Shrinking Throttle Cable

So I am reinstalling my carbs the other night and halfway through I notice that the throttle cable looks oddly short, so I go ahead at attach it and voila it is in fact a few inches too short. I have not touched the throttle cable and I haven't even the slightest idea as to what could cause these few lost inches.

I removed the cable and checked for kinks and such, nothing, the cable almost literally shrunk. Either that or something on my carbs is different, and I hope that is not the case since that means I gotta take em apart again. Any ideas on what this could be? Do I need to get a new throttle cable?

 

No.

Look around for the CHOKE Cable.
Make sure you got the right one going to the Carbs.

 

There is a short cable about 2 inches long the goes at the end of the throttle cable. This short cable goes on a cable guide on the carb and has a connecting link to the throttle cable. Look around the center of the carb. It proberly has fallen down.

 

lostboy, thank you! I had completely forgotten that cable even existed! I am going to see if I can find it, on the off chance that I cannot is it something that could be made? Or something I need to order from Chacal?

 

You'll need to order one. You won't find the one "end" piece anywhere; and it's a VERY specific length.

While you're fiddling with the carbs, etc., be sure to check your airbox suction tube filter element: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=31872.html

And remember that you'll need the valves in spec BEFORE you'll be able to vac sync: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=32118.html

If never touched, you're only about 15XX miles overdue for the initial check.

 

When I remove the carbs I use a small zip tie to hold the small cable to the guide. I think the whole world would fall apart without zip ties.

 

Managed to find it! Sadly I found it an hour after I ordered a new one from Chacal. Carbs are back on and everything is running. Thanks again!