Rusty motorcycle throttle cable

A broken control cable can turn a sunny Sunday ride into a long wait at the roadside in an instant. The good news is, most cable failures don’t happen out of the blue. With just a minute’s attention each week, you can spot the warning signs before they leave you stranded.

Here’s what to look for:

1. Start at the lever or pedal
Look where the cable meets the lever or pedal. Check the exposed inner wire for corrosion or fraying, and make sure the nipple is secure in its seat. Any broken strands or loose fit here means the cable is on borrowed time.

2. Follow the cable along its length
Run your fingers down the outer covering (the conduit). You’re looking for cracks that could let moisture get inside, and kinks or flattened sections. These can pinch the inner wire, causing heavy or inconsistent lever action.

3. Inspect the opposite end
At the throttle body, carb, or clutch arm, check again for corrosion, frayed wires, or damaged fittings. This is another high-stress area where failures often start.

4. Test the feel
Pull the lever or twist the throttle. The action should be smooth and consistent, with no sticking, binding or gritty sensation. If the lever feels heavy or slow to return, it may be time for a replacement.

5. Check the free play
Free play is the amount of slack before the cable starts to pull. Too much free play can mean the inner wire has stretched, while too little can leave the throttle, clutch or brake overly sensitive. Either way, it’s a sign the cable may need adjusting - or replacing if wear is evident. Our previous blog post gives a detailed guide of how to check throttle free play.  

A smarter upgrade from Venhill

Venhill’s premium Featherlight cables are designed to eliminate these issues. Built to a higher specification than OE parts, they deliver a smoother action and improved durability, giving you an instant upgrade in both performance and reliability.

Each cable features marine-grade stainless steel inner wire to minimise stretch and resist corrosion, plus PTFE (‘teflon’) liners that reduce friction – meaning a lighter feel and no need for lubrication.

They’re also ‘bird-caged’ – a process that allows solder to penetrate the weave of the inner wire at the nipple, making the bond stronger and far less likely to break under stress. The result? Extra strength, longer life, and peace of mind every time you ride.