Honda NC700X Throttle Cable Care: A Deep Dive

Owners of the 2012 Honda NC700X often pore over their service manuals, diligently seeking out recommended maintenance schedules to keep their beloved machines running in tip-top condition. A common query that surfaces relates to the lubrication interval for the throttle cable. It’s a vital component for safe and responsive riding, yet surprisingly, the official service manual for your 2012 Honda NC700X does not designate a specific, routine interval for throttle cable lubrication. This isn't an oversight, but rather an indication that Honda views this as a condition-based maintenance item. The manual primarily advises lubrication of the throttle cable and the throttle grip housing only in the event that the throttle does not return properly. This article will delve into what this means for you as an owner, why proactive care is still crucial, and how to ensure your throttle remains perfectly responsive.

Understanding Your Honda NC700X Throttle System

Before diving into lubrication, it's helpful to understand the basic mechanics of your NC700X's throttle. Your bike utilises a traditional cable-actuated throttle system. This involves two cables: a 'pull' cable that opens the throttle butterflies when you twist the grip, and a 'push' or 'return' cable that helps close them and prevents the throttle from sticking open. Both cables run from the throttle grip, through the handlebars, and down to the throttle body. They operate within an outer housing, and it's the friction between the inner wire and the outer casing that lubrication aims to minimise. Over time, dirt, dust, moisture, and general wear can degrade this smooth operation, leading to a sticky or unresponsive throttle – a potentially dangerous scenario on the road.

Why Lubricate Your Throttle Cable, Even Without an Interval?

While Honda's manual doesn't specify a routine interval, this doesn't mean you should ignore your throttle cables until a problem arises. Proactive maintenance is always the best approach for safety and longevity. Here’s why lubrication remains important:

• Reduced Friction: A well-lubricated cable glides effortlessly within its housing, ensuring a light, smooth, and predictable throttle action. This directly translates to better control and a more enjoyable riding experience.
• Prevention of Wear and Tear: Friction causes wear. By reducing friction, lubrication extends the lifespan of the throttle cables, preventing fraying or snapping, which could lead to a loss of throttle control.
• Corrosion Protection: Moisture can ingress into the cable housing, leading to rust and corrosion, especially if the bike is stored in damp conditions or ridden in the rain frequently. Lubricants often contain rust inhibitors that protect the steel wire.
• Improved Throttle Return: As the manual states, the primary symptom for lubrication is a throttle that doesn't return properly. Regular lubrication helps maintain the spring-loaded return mechanism's efficiency, ensuring the throttle snaps back to the closed position immediately when released.
• Enhanced Riding Experience: A sticky or heavy throttle can be fatiguing on long rides and makes precise throttle modulation difficult. Smooth operation provides a more connected feel with your machine.

Recognising the Signs of a Sticking Throttle

Your NC700X will often give you clues before a complete failure. Pay attention to these symptoms, as they are indicators that your throttle cable needs attention:

• Slow or Incomplete Return: This is the most critical sign. When you release the throttle grip, it should snap back quickly and completely to the idle position. If it returns slowly, or not all the way, lubrication is urgently needed.
• Stiffness or Heavy Feel: The throttle grip feels harder to twist than usual, requiring more effort to open.
• Rough or Gritty Sensation: You might feel a 'gritty' or 'notchy' sensation as you twist the throttle, indicating internal friction or dirt.
• Binding at Certain Points: The throttle might stick or bind at specific points in its rotation.
• Unusual Noises: Though less common, a squeaking or groaning sound from the cable area might suggest a lack of lubrication.

If you experience any of these symptoms, address them immediately. A sticking throttle can be incredibly dangerous, potentially causing unintended acceleration or difficulty in slowing down.

Choosing the Right Lubricant

Not all lubricants are created equal, and selecting the correct type for your throttle cables is crucial. You want something that will penetrate, lubricate, resist water, and not attract excessive dirt.

Avoid using WD-40 as a primary lubricant for cables. While it's a good water dispersant and penetrating oil, it's not a long-term lubricant and can dry out, potentially leaving a sticky residue. Opt for a dedicated cable lubricant or a high-quality, light machine oil designed for such applications.

Step-by-Step Guide to Throttle Cable Lubrication

Lubricating your NC700X's throttle cables is a relatively straightforward process that can be done with basic tools. You will need a suitable cable lubricant, a cable luber tool (highly recommended for efficiency), and basic hand tools (screwdriver, possibly a small wrench).

1. Prepare Your Workspace

   Park your NC700X on its centre stand or a paddock stand on a level surface. Ensure the engine is cool. Gather your tools and lubricant. Have some rags ready for overspray or drips.

2. Access the Throttle Cables at the Grip

   You’ll need to expose the cable ends at the throttle grip. This usually involves loosening the throttle housing screws (often Phillips head) and carefully separating the two halves of the housing. Be gentle; plastic parts can be brittle. Once open, you'll see the barrel ends of the 'pull' and 'push' cables seated in a cam or wheel mechanism.

3. Disconnect the Cables (Optional but Recommended)

   For the most thorough lubrication, it's best to disconnect the cables from the throttle cam. This allows you to pull the inner wire back and forth freely. Note which cable is which ('pull' and 'push') for reassembly.

