In loving memory of John
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Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, Eldorado, 850 California - Cables

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Brake/clutch cable specifications

Updated: 2010 Feb 24

Thanks to Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycle for sending me this information.

Please Note! Charlie Mullendore does not sell Barnett cables. Please contact Barnett directly.

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Cable barrel end size

Updated: 2008 Jan 15

Here are some measurements I took a while back when I was thinking of ordering up a bunch of parts to make front brake cables for the 2 shoes without the brake light switch.

  • Barrel end at handlebar (clutch or 2 shoe brake): 9 mm x 9 mm; 0.354" x 0.354"
  • Barrel end at 2 shoe brake (I think it is the same for 4 shoe brake): OD = 0.250"; Length = 0.375"
  • Barrel end at 5 speed clutch: OD = 10 mm; Length = 12 mm
  • Barrel end at 4 speed clutch: OD = 0.250"; Length = 0.375"

Cable end repair

Updated: 2008 Dec 02

Thanks to Rich Arimoto who posted this information on the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group. In Rich's own words:

This qualifies as a cheap fix, but I found that you can drill out the detached barrel of the broken cable, then put it back in place and solder the free end of the cable to a cut-down refill from a Parker ink pen (the refill is about 2 mm on the skinny side then tapers to about 4 mm -- cut it down so that it is about 5 mm long). Lasts about as long as the stocker, maybe longer. Silver solder is better. I'll take some pics the next time to do one.

Not denying that I can be cheap, there were two other reasons for figuring out a way to repair a control cable. I had been out on a trip and a cable that was only a couple of months old failed (I didn't carry a spare cable on that trip since the one on the bike was so new). The one that broke was one of the ones that has the cable crimped to the barrel as shown in Pic 1 below. Being generally annoyed and not wanting to buy a new cable only to have this happen again was my first motivation. The second reason for doing the repair in my shop was that I didn't want to wait 3-5 days for a new cable to be shipped and delivered; downtime can be a pita.

The worst part of this is getting residual ink out of the stub. I use carb cleaner -- wear gloves!

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A broken cable.A broken cable.

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The refillThe refill

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First cut on the pen refill.First cut on the pen refill.

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Second cut on the pen refill.Second cut on the pen refill.

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Cable inserted in 'ferrule' (is that what it is called?), ready for solder.Cable inserted in 'ferrule' (is that what it is called?), ready for solder.

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A completed cable end (pen refill stub soldered onto inner cable)A completed cable end (pen refill stub soldered onto inner cable)

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Here's a pic of a cheap butane torch that works great for soldering. You can get one of these for $5 to $10 at Harbor Freight. Good for pyromaniacs.Here's a pic of a cheap butane torch that works great for soldering. You can get one of these for $5 to $10 at Harbor Freight. Good for pyromaniacs.

Cable lube / luber

Updated: Prior to 2007 Dec 11

The easiest way that I've found to lube cables (throttle, clutch, choke, brake, etc.) is to use a small device made by Champions Choice. The kit includes a special adapter that clamps around the housing of the cable. Then, just attach the nozzle from the aerosol can and watch the lube come out the other end of the cable.

John Prusnek has also recommended the use of a Ziploc bag and a rubber band.

  1. Cut a corner off of the zip lock bag
  2. Slide the cable through the cut corner
  3. Secure the zip-lock bag to the cable using a rubber band
  4. Fill the bag with your favorite lube
  5. Squeeze the lube down the cable

Cables - lower enricher (choke) for Amal carburetors

Updated: 2010 Jun 22

Thanks to Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycle for sending me this information via email. In Charlie's own words:

Lower choke cables for Amal equipped Eldos - again from Old Britts, originally for a Norton Commando, part no. 033145, USD $22.79 ea. The upper cable and splitter should works as well, but I didn't need to replace either of those. It's possible the throttle cables may work too.

Cables - lower enricher (choke) for Dell’Orto VHB 29 carburetors

Updated: Prior to 2007 Dec 11

The length of the conduit (outer sheath) for the lower enricher (choke) cables is approximately 330 mm.

The free length of the cable for the lower enricher (choke) cables is approximately 65 mm.

Cables - lower throttle for Dell’Orto VHB 29 carburetors

Updated: Prior to 2007 Dec 11

The length of the conduit (outer sheath) for the lower throttle cables is approximately 294 mm.

The free length of the cable for the lower throttle cables is approximately 71 mm.

Cable soldering

Updated: 2008 Dec 02

Thanks to Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycle who posted this information on the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group.

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