Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Has your clutch cable broke ?

I sent a email to Mike at Bellacorse voicing my concern regarding the braided clutch cable and the failures discussed on this board.
Here's my email, and below is Mikes response.

gentlemen, last fall (november) I purchased from your company a set of braided cables for my 03 Tri America. I am aware of at lest 4 riders who also purchased these and have had the clutch cable break.
I have the barnett Clutch, purchased from your company and I am concerned I am going to be stranded along the highway with a broken clutch cable.
I'm sure you are aware of this issue and was wondering what has been done to address the problem.
If indeed you perceive this to be a problem?
Has there been a upgrade? Can I return my cable to have it replaced?

Thank you,
Mike McGinnis

Mike,

You are only the second customer to contact me about a broken clutch cable. The first guy never sent his cable back to me for repairs. I've read some posts on the internet from others who claim their cables broke, yet they never have contacted me direct about it. I've sold dozens of these cable sets so far without any failures whatsoever. I don't think there is a chronic problem, only random failures no worse than with any other custom part.

If you wish to send your clutch cable back to me, I will pay to have it repaired at no charge to you. Please send it to the address below:

Michael Selman
SEL-MOTION
PO Box 760403
Lathrup Village, MI 48076
(248) 569-2850 Tel
(413) 691-0889 Fax
www.bellacorse.com

Thanks for the info Mike. I bought one from Bellacorse but it hasn't broken. I've got about 8000 miles and 8 months on it. After reading about Benny's, yours, and seeing Wojo's cables break I'm keeping my OEM cable in my saddlebags just in case.

Hi Greg, I guess I need to clarify. My cable has not broken but like you I am a bit concerned after reading about Wojo,Benny, Pete etc.
I was curious what Mike at Bellacorse would have to say, interesting response.
Mikemm03

My braided cable broke last week after one season of use and did leave me stranded on the side of the road. I'm just glad I was on a back road with no traffic or there may have been an accident. I called bellacorse ane was also told that they only heard on one other cable braking. They are willing to take it back, send it to the manufacturer for repair, get it back from them and then send it to me - at least 3 weeks without a bike. Something I'm not willing to do. I made a temprary repair by buying a cheepo inner cable and running it through the braided casing. Because mine is 6 inches over stock I can't replace it with a stock cable so I've decided to order another one and keep the repaired one as a spare. This is an expensive way to go but I don't have much choice. I agree that there should be an upgrade as there was no logical reason for this to have broken.

I had my cable for a while with no problems.
I did put in the barnett clutch and springs.
Shortly after ( 40 - 50 miles ) the cable broke.
Well , the cable did not break , the barrel end in the clutch
lever pulled off.
I had it fixed at a local shop.

I also have a longer than stock cable and could not use the
stock one, even if I still had it.

I have mine sitting in the package ready to go back to Mike... He did tell me here on this site to send it to him I've just been so busy and lazy I'll do it tho. He's a nice guy and just wants a chance to make good. I have a replacement, but I figure I'll carry the spare!

Doods and doodettes:
After friggin around with the Amals and having to custom fabricate new cables to work, we have learned a lot about cable/inner cables/outer sleeves and all the stuff we all take for granted.
Not even close to simple, they all need to be JUST the right length, not counting the outer sleeves, inner sleeves and actual wire cable lengths and such (a new strange and unforgiving animal) but I have personally seen more than one clutch cable that has broken, and EVERY one of them was an aftermarket cable. NOT blaming Barnett, Brent or Mike, but maybe once youz takes a close look and actually fab one yourself, then you can see all the intricate minor PITA details involved in making one that actually fits and works. Trust me, 1/8" makes a carpload of difference when it comes to cables. Grrr, a touchy subject, ask Matt and ed about it...not so simple as it appears to be. This can seriously be rocket science, even if you don't want it to be.

3700 miles,,,no breaky (yet)....stock cable.

