What is the clutch cable routing on a CA77?

[Bon]

Can someone please describe the proper clutch cable routing to a later model CA77 dream with a 305 engine and box frame. My model has the clutch cable entrance in the middle of the right case versus the version that has a rear entrance to the right case. I understand that it goes through a hole in the steering head and behind the headlight but then where? Does it enter the frame or run along between the gas tank and frame? Does it drop down before the gas petcock, after?

[FLYHAVEN2001]

I just saw an original 65' at a swap meet(just like yours) that runs between the frame and tank. But I actually ran mine thru the frame before I saw that one. The cable has a reinforcement on it to protect it between the tank and frame. I'll probably re-route mine when I get around to it.Joe

[Bon]

Where do you bring yours out from the frame? Is there a hole?<br /><br />I'm puzzled by my bike as the tank is apparently not original and I don't think the old clutch cable is original either. The old cable that is presently installed is very short and runs directly down from the steering head right next to the right cylinder spark plug wire before entering the right case. It doesn't run underneath<br /><br />However most pictures I see have the cable running either in the frame or along the tank and then down from the gas tank roughly mid way back of the right side cover.<br /><br />The only replacement cable that I can find isn't as short as the one that is now installed (and failing).

[FLYHAVEN2001]

Bon-Is your cable one with chrome elbow? The right one should have a housing I think is about 47 inches? I'd have to measure one I have on the wall to give you exact measurements. There is also a longer one for the cable that comes in on an angle.I just bought a new one on ebay with chrome elbow, but it is about 10&quot; too long so I may try and shorten it.I have yet to see any of these that are exact to my original.

[Bon]

Yes, mine does have the chrome elbow. It is about 47&quot; long and I bought it on eBay. However, I don't yet have any confidence that this is the right one for my bike. If I can determine the correct cable routing then I'll try to fit it. If someone knows a good method to shorten a cable that would be a welcome piece of knowledge to share don't you think?

[FLYHAVEN2001]

Bon- Sorry but the right cable should have a housing of about 37&quot; and total length should be about 42&quot;. I confused my new cable I got fom classic cycle with my original. You and I probably bought the same kind.They are for the longer handlebars that some people put on there bikes later on. I new it was too long when I bought it and have yet to see one like my original. I am going to try and shorten it. I will pull the bottom metal cup that is crimped on housing off then using plumbing torch to melt solder on bottom end of cable then cut the housing and cable to proper length , try and put end cup back on housing then resolder piece back on end of cable.I have two old ones and am going to practice on the one to see how it goes. I did already use some heat to soften cable housing to pull crimped end cup off then heated end cup again to slid it back on. When it cooled off it seemed to be a tight fit again.

[Bon]

My currently installed cable housing is indeed about 37&quot;. My eBay cable is longer with a lubricating nipple in the center of its length. I was hoping that the extra length could be taken up by running the cable along the backbone and then down to the right case but this is just a hope. I hope you have luck in shortening your cable as this would be a great fix as I have not yet found a shorter clutch cable, new, NOS or otherwise. When I would suggest though, when soldering the end back onto your cable that you use silver solder for its strength. It's several times stronger than regular solder and might give significantly longer service life.