4. Attach the Cable Luber

   A cable luber tool is a clamp-like device that seals around the end of the cable housing, allowing you to inject lubricant under pressure. Insert the disconnected end of one cable into the luber tool and tighten it securely. Ensure a good seal to prevent leakage.

5. Lubricate the Cables

   Insert the nozzle of your chosen cable lubricant spray into the small hole on the cable luber tool. Spray the lubricant into the cable. You should see lubricant emerging from the other end of the cable (down near the throttle body) after a short while. Continue spraying until the lubricant coming out is clean and clear, indicating that it has flushed out any old residue and dirt. Work the inner wire back and forth a few times while spraying to help spread the lubricant evenly. Repeat for the other cable.

6. Lubricate the Throttle Grip Housing

   While the housing is open, apply a small amount of light grease or lubricant to the points where the plastic throttle tube contacts the handlebar, and to any pivot points within the housing. This ensures the grip itself rotates smoothly.

7. Reassemble and Test

   Carefully reattach the cable barrel ends to the throttle cam, ensuring they are correctly seated. Reassemble the throttle housing, tightening the screws securely but without overtightening. Before riding, perform a thorough throttle test:

   • Twist the throttle fully open and release it. It should snap back immediately.
   • Turn the handlebars from lock to lock while checking for any change in engine RPM or throttle stickiness. This ensures the cables aren't binding at any point in their routing.
   • Start the engine and check idle speed. Twist the throttle a few times and ensure the RPM returns to normal idle without hanging.

Beyond Lubrication: Comprehensive Throttle Maintenance

Lubrication is just one part of keeping your throttle system healthy. Consider these additional checks:

• Cable Routing: Ensure the cables are routed correctly, without sharp bends, kinks, or being pinched by other components. Incorrect routing can cause binding even with perfect lubrication.
• Free Play Adjustment: Your throttle grip should have a small amount of free play (typically 2-3mm at the grip circumference). Too much free play can lead to a delayed response; too little can cause the throttle to hang open or make it difficult to completely close. Adjust this using the adjusters near the throttle grip or at the throttle body, referring to your NC700X service manual for precise specifications.
• Grip Condition: Check the condition of your throttle grip. If it's worn or sticky, it can impede smooth operation.
• Throttle Body Synchronisation: While less directly related to the cable itself, ensuring your throttle bodies are synchronised (if applicable to your model year) contributes to overall smooth engine operation, which can sometimes be mistaken for a cable issue.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Over-Lubrication: While you want to be thorough, don't drown the cable in lubricant. Excess can attract more dirt and become a sticky mess.
• Using the Wrong Lubricant: As discussed, avoid thick greases inside the cable housing or lubricants that dry out quickly.
• Forgetting the Push Cable: Both cables need attention. The 'push' cable is just as important for ensuring full and quick throttle return.
• Ignoring Cable Damage: If you notice any fraying, kinking, or severe corrosion on the cables, lubrication won't fix it. The cable needs to be replaced immediately.
• Skipping the Test Phase: Never assume the job is done until you've thoroughly tested the throttle's operation under various conditions (engine off, engine on, handlebars turned).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I really lubricate if the manual doesn't specify an interval?

Given the lack of a specific interval, a good rule of thumb for the 2012 Honda NC700X is to inspect your throttle cables at every major service (e.g., annually or every 8,000-12,000 miles, whichever comes first). If you ride frequently in wet or dusty conditions, or notice any of the early signs of stiffness, consider lubricating more often, perhaps every 6 months.

Can I use WD-40 to lubricate my throttle cable?

While WD-40 can penetrate and displace water, it's not designed as a long-term lubricant for cables. It tends to dry out over time and can leave a sticky residue that attracts dirt, potentially worsening the problem. It's best to use a dedicated motorcycle cable lubricant or a high-quality light machine oil.

What if my throttle still sticks after lubrication?

If lubrication doesn't resolve the issue, it suggests a more significant problem. This could be due to:

• Damaged Cables: The inner wire might be frayed, kinked, or severely corroded internally.
• Incorrect Cable Routing: The cable might be pinched or routed with too sharp a bend.
• Damaged Throttle Tube or Grip: The plastic throttle tube might be cracked or binding on the handlebar.
• Issues at the Throttle Body: The throttle body butterflies or their pivot points might be sticking. In such cases, professional inspection and potentially cable replacement are necessary.

Is it necessary to remove the fuel tank to lubricate the throttle cables?

For the 2012 Honda NC700X, you typically do not need to remove the fuel tank to lubricate the throttle cables. You'll primarily be working at the throttle grip end and the throttle body end, both of which are generally accessible without tank removal. However, some riders find removing side fairings or panels can improve access, particularly around the throttle body.

How much free play should my throttle have?

Refer to your Honda NC700X service manual for the precise specification, but generally, throttle free play should be between 2 to 6 mm (0.08 to 0.24 inches) at the circumference of the throttle grip. This small amount of play is crucial to ensure the throttle fully closes and doesn't hang, while also allowing for smooth operation.

While your 2012 Honda NC700X service manual doesn't prescribe a strict interval for throttle cable lubrication, understanding the 'why' and 'how' is paramount. Proactive inspection and lubrication are key to maintaining a responsive, safe, and enjoyable riding experience. By paying attention to the signs your bike gives you and performing this simple maintenance task, you’ll ensure your throttle remains as smooth operation as the day it rolled off the production line, keeping your adventures on two wheels friction-free and fun.

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