I replaced the clutch cable on a Road King and ran it in the same position as the one I was replacing.
The one I removed had a metal spring around the cable where the exhaust would be.
The one I replaced it with had a cloth sheath.
After a few miles of riding the new cable managed to work itself up enough to rest on the lower exhaust heat shield.
This burned through the fabric, the outer plastic cover, and got hot enough to distort the internal sheath.
In other words the clutch cable is shot.
Use my little life lesson to keep from having the same problem.
Secure your cable routes to insure they can't wind up resting on the exhaust.