Proper installation of used motorcycle cables by Granny's Mettle

Proper installation of used motorcycle cables by Granny's Mettle

Part and parcel of owning a bike is maintaining its appearance and its capability. Nevertheless, despite making sure that the parts and cables of the motorcycle give us maximum service, we cannot but accept that they have their own warranties and lifetimes.

Unlike artwork or antiques, motorcycles are made to be used and abused. With all the elements found in the environment, motorcycle parts will definitely have its final day. When that day comes and you don't have enough money to buy new ones, why not settle for used motorcycle parts, e.g. cables? With a few tinkering and proper installation, they might just provide you the service you need in many years to come.

Here are some suggestions for proper installation of used motorcycle parts and cables:

Tip #1: Inspect and make sure you have the correct cable. This is the very first step in getting the best used cable you need. Inspect the used cable for any major wear and tear. Remember that these are used cables so it will definitely have a few scratches; but it must not be too great that using it for just a few days will result in a total bust. After you have checked thoroughly, make sure you have the correct part for the application, e.g. correct cable ends, proper size casing ferrules, correct size, shape and thread size of adjusters/elbows, etc.

Tip #2: Make sure all adjusters are in "closed" position.

Tip #3: Use a direct route for the cables. Route your used cables from control to actuator in the most direct way possible. Keep cables away from hot surfaces and avoid sharp bends, as well as "kinks" in the housing or inner cable.

Tip #4: Adjust throttle/idle cables. These should be adjusted the carb/s will return to full close when off. Adjust any excessive freeplay and be sure throttle action is smooth and free from open to full close before starting the engine. Also make sure that the used cables do not bind together or hang up when there is full lock-to-lock movement of bars.

Tip #5: Make sure clutch/brake cables are routed properly. This is to avoid binding or hanging up the cables when there is full lock-to-lock movement of bars. Also, cables that are routed properly will not bind during compression of forks or suspension. Install lever and actuator fittings, adjust freeplay to correct specs and check for smooth-positive action. These are done before starting the bike.

Tip #6: Route the speedometer/tachometer cables using a direct path. Make sure that the cable will not hang up on the caliper when forks compressed on the front wheel drive speedometer cable. This is what usually happens with aftermarket calipers because they often come in a larger size or different shape. Always make sure that the inner cable is well-lubed with light grease when installing and removing. Clean and re-grease regularly for maintenance.

Tip #7: Avoid having contact with painted surfaces when installing stainless steel braided cables. The braided surfaces of these used cables are very abrasive. You can use shrink or spiral wrap and/or cable guides when needed. And because stainless braided cables are less flexible, always keep this in mind when getting measurements for applications that are tailored according to your specifications. Clean and lube like any conventional cable assemblies.

And like any other used motorcycle parts, keep used cables clean and properly lubricated when necessary. Always check on the proper adjustments and inspect for any wear and tear on a regular basis. Signs to look out for are torn or worn housing, frayed wires, and signs of bending or kinking at the controls.

For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.motorcyclepartsbin.com


About the Author
Granny's Mettle is a 30-something, professional web content writer. She has created various web content on a diverse range of topics, which includes digital printing topics, medical news, as well as legal issues. Her articles are composed of reviews, suggestions, tips and more for the printing and designing industry.

Aftermarket vs. OEM Motorcycle parts

Shopping for motorcycle parts can be taxing most of the time especially when you are on a tight budget. When to buy an OEM or aftermarket motorcycle parts can be very difficult to determine.

But what are OEM parts, you ask. And what about aftermarket?

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts
These are the genuine parts found at an authorized distributor of your brand of motorcycle. They are usually considered as originals because they have the exact same specifications that came with the original part. They are generally more expensive and almost always recommended by dealers because of the higher income they'll get selling OEM parts. Hence, they will always tell you that OEM parts are of the higher quality.

But this may not be true due to the fact that the parts are not necessarily produced by the original manufacturers themselves. Many motorcycle and automobile manufacturers nowadays often have the parts designed and made outside by independent companies. Afterwhich the motorcycle manufacturers install them in their machines or put them in their own boxes to be sold as OEM parts.

