Electra cable query

My 1965 Navigator, which I bought in '68, had a clutch cable with an in-line adjuster near the handlebar lever. It had a 3/8 barrel nipple at handlebar.

My 1964 Electra, which was well used when I purchased in 2004, had the same clutch cable as above. But might have left the factory with something else. 

The NOC replacement Electra clutch cable was the same, but had a split nipple at the lever end. All these cables suit the later lightweight gearbox that does not have a cable adjuster at gearbox entry position. 

I prefer the split nipple. Less strain on cable strands at the handlebar nipple/cable joint. Where the strands usually break. But easy to drop the loose part of the nipple in the long grass. 

Early lightweight gearboxes have a cable adjuster at the point of entry into gearbox. A different clutch cable altogether. 

I'm hoping NOC will get some more late gearbox cables with a split nipple. But will buy one with barrel nipple if necessary for my next Electra adventure. 

Mike, I run with adjusters at brake and clutch levers. In all honesty, these adjusters are a real boon. Adjustment done in seconds without tools. Downside is that my cables end up slightly non standard. The cable outers need shortening about 10mm. With great care can be done without disturbing the nipples or damaging inner. 

Peter

... cables using materials from Venhill. Then I know they fit what may be a very non-standard set of disparate parts. I think if an ordinary barrel nipple is well soldered it shouldn't snag. I also like mid-cable adjusters for throttle and air slide although often hide them under the tank. Another advantage of making them myself!

Interesting what you say re adjusters Peter - I'm sure my Electra has an adjuster in the gearbox cover although can't quite get at it at the moment.

All engines (Jub & Navi) up to 106837 had clutch cable adjusters at the gearbox end.
Difficult to get at...and even harder to adjust!

From engines Numbered 106838 (and all Electra), the cable adjuster was located at the handlebar end, some 3" from the lever. I recently saw an Electra where a previous owner had tried to fit an adjuster at the gearbox end - with disastrous results!

In addition (don't ask why - who knows?), original Electra Clutch cables were sold with a small Nipple each end, and utilised a larger split Nipple at the handlebar end. Jubilee & Navigator cables were sold with a larger nipple installed.

A part of the answer is that the Electra had regular bolted-on Handlebar levers - while both Jubilee & Navi levers were welded on. Why that changed the nipple design is a step too far for me.

As far as I can tell, Electra & 1964-on Jubilee & Navi cable are interchangeable.

First 2 photos photos show the 106838-on (And all Electra) setup.

The 3rd photo shows the cable entry into the box on earlier Jubilees & Navigators. The cable is not present in the photo, but you can see how more awkward it is. Its lower down, points backwards and is obscured by the frame - hence they eventually moved its location up a bit, and pointed more upwards, whilst the adjustment was moved to the handlebar end.

... has an adjuster at the g/box end but I suspect someone has fitted a cable from a smaller twin. I'll be remaking anyway and as I'm fitting levers with adjusters will probably rely on that. Plenty to do before I get to that stage....