Trailer Throttle cable setup

ZnsaneRyder

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How are you trailer-riding folks setting up your throttles? What kind of cables are you using, and are your throttles trouble-free or not?

My throttle messed up a few days ago, and I've been going :mad: trying to figure it out.

First the bicycle cable part stretched out. I got home slowly, and went to re-adjust the throttle cable, and it broke on the bicycle side! I replaced the bicycle cable from another bike, but the outer sheath was binding up, so I used another cable sheath from my old trailer. When putting it back on the bike, it bound up too!

When I got it on finally, the cable has so much friction, that the return spring won't pull it back anymore, and I'm stuck at WOT.

I'm so upset, that I just want to scrap the ENTIRE throttle setup, and start from scratch. I can't believe that when I finally figure out the mechanical quirks, and get them right, the ONLY thing keeping me from riding is a stupid throttle cable, and it's been 3 days stuck at home!
 
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Sorry that this may not be too much help. My go kart cables use go kart plastic brake line as the throttle cable sleeve. It works great as it doesn't bind and no metal means to cable wear. Here is a site that sell it. http://www.edgekart.com/store/brakes/brakline.htm I haven't purchased anything from that site, just using as a reference.
 
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Hey ZN...

Easily done... get a generic brake handle, a tandem length MTB brake cable, and a wire stop from the local true value, I zip tie the cable tightly to the bike frame and just run it right to the throttle return spring and thru that and put the wire stop on the other side of the spring.

I honestly have never had a problem with it in any way. Costwise it is less then $20 in total!

Steve
 
Hey ZN...

Easily done... get a generic brake handle, a tandem length MTB brake cable, and a wire stop from the local true value, I zip tie the cable tightly to the bike frame and just run it right to the throttle return spring and thru that and put the wire stop on the other side of the spring.

I honestly have never had a problem with it in any way. Costwise it is less then $20 in total!

Steve

So it's one really long cable from bicycle to trailer then, right? If so, that would be so much easier than coupling several cables.
 
Sorry that this may not be too much help. My go kart cables use go kart plastic brake line as the throttle cable sleeve. It works great as it doesn't bind and no metal means to cable wear. Here is a site that sell it. http://www.edgekart.com/store/brakes/brakline.htm I haven't purchased anything from that site, just using as a reference.

That's a great help. I didn't even know they made plastic cable sleeves. That opens up some possibilities.
 
So it's one really long cable from bicycle to trailer then, right? If so, that would be so much easier than coupling several cables.

ZN,

Just go to any local bicycle store and ask them for a "tandem length MTB brake cable and housing"

I believe they are something like 2500 milimeters or so, which is roughly 100 inches.

PLENTY of length to make a push traailer throttle from....

BTW, I did try the two cables linked early on and it failed every time.

Go the safe route and spend the money!
 
I connected two cables together using a small piece of tubing about 100mm long by 8mm diameter. The little adjustable cable ends just slip into the tube and the free cable inside touches nothing. To connect the actual cables I used a electrical butt crimp, crimped it with good crimping tool and soldered it. I use a pocket bike twist grip and ran the kill switch wire that was on the twist grip assembly along with the cable down to the motor. Works great. If I remove the trailer, I just take off the twist grip, cut the zip ties and unbolt the hitch at the seat post. Normal bike again minus the regular hand grip on the right bar.
 
I want to thank you all for your help on this issue.

I have the cable fixed. I went to a single, continuous stainless steel cable which won't rust and bind up like the old zinc-coated standard cable, and coupled two 4' long sheaths as one 8 footer. I lubed the whole cable with 90W gear oil as well. The cable disconnects at the throttle lever now on the handlebars, and not where the trailer connects to the bicycle.

I also changed to a new tire AND engine. On flat ground I can get (depending on wind) anywhere between 53 and 57mph now, but to go easy on the brand new engine, I only did that just a few times, and I mostly keep it around 30mph or so. Riding a draft behind a car, I managed 58.5 mph so far, and I'm happy that at those speeds, I've had no throttle issues. You wouldn't want your throttle stuck wide open going over 50, hehe. :giggle:

I do plan on the next project, to try that plastic throttle sheathing, as it seems really nice, and simple to cut it to custom lengths.

Once again, thanks for all the ideas and help, as everything now works great!

Crazy Riding,
ZnsaneRyder :giggle:
 
I use the black coated cable thats used on mini bikes and go-karts.For my throttle I bought a 5 dollar Honda rototiller thumb throttle.Its works ok,its a bit hard to pull the throttle lever.I'm not sure if its the lever or cable though.

It would be nice if you guys would post pics of your set-ups.
 

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