Yeah I contacted Mike and he was willing to get it repaired now all I have to do is get off my lazy butt and send it out. The Honda replacement that Phil and I found is working great though. I keep my stock one in the saddlebags now.

You know the irony of all this is that I had sold my stock one a while ago, and when mine broke Pete sent me his!!! Which I know have replaced with Barnette. So I'll get the BC one repaired and keep it as insurance and bring the stock one to GA.

Mine did yesterday, here is the email I just sent him, hopefully he is the good person you all say he is:

Hello,

I recently purchased the Braided SS Control cable Set #BCE-059 from you for my America. For some reason my clutch cable decided to brake right at the lever and left me stranded about 80 miles from home yesterday on a charity ride. Unfortunately, I ended up donating not only 4 hours of time trying to get me and my bike home but also another $207.00 dollars to a towing company.

I must say I am rather unhappy with the quality of the clutch cable I purchased from you and have just searched your site looking for warranty information. Is there a warranty on the cable? I purchased the cable set from you in late December early January I believe and have no more then 400 miles on the cable.

I guess I am trying to find out if this is a common problem with your clutch cable or if it is just a freak thing. I purchased from you on the advice I received from other at the BonnevilleAmerica forums that you were a reputable company that sold quality products. I hope this is the case and you will reply to me letting me know how we can rectify this issue.

I look forward to hearing back from you in a timely fashion. I hope you do warranty this product and will replace it completely upon me returning the broken cable.

Here is the email I received from Mike today, was real happy that he stands behind what he sells. Needless to say, I am shipping it back to him today.

Mike,

I'm so very sorry you had a problem. I'm aware of two other people who -claim- they had a clutch cable break, and I offered to have their cables fixed at no charge. Neither one has ever sent me a broken cable, so I'm a bit puzzled as to what exactly is going on. I've sold dozens of these cable sets, so I do not think there is an inherent problem.

If you would ship your cable back to me, I'll have it repaired at no charge to you. Please send it to the address below:

I'm one of those two... Sitting in my garage in an envelope. I just need to get off my bum and mail it.

Well what are ya waiting for benny??? Sent mine out FedEx yesterday and he will have it tomorrow. Plans to have it back to me in 2 two weeks. Shipping cost me like $4.00.

I know Funny thing is I got to FedEx all the time for work...

Remember this post, I was concerned about this issue.
Well it happened to me, 75 miles from no where. I was lucky to limp home. As you can see in the pic the SS braided from Belacorse is trashed after 4000 miles. The cable on top is the stock with over 14000 miles.
I'll be contacting Mike at Belacorse to see his response. I'm sure he will replace/repair it but I don't think I can ever trust it again.
The stock cable is also noticeable fatter.
Mikemm03
cable

The problem with those cables is that the inner cable itself is just too darned short. ALL of the ones I have seen are at the extreme end of their adjustment with no room to spare. This is not a good thing. You need the extra adjustment, at least ¼" on each side. What happens when it's like this, is that when you pull your lever all the way in, you are stretching the cable a pubimeter each time, and that causes it to fail eventually. The cables were not meant to stretch.
Mike is a pretty standup guy, as is Barnett, they will get it sorted out for ya.

I agree. Mine was super short too. I also think that most have not actually broken, but the weld to the ferrule has come loose.

Below is Michael Selmans reply.


Mike,

The manufacturer insists that their wire is significantly stronger than stock. They suspect that the two cables that they repaired for me so far were prematurely worn-out because of mis-aligned cable adjusters.

I'm not suggesting that this is the fault in your case, but if the slot in the threaded adjuster is lined-up with the slot in the jam nut, then the cable can chaff. There also should be about 1/8" of free play in the lever.

Michael Selman

Mike is a good guy and I appreciate that he will fix it, but he should know that nobody has had 1/8 play at the lever. They were all super tight. And besides. Why play the short end of things? Why not give us some slack?

when I put mine on I couldn't even use the jam nut on the lever cause it was to tight and wouldn't go on with the nut there.. I also used a micrometer and measured the cable and its way smaller then the stock wire.. The outer sheild of the cable is a perfect the wire just doesn;t stick out the same length as the stock one.. Are these cables made by Barnett?? I was going to order one from Barnett but I don't want the same stuff. The guy on the phone gave me such a hard time about the cable that i'd rather just not give him my buissness anymore..

