Caution: Take care not to burn your hands on the exhaust if the engine is hot.
Removal
1. Fully slacken the cable adjuster locknuts from the cable holder mounted to the righthand side crankcase cover (see illustration). Access to it can be improved by removing either the belly-pan, the fairing side panel (XL600V and XRV750) or the fairing (XL650V), though this is not essential (just be careful not to let the spanner slip). Release the adjuster from the holder, noting how it fits and disconnect the cable end from the clutch release mechanism lever (see illustrations).
19.1a. Slacken the locknuts (arrowed)...
19.1b ...then slip the cable out of the holder
19.1c ...and free the end from the release arm
2. If necessary, unscrew the bolt securing the cable holder to the crankcase and remove the bracket (see illustration 18.35c).
3. Unscrew the bolt and remove the collar from the hand guard (see illustration). Counter-hold the screwhead and undo the nut on its bottom (see illustration). Remove the handguard (see illustration).
19.3a. Unscrew the bolt...
19.3b ...and the nut...
19.3c ...and remove the handguard
4. Pull back the rubber cover from the clutch adjuster at the handlebar end of the cable (see illustration). Fully slacken the lockring, then screw the adjuster fully in. This resets it to the beginning of its adjustment span.
19.4. Pull back the rubber cover, then slacken the lockring and thread the adjuster fully in
5. Align the slots in the adjuster and lockwheel with that In the lever bracket, then pull the outer cable end from the socket in the adjuster and release the inner cable from the lever (see illustrations).
19.5a. With the slots in the adjuster and lockwheel aligned, slip the cable out...
19.5b ...and detach its end from the lever
6. Tako note of the exact routing of the cable
and any guides that hold it - incorrect installation could result in poor steering movement. Carefully withdraw the cable - if it gets stuck do not be tempted to pull it out using force as you will only damage something.
Before removing the cable from the bike, tape the lower end of the new cable to the upper end of the old cable.
Slowly pull the lower end of the old cable out, guiding the new cable down into position. Using this method will ensure the cable is routed correctly.
Installation
7. Installation is the reverse of removal. Apply grease to the cable ends. Make sure the cable is correctly routed. Adjust the clutch cable (see Chapter 1).