Slack in throttle. Stretched cables?

[Motorheaddad]

My throttle has some play. Actually quite a bit of play. To the point where I will stall cause I release the clutch and there is no throttle when I twist. Everything seems to be routed right and tight. My first thought was the cables, but before I pull the trigger and buy a set does anyone have any other ideas on what it could be? Thanks in advance guys and gals

[Pat Conlon]

Sure, throttle cables stretch but there is an adjustment for that....do you have the adjusters maxed out?

Looking back to your first post I see you have a '85. I suggest you visit your profile (button at top of page) and put this info. in your signature line.
Different bikes have different cable set ups.

Help us help you.

[Motorheaddad]

I'll work on both the adjuster and my profile. Thanks Pat. I'll let you know how the adjustment goes

[Capn Ron]

Overview:
Throttle cables will stretch, but very slowly over a long period of time...such that at any moment, the length is set.  You just need to adjust out the slack from whatever stretch it currently has.

Lubrication:
If you're pulling the tank to get at the cables, get yourself some Tri-Flow and put a few drops at every point where the cable exits or enters the cable housing.  The Tri-Flow will "wick" itself up into the housing along the cable through capillary action.  You should also put a drop of Tri-Flow on the pivot points of things that move on the carburetor linkages...This will greatly reduce friction and wear and will make the whole throttle cable system operate smoothly.  

Inspection:
While you're in there, check the cables for any frayed strands and if you find some, consider replacing the offending cable(s).

Adjustment:
It's important to remove the slack out of the cables...it will give you a much better response feel to what your input is...and how the engine responds.  It's even more important to not remove too much slack.  You'll want to have put the bike on it's center stand and turn the handlebars full-lock to the left and again, full-lock to the right.  As the cable housings are flexed, they will tighten the cables slightly.  Figure out what handlebar position has the cables the tightest (in my case it's full-lock to the right) and adjust out the slack from there.  If I were to adjust out the slack with the handlebars straight ahead, the engine would throttle-up seemingly all on its own going to the right in slow-speed maneuvering.  A slight amount of slack in the "tightest" handlebar position is the best all around adjustment.

Did it solve your problem?
Once you're satisfied with the cable operation, you can look elsewhere if you're still having your trouble.