Came across this warning in the touring section. Anyone else have problems with using DriSlide or other lube in these cables. OP said it ruined his clutch cable.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ch-cables.html

 

I came upon this site while cruising the web researching oils and lo and behold found out that I am not the only one with a "ratchety, sticky, gritty" clutch. I bought my 09 Heritage Softail used from a dealer. The clutch seemed "weird" when I test rode it. "Just the cable", I thought, "Needs to be lubed". My husband rode and thought "feels weird because it's newer and we're used to the older bikes with harder clutches" (he rides an 03 Springer Softail, I rode a 2000 Wide Glide) Well, had them check the clutch before I bought it. A little better (or maybe wishful thinking?). Riding it I find myself having trouble easing the clutch out just right... dang thing is sticky... and releases in steps. I felt like a newbie first morning I rode it to work when I just about stalled out and dropped the bike taking off in an intersection (WTF!). I just couldn't find the "sweet spot" . I had a mechanic check it out again and he adjusted and lubed it (Dri-Slide?) and it seemed a little... worse, grittier, more ratchety feeling. Hubby still thought "you're just not used to the easy clutch" and lubed with Dri-Slide to pacify my imaginary problems. A clutch is something you get used to over time on the different bikes, and I am still riding it and having problems (there is NO sweet spot in a ratchety clutch), but now I think I found the answer in the forums - I will be replacing the cable now and let ya know what happens...

 

You can not use a petroleum based lube on a Teflon line cable, they will get gummed up. You should never have to lube the cables, but if you think you must, use a dry lube. Most of the new cables, Barnett, Magnum...etc are Teflon lined

 

i just bought magnum cables and they had a big stop sign no lube it will cancel warranty and cause problems

 

I managed to dick mine up. At least it isnt too expensive!

 

Replacing the clutch cable solved my problem!

 

I have now had my new magnum cables and they are great clutch is so much easier to use

 

3 years on all of my Magnum cables and not a drop of lubrication.

 

BS. It can not and will not have any impact on teflon.

 

That's good to know. Putting them on the wife's Deluxe because the stock wires won't fit her new bars but if the clutch is easier for her that's a big plus.

The note that came with them says: Do Not Lubricate-Cable is Factory Pre-lubricated. For Maintenance, only use SILICONE Lubricant to avoid braiding discoloration.

Doesn't mention anything about non silicone lubes gumming or otherwise affecting the cables.