Clutch Cable Lubricant - Brand/ Type?

[broderp]

As the title states - looking for opinions on what to use to lubricate the clutch cable on my Z, or what came from the factory as well as what not to use.

I'm going to be installing levers and may as well take the time to disconnect the cable at both ends and properly lubricate it. 

My quick search found

https://www.autozone.com/greases-and-gear-oil/lubricant-grease/p/b-laster-chain-and-cable-lubricant-11oz/930053_0_0

and

https://www.amazon.com/PJ1-1-12-Cable-Lube-Aerosol/dp/B00HRXOGVW/

Thanks for any opinions.
 

[kevperro]

I wish I could give you a true comparison but I just used the PJ1 and it seemed to work great and it smells good.    I'm not sure you are going to get any meaningful input.   It is like motor oil, everyone has an ill-informed opinion.   

[rcannon409]

I wouldn't lubricate clutch cables on the new bikes.  We had to in the old days, but these new cables have a slick, inner sheath.  Lubricants attract dust and dirt and ruin that slick inner portion .

If a new cable ever gets sticky, replace it.  None of the dealers stock the correct cable so having one snap is an ordeal.

If you watch ebay and find a nice bike that is being parted, you can find a nice back up for 10 bucks

[3alfa3]

57.000 km on my 2020 Z900. Never lubricated clutch or throttle cables and no problem (i do clean and lubricate clutch cable end (ball) every so often). But, i don't ride when wet, let alone when it's raining. So far no problem, clutch cable is like new and i do use clutch even for upshifts.

[rcannon409]

I clean the pivot points, just like you mentioned. If you keep the cable ends clean, the dirt and such doesn't work itself into the cable.

On the throttle side, I also use a section of 3 m paint protection film.  I install it around the bar.  Use enough to where the throttle rotates, but all play is eliminated.

Does this help?  Yes, but for mental health reasons.  My winters are so long that my snowblower has more miles on it than my bike does. 

[broderp]

Originally Posted by rcannon409

I wouldn't lubricate clutch cables on the new bikes.  We had to in the old days, but these new cables have a slick, inner sheath.  Lubricants attract dust and dirt and ruin that slick inner portion . .....

Originally Posted by 3alfa3

57.000 km on my 2020 Z900. Never lubricated clutch or throttle cables and no problem (i do clean and lubricate clutch cable end (ball) every so often). But, i don't ride when wet, let alone when it's raining. So far no problem, clutch cable is like new and i do use clutch even for upshifts.

With all due respect, I will have to disagree with this.  Although the statements made may be true, for those wanting to follow dealer processes and procedures they recommend the following.  (See the image).  (I really need the SM in PDF lol)

I'm a specification nut, so I will need to see where this service falls on the routine maintenance schedule and how close to those miles I am and adjust, but for now I think I will be lubricating the cables.   It can't hurt as I don't ride in inclement weather or rain, no minimal accumlation if I flush the cable(s) out good enough.   

Also interesting to note is the type of lubricant and service tool Kawaski recommends.  Makes me feel a bit better about my purchase of a can of PJ1 lubricant and a Motion Pro 08-0182 Cable Luber. 

[broderp]

Originally Posted by rcannon409

I clean the pivot points, just like you mentioned. If you keep the cable ends clean, the dirt and such doesn't work itself into the cable.

On the throttle side, I also use a section of 3 m paint protection film.  I install it around the bar.  Use enough to where the throttle rotates, but all play is eliminated.

Does this help?  Yes, but for mental health reasons.  My winters are so long that my snowblower has more miles on it than my bike does.

Yup, going to do all the required lubrication points.  I'm prepping to replace my levers ( ) so I may as well do all this while I have it semi taken apart. 

[zed9]

I have used real cable lube with an adapter for spraying the lube down the sheath but I’ve also had great success using 10w-40 motor oil.

With the cable removed from the lever, I drip the oil on the cable up top and push it back and forth until the oil disappears down the sheath. I do this three or four times. Eventually, in maybe a few days,  it drips out the bottom of the sheath, so you know you got the whole cable. The clutch pull is much smoother (providing it needed lubrication in the first place.) And it lasts a long time.
This prevents the cable from getting rusty inside of the nylon lined sheath.

And it’s really important on the throttle cables because crap and water gets in at the mid-point adjusters and causes the cables to rust at those points. I’ve seen this on several bikes.

[3alfa3]

Problem with lube is that it attracts dirt and once you lube cable it must be cleaned and lubed more often. Best to use pressure when lubing (ideally with cable off the bike and hanging upright) because that way dirt will be pushed out on the other end of the cable. When clean lube appears on the other end, job is done.

[kevperro]

Originally Posted by 3alfa3

Problem with lube is that it attracts dirt and once you lube cable it must be cleaned and lubed more often. Best to use pressure when lubing (ideally with cable off the bike and hanging upright) because that way dirt will be pushed out on the other end of the cable. When clean lube appears on the other end, job is done.

Well, you certainly have a point in that the cost of the OEM clutch cable is like $22.    Once you buy a can of lube and the fancy lubrication tool you could have just bought a new cable. 

But I lube mine.   Never did in the past and the only cables I remember getting sticky are from days long ago.