Motorcycle Repair: Throttle Cables, honda nighthawk 750, 1982 honda nighthawk

Question
I have a 1982 Honda Nighthawk 750. I recently had the carbs out and when I replaced them, my throttle (hand grip) does not return on it's own. Previously, it would return or spring back if you let presure off the throtle. I have tried the adjusting at the carbs but can't seem to get it right. The bike runs great except for the throttle.

Answer
Rick, there is a fairly strong return spring in between the middle two carbs. Disconnect the cables and check the bellcrank where they connect to see if it is still functioning as it should. You said you had the carbs out for some reason... what was it and what did you do to change what was there before?

You didn't put the cables on backwards, did you? One pulls open and the other one pushes the throttle shaft closed. It isn't impossible to reverse them. It is pretty evident, though, when you start the engine!

Check the carb rack and then attach just the pull cable and check throttle function again. If you had the throttle assy apart on the handlebars, you may have over tightened the throttle drum/grip against the end of the handlebar.

Recheck the cable routing to be sure that you didn't move them or relocate them somewhere they can get caught by the frame/fuel tank or at the forks, somehow.

Bill Silver