This is a copy of all the emails between Michael Selman(racedweeb) and myself starting with my last response.
To best follow the emails page down to the bottom on this page and start with the first email
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j305/Mikemm44/DCP_1079.jpg
Michael, Copy and paste the above file to see the picture. I will be sending it back to you for replacement/repair. That way it will show you stand good on your word. Also if this continues to rear it's ugly head for any of your other customers you can say a few have contacted me and three have returned them for repairs.
Could you supply me with an actual street address for delivery purpose as I will be shipping the item via UPS and they cannot deliver to a PO Box.
Mike McGinnis


>From: "RaceDweeb" <racedweeb@bellacorse.com>
>To: "Mike McGinnis" <mikemm44@hotmail.com>
>Subject: Re: BellaCorse Technical Question/Cable failure
>Date: Tue, 4 Jul 2006 17:49:58 -0400
>
>Mike,
>
>If you send the cable back to me, I'll pay to have it repaired. If
>you have no intention of reusing the cable, then please spare me the
>expense. There wasn't any photos attached, although I really don't
>need to see one. Broken is broken.
>
>SEL-MOTION
>PO Box 760403
>Lathrup Village, MI 48076
>(248) 569-2850 Tel
>(413) 691-0889 Fax
>www.bellacorse.com
>----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike McGinnis"
><mikemm44@hotmail.com>
>To: <racedweeb@bellacorse.com>
>Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 5:36 PM
>Subject: Re: BellaCorse Technical Question/Cable failure
>
>
>>Michael, That is understood. Not positive if the two slots were in
>>line but. I don't remember noticing this upon removal. I always
>>have about 1/8 inch free play. As to the strength I suggest you
>>compare the two. I believe you will see very easily for yourself
>>the stock is thicker and therefore I would have to assume it to be
>>be stronger.
>>
>>What is your suggestion for my cable? I assume you looked at the
>>picture?
>>Mike McGinnis
>>
>>
>>>From: "RaceDweeb" <racedweeb@bellacorse.com>
>>>To: "Mike McGinnis" <mikemm44@hotmail.com>
>>>Subject: Re: BellaCorse Technical Question/Cable failure
>>>Date: Tue, 4 Jul 2006 09:39:18 -0400
>>>
>>>Mike,
>>>
>>>The manufacturer insists that their wire is significantly stronger
>>>than stock. They suspect that the two cables that they repaired
>>>for me so far were prematurely worn-out because of mis-aligned
>>>cable adjusters.
>>>
>>>I'm not suggesting that this is the fault in your case, but if the
>>>slot in the threaded adjuster is lined-up with the slot in the jam
>>>nut, then the cable can chaff. There also should be about 1/8" of
>>>free play in the lever.
>>>
>>>Michael Selman
>>>SEL-MOTION
>>>248.569.2850
>>>----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike McGinnis"
>>><mikemm44@hotmail.com>
>>>To: <racedweeb@bellacorse.com>
>>>Sent: Monday, July 03, 2006 8:03 PM
>>>Subject: Re: BellaCorse Technical Question/Cable failure
>>>
>>>
>>>>http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j305/Mikemm44/DCP_1079.jpg
>>>>Mr Selman, You may recall my inquiry about the SS Braided clutch
>>>>cable. I reread your email about the 99% factor. Looks like I'm
>>>>in the other %. Saturday 7/1/06 the cable failed on my bike. The
>>>>picture shows the stock cable with about 14000 miles and the SS
>>>>cable I purchased last December with about 4000 mile. I was 75
>>>>miles from nowhere and was very,very lucky to limp home.
>>>>I sir believe there is a problem with the cable. As you can see
>>>>in the pic the stock cable is fatter and heavier.
>>>>I'm sure you will make good on the cable but I doubt I can ever
>>>>trust these cables again.
>>>>Mike McGinnis
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>From: "RaceDweeb" <racedweeb@bellacorse.com>
>>>>>To: "Mike McGinnis" <mikemm44@hotmail.com>
>>>>>Subject: Re: BellaCorse Technical Question:
>>>>>Date: Sat, 29 Apr 2006 08:46:12 -0400
>>>>>
>>>>>Mike,
>>>>>
>>>>>I've posted on BA.com on the thread stating that if anyone has a
>>>>>problem, they should contact me. You and only one other guy
>>>>>has. So when you meet-up with the other guys with broken
>>>>>cables, please tell them that I'll cheerfully pay to have their
>>>>>cables repaired.
>>>>>
>>>>>Mike
>>>>>----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike McGinnis"
>>>>><mikemm44@hotmail.com>
>>>>>To: <racedweeb@bellacorse.com>
>>>>>Sent: Saturday, April 29, 2006 8:40 AM
>>>>>Subject: Re: BellaCorse Technical Question:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>Mike, I believe in the 99 % factor, but the four individuals I
>>>>>>referred to are fellow members that I have ridden with. I see
>>>>>>no reason they would fabricate these stories.
>>>>>>If you get the opportunity go to bonnevilleamerica.com and
