Excessive Throttle Play ... How to fix??

[cpiad]

Can someone share a Dick-and-Jane procedure for taking up play in the throttle on a 2010 883L? I've got a 2010 883L ... and the dealer pretty much handed me the keys and walked away ... I drove away. After a couple of days riding ... noticed that there is an annoying amount of throttle play .. about 3/8 to 1/2 inch linear rotation before throttle engages. I don't like play of any kind ... If you can help a dumbshit like me take the play, I'd appreciate it. I'd rather not go back to the dealer except for the 1st 1000k maintenance and check-out. Thanks much for sharing your expertise.

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[NightsterAl]

I'm guessing your throttle assembly is like my 07 sporty's.
under your throttle side controls you should see your cables going into the control assembly. On those cables there are two rubber covers. The front one is the idle cable and the other is your throttle cable (if I remember correctly).
Pull those covers down and you should see adjustment screws. I would try tightening your throttle side up (which should be the cable closer to the rear of the motorcycle).

[cHarley]

+1 - But you need to set the pull open throttle cable first and then just take up the slack in the idle cable.

I'm not going to be a prick here, but this is pretty easy stuff if you'll spend $60 on a Service Manual. It will pay for itself many times over.

[cpiad]

Originally Posted by cHarley

+1 - But you need to set the pull open throttle cable first and then just take up the slack in the idle cable.

I'm not going to be a prick here, but this is pretty easy stuff if you'll spend $60 on a Service Manual. It will pay for itself many times over.

Thanks ... I'm not being a prick either.. or a lazy ass ...so, first, thanks for offering your help. Now my sermon ... Some of us are not mechanically inclined ... and some of us are ...and some of us are good at other things .. in my case its math ... I can map fuel curves like no body's business and work non linear energy transfer functions that most people could never begin to understand how to unravel .. but I don't have a clue as to what a "pull open cable" is and I sure as hell don't know what an "idle cable" is ... I have manuals for my Mercedes and the Miata and 60% of the time its confounding as hell to me. I do the best I can ... with what I have .. I'm 56 years old ... and I am now forgetting more things I used to know than I could ever replace with new knowledge and talents ...

I was just asking for some help from more experienced folks ... I won't ask again so I don't have to get a lesson I don't need ...Hell .. I'll just take it the Harley dealership and let them deal with it .. its under warranty ... and when its not .. that math ability I have gave me another ability .. I can write checks that don't bounce ... and typically that is the best tool in my tool box. Thanks again.

[cpiad]

Originally Posted by NightsterAl

I'm guessing your throttle assembly is like my 07 sporty's.
under your throttle side controls you should see your cables going into the control assembly. On those cables there are two rubber covers. The front one is the idle cable and the other is your throttle cable (if I remember correctly).
Pull those covers down and you should see adjustment screws. I would try tightening your throttle side up (which should be the cable closer to the rear of the motorcycle).

Thanks much ... I want to take a ride to Punta Gorda tomorrow .. and the dealership (Black-Widow) is on the way in Port Charlotte, Fl ... I'll stop by and see if a tech can take a few minutes and look at it for me ..if not .. I'll give it a shot on Thursday ... I'll probably make it worse ... thanks for being so kind and sharing your knowledge with a lesser mortal.

[Cpitch]

mine does that too.

[cHarley]

Originally Posted by cpiad

Thanks ... I'm not being a prick either.. or a lazy ass ...so, first, thanks for offering your help. Now my sermon ... Some of us are not mechanically inclined ... and some of us are ...and some of us are good at other things .. in my case its math ... I can map fuel curves like no body's business and work non linear energy transfer functions that most people could never begin to understand how to unravel .. but I don't have a clue as to what a "pull open cable" is and I sure as hell don't know what an "idle cable" is ... I have manuals for my Mercedes and the Miata and 60% of the time its confounding as hell to me. I do the best I can ... with what I have .. I'm 56 years old ... and I am now forgetting more things I used to know than I could ever replace with new knowledge and talents ...

OK Sorry, I'm 58 years old and mechanically inclined. If you aren't mechanically inclined, and "don't have a clue", then maybe it's best you take the bike to a dealer. If you are not able to read and follow a Service Manual, then it's probably best left to a professional.

If you're not mechanically inclined, leave it to someone that is.

[NightsterAl]

I say feel free to ask questions. I've learned a lot from this site from questions people have asked on this forum. I'm a software engineer but still love wrenching on my own bike. If I can keep from taking it to the dealer and dropping down huge coin for them to do something simple, even better.
Keep the questions coming man.

[mowdoc]

Hey cpiad, you just keep asking questions man. The only stupid question is the one not asked OK?? That goes for everybody.

I'm sure cHarley wasn't trying to chop you off at the knees but he is mechanicly inclined, as I am, and your question would be basic stuff to us. I just hope we don't need any fuel curve advice now cause you'll have a field day with our a$$es!!!

My only input/advice to your question is this:
The throttle and related hardware is a very critical system on any motorcycle. If one is not absolutely positive sure what he/she is doing than the smart bet is to seek qualified help (dealer). Your issue with excess play in the cables would be a quick fix in the right hands so go with your plan to stop by a good dealership and let them handle it for you.

Have a SAFE ride and enjoy!!
mowdoc

[Gpsjr10]

I work at an auto parts store and once I had a surgeon come in and tell me he needs me to check his oil cause he doesn't know how to tell when it's full. Some people only know what they do for a living and that is all they know..