Two Clutch Cables and a Microphone

saturnphive · Post by **saturnphive** » Tue Nov 12, 2013 8:24 pm

Right. All but most recent breakage were non-factory replacements. Since purchasing the scoot in August, here are the number of times, equipment I used, and how long the replacements lasted.

1: Gear cable (replaced, never broke) 30 miles?
2: Lead-plug non OEM < 1 mile
3: Lead-plug non OEM ~ 5 miles
4: Gear cable (replaced again, not broken) ~25 miles
5: Standard OEM Piaggio Clutch Cable with Sheath ~500 miles? Only had one in stock.
6: Go-to gear cable again (replaced once more without breaking) ~ 5 miles
7: Brass-plug non OEM going strong at about 200 miles. Needs to be tightened as I can feel that it has stretched. Bought 3 to give the gear cable a rest for next breakage.

The Piaggio cable, which I'm calling OEM because it was identical to the one that I originally had to replace, seemed to fit and work perfectly, but it should have lasted way more than 500 miles. Some peoples seem to last forever, but I'll be happy if I can get 1,000 miles out of one. It will be a new record for me at least.

Incidentally, if anyone can identify a user-error that frequently results in the shearing off of the lever-end of this cable, please let me know as I'm probably doing it.

saturnphive · Post by **saturnphive** » Tue Nov 12, 2013 8:52 pm

Just found the cheapo replacement cable bag in my work bag. They are by a manufacturer called "Remsons Industries LTD" and they are pure junk. Avoid them at all costs.

Seriously, its literally better to shift without a clutch or just use a piaggio gear cable than to buy one of these -- unless you are desperate for practice and want to feel what one breaking feels like.

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Tue Nov 12, 2013 8:57 pm

Are you adjusting the cable with adequate free play?
If there is none, the cable is stressed with every bump and the load is similar to constantly pulling and releasing the lever.

Rob

saturnphive · Post by **saturnphive** » Tue Nov 12, 2013 9:06 pm

Hmm, I very much doubt it, maybe that's it.

It always felt like I had to have it tight to the point of almost engaging for the lever to pull it far enough. Is that not the case?

When I first did it, if it was too tight or loose (can't remember which) the bike would just die the moment it was put into gear, even with clutch "engaged." So when I tighten it with the third hand and screw on the nipple clamp, its usually tight enough that the springy lever attachment under the engine is slightly sprung. So is that it? I'm just putting it on too tight?

Stilts · Post by **Stilts** » Tue Nov 12, 2013 9:51 pm

saturnphive wrote:Hmm, I very much doubt it, maybe that's it.

It always felt like I had to have it tight to the point of almost engaging for the lever to pull it far enough. Is that not the case?

When I first did it, if it was too tight or loose (can't remember which) the bike would just die the moment it was put into gear, even with clutch "engaged." So when I tighten it with the third hand and screw on the nipple clamp, its usually tight enough that the springy lever attachment under the engine is slightly sprung. So is that it? I'm just putting it on too tight?

Yes, too tight.

Ideally, you should have 2mm of free play at the lever, meaning that you should be able to pull on the lever and have it move 2mm w/o pulling on the cable.

saturnphive · Post by **saturnphive** » Tue Nov 12, 2013 10:02 pm

I'll try loosening that then and see if we can set a new distance record.

Thanks for the suggestion!

SockyTX · Post by **SockyTX** » Wed Nov 13, 2013 2:30 am

Sat5-
I appreciate the recommendation to learn to change my cable on my own. Which I intend on doing, sometime. I will, while under warranty continue to use my roadside assistance and dealer support for repairs. Which do the job quickly and correct the first go around.

With no mal-intent simply doing the math. If you changed cables 6 times at 20 min a pop and had to go back to shop a couple of times to get replacements that probably adds up to about the same amount of time to head over to the shop to pick up Stella after repairs that I invested.

Not speaking for everyone but as an owner of a new Stella w/warranty I will continue to rely on that support. For me that means I have 7 more months of warranty left. By my calculations that means my current cable should bust before that time hits. When that one goes out I'll learn how to change it at time.

Until then lets go get our scoot on.

fisher1 · Post by **fisher1** » Wed Nov 13, 2013 12:56 pm

I will, while under warranty continue to use my roadside assistance and dealer support for repairs. Which do the job quickly and correct the first go around.

I agree with your thinking but would caution on the note that they may not always do the job correctly. Many shops do, but some have inexperienced or misinformed techs. Some specific items to watch for is when they swap out your 2T spark plug ..... some (like my local shop) will install a hot NGK B6ES which may be OK if all your riding is short-run stop and go inner city stuff. But if your riding is otherwise, that plug can cause trouble.

Another is swapping out exhausts and re-jetting without first installing either a CHT or EGT and getting stock running benchmarks as well as doing other homework.

saturnphive · Post by **saturnphive** » Wed Nov 13, 2013 3:23 pm

I thought I'd read at the top someone saying that they paid $50 and had to wait two weeks for the shop to do their repair. Even if it was under warranty, being without the scoot for a week would just drive me nuts. Learning that the part is only $3, and takes an experienced tech 5 or 10 minutes to replace would make me even crazier.

You'll just get to spend A LOT more time with your girl if you can do the little jobs at home. And that's what its all about isn't it? Spending time with the ones we love?