>>>>>>follow the thread "has your clutch cable broken"
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Please understand I am not trying to sabotage your business. I
>>>>>>have purchased several things from your company and always felt
>>>>>>I received a quality product for my dollars spent.
>>>>>>I am only concerned about a possible problem with one item.
>>>>>>Hey s**t happens, I am in the beverage equipment business and
>>>>>>purchase and resale only the top of the line products. No
>>>>>>matter the reputation of a companies products sometimes things
>>>>>>will fail.
>>>>>>It's the nature of doing business.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Thank you,
>>>>>>Mike Mcginnis
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>From: "RaceDweeb" <racedweeb@bellacorse.com>
>>>>>>>To: "Mike McGinnis" <mikemm44@hotmail.com>
>>>>>>>Subject: Re: BellaCorse Technical Question:
>>>>>>>Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2006 22:59:10 -0400
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>As long as you keep it properly adjusted, I wouldn't worry
>>>>>>>about it. Again, no one has ever returned a cable to me for
>>>>>>>repair. And 99% of what you read on the internet is BS.
>>>>>>>----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike McGinnis"
>>>>>>><mikemm44@hotmail.com>
>>>>>>>To: <racedweeb@bellacorse.com>
>>>>>>>Sent: Friday, April 28, 2006 10:50 PM
>>>>>>>Subject: Re: BellaCorse Technical Question:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>Michael, Thanks for your quick response. I need to clarify,
>>>>>>>>my cable has not broken but I'm a bit concerned about the
>>>>>>>>possibility.
>>>>>>>>I posted your email response on the
>>>>>>>>www.bonnevilleamerica.com.
>>>>>>>>Thanks again,
>>>>>>>>Mike McGinnis
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>From: "RaceDweeb" <racedweeb@bellacorse.com>
>>>>>>>>>To: "Mike McGinnis" <mikemm44@hotmail.com>
>>>>>>>>>Subject: Re: BellaCorse Technical Question:
>>>>>>>>>Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2006 19:30:25 -0400
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>Mike,
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>You are only the second customer to contact me about a
>>>>>>>>>broken clutch cable. The first guy never sent his cable back
>>>>>>>>>to me for repairs. I've read some posts on the internet from
>>>>>>>>>others who claim their cables broke, yet they never have
>>>>>>>>>contacted me direct about it. I've sold dozens of these
>>>>>>>>>cable sets so far without any failures whatsoever. I don't
>>>>>>>>>think there is a chronic problem, only random failures no
>>>>>>>>>worse than with any other custom part.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>If you wish to send your clutch cable back to me, I will pay
>>>>>>>>>to have it repaired at no charge to you. Please send it to
>>>>>>>>>the address below:
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>Michael Selman
>>>>>>>>>SEL-MOTION
>>>>>>>>>PO Box 760403
>>>>>>>>>Lathrup Village, MI 48076
>>>>>>>>>(248) 569-2850 Tel
>>>>>>>>>(413) 691-0889 Fax
>>>>>>>>>www.bellacorse.com
>>>>>>>>>----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike McGinnis"
>>>>>>>>><mikemm44@hotmail.com>
>>>>>>>>>To: <racedweeb@bellacorse.com>
>>>>>>>>>Sent: Friday, April 28, 2006 4:32 PM
>>>>>>>>>Subject: BellaCorse Technical Question:
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>gentlemen, last fall (november) I purchased from your
>>>>>>>>>>company a set of braided cables for my 03 Tri America. I am
>>>>>>>>>>aware of at lest 4 riders who also purchased these and have
>>>>>>>>>>had the clutch cable break.
>>>>>>>>>>I have the barnett Clutch, purchased from your company and
>>>>>>>>>>I am concerned I am going to be stranded along the highway
>>>>>>>>>>with a broken clutch cable.
>>>>>>>>>>I'm sure you are aware of this issue and was wondering what
>>>>>>>>>>has been done to address the problem.
>>>>>>>>>>If indeed you perceive this to be a problem?
>>>>>>>>>>Has there been a upgrade? Can I return my cable to have it
>>>>>>>>>>replaced?
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>Thank you,
>>>>>>>>>>Mike McGinnis
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j305/Mikemm44/DCP_1079.jpg
Michael, Copy and paste the above file to see the picture. I will be sending it back to you for replacement/repair. That way it will show you stand good on your word. Also if this continues to rear it's ugly head for any of your other customers you can say a few have contacted me and three have returned them for repairs.
Could you supply me with an actual street address for delivery purpose as I will be shipping the item via UPS and they cannot deliver to a PO Box.
Mike McGinnis


