Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > SOUTH AMERICA
Clutchless,in Quetzeltenango! Clutchless,in Quetzeltenango!
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
SOUTH AMERICA Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 Apr 2008
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Home in Tasmania for the summer
Posts: 53
Thumbs down Clutchless,in Quetzeltenango!
My clutch cable broke this morning, in the mountains in Quatemala.

I've managed,with the help of some "bush mechanics" who threaded some wire to make a "cable", to get another 75km to Quetz, through all the roadworks in the mountains / stopping and starting is pure hell! And so is riding in this city without a clutch.

Of course, it being Sunday, no bike shops are open. Is anyone around here today, with whom I can drown my sorrows?

Is anyone, perhaps, coming through from Mexico City in the near future, who could bring a cable if BMW MexCity have one in stock, please? I'll also try the bike shops tomorrow, to see if someone can jury rig something to get me to MexCity, as I will be spending some time there, anyway.

Many thanks.
__________________
Margaret
"twenty grand and twenty miles don't make you a biker"
www.ridingtoextremes.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Apr 2008
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
Get one of the bike shops to make you up a cable .

Find a cable of the right thickness , cut the inner and outer to the right length .
Then solder your old nipples [ no offence intended ] on the new cable .
Voila !
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Apr 2008
quastdog's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
Posts: 509
BMW Mechanic in Quetzaltenango
Margaret:

Roberto works on BMW's - he can help you out. There's no sign out front - looks like a car repair place - but he's got an enclosed space where he works on BMW bikes, and he can get parts from Guat. City overnight (if Guat. City has one). If he can't get an original cable, he'll know how to get a proper one fabricated.

He's a great guy. Tell him I sent you (was there in November, 2006).

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...uatemala-24640
__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 Apr 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
Quote:
Originally Posted by beemerbird View Post
:to see if someone can jury rig something
Erm, do you mean 'jerry rig' something, I think jury rigging is a bit harder to accomplish, although it might be easier in S.America!!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk View Post
Erm, do you mean 'jerry rig' something, I think jury rigging is a bit harder to accomplish, although it might be easier in S.America!!

I think it's also a sailing term - jury-rig.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 21 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dodger View Post
Get one of the bike shops to make you up a cable .

Find a cable of the right thickness , cut the inner and outer to the right length .
Then solder your old nipples [ no offence intended ] on the new cable .
Voila !

+1
........
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 21 Apr 2008
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Home in Tasmania for the summer
Posts: 53
Jury rigged
According to my dictionary:

Synonym: Improvised; makeshift
Similar: Impermanent; temporary

So, yes, it fits the situation and what I was trying to say quite well.

Thanks for the good options, guys. Much appreciated.
__________________
Margaret
"twenty grand and twenty miles don't make you a biker"
www.ridingtoextremes.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 21 Apr 2008
SalCar's Avatar
Gold Member, Contributing Vendor
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Managua, Nicaragua
Posts: 181
Hi Margaret!

Sorry to hear about another delay.
I was wondering how far you made it after you left SalCar Motos.
I hope you can get it sorted quickly and get back on the road to Mx. City

thank you for introducing me to the world of Vegemite!

Best,
S.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Apr 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Quote:
Originally Posted by beemerbird View Post
Synonym: Improvised; makeshift
Similar: Impermanent; temporary
? Could last longer than a bmw part?


Depending on the repair .. I'd get two cables - one to use, the other tied along side as a spare.
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 21 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Des Moines
Posts: 425
I just had my clutch cable break in Buenos Aires. Do not pay for the BMW one. I got a generic one from one of the big motorcycle shops for $1.50

It is holding up fine.
__________________
http://www.journeyrider.net Latin America blog (07-8)
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 22 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Estonia
Posts: 787
Thumbs up
Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Warner View Post
I'd get two cables - one to use, the other tied along side as a spare.
Yes, wise words there, this is how I do it too - second cable is tied on the current one. If the current one breaks, just connect the ends of the new cable and you're ready to go again. Why buy one if you can have two for the "prize"!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 22 Apr 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
is that two cables in two seperate sheaths or two in one sheath?

For my next overland I was just going to build a better cable than stock and take some spare nipples and one cable coiled up with blank ends but that might be a better solution

I think I would have trouble getting two cables down one sheath because of the brass cable runners inside the sheath...
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 22 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Estonia
Posts: 787
Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk View Post
is that two cables in two seperate sheaths or two in one sheath?

For my next overland I was just going to build a better cable than stock and take some spare nipples and one cable coiled up with blank ends but that might be a better solution

I think I would have trouble getting two cables down one sheath because of the brass cable runners inside the sheath...
2 separate full OEM cables tied on each other with quickstraps, so they go all the way through bike parallel together and don't leave you a mess on steering with "too many" loose cables below the handlebars. Original cable you're using has the ends connected, the spare hasn't. The original cable brokes -> disconnect the ends of broken cable and connect the ends of the spare cable (1-2 minute job). And you're ready to resume your journey.

I also lubricate the spare cable carefully and seal the both ends with tape - so the water and dust (I ride a lot of gravel) don't go inside the shell in a longer term. And if the day comes you need one, just remove the tapes and connect the ends of the spare cable and it's as fresh'n'lubricated as new.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 22 Apr 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
1-2 minute job eh?

unfortunately I would also have to change the cable at the carb' end, which involves taking the tank/airbox off on one of my bikes or taking the throttle body out of the carb on the others, (more like 30 mins, but still quicker than building a new cable) maybe I need to get a BMW????

I try and use silver solder for cable nipples as I reckon its a whole lot stronger than lead - any opinions on this?
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 22 Apr 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: cardigan,wales
Posts: 249
I also lubricate the spare cable carefully and seal the both ends with tape - so the water and dust (I ride a lot of gravel) don't go inside the shell in a longer term. And if the day comes you need one, just remove the tapes and connect the ends of the spare cable and it's as fresh'n'lubricated as new.[/QUOTE]


Or cut off one of the fingers of a rubber glove and cable-tie that over the exposed end to keep out dirt.
__________________
Just going for a short ride on my bike....
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Linear Mode Linear Mode

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:57.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top