Lubrication for a "Honda" clutch cable?

[mattsz]

I'm reading that original Honda clutch cables shouldn't be lubricated.  I bought an "NOS" cable from an ebay seller over a year ago, after he carefully measured to make sure it fits my '77 CB400 USA model. I can't find the listing or any info from that purchase now.  If it's a true Honda cable, would it be labeled as such, either on the cable itself or in the packaging?

The cable says only, "MADE IN JAPAN."  The sealed plastic bag it came in has this label inside:

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"Honda" isn't actually written anywhere.  Any advice about lubricating this cable?

[Nurse Julie]

Well, the part number on the label, the  22870-377-710 is the correct number for THE OEM cable and Honda would never have actually made the cables themselves, so we just need to work out the manufacturer, anyone heard of KK?

[mattsz]

Pull the cable out as much as you can, if the cable is covered by a black Teflon coating then don't oil it.

The cable itself has no black coating.  I'd understood that it was the lining of the cable housing that had the teflon... but I'm not sure where I got that information...

[Bryanj]

Both inner and outer had linings and that aint a genuine Honda cable

[Bryanj]

They do, but having bought TSK from Hi-Level they are not the same quality as genuine Honda, especially throttle ones but needs must at times

[mattsz]

Thanks for the interesting info, guys!

The only writing on the outer covering is ""MADE IN JAPAN," in just one spot.

Ok, so it's not a "genuine" Honda cable (Bryan, are you basing your statement on the "KK" label?), but it fits, and it's what I have, so I'll lubricate it and continue to troubleshoot the stiff clutch action.

Actually, the cable I removed doesn't appear to have any lining on it, either:

[Nurse Julie]

Matt, have you removed the clutch actuator components and given them a good scrub and re grease?

[mattsz]

Matt, have you removed the clutch actuator components and given them a good scrub and re grease?

Not yet. 

When I first removed the "clutch cover" (http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,17461.msg158117.html#msg158117), I discovered how much corrosion had found its way in, and the disconnected cable wouldn't budge.  So I cleaned it up corrosion and got a "new" cable, hoping that would solve it.

I imagine that I'll be inspecting the actuator bits soon.  I've got a separate thread going for this issue (http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,22645.0.html)...

[Bryanj]

Its not Honda cos the bag its in would look different and have a red and white lable with the Honda name and part number, im not saying it isnt identical to a genuine one just that it isnt.
Honda ones also tend to have numbers along the outer, but necessarily the part number

[mattsz]

Its not Honda cos the bag its in would look different and have a red and white lable with the Honda name and part number, im not saying it isnt identical to a genuine one just that it isnt.
Honda ones also tend to have numbers along the outer, but necessarily the part number

Are the coated Honda cables black, as Oddjob says?  If so, I'd say that it isn't identical... I'll lubricate it...

[mattsz]

If it's genuine it should be coated, I suspect that's a cheap copy made to a price not to a quality, as such most likely no Teflon. However do the mechanism first to see if that improves it, if oiling try silicon oil not mineral as it's less likely to react with any Teflon if it's there but hidden.

Thanks, will do...

[K2-K6]

Something like this should do it

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brand-New-DuPont-Teflon-Silicone-Lubricant-Aerosol-Spray-14-Ounce/273908551177?epid=1412124936&hash=item3fc638ce09:g:yfwAAOSw~wtdFnoB

On uk site, but I use it for illustrative purpose as most supplies appear to be USA based.

[Bryanj]

You can get aerosol silicone spray from most motor factors as garages use it on electric window cannels to stop them sticking, tripping the overload and going back down

[mattsz]

Thanks guys!

I've used a moly lubricant called Dri-Slide "Bike-Aid" on all my bicycle and motorcycle cables to date - it's a dry lubricant carried by a volatile liquid which evaporates.  A 4-ounce bottle includes a fine needle applicator which makes it easy to apply it to the full length of the cable - just gotta have gravity working in your favor!  I'll use it for this clutch cable - if it works, great!  If it doesn't, lesson learned and I'll seek out an authentic Honda cable...

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0095/7332/files/TDS_Bike_Aid_1bf2271d-3f84-4a3d-9c95-eb0eea9f7183.pdf