>From: "RaceDweeb" <racedweeb@bellacorse.com>
>To: "Mike McGinnis" <mikemm44@hotmail.com>
>Subject: Re: BellaCorse Technical Question/Cable failure
>Date: Tue, 4 Jul 2006 17:49:58 -0400
>
>Mike,
>
>If you send the cable back to me, I'll pay to have it repaired. If
>you have no intention of reusing the cable, then please spare me the
>expense. There wasn't any photos attached, although I really don't
>need to see one. Broken is broken.
>
>SEL-MOTION
>PO Box 760403
>Lathrup Village, MI 48076
>(248) 569-2850 Tel
>(413) 691-0889 Fax
>www.bellacorse.com
>----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike McGinnis"
><mikemm44@hotmail.com>
>To: <racedweeb@bellacorse.com>
>Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 5:36 PM
>Subject: Re: BellaCorse Technical Question/Cable failure
>
>
>>Michael, That is understood. Not positive if the two slots were in
>>line but. I don't remember noticing this upon removal. I always
>>have about 1/8 inch free play. As to the strength I suggest you
>>compare the two. I believe you will see very easily for yourself
>>the stock is thicker and therefore I would have to assume it to be
>>be stronger.
>>
>>What is your suggestion for my cable? I assume you looked at the
>>picture?
>>Mike McGinnis
>>
>>
>>>From: "RaceDweeb" <racedweeb@bellacorse.com>
>>>To: "Mike McGinnis" <mikemm44@hotmail.com>
>>>Subject: Re: BellaCorse Technical Question/Cable failure
>>>Date: Tue, 4 Jul 2006 09:39:18 -0400
>>>
>>>Mike,
>>>
>>>The manufacturer insists that their wire is significantly stronger
>>>than stock. They suspect that the two cables that they repaired
>>>for me so far were prematurely worn-out because of mis-aligned
>>>cable adjusters.
>>>
>>>I'm not suggesting that this is the fault in your case, but if the
>>>slot in the threaded adjuster is lined-up with the slot in the jam
>>>nut, then the cable can chaff. There also should be about 1/8" of
>>>free play in the lever.
>>>
>>>Michael Selman
>>>SEL-MOTION
>>>248.569.2850
>>>----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike McGinnis"
>>><mikemm44@hotmail.com>
>>>To: <racedweeb@bellacorse.com>
>>>Sent: Monday, July 03, 2006 8:03 PM
>>>Subject: Re: BellaCorse Technical Question/Cable failure
>>>
>>>
>>>>http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j305/Mikemm44/DCP_1079.jpg
>>>>Mr Selman, You may recall my inquiry about the SS Braided clutch
>>>>cable. I reread your email about the 99% factor. Looks like I'm
>>>>in the other %. Saturday 7/1/06 the cable failed on my bike. The
>>>>picture shows the stock cable with about 14000 miles and the SS
>>>>cable I purchased last December with about 4000 mile. I was 75
>>>>miles from nowhere and was very,very lucky to limp home.
>>>>I sir believe there is a problem with the cable. As you can see
>>>>in the pic the stock cable is fatter and heavier.
>>>>I'm sure you will make good on the cable but I doubt I can ever
>>>>trust these cables again.
>>>>Mike McGinnis
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>From: "RaceDweeb" <racedweeb@bellacorse.com>
>>>>>To: "Mike McGinnis" <mikemm44@hotmail.com>
>>>>>Subject: Re: BellaCorse Technical Question:
>>>>>Date: Sat, 29 Apr 2006 08:46:12 -0400
>>>>>
>>>>>Mike,
>>>>>
>>>>>I've posted on BA.com on the thread stating that if anyone has a
>>>>>problem, they should contact me. You and only one other guy
>>>>>has. So when you meet-up with the other guys with broken
>>>>>cables, please tell them that I'll cheerfully pay to have their
>>>>>cables repaired.
>>>>>
>>>>>Mike
>>>>>----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike McGinnis"
>>>>><mikemm44@hotmail.com>
>>>>>To: <racedweeb@bellacorse.com>
>>>>>Sent: Saturday, April 29, 2006 8:40 AM
>>>>>Subject: Re: BellaCorse Technical Question:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>Mike, I believe in the 99 % factor, but the four individuals I
>>>>>>referred to are fellow members that I have ridden with. I see
>>>>>>no reason they would fabricate these stories.
>>>>>>If you get the opportunity go to bonnevilleamerica.com and
>>>>>>follow the thread "has your clutch cable broken"
