Yesterday: Clutch cable on my 2004 ZX10R frayed. (Got home, but there's not much left of the cable, most of the strands broke.) I can't really complain, the bike has 132,000 km on it and it's the original cable.
Today: Rode to Two Wheel on a different bike.
Established that the OEM clutch cable is out of stock with no estimated delivery date, and none of the Canadian parts suppliers available to Two Wheel can get one. They can get one for a 2006-2007, but not a 2004-2005. Established that one visible difference is that the 2004 cable has a bend in it at the clutch-lever end, and the 2006 one is straight. Not sure why; the difference between the bikes is mostly cosmetic.
Rode home, checked online.
Motion Pro doesn't list this model at all. They list a 2006-2007, but not a 2004-2005.
Hmm, does it need that bend? Looked at the bike. Doesn't look like it. Took the stock cable off, and bent the metal part of the cable housing straight, test-fit, it'll work. But ...
Found a site that lists the length of a 2006-2007 cable.
Measured my 2004 cable. The 2006 one is shorter. Hmmm, maybe without that bend, it doesn't need to be that long? Test-fit and measured my now bent-straight OEM cable. Looks like the 2006 one is shorter than the shortest the 2004 one could be, while routing it as-designed. I don't know if the 2006 has the cable routed the same way the 2004 has it.
Hmm.
More internet searching.
2004 part is supposedly available from US sources. Shipping is killer and they won't quote international shipping and brokerage. No.
2004 part is supposedly available from CMNSL (Europe) - genuine Kawasaki part. Shipping is more than the cost of the part. Can't tell if they actually have it in stock or not. No.
Found a UK suppler - aftermarket. Claims international delivery in 5 to 8 days. Shipping is still expensive but at least there's an option for paying the taxes ahead of time and guarantee no further fees upon receipt. Placed the order. Now we wait.
