Cables - when to replace, maintenance, etc.
 

Got 35000k on my 2014 XR250 now and still going strong. Someone suggested I carry spare cables - should I? Do cables wear out? Should I have mine replaced? I don't know how to change them should one brake anyway... Any ideas? Cheers!!

RTW

Learn now before you need.

Buy a clutch cable. Put it along side the original, swap from one to the other .. note the operation at the hand leaver before you start ... how much does it move before the cable moves at the bottom of the cable, how far does it move before the clutch becomes disengaged? Then swap cables and go for teh same properties. Then swap back. Tap up the ends of the new cable - it is ready for use if you need it.

The accelerator cable usually gets less ware ... but you can get a replacement for this too. The most frequent one is the clutch.

-------------------- Other things.. ?
Flat tyre repair?
Brake pad replacement?
Oil change?
Valve tappet adjustment?

A few modes of failure
 

Everything that moves wears out, eventually.
Cables are made up of finer strands of wire which can kink, fray and fail earlier than would be the case otherwise.
The nipples can pull off the end(s) of said cables.
The strands can rust if they become too dry and moisture enters the protective cover of a cable.

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This is the precise time that you have got the very best amount of time from your clutch cable. Once you hare having to adjust your clutch cable every 4 weeks it is likely to look like this!

I've always liked my cable repair kit. two cables in there, one for clutch the other for a throttle. lots of connectors and about £6

I would suggest you buy new cables and fit them, after that distance they might have got stiffer without you noticing. Carry the old ones as spares, if decide not to fit them off them up just to make sure they are the right ones.

I think the spares should be the better ones, in this case the new ones. Reason.. if the one in use fails you want the replacement to ensure you get to the next place. The failure of one item can be caused by the progressing failure of another placing strain on the failed item. So the replacement needs to be at least as good as the failed item, preferably much better.

Modern OEM cables last very well. They don't need lube as they run in a Teflon tube internally. Lubing ruins them. But you DO lube the connector where in fits into your clutch lever, and at the other end at the actuator arm.

Some bikes wear out cables prematurely but most Japanese bikes do not. If some bright bulb has replaced your original factory cable with a CRAP after market one, then you could have trouble. I would ONLY go with Honda genuine cables.

Not a bad idea to replace your clutch cable NOW. I would not bother carrying a spare at all. After all ... your original cable has lasted 35K kms. The new one should go that distance too. So leave your old cable home, you may want it some time in future ... or give it to a friend.

As mentioned, throttle cable usually last better than clutch. But pull the tank and inspect cables best you can where they connect to carb. Should be clean, kink free with NO binding and no fraying. (if routed correctly) If any of this present, replace. The twist grip end can be a bit tricky to replace on some bikes but usually simple. If the rubber boots around the throttle cables at the twist grip are in good condition and throttle action is easy and smooth, you're probably OK.

As mentioned, worn cables get harder to operate, but you may not notice the change. It's subtle. If you have a chance, try a BRAND NEW version of your bike. Try throttle and clutch. Now try yours. Clutch cables get a bit hard to pull when worn. This caused by repeated use over years, water and dirt ingress.

bier