The Rubber Cable Strap Thread

[jimbo]

I wanted to start a rubber cable strap thread, to show the proper way to use them, which ones to avoid , good ones /bad ones links and some photos

 

[jimbo]

these are not flexible enough, too thick ,poorly made and break easily
thumbs down

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JOHN-BULL-CABLE ... 3ccce70097

 

[jimbo]

these are very stretchy ,well made and do not break easily
thumbs up

http://www.ebay.com/itm/230863897193?ss ... 1439.l2649

 

[jimbo]

incorrect wrapping of the Rubber Cable Strap

 

[jimbo]

heres a correct wrapping with the good ebay rubbers.

 

[jimbo]

There is a glitch; the rubbers only will wrap nicely around the tube( handlebars, frames etc) if the tube is correct diameter, not too big not too small. Unless you use different length rubber straps for different applications on the same bike I don't think you can wrap the straps all the same way. I don't think the motorcycle manufacturers would have gone to that much trouble.
Here's the same rubber on a grab rail it doesn't fit too well because the rail is quite small. It's tied in the "correct" way.

 

[jimbo]

heres the same rubber strap wrapped the "wrong" way ,it seems more snug and the wire is held closer to the rail. I will have to cut off the extra rubber tail.

 

[jimbo]

heres the two for comparison. The result of all this is, I believe the straps are configured to be used in whatever way they fit. Comments?

 

[kiwi]

it looks much neater with the wiring close to the tube and no tail

I would personally use chrome cable clamps on the Handlebars for Dip switch wiring not rubber ties
and also route the rear lamp wires under the rear mudguard using the OEM preformed tabs if fitted
The rubber ties are good for fixing control cables and wiring to the main frame tubes and normally the correct length without cutting
but I have seen some shorter versions with only one hole

 

[jimbo]

heres a one hole version, the question is really what was used when the bikes were new at the factory of those that really used the rubber straps?

 

[kernel65]

I had a couple of the John Bull type in a box of hardware that came with my 72. Seems to me I saw a scan copy of a Commando road test that had the same type as well. I can't remember what year it was for.

 

[Bernhard]

heres the two for comparison. The result of all this is, I believe the straps are configured to be used in whatever way they fit. Comments?

it really depends on just how fussy you are, if you are not showing your bike as a Concours d'Elegance bike show, what’s wrong with the good old fashion electrical tape :?: -you can have it any colour you like :!:

 

[PeterJoe]

I have a copy of the BSA Singles Restoration, BSA Twins Restoration and Norton Twin Restoration books all written Roy Bacon. These books have many period pictures. From what I can see almost all of the time, the strap simply wraps around the frame tube or handlebar securing the cable or wires tightly against the tubing.

Every now and then you will see the straps installed the way I have shown in the pictures below. Especially in the BSA Twins Restoration book there are pictures of the straps being used on the frame down tubes and on the handlebar.

There must have been several different lengths of rubber straps, not just one or two. BSA even used these rubber straps on the top tube of the 'oil in frame' BSA's and the frame tubes which are rather large in diameter. Also BSA even used grey colored straps for the 1971 year model bikes so that they would match the frames.

I have restored my BSA 441VS using this type of rubber strap on the handlebar and they just don't seem to last very long. One trick I have done is to use nylon tie wraps and shrink tubing by shrinking a piece of shrink tubing that is cut to length along the tie wrap. Now when the tie wrap is installed the shrink tubing acts as a chafe protector because bare nylon tie wraps can wear the paint away from the frame. Actually it gives it a neat appearance as well.

Rubber Cable Strap - top view

Rubber Cable Strap - bottom view
Note that the strap is pulled tight so that the cutouts in the sides of the strap are pulled through the hole