Cables for Apes?

[rodeofan5656]

im wantin to go for the bobber look on my '81 XS400, with 12-14'' mini apes. but i dont think the cables and brake line will be long enuf to reach that high. i know my dad used kawasaki cables on his Honda 750 when he put apes on his. is there somethin i can do to my XS like that? thanks for your help!

 

[ThePsuedoMonkey]

As far as I know, the length that matters (in terms of operation) is how much longer the core is compared to the shielding + ends. So you could use any cable that is long enough for your setup, so long as the core has a similar amount of play to it. I also saw a link on this forum to a how-to for making custom cables with a soldering iron.

 

[dO-bOy]

Mikesxs.com has custom cables, as in you cut to desired length and crimp on the end

 

[rodeofan5656]

what about the front brake line? i use my front brake more than the rear. which hose on mikesxs.com should i use? the descriptions arent very good

 

[djrascal]

Im in the same boat? will xs650 cables work?

 

[bentwrench]

motionpro.com. Call them. custom cables to your spec as little as $20 entirely assembled. And I had great experiences with them (shortening my throttle, choke and clutch cable when I switched to clipons and had 8 inches too much length...)

 

[djrascal]

Thanks Bentwrench, you would think living so close to Sacramento and San Francisco i could find a place near by, but everyone keeps saying they cant help. I'll be sure to give them a call today.

 

[bentwrench]

They'll likely give you two options. If they currently make straight OEM replacements for your year, just give them the measurements for how much more you need (I used a tailor's measuring tape I had laying around to make sure I got it right.) If they don't, then you can send them your current cables, and they'll make a copy with the additional length.

Good luck!

 

[djrascal]

I called and they want about $75.00 plus shipping for just the throttle and clutch. Not a bad price but still a little higher than i wanted to pay, but it might be my only option at this time.

 

[bentwrench]

Hmmm... I thought it was $20 for each cable for simple ones like throttle and clutch. Sorry if I led you wrong. I just checked their website, and you're right, it is actually $35 a cable.

Still, here's the thing. On my first attempt with them, they sent me a cable that was right, and one that was wrong. When I told them, the service was excellent, and they shipped me the right one (to Canada, no less) with no questions asked, and no problems. The cables are higher quality than I could have made myself (I tried, really I did.)

I'm no mechanical dummy, but I tried to make my own, and couldn't. Your results may vary, but for the price, Motion Pro really came through for me.

 

[djrascal]

Well he priced it a few different ways. Very nice people, they are working with me to see other ways i can get the size and length i need without denting my pocket.
Thanks for the lead, i was lost and this has made my build that much easier.
He also said i should at least try to make a set before i purchased from them, he emailed me a little instructions on how to more or less do it, with the diagrams they have on the website. Let you know how it comes out.