Motorcycle Cables

[PatW]

How do we fit motorcycle cables? The tubing always seems to be far too small/and or the nibs on parts like the brake calipers are way too big. Do we heat the end of the tubing in hot water?

[Straightliner59]

If it was me, I'd remove the nibs, then drill and replace them with smaller wire to mount the cable tubing to. It will create a much stronger joint. And fit better, too!

Edited July 22, 2022 by Straightliner59

[PatW]

Thanks Daniel, good idea. It's a shame that the kit is nearly finished but I can certainly use your idea for the next one, thanks very much.

[crazyjim]

What scale aew we talking here?

[PatW]

Hi Jim, the kit is 1/9th scale. I have opened out the plastic tubing with a cocktail stick and doing one front caliper, on the other side I opened out the tubing, it fitted the handlebar/brake lever end but at the caliper end the nib broke off straight away. I will try to drill drill though the caliper and add a piece of wire then attach the tubing over that. As per Daniel's suggestion. 

[crazyjim]

I've been using chrome beading ends for cable fittings on my bike builds but they're 1/12 scale.

[skymnky721]

I hear ya about bike cables,,they are a challenge.  What Ive found is these flexabie jewlery braid things from Micheals crafts ,,or someone similar. There already black,,very flexable to wrap around frames and gas tanks ect,,and how I attach them is pretty simple,,you get about 10 in a package{6$},,you have to cut to length,,and simply use a electronic wire holder with alligator clips,,hold the end of the cable flush to the clutch or front brake pedal levers,,and do like 3 coats of superglue,,small amount each app  to avoid the  "wart" if you put a huge blob on.  Let dry,,and it works pretty well,,no drilling//installing wire,,sometimes Ill use JB weld also. Hope this helps

[CabDriver]

On 7/22/2022 at 4:28 PM, crazyjim said:

I've been using chrome beading ends for cable fittings on my bike builds but they're 1/12 scale.

That’s a killer looking build 

[PatW]

Thank you all for your input. Unfortunately I'm in the UK, so things to do with detailing any model is in very short supply. I've been able to mount two cables at present from the brake levers down to the brake calipers on the front forks. These were by using mini drills and brass/copper wire and the kit plastic tubing. I hope to add the rear brake caliper and various other small tubing on the frame today.  

[peteski]