Motion Pro Cables: What They Are, How They Work, and What to Know Before You Buy
If you've spent any time researching throttle cables, clutch cables, or brake cables for a motorcycle, ATV, or powersports vehicle, you've almost certainly come across Motion Pro. The brand is one of the most recognized names in aftermarket control cables — but what exactly makes a control cable worth researching, and what should you understand before replacing one?
What Are Control Cables and Why Do They Matter?
Control cables are mechanical links between a rider's inputs — throttle grip, clutch lever, hand brake, choke — and the corresponding component they operate. A throttle cable, for example, connects the handlebar twist grip to the carburetor or throttle body. When you twist the grip, the cable pulls a slide or butterfly valve open. When you release it, a return spring closes it and the cable goes slack.
Most control cables share the same basic anatomy:
- An outer housing (conduit): A coiled or wound sheath that guides the cable and protects it from bending stress
- An inner wire: A stranded steel cable that transmits the mechanical pull
- End fittings (ferrules): Metal ends that seat into levers, slides, or brackets to anchor both ends of the cable system
Cable quality matters because cable failure at speed is a safety issue, not just an inconvenience. A snapped throttle cable can leave you unable to decelerate cleanly. A sticky clutch cable makes gear changes unreliable. A fraying brake cable is a direct safety hazard.
What Motion Pro Makes
Motion Pro is primarily known for producing replacement and performance cables for motorcycles, ATVs, dirt bikes, and other powersports equipment. Their catalog covers:
- Throttle cables (push and pull configurations)
- Clutch cables
- Brake cables (mechanical, not hydraulic)
- Choke and idle cables
- Speedometer cables
- Custom and universal cable assemblies
They also manufacture a range of tools — including cable lubers, chain tools, and suspension tools — though cables are their core product.
Motion Pro cables are typically sold as direct-fit replacements for specific makes, models, and years. Their fitment database covers a wide range of Japanese, European, and American powersports brands. Because cable routing and length vary significantly by model, direct-fit cables are almost always preferable to universal-length cables that require trimming and re-terminating.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Cables: What's the Difference?
OEM (original equipment manufacturer) cables come from the vehicle's manufacturer or their direct supplier. They're built to exact spec for that model but are often more expensive and sometimes harder to source, especially for older or discontinued models.
Aftermarket cables like those from Motion Pro are manufactured to match OEM specs — length, housing diameter, end fitting dimensions — but are produced independently. Quality aftermarket cables use comparable materials: stainless steel inner wire, reinforced housing, and precision-machined ferrules.
In many cases, a quality aftermarket cable performs comparably to OEM for everyday use. Some riders prefer aftermarket options because:
- OEM cables for older bikes may be discontinued
- Aftermarket cables are often more readily available
- Pricing can be more competitive
- Some aftermarket versions offer upgrades like nylon-lined housing for smoother operation
That said, fitment precision matters more than brand name. A cable that's even slightly too short or too long can affect throttle response, cable tension, and safe operation.
Key Variables When Replacing a Control Cable 🔧
Not every cable replacement situation is the same. The right cable depends on several factors:
| Variable | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Vehicle make, model, and year | Cable length and fittings are model-specific |
| Handlebar height and configuration | Taller or custom bars often require longer cables |
| Routing path | Stock vs. modified routing changes required length |
| Single vs. dual throttle cable | Some carbureted bikes use one cable; fuel-injected bikes often use two (push/pull) |
| Housing material | Standard vs. nylon-lined affects feel and lubrication needs |
| OEM spec or extended length | Riders with risers or different bar setups may need extended cables |
Riders who have modified their handlebars — installing taller risers, clip-ons, or aftermarket bars — often need longer-than-stock cables. Motion Pro and similar brands offer extended-length options for this reason.
What Cable Replacement Actually Involves
Replacing a control cable is considered a moderate DIY job on most motorcycles. It typically involves:
- Loosening the cable at both ends (lever and component)
- Routing the new cable through the same path as the old one
- Adjusting cable slack to manufacturer-specified freeplay
- Confirming full range of motion without binding
The trickiest part is usually routing — threading the cable through the frame, handlebars, or bodywork without kinking the housing — and setting correct freeplay, which varies by manufacturer recommendation. Too much slack and the control feels sloppy. Too little and the cable may bind or affect idle.
Some cables also require lubrication during installation. Nylon-lined cables are often pre-lubed and don't require additional treatment, while traditional cables benefit from cable lubricant applied through the housing. ⚙️
Where DIY Ends and Professional Help Begins
Cable replacement is within reach for mechanically inclined owners with basic tools and a service manual. But there are situations where professional installation makes more sense:
- Throttle cable replacement on fuel-injected bikes can involve additional steps around the throttle body
- Dual-cable throttle systems require precise balancing between push and pull cables
- Unfamiliar cable routing through bodywork or integrated components raises the risk of incorrect installation
- Any uncertainty about freeplay adjustment is worth resolving with a shop — improper adjustment on a throttle or clutch cable is a real safety concern 🛑
Your specific vehicle's service manual will list the correct cable freeplay specs and routing diagrams. If you don't have the manual, many manufacturer service manuals are available through official channels or reputable third-party sources.
The Part That Only You Can Answer
Motion Pro cables are well-regarded in the powersports world, but the right cable for your situation depends entirely on your specific vehicle, your handlebar setup, your routing path, and whether the vehicle is stock or modified. A cable that works perfectly for one rider's stock bike may be the wrong length entirely for the same model with aftermarket bars.
The fitment details, correct cable count, and freeplay specs for your vehicle are variables that can't be answered in general terms — they live in your service manual and depend on what's actually on your bike.
