Cable question...

[Big Al]

This is possibly a stupid question from a Vespa novice, but how long do clutch cables generally last after they're fitted?

The one currently in my T5 is less than 8 months old and i've recently noticed (today in particular) an increased biting point on the clutch lever, a tendancy for the bike to try and creep forwards when held on the clutch in 1st gear, and extreme difficulty in getting from 1st or 2nd gear into neutral when the bike is stationary - all things that happened just before the cable snapped last time.

The Vespa doesn't chalk up many miles at all and i've not adjusted anything around the engine area since replacing the cable (aside from gearbox oil)

[bryno]

Just tighten it up a bit, some cables do stretch a bit, it's not likely to snap unless it gets frayed..

[bag5y01uk]

Hello mate
Sounds like your clutch is dragging, this could be just a case adjustment of the cable, which to be honest can be a pain, or you could have have warped clutch plates which would require a re-build. As for how long a cable will last how longs a peice of string, I changed my old one which was fine and the new one snapped within 3 months!!!

[Devo McDuff]

I had a bit of work done on my bike the other week (chrome rims, whitewalls etc) at Mike Phoenix's and while I was having it done they fitted a chrome choke and petrol tap lever I bought ages ago.

When I went to ride it away I had the same problems you mention .... it was creeping forward in 1st without any throttle, difficulty shifting gears from a stationary position and the clutch lever was pretty loose .... they sorted it in 2 minutes. Loose cable like Bryno says.