goes for things like tach and speedo cables; for example the threads in the end fittings are very poorly formed and vibrate loose much more easily, and they never last as long.
If we ever meet, I'll invite you to squeeze the clutch lever on my GS850... it's
like buttuh with a fresh OEM lever, cable, and clutch springs.
I used imitations for a long time, since Cycle Recycle II is 20 minutes from my house, and usually has the cables I need on the shelf. Until I checked the prices and availability of OEM parts, I just figured raunchy control feel and frequently broken clutch, tach, and speedo cables and worn out levers were a normal thing.
Again, OEM Suzuki levers and cables usually only cost a few bucks more from many different online sellers, and are sometimes even cheaper than the aftermarket junk. They end up a lot cheaper because they last a lot longer, not to mention you'll be a lot safer with more reliable parts. Plus, the controls will feel a lot better, which is pretty important. Obviously, the downside is that it'll take a few extra days to get them.
I see that this has turned into a bit of a rant... but really, they should be ashamed for making and selling this crap.
Motion Pro actually does make better-than-OEM cables for some modern bikes and dirtbikes, with beefier cables, stiffer housings, and better anti-friction linings. And they have a custom cable service where they can build whatever length and hardware you need for special purposes. But the run of the mill replacements are honestly dreadful, and the Parts Unlimited stuff is a little worse still.
