Throttle Cable for Honda CB450 / CL450 / CB500T
Replacement throttle cable for the Honda CB450 / CL450 / CB500T family. 1-into-2 split design — a single cable runs from the throttle grip and splits into two ends, one for each carburetor. Same family of design as the CB175 / CB200 / CB350 throttle cables, with CB450-specific lengths. Replaces OEM Honda 17910-292-751.
Why You Need This
Your throttle cable is the direct mechanical link between your right hand and the engine. After 50 years, the inner wire stretches unevenly at the split ends, the housing kinks or cracks, and the cable starts dragging inside the housing. The diagnostic test is simple: roll the throttle, let go — the throttle should snap closed like a mousetrap. If it hangs, returns slow, or feels gritty when you work it, the cable is dry, frayed, or both.
On the CB450, both carburetors share one cable through the splitter. A dragging cable on one side prevents the carbs from synchronizing properly and shows up as uneven idle, surging, and the kind of carb-sync chase that never quite ends. New cable in good shape is the prerequisite for a clean carb sync.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|
| Replaces OEM Part Numbers | 17910-292-751 |
| Fits Models | CB450 K0–K7 (1965–1974), CL450 K0–K6 (1967–1974), CB500T (1975–1976) |
| Cable Type | 1-into-2 split (single cable from grip, two carburetor ends) |
| Quantity | Sold individually (one cable serves both carburetors) |
| Length Options | Stock length only — measure your old cable before ordering if you have non-stock bars |
| Throttle Grip Free Play | 1.3–2 mm (0.04–0.08 in.) at the grip flange, or 10–15° of grip rotation |
Important Notes
Carburetor sync is required after install. A new throttle cable changes the slack distribution at the splitter. Plan to bench-sync the carburetors after installing the cable.
Stock length only. If you've installed clip-ons, drag bars, high-rise bars, or a relocated throttle housing, the stock cable may be too short or too long. Custom cables from a fabricator are the path for non-stock bar setups.
CB and CL bars route the cable differently. The CB450 uses a semi-raised road bar; the CL450 uses a scrambler bar. Both are covered by the same OEM 17910-292-751 cable — only the routing path differs.
Model-Specific Notes
- CB450 K0 "Black Bomber" (1965–1967): Uses the same throttle cable as later CB450s per Honda OEM 17910-292-751. The K0 has unique pistons, starter, and clutch cable length, but the throttle cable is shared across the K-series.
- CB500T (1975–1976): Mechanically similar to CB450 K7 with the addition of an emissions air-cut valve. Same throttle cable applies.
- CL450 K0–K6: Scrambler bars. Same OEM cable as CB450.
Installation
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate. The cable swap is straightforward; the carb sync afterward is the time-consuming part.
Tools needed: Phillips or JIS screwdriver (for the starter switch setting screw on the throttle grip), 8 mm and 10 mm wrenches (jam nuts at the carb adjusters), Marvel Mystery Oil or light machine oil, light grease for the throttle sleeve.
- Remove the old cable from the carburetors. Note which lower end goes to the left carb and which goes to the right.
- Disconnect at the throttle grip.: unscrew the setting screw on the starter switch assembly, separate the two halves of the starter switch, expose the cable end, then remove the cable from the throttle grip pipe.
- Lubricate the new cable before installing. Loop the cable so both ends point up. Drip 15–20 drops of Marvel Mystery Oil into one end. Let gravity pull the oil down the housing. Work the cable back and forth and let it hang for ten minutes. Repeat from the other end.
- Lubricate the nylon throttle sleeve. Apply a thin layer of light grease to the sleeve and the inside of the throttle housing. A grease-and-oil slurry (light grease thinned with a few drops of Marvel Mystery Oil) coats more evenly than pure grease.
- Route the new cable. Run from the right-hand switch box, through the bar routing path appropriate for your bike (CB road or CL scrambler), down to the splitter resting near the frame backbone, then to each carburetor.
- Install the lower ends at the carburetors. Each end seats in its respective carburetor cable adjuster on the top of the slide cap.
- Set the carb-end slack. Thread each brass adjuster all the way in by hand. Back it out until the slack just disappears — the slide is right at the point of lifting. Add a small amount of slack at each adjuster. Repeat on the other side.
- Test before riding. Roll the throttle. Let go. The cable should snap shut like a mousetrap. Throttle grip free play should land at 1.3–2 mm (0.04–0.08 in.) at the grip flange, or 10–15° of grip rotation. If it hangs or feels notchy, re-check the lube and the adjuster positions.
- Sync the carburetors. A new cable changes the slack distribution. Bench-sync both progressive synchronization (slides moving together at all throttle positions) and idle synchronization (slides at the same height at idle). See our CB350 / CB450 carb sync video and KB article below.
Our CB350 / CB450 carb synchronization video walks through the bench sync and the cable progression sync end-to-end. The CB450 setup is shown directly on camera and the same process applies to the CL450 and CB500T.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between this cable and the CB350 throttle cable?
Same design, different lengths and OEM number. Both the CB450 and CB350 use a 1-into-2 split throttle cable — a single cable from the throttle grip splits into two lower ends. The CB450 cable replaces OEM 17910-292-751; the CB350 cable replaces OEM 17910-286-000. They're not interchangeable — even if the length looks close, the routing geometry differs. Order the cable for your specific bike.
How does the splitter come apart?
It doesn't. The splitter is a single molded piece. The cable arrives fully assembled — just install both lower ends on the carburetors and route the upper end to the throttle grip.
Will this fit my CB450 K0 Black Bomber?
Yes. Honda used the same throttle cable across all CB450 K-series, K0 through K7, per OEM 17910-292-751. The K0 has unique pistons, starter, and clutch cable, but the throttle cable carries through.
Will this fit my CL450?
Yes. CL450 K0–K6 uses the same OEM 17910-292-751 throttle cable as the CB450. Routing differs at the bars (CL450 uses scrambler bars, CB450 uses semi-raised road bars), but the cable itself is the same part.
Are these available in extended or shortened lengths?
No. We carry stock factory length only. If you've installed clip-ons, drag bars, high-rise bars, or relocated the throttle housing, you'll likely need custom cables from a fabricator.
Do I need to sync the carburetors after replacing the cable?
Yes. New cables change the slack distribution between the throttle grip, the splitter, and the carb slides. Bench-sync the carbs after installing the cable. Our CB350 / CB450 carb sync video and the CB450 / CL450 / CB500T carb sync KB article walk through the full process.
How do I know if my throttle cable is the problem?
Roll the throttle and let go. A good cable returns instantly — snaps shut like a mousetrap. A worn cable hangs, drags, or returns slowly. Visual signs of replacement: bent or squashed barrel ends, rusty wire poking out of the housing, frayed strands at the barrel, cracked or chewed housing. If you see any of those, the cable is past saving. If it just feels gritty, you can usually save it with a fresh lube.
How often should I lubricate this cable?
Lubricate before installing — cables ship dry from the factory. After that, an annual lube during your spring tune-up keeps things smooth. If the throttle starts feeling gritty or returns slowly, it's time to lube again.
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Last updated: May 2026
