Choke is being stubborn

[akh1685]

The lever/switch that is. I see a tiny bit of [rust]? around where it's supposed to glide and move onto. I have to pull it really hard, sometimes even pulling the entire mechanism thats attached to the handlebar just slightly.

Is it safe to WD40 it to free it up a bit?

[Alex]

Sure lubing it will help, but if it's sticking that bad, the whole cable might need to be lubed. The risk is that pulling it so hard against that resistance is eventually going to cause it to fail. Here's a DIY thread about how to lube the throttle cable, but the clutch lever cable would be a similar idea;

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10016

[lgk]

I would try lubing/checking cable first then clean and repaint the bar where its rubbing.

[akh1685]

Originally Posted by Alex

Sure lubing it will help, but if it's sticking that bad, the whole cable might need to be lubed. The risk is that pulling it so hard against that resistance is eventually going to cause it to fail. Here's a DIY thread about how to lube the throttle cable, but the clutch lever cable would be a similar idea;

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10016

Sorry, feeling a little noobish here. So lubing the clutch cable will help the choke move a little easier?

The choke is what isn't moving smoothly (but forcefully). My clutch lever is fine.

[djjontran]

I would open up the controls on the handle bar and make sure that choke switch isn't broken. It is a piece of plastic after all. You can also lube the actual choke cable while you do this too. After you checked that and there's still a problem, I'd check the actual choke mechanism on the carburetor and see if that is sticking.

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by akh1685

Sorry, feeling a little noobish here. So lubing the clutch cable will help the choke move a little easier?.........

Alex just posted an example of how to lube any cable.

Lube only the choke cable if you will, but try keeping each cable properly lubed.

Keeping water and rust out of them is the big goal and oil repeals water.
Use light oils for that, thick heavy oils tend to trap dirt inside.

Lube also the surfaces over which the handler slides.

Lube much and frequently, specially the clutch and throttle cables, including both heads and pivot points and sliders (by the carbs), ......your bike will be happier.