850 Commando Clutch Cable Replacement

Hi Guys. HELP.!!
I've just purchased the above 850 Commando, and I need to change the clutch cable. I can see the cable dissapearing into the bowls of the engine, but just can't see how to detatch it; what has to be removed to get at the cable end nipple!! Any help would be appreciated, and is it possible to tie the new cable to old and pull it through ? I don't really want to take the tank off. The reason for changing the cable is I can't live with the amount of physical pressure needed to pull the lever back. It's HORRIBLE to say the least.
Regards.
pipknight

pipknight said:

Hi Guys. HELP.!!
I've just purchased the above 850 Commando, and I need to change the clutch cable. I can see the cable dissapearing into the bowls of the engine, but just can't see how to detatch it; what has to be removed to get at the cable end nipple!! Any help would be appreciated, and is it possible to tie the new cable to old and pull it through ? I don't really want to take the tank off. The reason for changing the cable is I can't live with the amount of physical pressure needed to pull the lever back. It's HORRIBLE to say the least.
Regards.
pipknight

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First of all, Buck up, man!
It probably isn't the cable and it is going to take more than pulling the tank to do it. But if you must.....

Pull the tank. Undo the clutch lever and remove the cable from that end. Go down to the tranny (at this point i feel i should be just telling you to get a freaking manual) and take the inspection cover off. You should have enough play to dis-lodge the cable end from the clutch actuating arm (get a manual).

This is an important part. You need to route the cable (get an other manual, preferrable a shop manual to go along with the Haynes and the Clymer) with some thought to binding. It is possible that the old cable was mis-routed. Follow the old way as close as possible keeping an improved way in mind. Once there, reverse the procedure for installation.

If it is still hard as hell to pull, which I suspect will be the case, then get into the clutch (get a manual) and I mean all the way, crawl right up in there. Smell it, touch it and measure the height of the clutch pack. You are probably due for a set of plates.

Get a manual. If you're going to own a Norton, particularly this one you need to get dirty and frustrated. That's the dues. Sorry for the painful truth.

After many years of having NOT owned a Norton, and now back owning one again, it pays to know how it all works, otherwise it could be an expensive business, even just changing the clutch cable and adjusting the clutch itself. Get a manual and parts catalogue. Plenty of info on this forum as well.
Regards Mike

Plenty of clutch cable/clutch adjustment threads on the forum. Then there's the manual. Read them all and weep. That being said, there is no reason for the Commando clutch to be hard to pull or erratic unless something is wrong. Most time it's adjustment, cable placement or clutch stack height. Unless you want to pay a specialized Norton mechanic for his time, it's time to get your fingers dirty, you'll be better for it.

Dave
69S

While the tank is off, purchase an additional clutch cable and route it along side with the new cable and tape or cap the ends of the spare. Just a suggestion.

DogT said:

Plenty of clutch cable/clutch adjustment threads on the forum. Then there's the manual. Read them all and weep. That being said, there is no reason for the Commando clutch to be hard to pull or erratic unless something is wrong. Most time it's adjustment, cable placement or clutch stack height. Unless you want to pay a specialized Norton mechanic for his time, it's time to get your fingers dirty, you'll be better for it.

Dave
69S

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Tyhanks Dave, have now got a mamual, and managed to fix it. The cable(old one) was binding. Now sorted
pipknight

Brooking 850 said:

After many years of having NOT owned a Norton, and now back owning one again, it pays to know how it all works, otherwise it could be an expensive business, even just changing the clutch cable and adjusting the clutch itself. Get a manual and parts catalogue. Plenty of info on this forum as well.
Regards Mike

Click to expand...

Thanks mike .point taken, I have now completed the job, with the use of a manual.
Thanks
pipknighjt

I'm sure you're aware now that it's not a bid deal to change the cluctch cable. I changed mine a couple months ago, on the sidewalk with nothing but my pocket knife after it snapped coming up to a red light. It was embarassing. Cable broke just before I came to a stop so I didn't have time to find neutral. She bucked and jumped until it finally stalled. Some dude in a sweet minivan next to me was just sitting there burning a hole through me so I flipped up my visor and told him the clutch cable broke. He says "Yeah, but that's a cool bike man" like it was going to make me feel good or somethin, and then drove away. So I finally found neutral and pushed her up onto the sidewalk. 15 mins later I was on my way.
The clutch cable breaking was my fault, because I am a fool. That's a whole other story. The problem has been fixed though.

Have fun with it.
Ben

The Ben = fool problem or the clutch cable breaks problem ? Bunnyhopping towards imminent bumper kissing always exciting.

Torontonian - Well, I fixed the cable breaking problem, but I'm afriad the fool problem may be a lifelong effort. One thing's for sure, a Norton will learn you right quick.