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Please understand I am not trying to sabotage your business. I
>>>>>>have purchased several things from your company and always felt
>>>>>>I received a quality product for my dollars spent.
>>>>>>I am only concerned about a possible problem with one item.
>>>>>>Hey s**t happens, I am in the beverage equipment business and
>>>>>>purchase and resale only the top of the line products. No
>>>>>>matter the reputation of a companies products sometimes things
>>>>>>will fail.
>>>>>>It's the nature of doing business.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Thank you,
>>>>>>Mike Mcginnis
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>From: "RaceDweeb" <racedweeb@bellacorse.com>
>>>>>>>To: "Mike McGinnis" <mikemm44@hotmail.com>
>>>>>>>Subject: Re: BellaCorse Technical Question:
>>>>>>>Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2006 22:59:10 -0400
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>As long as you keep it properly adjusted, I wouldn't worry
>>>>>>>about it. Again, no one has ever returned a cable to me for
>>>>>>>repair. And 99% of what you read on the internet is BS.
>>>>>>>----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike McGinnis"
>>>>>>><mikemm44@hotmail.com>
>>>>>>>To: <racedweeb@bellacorse.com>
>>>>>>>Sent: Friday, April 28, 2006 10:50 PM
>>>>>>>Subject: Re: BellaCorse Technical Question:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>Michael, Thanks for your quick response. I need to clarify,
>>>>>>>>my cable has not broken but I'm a bit concerned about the
>>>>>>>>possibility.
>>>>>>>>I posted your email response on the
>>>>>>>>www.bonnevilleamerica.com.
>>>>>>>>Thanks again,
>>>>>>>>Mike McGinnis
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>From: "RaceDweeb" <racedweeb@bellacorse.com>
>>>>>>>>>To: "Mike McGinnis" <mikemm44@hotmail.com>
>>>>>>>>>Subject: Re: BellaCorse Technical Question:
>>>>>>>>>Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2006 19:30:25 -0400
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>Mike,
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>You are only the second customer to contact me about a
>>>>>>>>>broken clutch cable. The first guy never sent his cable back
>>>>>>>>>to me for repairs. I've read some posts on the internet from
>>>>>>>>>others who claim their cables broke, yet they never have
>>>>>>>>>contacted me direct about it. I've sold dozens of these
>>>>>>>>>cable sets so far without any failures whatsoever. I don't
>>>>>>>>>think there is a chronic problem, only random failures no
>>>>>>>>>worse than with any other custom part.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>If you wish to send your clutch cable back to me, I will pay
>>>>>>>>>to have it repaired at no charge to you. Please send it to
>>>>>>>>>the address below:
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>Michael Selman
>>>>>>>>>SEL-MOTION
>>>>>>>>>PO Box 760403
>>>>>>>>>Lathrup Village, MI 48076
>>>>>>>>>(248) 569-2850 Tel
>>>>>>>>>(413) 691-0889 Fax
>>>>>>>>>www.bellacorse.com
>>>>>>>>>----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike McGinnis"
>>>>>>>>><mikemm44@hotmail.com>
>>>>>>>>>To: <racedweeb@bellacorse.com>
>>>>>>>>>Sent: Friday, April 28, 2006 4:32 PM
>>>>>>>>>Subject: BellaCorse Technical Question:
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>gentlemen, last fall (november) I purchased from your
>>>>>>>>>>company a set of braided cables for my 03 Tri America. I am
>>>>>>>>>>aware of at lest 4 riders who also purchased these and have
>>>>>>>>>>had the clutch cable break.
>>>>>>>>>>I have the barnett Clutch, purchased from your company and
>>>>>>>>>>I am concerned I am going to be stranded along the highway
>>>>>>>>>>with a broken clutch cable.
>>>>>>>>>>I'm sure you are aware of this issue and was wondering what
>>>>>>>>>>has been done to address the problem.
>>>>>>>>>>If indeed you perceive this to be a problem?
>>>>>>>>>>Has there been a upgrade? Can I return my cable to have it
>>>>>>>>>>replaced?
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>Thank you,
>>>>>>>>>>Mike McGinnis
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>

