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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 20 Apr 2008
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Thumbs down Clutchless,in Quetzeltenango!
My clutch cable broke this morning, in the mountains in Quatemala.

I've managed,with the help of some "bush mechanics" who threaded some wire to make a "cable", to get another 75km to Quetz, through all the roadworks in the mountains / stopping and starting is pure hell! And so is riding in this city without a clutch.

Of course, it being Sunday, no bike shops are open. Is anyone around here today, with whom I can drown my sorrows?

Is anyone, perhaps, coming through from Mexico City in the near future, who could bring a cable if BMW MexCity have one in stock, please? I'll also try the bike shops tomorrow, to see if someone can jury rig something to get me to MexCity, as I will be spending some time there, anyway.

Many thanks.
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Old 20 Apr 2008
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Get one of the bike shops to make you up a cable .

Find a cable of the right thickness , cut the inner and outer to the right length .
Then solder your old nipples [ no offence intended ] on the new cable .
Voila !
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  #3  
Old 20 Apr 2008
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BMW Mechanic in Quetzaltenango
Margaret:

Roberto works on BMW's - he can help you out. There's no sign out front - looks like a car repair place - but he's got an enclosed space where he works on BMW bikes, and he can get parts from Guat. City overnight (if Guat. City has one). If he can't get an original cable, he'll know how to get a proper one fabricated.

He's a great guy. Tell him I sent you (was there in November, 2006).

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...uatemala-24640
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  #4  
Old 20 Apr 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by beemerbird View Post
:to see if someone can jury rig something
Erm, do you mean 'jerry rig' something, I think jury rigging is a bit harder to accomplish, although it might be easier in S.America!!
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Old 21 Apr 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk View Post
Erm, do you mean 'jerry rig' something, I think jury rigging is a bit harder to accomplish, although it might be easier in S.America!!

I think it's also a sailing term - jury-rig.
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Old 21 Apr 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dodger View Post
Get one of the bike shops to make you up a cable .

Find a cable of the right thickness , cut the inner and outer to the right length .
Then solder your old nipples [ no offence intended ] on the new cable .
Voila !

+1
........
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  #7  
Old 21 Apr 2008
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Jury rigged
According to my dictionary:

Synonym: Improvised; makeshift
Similar: Impermanent; temporary

So, yes, it fits the situation and what I was trying to say quite well.

Thanks for the good options, guys. Much appreciated.
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  #8  
Old 21 Apr 2008
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Hi Margaret!

Sorry to hear about another delay.
I was wondering how far you made it after you left SalCar Motos.
I hope you can get it sorted quickly and get back on the road to Mx. City

thank you for introducing me to the world of Vegemite!

Best,
S.
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Old 21 Apr 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by beemerbird View Post
Synonym: Improvised; makeshift
Similar: Impermanent; temporary
? Could last longer than a bmw part?


Depending on the repair .. I'd get two cables - one to use, the other tied along side as a spare.
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  #10  
Old 21 Apr 2008
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I just had my clutch cable break in Buenos Aires. Do not pay for the BMW one. I got a generic one from one of the big motorcycle shops for $1.50

It is holding up fine.
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Old 22 Apr 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Warner View Post
I'd get two cables - one to use, the other tied along side as a spare.
Yes, wise words there, this is how I do it too - second cable is tied on the current one. If the current one breaks, just connect the ends of the new cable and you're ready to go again. Why buy one if you can have two for the "prize"!
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Old 22 Apr 2008
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is that two cables in two seperate sheaths or two in one sheath?

For my next overland I was just going to build a better cable than stock and take some spare nipples and one cable coiled up with blank ends but that might be a better solution

I think I would have trouble getting two cables down one sheath because of the brass cable runners inside the sheath...
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Old 22 Apr 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk View Post
is that two cables in two seperate sheaths or two in one sheath?

For my next overland I was just going to build a better cable than stock and take some spare nipples and one cable coiled up with blank ends but that might be a better solution

I think I would have trouble getting two cables down one sheath because of the brass cable runners inside the sheath...
2 separate full OEM cables tied on each other with quickstraps, so they go all the way through bike parallel together and don't leave you a mess on steering with "too many" loose cables below the handlebars. Original cable you're using has the ends connected, the spare hasn't. The original cable brokes -> disconnect the ends of broken cable and connect the ends of the spare cable (1-2 minute job). And you're ready to resume your journey.

I also lubricate the spare cable carefully and seal the both ends with tape - so the water and dust (I ride a lot of gravel) don't go inside the shell in a longer term. And if the day comes you need one, just remove the tapes and connect the ends of the spare cable and it's as fresh'n'lubricated as new.
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Old 22 Apr 2008
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1-2 minute job eh?

unfortunately I would also have to change the cable at the carb' end, which involves taking the tank/airbox off on one of my bikes or taking the throttle body out of the carb on the others, (more like 30 mins, but still quicker than building a new cable) maybe I need to get a BMW????

I try and use silver solder for cable nipples as I reckon its a whole lot stronger than lead - any opinions on this?
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Old 22 Apr 2008
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I also lubricate the spare cable carefully and seal the both ends with tape - so the water and dust (I ride a lot of gravel) don't go inside the shell in a longer term. And if the day comes you need one, just remove the tapes and connect the ends of the spare cable and it's as fresh'n'lubricated as new.[/QUOTE]


Or cut off one of the fingers of a rubber glove and cable-tie that over the exposed end to keep out dirt.
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