86 250r clutch cable woes

[ATCeeya]

I don't know what the heck is going on but I can't get a stinkin clutch cable to adjust on my 86 250r. The cable the bike had on it broke, so I tossed it and ordered a new motion pro cable that is suppose to be to Oem specs. I put the cable on but it wouldn't adjust right. I was maxed out on the lever adjustment and at the clutch arm and I still needed more pull. So I assumed they sent me the wrong cable, or that they just didn't have the specs right. So I get an "Oem" cable off eBay to see if it would be different, and wouldn't ya know it's the same as the other one. Looks kinda new too. So now I doubt it's from 86. So what gives? Why are these cables maxed out on both ends? They are close to working but I need more adjustment, there's no way I should be maxed out on both ends and it just barely works. Im about ready to modify the clutch cable bracket to give more adjustment, which should work, but I'd rather just get the right cable. Can anyone measure a stock cable? Or have one to sell? Or lead me in the right direction. I've tried a few other cables I had kicking around but nothing is right. I'm getting sick of this cable shenanigans, help me out.

[yaegerb]

I gave up on motion pro a long time ago concerning cables. Their tolerances are so out of whack it's not funny. Go to partzilla and get a OEM cable

[bkm]

Motion Pro clutch cables suck. I've never had one of those cables adjust properly. OEM is the only way to go.

[ATCeeya]

I'm on partzilla but don't see Oem cable. I read elsewhere it's been discontinued. Is that true? Trying to find an Oem cable on eBay, even used, cause I'm pretty sure I have two motion pro cables at this point. Send a link if you have a chance I can't find anything but aftermarket

[Onetrackmind]

I had the same problem w my 85. The Motion Pro I ordered did not work at all. I lucked out and found an OEM by having my local Honda shop do a dealer locator search...try that.

If that doesn't work out, try using a spacer (washers or another nut) on the clutch cable mount.


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[yaegerb]

I'm on partzilla but don't see Oem cable. I read elsewhere it's been discontinued. Is that true? Trying to find an Oem cable on eBay, even used, cause I'm pretty sure I have two motion pro cables at this point. Send a link if you have a chance I can't find anything but aftermarket

Well that sucks. They were available a year ago. Like Onetrackmind said, get the part number and call a Honda dealer and ask if they have the national database search. I know a dealer somewhere has one collecting dust on a shelf.

[bkm]

I'm glad I've got a few oem cables stashed away.

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[Stingray]

Ceeya,
Are you using a wider than stock handlebar? Try moving the clutch perch toward the center a half inch.

I use Pro Taper mid-ATV bars and this is an issue with OEM and MotionPro cables. I have to fudge both the throttle perch and clutch perch placement.

[barnett468]

Incredibly simple fix . Simply have the inner cable shortened to the proper length and a new end installed.



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[shortline10]

Time to do an 89 clutch upgrade kit . This will give you full adjustment on your clutch cable . Very common problem with the 250r when theirs no adjustment left in your cable . Your factory parts are worn out . Pull the actuator arm out and inspect that for wear as well .

[barnett468]

I'm on partzilla but don't see Oem cable. I read elsewhere it's been discontinued. Is that true? Trying to find an Oem cable on eBay, even used, cause I'm pretty sure I have two motion pro cables at this point. Send a link if you have a chance I can't find anything but aftermarket

Yes it has been discontinued, however, the place below says they have one left and their inventory is fairly accurate . The price is in Euros so it is actually $25.24 usd plus shipping . They are the biggest NOS motorcycle and atv parts stocking place in the world.

http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-atc250r-1985-f-usa_model68/partslist/F++02.html#results


Here's a few used ones on Ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/271980468632?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true


Hell, you can even have one made . I was fixing cable ends and making all new cables as far back as 1975 . It's not too hard to do.



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[Kryten]

I agree on the '89 clutch upgrade kit, I tried Motion Pro and OEM clutch cables for my '85, but both would not work. The clutch upgrade is what I needed to replace severely worn parts and allow cable adjustment like you should have.

[ATCeeya]

Incredibly simple fix . Simply have the inner cable shortened to the proper length and a new end installed.



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That would definately do it, not sure where to get that done though. I ordered that cable off that website. The shipping cost more than the cable lol. Problem with eBay sellers is they say it's Oem and it's not. The "Oem" cable I just bought from there is another motion pro if I had to guess. We'll see what the one from that website shows up looking like, I'll check into the 89 upgrade kit in the meantime. I just want to get it sorted out and ride the dang thing again.

[arlaunch]

I have a motion pro clutch cable and have no problems? Also a motion pro thumb throttle cable. Works great! Without them a lot of people would be parked.

The only real way to know it the cable is incorrect and why, is to measure the thing. Maybe one of the nice fellas with an unused OEM one could measure it and post the results?

I went with a Wiseco basket and Honda OEM plates and the 89 clutch update. Lots of money to go back to were you started from. Then your bike is worth $50 more on craigslist LoL.

If the ball on the original clutch is not welded, I would not do the clutch update. But... If you are replacing a part, it is a little nicer on the hand. It does not make you go faster though.

[bkm]

I have a motion pro clutch cable and have no problems? Also a motion pro thumb throttle cable. Works great! Without them a lot of people would be parked.

The only real way to know it the cable is incorrect and why, is to measure the thing. Maybe one of the nice fellas with an unused OEM one could measure it and post the results?

I went with a Wiseco basket and Honda OEM plates and the 89 clutch update. Lots of money to go back to were you started from. Then your bike is worth $50 more on craigslist LoL.

If the ball on the original clutch is not welded, I would not do the clutch update. But... If you are replacing a part, it is a little nicer on the hand. It does not make you go faster though.
Motion pro throttle cables have been great for me, but the clutch cables not so much. I put a new motion pro on my 250r when I rebuilt it. New everything including nos oem clutch lever and perch, oem handle bars, new take out actuator arm, 89 update with new oem basket, and clutch. I ordered a new oem cable and never had an issue. My tecate motion pro cable required max adjustment along with my kx250. I put an oem on my 02 kx and it worked like a champ. But, the throttle cables have been great. I have a nos oem 250r cable I have to find that I'll measure.

[yaegerb]

Motion pro throttle cables have been great for me, but the clutch cables not so much. I put a new motion pro on my 250r when I rebuilt it. New everything including nos oem clutch lever and perch, oem handle bars, new take out actuator arm, 89 update with new oem basket, and clutch. I ordered a new oem cable and never had an issue. My tecate motion pro cable required max adjustment along with my kx250. I put an oem on my 02 kx and it worked like a champ. But, the throttle cables have been great. I have a nos oem 250r cable I have to find that I'll measure.

X2.....did the 89 upgrade and had issue after issue with adjustment...ending up going through 2 motion pro cables. Then I tried the OEM cable and voila, problem solved. When I compared the two cables, the OEM was 1/4 inch longer on one of the motion pros and 3/8ths than the other. Motion pro clutch cables are junk IMO. Never had a problem with motion pro throttle cables or motion pro anything else for that matter.

[ATCeeya]

My cable showed up from the Netherlands today. The Oem cable is infact different than the motion pro which claims to be an exact replica of the Oem cable. The inner cable is shorter, which is what I needed. The other eBay "oem" cable I bought was not Oem after all. I have an acceptable amount of adjustment left with the Oem cable now.

[barnett468]

My cable showed up from the Netherlands today. The Oem cable is infact different than the motion pro which claims to be an exact replica of the Oem cable. The inner cable is shorter, which is what I needed.


Did you buy the NOS cable I found for you on the cmsnl.com site?



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[ATCeeya]

Yessir, thanks again