Aftermarket motorcycle parts
Aftermarket motorcycle parts, on the hand, are those that are produced by companies other than the original manufacturers. These are generally cheaper than the OEM parts but have the same performance.

Sometimes, after a certain period of time, the original manufacturer will allow the aftermarket motorcycle parts to be sold in their own packaging but at a reduced price. The part now becomes an aftermarket OEM part.

At times when the original manufacturer allows the company that physically produced the part to sell it at a reduced price and in their own packaging, the part now becomes an OEM aftermarket part.

There's a lot of competition out there that's why many aftermarket motorcycle parts may come up as OEM parts. You just need to look closely and hunt for the part that you need according to your budget. If you think that you cannot find the quality you are looking for in an aftermarket part, then search for the OEM, if you can afford it.

All in all, it really depends on what you're looking for. You need to consider where you're going to use the motorcycle parts--- for replacement or improvement. You also have to consider other factors such as the availability of the part, your budget and others. All of these will help you decide to either go for OEM or aftermarket motorcycle parts. Or just go for broke.

For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.motorcyclepartsbin.com

About the Author
Granny's Mettle is a 30-something, professional web content writer. She has created various web content on a diverse range of topics, which includes digital printing topics, medical news, as well as legal issues. Her articles are composed of reviews, suggestions, tips and more for the printing and designing industry.

Making Your Harley Feel like an extension of yourself

How do you make your Harley Davidson look and feel like an extension of yourself! by Keith Nivon

How do you make your Harley Davidson look and feel like an extension of yourself!

Do you think maybe it's time to do a little customizing for that old girl of yours? Ask yourself this first.

Why do we customize and add accessories to our Harley?

Well, for me it's simple!

We want to stand out above all else! The last thing we want is to look like every Tom, Dick, and Harry out there on the road!

You may have different reasons. You may want to add an Accessory to your bike because it fits with you and your taste.

There is an element of being practical as well. If you install a nice chrome luggage rack on your back fender, or a detachable windshield, it not only looks good but it also serves a purpose. How else would you carry your tent and keep bugs out of your teeth?

Not everyone has the same taste in customizing. Thank God for that, or it sure would be boring taking a walk down on main street in Sturgis South Dakota during the 1st week of August.

Some people go overboard on customizing their bike. Overboard for someone may be a masterpiece for someone else. It all depends on who you are and what you're about.

How do you pick out a Harley Davidson Accessory or decide on customizing?

It's a hard question to answer.

I would suggest that you decide on what you want out of your bike. Sit back and have a look at yourself. What kind of biker are you anyway?

Are you a speed demon that likes to lay rubber on the road every now and then. Do you get a kick out of doing a little showing off at bike rallies to friends and family? Do you like to participate in show and shine contests?

If you are this person you may want to look at getting your engine rebuilt for increased horsepower. You can't go wrong with a lot of Harley chrome either. Just when you think you have had enough of chrome, you find some more in that catalog.

Don't worry, there is a chrome Harley Davidson motorcycle built to date.

Your style may be a little more subdued. Your main motorcycling purpose in life may be ride the road and not waste time with anything else. You would have to agree, most people still want to look good riding a Harley.

If you are this person you may only want one or two Accessories. A nice luggage bag that slips over that backrest on your bike looks good when you are on a long trip and it serves a purpose.

Every Harley Davidson owner at some time or another has thought about adding an accessory to his or her motorcycle. You rarely see a stock Harley Davidson!

Keep in mind the kind of person you are when making Harley Davidson Accessory choices. A properly customized Harley is above all else, an extension of the owner who rides it.

About the Author
Keith Nivon is an avid HD Motorcycle Enthusiast! His website contains information on all things Harley Davidson. http://www.everything-harley-davidson.com/ is a great resource for anyone who shares his passion for Harleys. Have a look here for specific info on suppliers.
http://www.everything-harley-davidson.com/jpcycles
http://www.everything-harley-davidson.com/ridegear
http://www.everything-harley-davidson.com/motoleather