How to Adjust Motorcycle Engine Throttle Cable (with Pictures)

Throttle cable free play is commonly the forgotten part of motorcycle maintenance. Despite of its minor role, throttle cable free play can significantly affect your handling ability. This post shows you the general procedure of throttle cable free play in motorcycle with carburetor.

Prior to adjusting the throttle cable free play, the engine idling speed should be adjusted.
1. Check:
- Throttle cable free play [a]
   Out of specification → Adjust.
   Free play (throttle cable): 3 ~ 5 mm at throttle grip flange.

2. Adjust:
- Throttle cable free play
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Adjustment steps:

A. Carburetor side
- Loosen the locknut [1].
- Turn the adjusting nut [2] in or out until the specified throttle cable free play is obtained.
   Turn in: Throttle cable free play is increased.
   Turn out: Throttle cable free play is decreased.
- Tighten the locknut.
If the specified throttle cable free play cannot be obtained on the carburetor side of the cable, use the adjusting nut on the handlebar side.

B. Handlebar side
- Loosen the locknut [1].
- Turn the adjusting nut [2] in or out until the specified throttle cable free play is obtained.
   Turn in: Throttle cable free play is increased.
   Turn out: Throttle cable free play is decreased.
- Tighten the locknut.

WARNING! After adjusting the throttle cable free play, start the engine and turn the handlebar to the right or left to ensure that this does not cause the engine idling speed to change.