Shadetree Motorcycle Mechanic myths: Throttle Cables.

For the several decades I have been riding and wrenching on motorcycles, I notice a lot of myths about bikes pop up regularly.  But I find that myths about BMW motorcycles to be the most prevalent and worst.  Tons of people proclaiming that you cant do this or that,  they are hard to work on, you have to have the dealer do some work, etc...   My favorite recently is the flat out misinformation that the Throttle cables can not be lubricated.  Sorry, but BMW does not use special secret Luftwaffe cables made from special unobtainable sensitive products.   They are made in China, and are normal cables with Teflon impregnated plastic liners.  you can and SHOULD lubricate them regularly with a dry Teflon lubricant.   In fact if you read any of BMW Motorrad's technical bulletins, you will see that they recommend lubricating the  cables when installed with a dry teflon lubricant.  But let's go further,  the Honda Goldwing uses the same type of cables, and the service manual for that bike recommends periodic lubrication with ,  you guessed it,  dry teflon lubricant.

So remember,  Forums are handy for information, but those people are not experts nor are they correct most of the time.  If they have REAL information backing it up, you can believe it,  like photos, or real documentation.   Plus you should always do more research outside the forums,  look for your motorcycle makers documents or service bulletins and see what they say.   As for never lubricating cables like throttle cables,  every old biker that has actually worked on and ridden bikes for decades will tell you,   Lubricate them because the only way you can be sure they will not fail on you in the middle of nowhere is when you know they move easily and smoothly and are clean and rust free.

Plus nothing is forever,  you DO need to replace those cables now and then,  when they feel rough or tight,  it's time to replace them.  if they dont return on their own, it's really important to replace them.

Just remember, no bike is difficult to work on,   just different and requires different tools, and you can certainly work on your own bike if you have the time and ability to learn.