Broken throttle on old motorcycle. Help!?

Question

Hey. I have an issue with my motorcycle that I'm hoping someone here can help me with.

I drive an old POS - an 82 Yamaha Maxim 550. Driving along today, moderately accelerating, when all of a sudden I have no throttle. I don't know if a spring went or what, but the actual throttle grip has no tension - it's completely loose and no matter if I open or close it, nothing happens.

Any ideas what this might be?

I just got the carbs cleaned and a general tuneup a few weeks ago. Then it started... I dunno, "lugging" but not really... when I cranked the throttle. Not running smoothly if I accelerate too hard in any gear (but not neutral). Don't know if that helps.

Any help would be awesome. Thanks!

Answer 1

The throttle cable could have broke, or the cable may have slipped off the carb linkage.

Remove the fuel tank and look at the throttle linkage while twisting the throttle.

You might be able to view it from the side of the bike without removing the tank.

To check if the cable is broke - grab the cable up at the twist grip and pull it out of the throttle housing.

It shouldn't come out, but if the cable slipped of the carb linkage, it can be pulled out an inch or two - any more and the cable will need replacing.

Answer 2

It sounds like a broken throttle cable to me.  Try that and see if that doesn't fix the problem.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Aftermarket set up about $20 for the grip & cable

Answer 4

sounds like gas cable

so?

what did you expect, the cable is 20-some years old and nobody ever did as much as check and lube it the last 10 years or so

now it broke, old age and neglect

replace it and ride on

until the next rotten part falls to pieces

get used to the drill or get a new(er) bike

Answer 5

Broken throttle cable.  Replace with a new one and buy a cable luber.  It screws on the end of the cable and you spray cable lubricant in it until it comes out the opposite end.  Lube all control cables at least once a season, and it might not be a bad idea to carry spares on you.  Sure beats being 100 miles from home with a broken clutch or throttle cable.