Broken Choke Cable

[LoBug504]

Hey all, havent been checking in as much as I should. Looks as though I missed the "30yr old Russian" LOL. Anyway, I went to crank ole girl last weekend for a short ride to Tracto Supply and the dang choke cable broke right at the end on the handlebar. Sooo, now I need to order one and take the tank off and all that jazz...Where is the best place to get a cable? Service Honda? I dont feel like driving all the way to my local Honda store.

[salty1]

I've had good luck with Honda Directline Parts. They have consistently beat the competition on price. 
http://www.hdlparts.com/

[98pacecar]

I find these guys, often,,,,,, have the best prices..  ($15.32)

Below is da page for my 98, your year might not be da same... 

(Click top item in list)

http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Honda/Motorcycle/1998/GL1500A+A/A+HANDLE+%2B+SWITCH+%2B+CABLES/parts.htm

[Ricky-D]

It is possible to operate the choke by hand, with a little

ingenuity, while you're waiting for shipping to deliver

a new cable.

***

[John Schmidt]

Here's what I did, cost me a little time and a couple $$ for nuts/bolts but less than a new cable. Been on there for quite a few years with nary a problem.

[LoBug504]

Schmidt, I dont see what you did. Can you enlighten me on what you are showing in your pictures?

[bikerboy1951]

You don't need to remove the tank to replace the choke cable.  Fasten one end of the broken cable to the opposite end of the new cable and pull it through.  I did it and it takes about 10 minutes total to replace the broken cable.

Brad

[John Schmidt]

OK, the 6" arm you see actuates the choke mechanism instead of using a cable. In fact, to the left is the slot where the choke cable from the handlebar was originally attached. The short piece with the black knob is what moves the choke slider now, and the long arm is attached with the two small bolts you see at the left end of it. As you can see, the long arm has to be cut or ground down in a couple areas to clear some of the parts. I bent a short piece 90 degrees and bolted it to the side of the carb bank using the long rod that holds all the carbs together. To do that, go to the front of the carbs and back off that nut as far a possible, then tap that rod toward the rear(#10 in the attached link). That gives you enough room to mount the 90 deg. piece which has the short actuator arm attached. All parts are SS scraps I had in my ever growing junk box. By using washers and nylock nuts on the pivot bolts, you can tighten that bolt to just the right amount of friction to hold the choke where you set it. I hope this "enlightens" sufficiently, I've shown this a number of times over the years and have never had anyone ask what I'm trying to show them. If I were so inclined, I could make this up in kit form because I know of at least a dozen I could sell right away. It is much more functional than the OEM cable system and is solid, trouble free, and looks good.

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/GL1/gl20.jpg

[Ricky-D]

[Brian]

I really like this repair John made. Ricky is right. When mine broke I removed the linkage cover and worked it by hand. When I installed the new one I marked the handle bar cover where the thumb slide or lever really need to be in the full open and closed positions to keep from needlessly bending the cable. Mine broke up inside the handle bar control assembly where it attaches to the thumb control. I plan to use John's fix the next time it brakes. Great idea John!!!

[Fla. Jim]

Well I did ask Santa for a new cable for Christmas...But for the past 4 yrs I have been useing a yellow wire nut or a 45 cal cartridge.

[98pacecar]

Here's what I did, cost me a little time and a couple $$ for nuts/bolts but less than a new cable. Been on there for quite a few years with nary a problem.

Does,,,,,, this set up,, work both carb banks?   

[HayHauler]

Yes, he didn't disconnect the cable going around the back of the carb assembly that works the slide on the other side.  It attaches right above his left arrow.  <----

Hay 
Jimmyt

[John Schmidt]

Yes, he didn't disconnect the cable going around the back of the carb assembly that works the slide on the other side.  It attaches right above his left arrow.  <----

Hay 
Jimmyt

Correct! And a Merry Christmas to you and yours Jimmy. Be safe.

[HayHauler]

Right back atcha John. 
Merry Christmas to you and your family.  Stay warm down there. 

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Old Geezer Richard]

Thanks Mr. John , me and my friend Raman were just talking about that idea about modifying the choke with the lever and getting rid of the cable all together , and then my choke cable broke yesterday right at the lever .... We're gonna get together and make up some linkage and lever for both of our bikes ASAP .... Thanks again John  from the Geezer