Clutch cable replacement

[yamrider1]

Hi Everyone,
Ok so I was just doing a quick inspection of my 2010 FZ1-N clutch cable and noticed a broken strand on the inner cable near the lever. Fortunately it is in between the nipple and main outer cable so does not actually hinder function as it doesn't come into contact with anything and could of been like this for years since I bought the bike new. I have a new cable so I thought time to change it but why have they made it so difficult. I've always worked on all my bikes over the years but this has got me stumped. I lifted the tank, disconnected the cable at the lever but that's as far as I got. The cable is routed through some sort of rubber clamp which is mounted to the frame and is hard to reach which for the life of me I cannot figure out how to release it. Then there is the releasing of the cable at the clutch end which I can't see due to all the wiring. The only way I can think of doing it is to undo the complete cable bracket from the clutch cover ( just 2 bolts ) and pull towards me.
I am now seriously thinking of letting my local motorcycle mechanic do the job but as I said I've always done my own servicing and repairs in 50 years of biking so I'd love to know how to do it.
Maybe a step by step description of how it's done if anyone can help.
Thanks in Advance,
Kind Regards,
Glyn.

 

[killer5280]

I did mine shortly after I bought my bike. It was hanging on by a couple of strands. I don't really remember how I did it, but I don't remember it being very difficult, especially if you're used to doing all your own maintenance. Pat's page has an article on how to adjust the cable, but not how to completely replace the cable. It might help give you some ideas, though, of how the cable is routed and help with replacement. Hopefully someone else will come along soon with more information.

https://www.cartestsoftware.com/fz1/clutchcableadjustment.html

(Just noticed that yours is Gen II. Oops.)

 

[yamrider1]

Ok quick update,
Decided to go for it, got the plastic cable clip undone with a fine screwdriver, disconnected the lever end, undid the 2 bracket bolts on the clutch housing then pulled it towards me to get at the 12mm nut that holds the cable to the bracket. Then I just pulled the cable out. Fitted new cable in reverse order and adjusted up. Now at this point I was feeling pretty happy with myself up to the point where I tried using the clutch and the damn nipple in the lever cracked in half ( soddin aftermarket cable looked like the nipple was made of cheap Chinese soft cast metal ) without hardly any pressure on the lever. Just glad it bust while I was at home and not out on the road.
Any how new genuine cable now ordered and not cheap at £55.

 

[killer5280]

Ok quick update,
Decided to go for it, got the plastic cable clip undone with a fine screwdriver, disconnected the lever end, undid the 2 bracket bolts on the clutch housing then pulled it towards me to get at the 12mm nut that holds the cable to the bracket. Then I just pulled the cable out. Fitted new cable in reverse order and adjusted up. Now at this point I was feeling pretty happy with myself up to the point where I tried using the clutch and the damn nipple in the lever cracked in half ( soddin aftermarket cable looked like the nipple was made of cheap Chinese soft cast metal ) without hardly any pressure on the lever. Just glad it bust while I was at home and not out on the road.
Any how new genuine cable now ordered and not cheap at £55.

Glad to hear the job wasn't too bad. I can't remember if I ordered OEM or aftermarket for mine, but it has been on there for about 9 years so I guess it's good.

 

[spyd3rm4n]

I don't know about the Gen 2 but the Gen 1 clutch cable is easy to replace. On my 2001 bike the cable had frayed badly at the lever and was down to two strands left before I noticed something was wrong. I ordered a motion pro replacement, and the retailer ended up sending me two of them in the box so now I have a spare.