Barnett is a whole different story. I ended up replacing my broken one with a Barnett one and it's much better. Honestly I feel back for Michael at BC because of this. We know it's not his fault, but it does suck that so many of us have had the same problem.!

"respondeat superior" To the master goes the responsibility.

If he advertises it, sells it, makes money on it, he owns the problem.

I am glad for this forum. I will not be buying those cables at any time. Too many broken ones on this board.

I don't know guys??? But my SS 6" over stock has adequate freeplay (1/2"?), I have 3-4,000 miles on it now. After reading Mike and Pat's responses, I double checked the lever end alignment and there certainly isn't constant tension. In fact I should probably snug it up a bit.

The original stock cable still fit on these buckhorns, but there sure wasn't any extra to reach the leever.

JH

Awww Crap... Y'all got me scared now.
I had a problem with my throttle push cable. The darn nut snapped right off in the housing and I swear I wasn't no where near tight. I had to still turn it tighter with a screwdriver and some tapping just to get it to stay. I also noticed the length difference in clutch cables. I wrote Mike at Bellacourse and he said he would send me replacements and I said the clutch was ok, i got it to fit. Now I'm wondering... Will I be the next to be pushing his putt. And I'm about to go on a 3000 mile ride in a week or so. I'll be talking my stock with me..
Wish me luck. Had I of know all this I probably would have got the Barnett. I will say though. Mike has been very understanding and helpful to me. I'm just still waiting on the replacements. It's been about 2 weeks now.

