Throttle won't return

[dbeii]

I have a 99 interstate. I first had a slow return and then with a delay in riding I now have no return. The throttle feels smooth but will not return except my returning it.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Don

[AZdougness]

Check behind the carb link cover on the right side to see if the cable came unhooked from the spring mechanism would be my first spot. If they are both attached I would unhook them and test the cables for play, if they have play I would also gently try to move the throttle bar running between the carb banks with your finger to make sure it isn't sticking somewhere.

Without the engine running they don't really snap back in place if that is what you are looking for.

[Ricky-D]

Well, I really don't agree with THAT!

The throttle should snap back ALL the time, regardless if the motor is running.

The throttle cable will start to stick right there at the handle bars.

Take the cap loose at the throttle on the handle bars and squirt some oil right at the cable and where you can see it disappearing into the outer cable.

That will usually take care of the stickiness.

Don't be cheap with the oil, it will clean up easily so spray generously.

***

[Jess from VA]

Sometimes people squeeze a little adhesive out the top when installing the throttle side grip... that can end up binding the throttle return.  You can loosen the controls/mirror clamp above the throttle grip, and slide it further onto the bar to see if something is gummed up in there.  It may also be your throttle sleeve is falling apart... or it may be the cables binding.

[hubcapsc]

When I got my bike it had iffy throttle return... bad-or-none at full lock. I ordered new cables...

While waiting for the cables I figured out how to get at the handlebar-end of the cables and
put in good lube till it came out on the motor down at the other end of the cables.

I still have the old cables on my bike 50k or so later...

-Mike

[Chrisj CMA]

The common mistake people make (some) when messing with the throttle/switch housing is they get it back on cocked so its actually the housing causing the binding.  Yours may have that and also in need of a new cable.

I agree with RickyD.  Throttle return should be "snappy" even with engine off.  Its unsafe any other way........

[John Schmidt]

Do you possibly have higher risers. If the prior owner installed higher risers he may have had to run the cables behind the forks to keep from having to order longer ones. That often will cause trouble on returning to idle because they tend to bind more. As for not snapping back when the engine isn't running....not so. As stated, they should snap back under any condition. I'd sure try some lube first, let it soak in and work the throttle while doing it. Might be all it needs.

[Denny47]

I have vet supplies for my cattle, i.e., hypo syringes and needles. I used one of the syringes, ground the sharp point off a 16 gauge needle and use this to squirt oil into my throttle cables from the grip area. The syringes also are handy for sucking liquids from the master cylinders or other areas.

[Brian]

I am with AZ here. Make sure you carb linkages move freely and snap back. Remove the three screws and the linkage cover for the carbs on the right side.  This will give plenty of room for your fingers to work the linkage between the two carb banks. The linkage point is between carbs 3 & 5. With the cover off you can also watch the throttle cables. Every thing work smoothly and quickly.