Wished we could get a definative answer here. I have a 2010 and a 2009. Both SM's say lube/adjust cables every 5K miles. Are they teflon or not?

 

I would do what the manual says. As far as using a specific lube, use one made for motorcycle cables. The "carrier" of the lube is what may attack the Teflon lining or regular lining if non-motorcycle cable lube is used.

 

I have a 2011 Ultra-Classic. My SM says to lube the clutch cable every 5K miles. I asked the dealer about it and they suggested (and sell) the PJ1 Cable Lube. I ended up going to CycleGear and bought the following in a bundle....



It works great. I hand no problems pumping lube through the entire cable. The clutch cable has been very smooth since using it.

 

My 2009 FLTR has teflon cables. No lube for me. Can't say about 2008 and down. Pull it out of the perch and look if in doubt. No biggee.

 

Where did you get your information about the newer models having telfon cables? I have a 2009 Ultra and the manual clearly states to lube and adjust clutch cable every 5K.
Harley recommends Lubit-8 Super Oil. I use synthetic gear oil 75-90, same thing I put in the tranny. Whatever you put in the cable shaft for lube eventually finds it way to the tranny so why not use that.

 

I don't know about newer bikes, but my '07 service manual says to use Tufoil Lubit-8 which contains motor oil. For the clutch I use a mix of moly grease and synthetic motor oil, which works very well and lasts for about a year. I make a paper funnel sealed with a rubber band and let it gravity feed into the cable over 10-15 min.

For the throttle cables I use whatever I can get in there with an oil gun, usually just synthetic motor oil, with a spray of ZEP-45 between the handlebar and grip. I need to reassess my procedure for the throttle side, as it is always a hassle and I end up having oil drip everywhere. I may just buy a syringe and use it with regular syn oil, or bite the bullet and go for the Inox or Lubit-8 kit.

I wonder if Dri-Slide can work with cables that have already been lubed with petroleum-based oil.

 

Same here in my 09 SM, id like to know 100% too

 

Loosen the clutch cable all the way and pull it out of the perch to look at it. If it has a teflon coating on the cable, you can see it very easily. It looks like a white plastic coating on the steel cable. If you want to put some lubricant on the cable, do it. It won't hurt it either way. Teflon is tough stuff. You aren't going to gum it up to the point it is non operative. No need to overthink this.