I returned the broken cable to Bellacorse about two week ago and received the replacement Friday. After corresponding with Mike at Bellacorse I don't think he was crazy about the idea of replacing the cable but long story short he did replace it.
A man of his word, Thanks Mike.
Mikemm03

Seems pretty clear that the OEM clutch cable is superior and we porbably should not be utilizing the Bellacorse cable.

That is the beauty of this site at times. First adopters become the test bed for these poor products and they save the rest of us the trouble.

Yes. My braided clutch cable from Mike broke on Saturday while I was trying to have a little fun with some fellow riders at the Kootney Raid. Whether it was fate or just dumb luck Freedom was one of my riding companions and by God he was carrying his spare stock cable with him. Unlike me he had heeded the commments on the forum about the cables being of poor quality. I thought something was a little strange when I installed it last summer because it was obviously shorter than stock, so proper adjustment was impossible. It frayed and broke right at the lever end exactly like the pictures that were posted. And yes I will be giving Mike a call to find out whats up with these things. I can't thank Freedom enough for giving up his spare so that I would be able to make the 550 mile trip home without having to shutdown and restart the bike at every red light in every town I had to pass thru.The temperature was between 90 and 95 degrees so it would not have been a lot of fun especially with all the construction and delays thru the mountains. Thanks again Freedom I will send you back your cable as soon as time permits.

Thanks for the kind words, you and most anyone else here would've done the same thing. I think the cables themselves are fine. Like Mike or someone said, it's more a length and cable alignment thing on the leever end. Good Luck.

JH

I'm a little confused here. Was there something wrong with the stock cables which made you guys buy a replacement? Does the replacement have a different appearance? Also, if the stock cable was still serviceable, why did you not keep it as a spare (for those of you who didn't keep it). My stock cable works just fine, so I'll not be replacing it anytime too soon. But that's just me and isn't intended to slight you guys who like to spend money on new doodads for their rides. I like to do that as well.

If it ain't broke, don't "fix" it.

I think that's the moral of this thread! I've got an OE cable installed, and another OE cable in alert 5 status!

While getting service (yearly) last week, I asked the parts manager if they sold many replacement clutch cables. They keep them in stock but he said it was very rare for the factory cable to break and they have only replaced them on older bikes.

Me too with the buckhorns and me too packing the stock cable, except to go up to Bike Week this past year. I pulled it out of the bag. Of course, wojo broke his and I could have used my stocker to fix.

sigh.....

All braided stainless cables/lines plus internal bar wiring looks niiiiiiice.

When I received my first clutch cable from Mike, my bike was at the dealer being serviced. I figured since it was already there, I would have my dealer install the clutch cable for me. Let me say, they were installed correctly and adjusted perfectly. There was absolutely no chaffing happening and NOTHING was misaligned taking me out of the 99% catagory and putting me into what I now believe to be the 50% catagory.
Upon receiving my replacement cable, I immediately installed it only to find out I had no adjustment in the cable. There is no free-play nor is there any room for adjustment anywhere. I immediately contacted Mike and he offerd either to replace the cable again or for me to send back all three cables (purchased the set of 3 cables) and he would refund my money. I didnt want to mess around with removing and replacing all the other cables that came in the set I purchased so I told him I would return said clutch cable.
After thinking about it, I am not spending another $8 to ship this cable back. I took it off and threw it our, chalked it up to experience. I replaced it with my stock cable and will eventually purchase another steel braided cable from another company.
I need to point out, I completely endorse Mike's company and his business practices, he stands behind what he sells. Not alot of companies do this any longer. I do not and will not tell anyone to purchase his clutch cables as their quality in my experience is sub-par.

I am now making my stock cable a permanent carry-on to my bike. It fits coiled up under the seat ontop the airbox.